Italy’s Hidden Routes: Unique Hotels to Experience the Authentic Dolce Vita
Traveling through Italy is always a magical experience. But beyond its most famous destinations, there are routes that reveal a different side of the country—more peaceful, authentic, and deeply inspiring.
From charming villages in Tuscany to hidden coastlines in Sicily, every corner invites you to discover the true Italian essence, where luxury is found in the details, the history, and the connection with the surroundings.
If you’re looking for a different way to experience la dolce vita, here’s a selection of hotels that open the doors to Italy’s lesser-known routes—places where time seems to stand still and every stay becomes a unique experience.
Our Selection of Hotels
Aminta Palazzo – Stresa, Lago Maggiore
Overlooking the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, Aminta Palazzo embodies the timeless charm of southern Italy. The hotel’s elegant terraces, adorned with lemon trees and vibrant bougainvillea, offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Inside, refined interiors blend traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary touches, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Guests can enjoy fine dining inspired by local ingredients, relax by the infinity pool, or explore the winding coastal roads that connect Sorrento to Positano and Ravello — a perfect balance between elegance and authenticity.
L’Albereta — Erbusco, Lake Iseo
In the heart of Franciacorta, surrounded by vineyards that produce one of Italy’s finest sparkling wines, L’Albereta is a sanctuary of wellbeing and beauty. Manicured gardens frame quiet pathways; interiors blend softness and sophistication; dining reflects the region with restraint and grace. This is not a hotel to rush through but a place to exhale — a retreat where time stretches and the world outside feels distant. Every detail is designed not simply to impress, but to soothe.
Castello di Velona – Montalcino, Tuscany
Rising majestically among the rolling hills of Montalcino, Castello di Velona is a living piece of Tuscan history. This 11th-century fortress, now a luxurious spa resort, offers panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its suites feature stone walls, wooden beams, and private terraces that open to endless vineyards. The thermal waters that flow beneath the castle feed its exclusive spa, creating a sanctuary of relaxation. Guests can savor Brunello wines produced on-site and enjoy gourmet Tuscan cuisine overlooking the hills.
Ortea Palace Hotel – Syracuse, Sicily (Marriott, Autograph Collection)
Once the city’s grand post office, Ortea Palace has been reborn as one of Sicily’s most elegant hotels. Facing the port of Ortygia, the building’s neoclassical façade hides an interior of marble floors, grand staircases, and contemporary art. Guests can watch boats drift by from their balconies, dine on Sicilian delicacies at the rooftop restaurant, or unwind in the spa that celebrates the island’s volcanic heritage. The atmosphere here reflects the spirit of Syracuse — refined, artistic, and deeply Mediterranean.
