Across Italy, a select collection of extraordinary properties invites guests to experience luxury that goes beyond mere accommodation. These remarkable venues—once the private domains of cultural luminaries—have been thoughtfully transformed into exclusive retreats where heritage and opulence coexist in perfect harmony. For those who appreciate the nuanced intersection of artistic significance and refined hospitality, these destinations provide genuine immersion in Italy’s rich cultural history.

The appeal of these properties lies not only in their exquisite design and impeccable service but in their authentic connection to Italian artistic legacy. Each venue tells a distinctive story, whether through preserved original elements, curated art collections, or architectural significance. What distinguishes these cultural sanctuaries is their ability to transport guests into the rarefied worlds once inhabited by some of Italy’s most influential creative minds.

Treville Positano

Amalfi Coast

This iconic retreat along the Amalfi Coast overlooks the crystalline Tyrrhenian Sea and ranks among the world’s most distinguished luxury hotels. Once home to renowned Italian opera and film director Franco Zeffirelli, the property offers guests a rare opportunity to experience a historic venue frequented by luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Olivier, and Leonard Bernstein.

With just 16 individually designed suites spread across two hectares of land, this celebrated sanctuary delivers an exceptional blend of privacy and artistic immersion. The property meticulously preserves original elements including distinctive tiles, Zeffirelli’s Syrian mother-of-pearl and filigree furniture, and volumes from his personal library. Select original sketches by the maestro remain available for viewing upon special request, providing guests with tangible connections to his creative process.

The property continues to evolve while honouring its artistic roots. Villa Maura, a new five-suite addition accommodating up to 14 guests, will debut in 2025. Culinary excellence flourishes at Maestro’s restaurant, where dishes showcase locally sourced ingredients from Treville’s organic farm. The La Traviata Spa, with its breathtaking sea views, has recently introduced cold water immersion therapy among its wellness offerings.

British Airways will launch direct routes from London to Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport in May 2025, making this cultural gem even more accessible to UK travellers.

Rates: Prices start from £687 per night.

Rhinoceros Roma

Rome

Established in 2018 by Alda Fendi of the legendary fashion dynasty, this property redefines hospitality concepts by seamlessly integrating art and design principles into the guest experience. The fashion icon transformed a historic building near Trastevere into 25 designer apartments arranged around an avant-garde gallery space.

The non-profit Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti occupies a central role within the property, dedicated to showcasing emerging avant-garde artists who lack representation in Rome. This gallery spans six expansive floors, thoughtfully integrating indoor and outdoor spaces through light-filled atriums and terraces. Such dedication to Rome’s boundary-pushing arts scene reflects Fendi’s core philosophy that culture and art should remain accessible to all. The establishment will unveil an exciting new exhibition in April 2025.

Rhinoceros Roma occupies a strategic position along emerging luxury travel routes, particularly with the Orient Express La Dolce Vita introducing new luxury train journeys across Italy in 2025. This makes it the perfect pre or post trip stay for those embarking on these elegant rail journeys.

The Rhinoceros Gallery is available to everyone and free to enter, offering an enriching cultural experience regardless of whether one stays at the property.

Rates: Prices start from £331 per apartment, per night. City Tax is not included.

Il Salviatino

Florence, Italy

Nestled within 12 hectares of verdant Italian gardens in the foothills overlooking Florence and its iconic Duomo, this 15th-century villa underwent a fascinating transformation in 1914 under poet and art critic Ugo Ojetti, who established it as a renowned cultural salon hosting luminaries including Salvador Dalí and Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Owner and Creative Director Alessandra Rovati Vitali has meticulously curated the property to balance Florentine historical elements with contemporary art, natural beauty, and award-winning cuisine. Despite its secluded ambiance, the property maintains convenient access to Florence’s city centre via complimentary shuttle service.

The accommodation options include 39 beautifully restored rooms and suites, with the newly unveiled Duomo View Suites offering particularly spectacular vistas. Recent enhancements include the Aquae Vitali spa, thoughtfully housed within the original greenhouse structure, and the prestigious Giacomo al Salviatino restaurant, affiliated with the celebrated Giacomo Milano.

The property’s innovative Sunday Brunch transforms the historic lounges into vibrant social gatherings complete with flower arranging workshops, craft demonstrations, and wine tastings—creating a modern interpretation of the salon concept that honours the villa’s artistic heritage.

Rates: Room rates start from £575 per night on a B&B basis.

Masseria Pistola

Puglia

This elegant ten-bedroom estate commands magnificent views across the Canale Di Pirro Valley. Entrepreneur Constant Tedder spearheaded its restoration in collaboration with James Thurstan Waterworth, Anthony Filmer, and Andrea Rodio, achieving a harmonious balance between historical authenticity and contemporary refinement.

Set within a sprawling 30-hectare estate, the property features four hectares of private gardens, an in-house chef, and exquisite interior design that creates an ideal environment for multi-generational gatherings. The location offers a serene retreat in Puglia, situated at the southeastern extremity of the Italian peninsula, with its sun-drenched valleys, azure waters, and distinctive coastal topography rarely encountered elsewhere in Italy.

The property comes fully staffed with chef and housekeeping personnel, ensuring a truly luxurious and hassle-free experience for guests.

Rates: Prices start from £11,172 per week in low season or from £30,414 per week during peak season.

Masseria Petrarolo

Puglia

A nine-bedroom converted farmhouse nestled amid olive groves and vineyards, Masseria Petrarolo serves as the sister property to Masseria Pistola. Also designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, this property boasts dual swimming pools, a rooftop terrace with sweeping Adriatic views, tennis facilities, a traditional hammam, and a productive kitchen garden.

The resident chef crafts personalised menus using fresh ingredients from the property’s gardens, creating an authentic culinary experience. The thoughtful design incorporates both spacious communal dining areas and intimate lounges, establishing this farmhouse as a quintessential Puglian retreat.

Like its sister property, Masseria Petrarolo comes with a full complement of staff including chef and housekeeping, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the luxurious experience without attending to practical matters.

Rates: Prices start from £12,000 per week in low season or from £31,035 per week during peak season.