What's happening in Italy this summer and fall? As usual, there's plenty to know about, particularly in the luxury sector.
La Réserve Firenze opens in Florence this fall with six apartments carved out of a 15th-century palazzo. With interiors by Gilles & Boissier, the property is just steps away from Via Tornabuoni, Florence’s elegant shopping street; a five-minute walk from the historic center and the Pitti Palace as well as less than 10 minutes from the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery (think, masterpieces by Raphael, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and many others).
We hear the gym will have vaulted ceilings, thanks to the palazzo’s unique architecture and that management has partnered with Florence’s ever-popular Trattoria Cammillo to bring Florentine cuisine to guests at La Réserve.
Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel in Florence Source: Belmond Hotels
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel in Florence reopens on April 28 following an extensive 18-month renovation with lots of lovely changes. The former 15th-century monastery has 39 completely redesigned suites and rooms, as well as its first-ever spa, Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain. More big news: Executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino has a new restaurant, Antesi, whose menu features Tuscan flavors. Note: The restaurant has only eight tables to book ahead accordingly.The hotel is also launching nature-immersive experiences and an “energy-raising program” led by La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin, the fashion and homeware company.
And perhaps the best news of all: The hotel will now open year-round rather than closing for the slow season.
Villa San Michele is known for its extensive cascading gardens and woodland landscapes, as well as its jaw-dropping views of Florence, thanks to its hilltop location.
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Corinthia Rome Superior Room Bathroom Source: Corinthia Hotels
Corinthia Rome has just opened on Piazza del Parlamento in a restored neoclassical palazzo. The 60-room hotel is in the Campo Marzio neighborhood, close to the Pantheon, Roman Forum, and Spanish Steps. The room count includes 21 suites designed as residential-style spaces with high ceilings and views across Rome. (We hear the top suite is The Theodoli Heritage Suite, set within the building’s former Council Chamber with preserved 1920s frescoes.)
The opening also marks the first Roman venue for Italian chef Carlo Cracco, who curates the hotel’s culinary program across three venues including Viride, Piazzetta, and Ocra Bar.
Cracco is known for his Cracco in Galleria, his restaurant located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, which has three "forks" from Gambero Rosso, one star in the Michelin Guide, and is in the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
We’re also all about checking out the subterranean spa in the building’s historic bank vault, inspired by ancient Roman bathing rituals.
Sicily's Val di Noto Source: Shutterstock
Il San Corrado di Noto in southeastern Sicily has reopened for the 2026 season and it’s now a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Once the estate of Prince Nicolaci, the property has suites and private villas set amidst a series of gardens, all with large terraces overlooking the resort’s pools or the countryside of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO-listed landscape (think sunlit olive groves and notable Sicilian Baroque-style architecture).
Good to know: The Noto Beach Club will open on June 1 and close on Sept. 30.
Irene Forte Spa at The Carlton Source: Rocco Forte Hotels
The Carlton, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Milan’s Fashion District has opened a new Irene Forte Spa. Key features include three treatment rooms, a Forte Vita Bar for express facials and hair, a nail salon and a thermal area with a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, and “experience showers.” There’s also a relaxation suite with vibration sound beds and gym with Technogym cardio and strength equipment.
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