Marina piccola 73,

sorrento, campania

Marina Piccola 73 is a small boutique hotel perched above the sea overlooking the bay of Naples. It’s housed within a historical, 19th century building that been meticulously renovated with an elegant approach, whilst maintaining classic, period furnishings. Each room is unique, perhaps described as eclectic, with different (and bright) coloured walls and tiles; the deluxe rooms house a balcony whilst the superior, a large terrace perfect for a reading a book and taking in the surroundings. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, with an abundant selection of local pastries and savoury options. WEBSITE

Masseria Montenapoleone, puglia

A long, narrow road leading to an enchanted garden suspended between the countryside and the sea: Masseria Montenapoleone is the kind of setting where you wake up to the sound of chirping birds, sun rays filtering through your bedroom window and a pleasant warmth fills your room.The Masseria is a place for everyone: from families to couples, it’s a place where its surroundings, its cuisine and its wellness treatments transport you to a different dimension; a dimension where time and place have no importance. 22 rooms that differ significantly because here, all the materials and furnishings have been meticulously researched and up-cycled. With regards to cuisine, the menu is deeply rooted into seasonal, natural and traditional ingredients, curated by Chef Domenico Consoli. There is a pool, a SPA with an array of tailored treatments and use of the hot tub and many experiences that one can book from picnic in the field to lunch among the vineyards. WEBSITE

Il Baciarino,

Vetulonia, toscana

Located in the heart of the Maremman countryside in the Tuscan half, Il Baciarino is an exceptional location for those looking to retreat and fall asleep in total silence. This is the exact definition of Slow Travel. Nothing around you, just you, your room, a couple of sun loungers and a book. Six rooms, each with their unique touch, whether it’s a hot tub, a private pool or an outdoor wood fired tub. Each room does have its own kitchenette and necessary basics. WEBSITE

bb quartopiano,

modena, lombardia

A very modest, cosy bed & breakfast situated on the fourth floor in the heart of Modena’s old town. Property of Alessandro Bertoni and Antonio di Resta who decided to open up a comfortable nest for those wishing to discover the city. Here there are two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a shared, cosy living room. Breakfast, a selection of freshly baked goods and tea/coffee is served on the rooftop terrace that overlooks Torre Ghirlandina, the bell tower of the Duomo di Modena. WEBSITE

Locanda Rosa Rosae,

Treviso, veneto

In San Bartolomeo, a small village of few houses near Treviso, between cultivated fields and nameless streets you arrive at an ancient mill. A beautiful structure meticulously renovated by the owner (and architect) who managed to preserve and consolidate the building without major alterations. The rooms, decorated with supported mirrors, recall the charm of Provence with simple, graceful elements. The restaurant is embellished with candles everywhere and glass cones hanging from the ceiling, wicker baskets full of flowers on the porch: everything in this location is in harmony. WEBSITE

Relais Briuccia,

montallegro, liguria

In the center of Montallegro (not far from Agrigento in Sicily) the Relais Briuccia is a small relais for travellers. Antique furnishings, mezzanines, floors paved with majolicas and in the living room, decorations of the Art Nouveau era. There’s a reading room that appears as though it’s straight out of a 19th century novel and a terrace that opens onto a panorama with the sea on the horizon. This small Pompeian red house offers a very welcoming and gourmet stay. The restaurant Capitolo Primo is located in an internal courtyard similar to that of a riad. Here, the chef patron Damiano Ferraro with experience in some of the best kitchens in Europe serves refined Sicilian cuisine with an innovative approach. WEBSITE

Enoteca locanda Franci, montalcino, toscana

The Enoteca Locanda Franci in Montalcino is situated in the central square opposite the fortress. It started out as a wine shop, selling local wines. Then, during restoration works, they discovered a cistern which today houses the owners’ wine collection alongside their two restaurants and, on the upper floor, three suites: Painter’s Room, Sommelier’s Room and the Room of the Writer. All different, all pleasant. Small and intimate rooms, like a village house with mansard roofs, windows with romantic views, recycled materials that have been reused and the new one that has been inserted with much grace. There are a further 6 rooms, a villa and an apartment. The result is a lovable, personalised tale where you can feel the hand of a landlady who has been able to give her signature mark. There is also a small terrace where you can have breakfast, overlooking on the ancient walls and fortress. This is the kind of place one can enjoy every season. WEBSITE

pieve suites,

città della pieve, umbria

One of Italy’s best kept secrets: located in a quiet and narrow lane, Pieve Suites is the perfect location where one can enjoy both the town and the neighbouring area including Orvieto, Perugia and Siena – all about hours away by car. Three spacious, light-filled studio apartments with en suite bathroom and kitchenette feature in the medieval complex of this hotel. One of the rooms has a pretty little outdoor patio with a cast iron furnishings set under the vine leaves and looking out onto the surrounding countryside. The design is simple, a contemporary guise with all the necessary amenities. And in the area, excellent restaurants, hot springs, wineries and cycle paths for the ultimate nature getaway. WEBSITE

hotel GUTkOWSKI,

siracusa, sicilia

It was one of the first boutique hotels in Syracuse. It consists of two period ‘casuzze’, houses that originally belonged to fishermen or craftsmen. Simple buildings with an innate grace. The renovation respected its character and harmony with the addition of services and comfort. Some rooms face the Ortigia coastline and all the rooms have light furnishings, bright interiors, pleasant and fresh environments; details that give personality to the interiors, from the exposed beams, to the jujube stone of Syracuse, high ceilings, and the blue, in many shades. The breakfast, a collection of local delicacies, is served on the pretty terrace that is also home to the restaurant in the evening. The view is over the roofs, domes, bell towers of the baroque city and the sea that seems so close you can almost touch with your hand. WEBSITE