It’s been February, since we have last checked-in at a hotel and yes, it’s been too long! The pandemic is still alive and travelling is restricted but there are several options where we are able to travel now. Even though our friends from the US and Asia aren’t able to travel to Europe as freely as they used to, there’s a pretty spot in every corner of the world. For us, Italy is one of those places we are finally able to travel again! I mean the places are almost died out and when do you have cities like Venice all to yourself? To further reduce the risk of being put at risk, we chose the two weeks around the holiday “Ferragosto” which Italians celebrate on 15 August - and you can be sure all cities are empty. In order to make sure we can spend a safe holiday, I have sent my parents to Milan to check the situation briefly and their feedback was very surprising: According to them, they felt safer in Italy than they actually feel in their home country Austria. On one hand, Austria was always leading the corona performance thanks to the early mask regulations and lockdown process. However at the entrance of every restaurant and department store in Italy the check your body temperature and insist on special hygiene processes that are fined if not implemented. All those positive feedbacks leave a very confident feeling about vacationing in Italy this August. Afraid of going to Italy? Not at all, to be honest.

What’s the best place in Italy to get a bargain luxury holiday?

Definitely, the Amalfi Coast! Newspaper report of a huge loss of US and Asian tourists following in hotel occupancy rates of around 50 per cent versus 100 per cent compared to August 2019. Think of hotel rates around 1.5k to 2k for one night including breakfast, which just dropped to 500 to 700 euros per night for the legends such as the Santa Caterina and Le Sirenuse!

Another huge bargain can be made in Sardinia in late summer. All of Marriott’s three Uber-luxe Costa Smeralda properties are available around 300 euros per night, which normally sell for 700 to 1.000 euros in the late summer season.

If you fancy for culture and art, Florence has great prices this summer along with Venice and Milan. Think of no queues at the Uffizi Galleries, empty St Marcus Square and Aperitivo overlooking the Duomo in Milan without reservation. All these benefits come along with hotels being available last minute too.

Where are we heading to?

As usual, we start in the north, in the region of South Tyrol where we will be reviewing an upcoming luxury hotel that has an incredible cool style with an unbeatable beautiful location. We will be finding out what the term Soulful Hotel means and are diving into the world of Silena in a valley where we have never been before. With only four stars, this hotel is said to have an incredible f&b offering plus their spa looks heavenly - as their newly renovated rooms. Check out the hotel here: www.silena.com

After South Tyrol, we will be heading to the city of Venice, where one can really feel the spirit of this ancient Italian town built over water, again. Our hotel there is the luxurious Londra Palace that enjoys a true pole-position, just steps from St Mark’s Square and overlooking the Canal Grande. Its distinctive style comes with spacious rooms, Venice-related antiques, sweeping views, excellent F&B as well as Ortigia bath amenities. Another reason to love Italy! www.londrapalace.com

While I don’t want to reveal everything of the rest of the trip, I am going to tell you that the drive will continue to Modena, to one of my favourite restaurants since I am four years old. The daughters of the owner always made me feel home and even though the best restaurant in the world is situated there as well, I think La Quercia di Rosa is representing La Emilia Romagna most perfectly and there is no need for a Michelin starred place for a short lunch. We continue along the motorway, passing by Bologna (a truly beautiful city but not for the hot summer days) and stop in Firenze, my favourite city in the world.

As you know, I rarely stay in the city itself and prefer Il Salviatino or Villa Mangiacane as my home away from home. However this time, I will be checking out the famous birthplace of the J.K. Place on Piazza Santa Maria Novella. From there, I will explore the Chianti, ancient parts of Florence, will dive into the world of perfumes with Dr Vranjes and also take home a little souvenir from Antonio Mattei. Well, the trip is not over yet! We continue towards Siena and will be staying at Palazzo del Capitano in San Quirico d’Orcia, a beautiful hotel set in the middle of an ancient town. From there we will continue exploring another, unknown part of Italy… more to follow on our Instagram channel!

What’s new in Italy?

All and above is the brand new Forestis Dolomites with its super-sleek design and three towers with the most unbelievable Instagram views of the Dolomites. If you feel very special, head for the Penthouse Suite with your own infinity pool in a skyscraper in the middle of the most perfect nature.

Another great addition to the Italian luxury portfolio is the brand new Mandarin Oriental Lake Como. Former luxury hotel Casta Diva (which we had the honour to review a few years ago) was turned into one of the most elegant lakeside hotels in Italy. Floating pool, Langosteria pop-up and stunning suites are just some of the highlights at this property.