Elite Traveler January-February 2019

Housed in a former noble residence, this 15th-century palazzo stands on the Grand Canal with views over the city. Inside, the decor is gloriously Venetian: Antiques, objets d’art , restored paintings and frescoes adorn the walls, and every space has a fascinating character. The dining options are equally divine: Club del Doge is a grand location for a romantic dinner with beautiful views of the canal from both sides, while The Gritti Terrace is the perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch and bittersweet Negroni cocktails. Top suite Terrazza Redentore Suite from $14,000 per night Grand canals No trip to Venice is complete without time spent on the water. You may have drifted along by gondola, but for a different pace, explore the famed winding canals on board the palace’s beautiful Riva Aquariva boat. Contact Pedro Perestrelo, rooms division manager, GRITTI PALACE, A LUXURY COLLECTIONHOTEL VENICE, ITALY

pedro.perestrelo@luxurycollection.com, +39 041 794 703, thegrittipalace.com

BELMONDHOTEL CARUSO AMALFI COAST, ITALY

Standing on the highest point in Ravello, Hotel Caruso is 1,000 ft above sea level and has the most beautiful views over lemon and olive groves and the Amalfi Coast. Housed in a restored 11th-century palace, the hotel is filled with frescoes, antiques and paintings by Old Masters. The infinity pool also has incredible views, and there’s a daily complimentary boat tour if you want to explore nearby Pompeii, Capri and Positano. We love the meticulously maintained centuries-old gardens with fragrant rosebushes and herbs. Top suite Exclusive Suites from $5,050 per night When life gives you lemons Tour the Valley of the Mills — just a short trip from the center of Amalfi, it is one of the region’s best lemon groves and looks like a place time forgot. Learn how the citrus fruit is cultivated using time-honored methods. Contact Gennaro Apicella, hotel concierge, reservations. vmar@belmond.com, +1 845 077 2222, belmond.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE FLORENCE, ITALY

The most sublime hotel in Florence, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is comprised of the 15th-century Palazzo Della Gherardesca (where you’ll find the main hotel with 79 rooms and suites) and a former 16th-century convent (slightly smaller with 37 rooms and suites). Both are set among 11 acres of luxuriant, private gardens, where you’ll discover sculptures and artwork, as well as the Michelin-starred Il Palagio and Al Fresco restaurants. Fans of Renaissance art and architecture will delight in the details: antiques, original frescoes and works of art, silk wallpaper, grand domed archways and historic architecture. Top suite Royal Suite Della Gherardesca from $18,000 per night Farm to table Take advantage of your close proximity to Tuscany with a day at Fattoria San Michele to learn how the best Italian produce is grown — there are 135 acres of vineyards and 98 acres of olive groves. Contact Patrizio Cipollini, general manager, +1 800 819 5053, fourseasons.com

HOTEL EDEN

ROME, ITALY

HOTEL DE RUSSIE, AROCCO FORTE HOTEL ROME, ITALY Located on the Via del Babuino overlooking the Piazza del Popolo, Hotel de Russie has been the accommodation of choice for artists and writers for decades. The bohemian spirit lives on in the design — Olga Polizzi and architect Tommaso Ziffer merged Ancient Rome with Art Deco. It’s impossible to think of the hotel without thinking of the enchanting Secret Garden courtyard, a dreamy, verdant terrace with a citrus scent lingering in the air. Order taglioni with white truffle and sample the tantalizing cocktails. Top suite Nijinsky Suite from $11,650 per night Secret dining For an unforgettable evening, book a private dining experience in the Secret Garden with a bespoke menu by chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Contact Giuseppe Ostili, rooms division manager, gostili@roccofortehotels.com, +39 063 288 81, roccofortehotels.com

Despite its close proximity to Rome’s tourist hot spots (you can see Villa Medici and the Spanish Steps from the hotel; the Pantheon and the Colosseum are nearby, as is St Peter’s Basilica), Hotel Eden is a sanctuary of seclusion. After an 18-month renovation last year, the Grande Dame hotel reduced its room count from 121 guestrooms to 98, so you can be sure of space and privacy. The decor was also updated with no expense spared—gold, marble, Murano glass, antiques and frescoes can be seen at every turn. The two restaurants are equally decadent, and the cuisine has a refreshing twist —head chef Fabio Ciervo, a former athlete, focuses on nutrition in high-end gastronomy, without compromising on taste. Top suite Bellavista Penthouse Suite from $14,000 per night When in Rome The Eden Spa has a strict maximum of four guests at any time and you have your very own suite. Contact Luca Virgilio, general manager, info.her@dorchestercollection.com, +39 064 781 2737, dorchestercollection.com

Photos Tyson Sadlo, Hotel Photography , Niall Clutton, Christos Drazos Photography, Ydo Sol Images