For over three decades, the editors of Condé Nast Traveler have curated their annual Gold List, a dreamy compendium of hotels and cruises that transcend mere accommodation. These, the editors say, are places that ignite passion, become stories to tell, and are recommended to friends as destinations where magic happens.
This year’s Gold List feels like a hymn to Italian hospitality, with a significant number of the hotels in Europe being Italian. These are the Italian hotels – all high-end – which made the Gold List 2025.
Palazzo Margherita – Bernalda, Basilicata
Found in Bernalda, a quaint southern Italian town, Palazzo Margherita is a Coppola family love affair. Francis Ford Coppola poured six years into transforming this 19th-century mansion into an intimate yet luxurious hotel.
Each suite features hand-painted frescoes, handcrafted furniture, and some even have working fireplaces. The food is as heartfelt as the décor—expect traditional dishes made from local organic ingredients, from zucchini frittata to grilled porchetta. This is southern Italy at its most genuine, presented through the storytelling lens of one of cinema’s greats.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – Florence
Imagine staying in a Renaissance masterpiece with sculptural friezes and Baroque frescoes. That’s the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, located in Florence’s serene University district.
The 11-acre landscaped park, a peaceful haven in the bustling city, recently got an upgrade along with the Palazzo del Nero annex, featuring a chic vermouth bar and a seafood-focused restaurant. It’s opulence without pretension, blending historical grandeur with modern comforts.
Hotel Castello di Reschio – Umbria
If fairy tales were real, Castello di Reschio in Umbria would be their setting. This 11th-century fortress, transformed into a 36-room luxury hotel, reflects the unique style of its owners, Count Benedikt Bolza and Donna Nencia Corsini.
From its chic Palm Court Bar to the ethereal spa and stunning pool, every detail whispers sophistication. Reschio isn’t just a hotel; it’s a 3,700-acre wonderland of olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills—a slice of Umbria straight out of a dream.
Hotel Santa Caterina – Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has long been synonymous with romance, and Hotel Santa Caterina embodies its spirit. This cliffside retreat offers dazzling sea views, ceramic-tiled floors, and breezy curtains swaying in the Mediterranean breeze.
Whether you’re dipping into the saltwater pool or savouring fresh mozzarella for breakfast, Santa Caterina is an eternal love affair, evolving with new villas while staying true to its timeless charm.
La Posta Vecchia – Ladispoli, Lazio
Only a stone’s throw from Rome, La Posta Vecchia offers a private escape within a grand Renaissance palace. Once the residence of the powerful Orsini family, it later became the home of oil tycoon Paul Getty, who infused it with historical treasures.
Now, it’s a hotel that marries antiquity with modern luxury. From Etruscan archaeological sites to ancient Roman recipes served on terraces overlooking the sea, this is a journey through history with all the perks of contemporary indulgence.
Splendido, a Belmond Hotel – Portofino, Liguria
There’s a reason celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner fell for Splendido in Portofino. This former Benedictine monastery offers jaw-dropping views of the Ligurian coast, framed by pink azaleas.
After a meticulous renovation, it’s more stunning than ever, with a saltwater pool reflecting the azure sea and a terrace restaurant perfect for leisurely spritzes. Splendido is all about understated elegance, where nature and luxury seamlessly intertwine.
Why Italy Dominates the Gold List
Italian hotels aren’t just about impeccable service or plush interiors; they’re about storytelling. Each property on the Gold List feels alive with history, personality, and an inherent connection to its surroundings. From the familial warmth of Palazzo Margherita to the cinematic allure of Splendido, these hotels are more than places to stay—they’re destinations in themselves.
Whether you’re craving a peaceful retreat or a slice of la dolce vita, Italy’s Gold List gems promise memories that will linger long after your suitcase is unpacked. Ready to book? Don’t blame us if you never want to leave.
