STAY

Italy has many wonderful sights to see, and views to absorb. The hard part is choosing which of these views to soak in.

North Italy

Located next Lake Orta, Villa Crespi draws resemblance to a Moorish palace. Dating back to 1879, it was built by a cotton merchant, who was inspired by Baghdad’s architecture, in his native region. The villa even has its own minaret (slender tower like that of a mosque). Surrounded by brightly green gardens, it boasts opulent interiors that resemble an emir’s palace, with intricate handmade stucco motifs and marble columns. The original parquet floors remain to this day, embellished with rich fabrics and drapes. The double-Michelin-starred restaurant inside is run by world-renowned chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

Set on a hillside among gorgeous tiered grounds shaded by olive trees, Hotel Belvedere boats magnificent views of the Lecco arm of Lake Como. What’s more, the rooms – set in the main building or in villas scattered arounf the garden – are decorated with classic Italian furnishings and modern amenities.

Set in 27-acre grounds Lefay Resort and Spa in Lake Garda is crafted into the mountainside above Gargnano, a pretty town with orange trees lining the lakefront. The rooms in it feature local olive and walnut floor with classic Italian furnishings. The resort also features an award-winning spa that offers services auch as indoor and outdoor heated salt-water pools, infinity pool, hammam, five saunas, a salt lake and 21 massage rooms.

South Italy

Formerly a private residence, Villa and Palazzo Aminta boasts a wonderful view of Lake Maggiore. Its lavish interiors feature antiques, stuccos, and chandeliers. All of its rooms have terraces and/or balconies with garden or lake views. The hotel also has its own private beach.

Hidden Gems of Italy

Formerly a large fortified farm complete with watchtower buildings, Masseria Torre Coccaro is set amidst ancient olive groves between Fasano and the coast. There are also very few things that you can’t do here – there’s even a white sand beach.

Dating back to the 18th century, Fontana Di Vite Boutique Botel was once a historic country manor. Today, it offers its guests a breathtaking view of golden fields of grain and an olive grove, all adjacent to a natural spring which hides the Fontana water of life.

Within a 15th century residence located in Viterbo, The Pinball Suites was created and currently houses a slew of prized materials such as doussiè parquet, natural stone, and hand-made wrought iron. Don’t forget to pass by their private pinball museum!

EAT (IN ROME)

Much like in Lebanon, the Italians love their food (and for good reason), which is why you can never run out of options when looking for a restaurant.
Just off Piazza De Spagna in Rome, you will find Hostaria al 31. It’s a very small trattoria run for more than thirty years by two cousins, who came to Rome from Umbria: Angelo (who serves at the tables) and Umberto (in the kitchen). When artichokes are in season, they serve scrumptious carciofi alla giudia

Pierluigi, located just off Piazza Farnese and Campo de’ Fiori, is quite reputed in the region for its buccatini, a type of long pasta.

For home-style dishes, we recommend La Taverna dello Spuntino. Located in the village of Grottaferrata in the Castelli Romani, this atmospheric restaurant sets its tables before a warm fire on cool days, and legs of prosciutto dangle from the ceiling.

At Assunta Madre, seafood is the specialty, with a wide selection ranging from tagliolini pasta with crayfish to calamari risotto. Take your camera – Sylvester Stallone, Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino and Francesco Totti are just a few of the stars that have been spotted here.