Enjoying a prominent lofty position next to the historic Greek amphitheatre, Grand Hotel Timeo is set in extensive landscaped gardens that snake up to its front door. From a large sunlit terrace are views of Mount Etna and Capo Taormina.
Sant’Andrea is an imposing 19th century villa overlooking the the Bay of Mazzaro. With its own private beach below, large dining terrace and set in sub-tropical gardens, it enjoys one of the best positions in Taormina.
Renaissance palace retreat in Florence with Italy’s largest private garden, Michelin‑star dining and an elegant spa sanctuary
Built in 1889, the neo-classical Majestic was the first hotel on the exclusive Via Veneto. The hotel is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Borghese Art Gallery and gardens and Via Condotti, Rome’s premier designer and boutique shopping street.
Centrally located, near the Spanish Steps, this 16th century former palace had British poets Keats and Shelley as its early visitors. A hotel since 1845, it is has undergone extensive and tasteful renovations in recent years. It has a well-regarded restaurant, Café Romano.
The Rocco Forte Savoy Hotel, in Piazza Della Repubblica, is a stylish, modern establishment in a historic building, set right in the middle of Florence, within walking distance of the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio.
Refined Renaissance palazzo hotel in Siena’s historic centre featuring frescoed rooms, Tuscan dining and an exceptional central location
Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a small honey-coloured former aristocratic residence in central Rome, built at the turn of the 20th century. As well as its own gardens and vineyard, it has a spa and fitness centre
Refined Anacapri retreat combining art, two Michelin‑starred dining and a renowned medical spa with panoramic views over the Bay of Naples
The 115-room Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1895 is centrally situated in Istanbul. With spa, swimming pool, gym and hammam, it also has an intimate bar, elegant patisserie and associations with Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Kemal Ataturk.
The Ciragan Palace, with 19th century origins and once the home of sultans, has one of the best locations in Istanbul; its extensive gardens and infinity pool are set alongside the Bosphorus and most of the rooms have uninterrupted views
Refined wine‑country retreat in Carmel Valley featuring vineyard views, acclaimed dining and a full‑service spa surrounded by gardens