Sole, Mare e Vino: Italy

Patria Palace Hotel, Lecce

At Lecce, a city of art and culture, right at the heart of the historical centre and opposite the monumental Santa Croce's Basilica, the Patria Palace brings back to life a XVIII century aristocratic mansion, the D'Anna-Petrarolo Palace. Sumptuously refurbished by artists and craftsmen, the palace has been embellished with frescoes and Art Deco frills. 63 rooms and suites, different from one another, are all personalized with frescoes painted by John Duggan. They are finely furnished and equipped with all services, comforts and modern technology. The bathrooms, particularly well made, are built with precious marbles like the Calacatta White, the Verona Red and the Guatemala Green.

Il Melograno, Monopoli

In a little known corner of Italy, once part of Magna Graecia, rich in history and architecture and blessed with a tradition of fine cuisine, you will find Il Melograno: a 17th century "Masseria" or fortified farmhouse built originally as a defence against Saracen and Byzantine invaders. Today, after an impeccable restoration, it is a luxurious five star Relais & Chateaux hotel, nestled in a sea of olive trees bent by breezes from the Adriatic and gnarled by the passing centuries. Each of the 37 rooms, classics, classics with patio, deluxes, jr suites and suites, nestled around the central piazza has been individually furnished with antiques under the care of the owner Camillo Guerra, an art and antique dealer. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, security safe, mini bar and internet access.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento

The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a historic, family-friendly luxury destination resort located in the center of Sorrento, 35 miles south of Naples. It rests on five acres of private grounds full of beautiful Mediterranean plants and flowers, containing a number of very old specimens and magnificent blooms such as olive trees, orange and lemon trees, pine trees, palms, and colorful bougainvillea.

Hotel Brufani Palace, Perugia

Situated in a unique location, on a hilltop, within the historical center of Perugia, at very close walking distance from the main historical sites, the 5 star deluxe Hotel Brufani Palace offers an enchanting view of the Umbrian valley. This 5 star hotel with restaurant in Perugia is famous for its refined dishes of regional cuisine, with the addiction of a touch of creativity, realized by the skilled hands of an experienced chef. Each of the 94 bedrooms is fit for a king - walls of ornate frescoes and tapestries, spacious bathrooms in pale marble on which the light reflects as on newly-fallen snow and, as a backdrop, the boundless Umbrian valleys or the heart of the Medieval city.

St. Regis Grand, Rome

Built in 1894 as the first deluxe hotel in Rome, the 5-star St. Regis Grand is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. The St. Regis Grand is one of the finest hotels in Rome, being named to Conde Nast Travelers Gold List from 2002 through 2011. Hotel facilities and services include a full-service spa, business center, and concierge service. You can enjoy a unique dining experience at the restaurant Vivendo, nominated by Zagat as the number one restaurant in Rome. The private wine cellar offers private dining with regional and international menus enhanced by a wide selection of wines to complement each course. The St. Regis Grand features luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites in an eclectic combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Every guest room has a unique hand-painted fresco depicting a Roman scene installed above the beds' headboards, and features Murano glass chandeliers and Hermes bathroom amenities.