Editor’s Note: *Due to the current Covid-19 outbreak, international travel is discouraged at the moment—this article is meant to serve as inspiration for a future trip once the pandemic has come to an end.*
Given the country’s rich history, world-renowned gastronomy, and spectacular natural beauty, it’s no wonder that people across the globe have been dreaming about their next vacation to Italy. As the steady rollout of vaccinations continues, there’s no better time than the present to start scoping out the perfect destination for your next trip. For those wishing to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of this storied nation, nothing can compare to these luxurious villas.
A remnant of Umbria’s storied past, Reschio’s main hotel comes in the form of a carefully restored 11th-century castle equipped with 36 bedrooms and a wealth of amenities all across the property. Beginning in April 2021, guests will be welcome to start their day off with a treatment in the castle’s Roman bath-inspired spa before dining on traditional Italian cuisine amidst spectacular views of the countryside. For those wishing to truly immerse themselves in the ambiance of rural Umbria, consider booking one of Reschio’s nine luxury villas, with each one providing a unique experience inspired by the villa’s lush surroundings.
Officially launching in April 2021, these secluded villas are the latest accommodations available within the Verdura Resort, an iconic Sicilian property that spans over 500 acres along the island’s southwestern coast. While there’s ample opportunity for fine dining, drinking, and golfing across the resort, its three individual private villas offer an intimate foray into the rural beauty of Sicily, each one complete with its own personal courtyard and pool perfectly suited for sipping wine while basking in the surrounding hillside views. As the sun dips below the horizon, head over to Granita to enjoy a carefully-crafted cocktail that pairs perfectly with the Mediterranean sunset.
History buffs take note—this stately manor has been a fixture of rural Veneto since the mid-1500s, once serving as a summer home for local bishops. While the property is a popular site for guided tours and events, it’s also home to two separate chambers, each one equipped with a lounge and full kitchen. Upon arrival, guests can stroll through the property’s manicured garden and courtyard, enjoy a glass of local wine while taking in the intricate designs along the villa’s portico, or head just an hour northeast to Padua, a historic city that served as the main setting for Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
For those longing for an intimate foray into the unspoiled wilderness of northern Italy, look no further than White Deer, one of three resplendent villas offered by San Lorenzo Lodges. Originally constructed in the sixteenth century, this former hunting lodge has been outfitted with a wealth of cozy amenities including four distinct bedrooms, a relaxation room, and a wine cellar that’s perfectly suited for sampling some of the Dolomites’ finest drink. During the warmer months, guests are free to hunt for wild mushrooms or golf at the villa’s own personal course, while winter offers ample opportunity for avid skiers to hit the nearby slopes.
This charming complex is just a small portion of the Borgo Egnazia, a grandiose village sculpted into the rural reaches of Puglia. Home to six separate accommodations, Le Ville’s three-story suites each come equipped with their own private pool and garden, providing guests with no shortage of tranquil spaces for optimal relaxation. After a long day of sunbathing poolside, be sure to enjoy a meal at one of Borgo Egnazia’s many dining venues, ranging from the bright and cheery La Frasca to Cala Masciola, a coastal venue with spectacular seafood served alongside gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea.