Some hotels aren’t just places to sleep, but destinations in their own right — deserving a pin on your ‘one day’ board. These Italian gems are definitely among them.

Starting from €269 per night

Ever wondered what it is like to live in a cave — without giving up hot showers and decent lighting? Tucked into the UNESCO-listed caves of Matera, this hotel lets you do just that. It has been carefully restored using age-old techniques, but don’t worry, the creature comforts (including wellness facilities) are all very much 21st century.

Starting from €386 per night

In contrast, a minimalist masterpiece in a 19th-century palace, Palazzo Daniele blends old-world charm with contemporary art and barefoot luxury — all tucked away in Puglia’s sleepy south.

Starting from €1,100 per night

Perched on Capri’s cliffs, Punta Tragara is a salmon-hued villa with sweeping views of the Faraglioni rocks. It is a 5-star retreat with infinity pools, Michelin-starred dining, and terraces made for sunset watching.

Starting from €2,750 per night

This villa on Lake Como blends neoclassical splendor — think Murano chandeliers and frescoed ceilings — with a relaxed, homey charm. The gardens are vast, the pool is dreamy, and the vibe is pure sweet, unhurried way of life.

Starting from €390 per night

Nested in Umbria's serene hills, Eremito is a stone-built sanctuary embracing monastic simplicity — no Wi-Fi, no TVs — just candlelit rooms, silent vegetarian dinners, and the gentle rhythm of nature. It is a place to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with the essentials.

Starting from €2,424 per night

You might recognise the views of San Domenico Palace from The White Lotus Season 2 — but even without the TV fame, this cliffside Four Seasons gem in Taormina is pure cinematic magic. Once a 14th-century monastery, it now serves up lemon-scented gardens, sea views for days, and just the right amount of Sicilian drama.

Starting from €293 per night

Housed in a 14th-century palazzo nearly on the border of Umbria and Tuscany mixes rustic textures with a clean, modern finish — and yes, they make their own olive oil!

Starting from €520 per night

Vocabolo Moscatelli feels like stepping into a quiet work of art. This former monastery mixes old stone with bold, modern touches — from colourful tiles to sleek furnishings. It is the kind of place where you can soak by the pool and forget what day it is.