Discover Italy's most unique stays with my curated guide promising unforgettable experiences in the country's most distinctive lodgings. 🏰
From sleeping in a traditional trullo in Puglia to the luxurious Venetian palazzi, each accommodation offers a one-of-a-kind experience immersed in Italy's rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Are you ready to immerse yourself into Italy's charm? 🇮🇹✨
Stay in a traditional trullo, a unique cylindrical stone house with a conical roof, typical of the Puglia region. These historic dwellings date back centuries and offer a glimpse into the region's rural past.
Many trulli have been beautifully restored and converted into charming accommodations, providing modern comforts while preserving their authentic character. Wake up surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and immerse yourself in the serene countryside of Puglia.
Le Dieci Porte is a small village of trulli, renovated with respect for the original structure and furnished with great attention to detail. Located approximately 6 km from Alberobello, it is an oasis in the countryside where one can find peace and tranquility or experience their vacation surrounded by nature and beauty, in the heart of the Itria Valley.
Borgo Canonica is a unique luxury resort located in the picturesque Itria Valley of Puglia. This property features 42 beautifully restored trulli, where you can enjoy the tranquil natural setting, complete with a swimming pool, as well as the comfort and charm of these historic structures that have been meticulously renovated.
This traditional trullo, has been beautifully restored to provide guests with comfortable and characterful accommodations. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Trullo Pia offers a tranquil setting for experiencing the rustic charm of Puglia.
Add to
Details
2. Aeolian House
Escape to Sicily's Aeolian Islands and stay in a traditional Aeolian House in one of the archipelago's iconic islands. These ancient dwellings feature whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Indulge in a fairytale experience by staying in a medieval castle in Tuscany. These historic fortresses have been lovingly restored and transformed into luxurious accommodations, offering a taste of aristocratic life. Wander through grand halls adorned with frescoes, relax in opulent suites, and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling Tuscan countryside.
Castello di Casole is a luxurious 10th century castle estate turned hotel, located in the rolling hills of Tuscany. This historic property features meticulously restored villas and farmhouses spread across 4,200 acres of private land. Here you can enjoy the perfect blend of Old World charm and modern amenities, with superb personalized service. The estate offers a variety of activities like authentic Italian cooking classes and day trips around the Tuscan countryside
Castello Banfi is a stunning wine resort located in the heart of Tuscany's Brunello wine region. This 14th century castle has been beautifully restored and offers a chance to immerse in the world of fine Italian wine. The resort features elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a state-of-the-art winery where you can tour and taste the estate's renowned Brunello di Montalcino. You can also explore the picturesque surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Meleto Castle is a historic property dating back to 1256, located in the charming town of Gaiole in Chianti. This unique stay offers guests the opportunity to experience authentic Tuscan hospitality in a beautifully preserved medieval setting. The castle features elegant rooms, a renowned restaurant serving local cuisine, and a winery producing excellent Chianti wines. You can tour the castle's impressive interiors, including a historic theater, and stroll through the scenic surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Add to
Details
4. Cave Hotel in Matera
Discover the ancient city of Matera and stay in a cave hotel carved into the limestone cliffs of the Sassi di Matera. These unique accommodations blend modern design with the timeless allure of the cave dwellings that have been inhabited for thousands of years.
This unique hotel is comprised of 18 cave dwellings, some of exceptional size, as well as a communal space in an ancient rock-hewn church. The complex is situated in the oldest part of the Sassi, the Civita, perched above the Gravina ravine, with dramatic views of the Murgia Park and its rock-cut churches. This innovative hotel project aims to preserve the historic character of the caves while providing modern comforts and amenities for guests.
Palazzo del Duca is housed in a restored historic noble residence, offering the opportunity to experience the ancient charm of this unique city. Palazzo del Duca provides comfortable accommodations, some suites with a private pool, while preserving the character of the original palazzo.
Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA is a 5-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Matera's Sassi district. It features 35 rooms and suites carved into the tufa stone walls. The property also includes a luxurious spa with an indoor pool carved into the rock, as well as a multi-purpose meeting room. The rooms blend the historic cave-like structure with modern amenities and design, allowing to immerse in the unique atmosphere of Matera.
Add to
Details
5. Wine Resorts in Piedmont
Escape to the picturesque countryside of Piedmont and stay in a charming agriturismo nestled amidst vineyards and rolling hills. These rural retreats offer a chance to experience life on a working vineyard, with opportunities to participate in grape harvesting, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dining experiences. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Piedmontese landscape, savoring the flavors of local wines and traditional cuisine while enjoying warm hospitality and rustic charm.
Palas Cerequio is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Barolo wine region in Piedmont. This unique property is dedicated to showcasing the finest Barolo crus, offering an immersive experience in the world of this renowned Italian wine. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, and a wine cellar with an extensive selection of Barolo wines. Here you can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and other activities that highlight the rich winemaking traditions of the area.
Cascina Barac is a charming agriturismo (farm stay) located in the Alba area of Piedmont. This historic farmhouse has been beautifully restored, offering comfortable accommodations while allowing to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of the region. The property features a wine cellar, olive oil production, and opportunities to participate in hands-on activities like grape harvesting and cooking classes. Cascina Barac provides a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with the natural beauty and culinary traditions of the Langhe hills.
Tenuta la Romana is a luxury resort located in the Monferrato hills of Piedmont. This historic estate features a restored 18th century villa, as well as a range of elegant suites and villas. You can enjoy the resort's gourmet restaurant, which blends Piedmontese and Campanian cuisine, as well as an extensive wine cellar showcasing the region's renowned wines. The property also offers amenities like a swimming pool, spa, and opportunities for wine tastings and cooking classes.
Add to
Details
6. Renaissance Palazzo in Florence
Experience the grandeur of the Renaissance era by staying in a historic palazzo in Florence. These magnificent residences have been meticulously restored to their former glory, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the opulence and elegance of Florentine aristocracy. Admire exquisite frescoes, ornate ceilings, and antique furnishings, and enjoy modern amenities in luxurious suites fit for royalty.
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Florence. Housed in a 15th century palazzo and a former convent, the hotel seamlessly blends Renaissance architecture with modern amenities. You can enjoy spacious rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a full-service spa, and access to the hotel's private 11-acre garden. The Four Seasons provides an unparalleled level of service and an elegant, historic setting for an unforgettable Florentine experience.
Palazzo Portinari Salviati is a stunning 15th century palace that has been transformed into a high-end boutique hotel in the center of Florence. This historic property features beautifully restored interiors with frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and original architectural details. You can enjoy luxurious accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, and access to the palace's private gardens. The hotel offers an immersive experience of Florence's Renaissance heritage combined with modern comforts and amenities.
Palazzo Tolomei Garzoni is a 16th century noble residence that has been converted into an exclusive boutique hotel. This historic property features elegant rooms and suites with original architectural elements like vaulted ceilings and frescoed walls. You can enjoy personalized service, a charming courtyard garden, and easy access to the city's top attractions. Staying at Palazzo Tolomei Garzoni allows to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Renaissance Florence.
Add to
Details
7. Mountain Lodges in the Dolomites
Mountain lodges are quintessentially Alpine retreats, often characterized by their charming wooden structures. These accommodations typically feature traditional architecture with timber exteriors, steeply pitched roofs, and large windows that frame breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The interiors are usually cozy and inviting, with wooden beams, rustic furnishings, and fireplaces that create a warm and homely atmosphere.
This historic alpine hut offers basic yet comfortable accommodations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the stunning Dolomite peaks and valleys. You can enjoy traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, panoramic mountain views, and a chance to disconnect from the modern world in this remote and peaceful setting. Rifugio Salei provides an authentic taste of life in the Italian Alps.
This contemporary alpine retreat features elegant rooms and suites with breathtaking mountain views. You can indulge in the resort's world-class spa facilities, which include an indoor pool, saunas, and a range of rejuvenating treatments. Rosapetra also offers gourmet dining, outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, and easy access to the stunning natural landscapes of the Dolomites.
Chalet Ronn is a charming boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Corvara in the Dolomites. This traditional Alpine-style chalet has been beautifully renovated, offering cozy and comfortable accommodations with stunning mountain views. You can enjoy the hotel's wellness facilities, including an indoor pool and sauna, as well as access to the excellent skiing and hiking opportunities in the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
Add to
Details
8. Monastery Retreat in Umbria
Experience tranquility and spiritual renewal by staying in a converted monastery in Umbria. These peaceful retreats offer a chance to disconnect from the outside world and immerse in silence, meditation, and contemplation. Explore the monastery's ancient cloisters, chapels, and gardens, and participate in guided meditation sessions or yoga classes. Reconnect with your inner self and find peace amidst the timeless beauty of Umbria's rolling hills and medieval villages.
Monastero San Biagio is a unique hotel located in a 13th century Benedictine monastery in the heart of Umbria. This historic property has been carefully restored, preserving its original monastic architecture and atmosphere. You can stay in beautifully appointed rooms and suites, some of which feature original frescoes and vaulted ceilings. The hotel also offers a restaurant serving traditional Umbrian cuisine, as well as opportunities to participate in meditation and wellness activities.
Eremito is a one-of-a-kind hotel located in the remote Umbrian countryside, designed to provide a contemplative and restorative experience. This unique property is inspired by the medieval hermitages of the region, offering simple yet elegant accommodations in the form of individual "cells" carved into the stone. Eremito encourages guests to disconnect from the outside world, with no televisions or Wi-Fi, and instead focus on mindfulness, meditation, and connecting with the natural surroundings. The hotel also features a restaurant serving organic, vegetarian cuisine and a spa with treatments rooted in ancient monastic traditions.
Add to
Details
Relais Abbazia San Pietro In Valle, residenza storica
Relais Abbazia San Pietro in Valle is a historic hotel located within the walls of a 7th century Benedictine abbey in the Umbrian countryside. This unique property has been meticulously restored, preserving the abbey's original Romanesque architecture and religious atmosphere. You can stay in elegantly appointed rooms and suites, some with original frescoes and stone walls. The hotel also features a gourmet restaurant, wine cellar, and opportunities to explore the abbey's centuries-old cloisters and chapels.
Add to
Details
9. Venetian Palazzo
Staying in a Venetian palazzo offers a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance of Venice's storied past. These historic buildings, often dating back to the Renaissance or Baroque periods, were originally constructed as opulent residences for the city's wealthy and noble families. Typically situated along the iconic canals, many palazzi feature intricate facades adorned with arched windows, ornate balconies, and richly decorated interiors.
The Hotel Danieli is a legendary 5-star hotel located in the heart of Venice, overlooking the iconic Grand Canal. This historic property dates back to the 14th century and was once the Palazzo Dandolo, the former residence of a noble Venetian family. Today, the Hotel Danieli offers a truly opulent Venetian experience, with lavishly decorated rooms and suites, a renowned restaurant, and stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks. Staying at this legendary hotel allows to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Venice's golden age.
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is a boutique property located in a beautifully restored 16th century palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice. This intimate hotel features just 18 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each with its own unique character and historic charm. You can enjoy personalized service, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and access to the palazzo's private gardens overlooking the canal.
Ca' Sagredo Hotel is a 5-star luxury property housed in a 15th century Venetian palace on the Grand Canal. This historic building has been meticulously restored, preserving its original frescoed ceilings, marble staircases, and other architectural details. You can enjoy spacious rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, and stunning views of the canal and the city's iconic landmarks. Ca' Sagredo offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of Venice's past in a truly unique and luxurious setting.
Add to
Details
10. Masseria Stay in Puglia
Experience the charm of rural Puglia by staying in a traditional masseria, a fortified farmhouse typical of the region. These historic estates have been lovingly restored and transformed into elegant retreats, offering guests a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Explore the masseria's olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards, and learn about the agricultural traditions that have shaped Puglia's landscape for centuries. Indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences featuring fresh local ingredients, and unwind in stylish accommodations surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside. Whether you're lounging by the pool, strolling through the gardens, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, a stay at a masseria promises a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in Puglia's rural heartland.
Masseria le Torri is a charming agriturismo (farm stay) located in the heart of Puglia's picturesque countryside. This historic masseria (fortified farmhouse) dates back to the 16th century and has been beautifully restored, offering a taste of traditional Puglian hospitality. The property features comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine, and opportunities to explore the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. Choose Masseria le Torri if you want to immerse yourself in the region's rich agricultural heritage and slow-paced rural lifestyle.
Masseria Calderisi is a luxury boutique hotel located in a beautifully restored 18th century masseria in the Salento region of Puglia. This unique property features elegant rooms and suites, some with original vaulted ceilings and stone walls. You can enjoy the hotel's outdoor pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant serving traditional Puglian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Masseria Calderisi also offers opportunities for cooking classes, wine tastings, and exploring the surrounding olive groves and beaches. This boutique hotel provides a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comforts.
Masseria Ayroldi is a charming agriturismo located in the Itria Valley of Puglia, known for its picturesque trulli houses. This historic masseria has been lovingly restored, offering comfortable accommodations in a traditional setting. The property features a restaurant serving farm-to-table cuisine made with ingredients from the on-site organic garden, as well as opportunities to participate in activities like olive oil and cheese making. Staying at Masseria Ayroldi allows to experience the authentic rural lifestyle of Puglia and connect with the region's rich culinary and agricultural heritage.
Add to
Details
I hope this guide to unique stays and retreats in Italy will be helpful in planning your next unforgettable trip to this country.
Enjoy your journey, and may your stay in Italy be as unique and memorable as the destinations themselves. Buon viaggio!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this guide may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through them. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support my efforts in providing valuable content. Rest assured, I only recommend accommodations that I genuinely believe in and think you'll love.
Nice to meet you! :) I'm Ludovica, a travel creator from Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
Here you can shop my travel guides or itineraries so you can easily replicate my trips! You can also check and save my free guides.📝
Every guide includes an interactive map which means that when you click on a place you can directly open it on Google maps from your phone, call restaurants or book hotels 🗺️
Don't forget to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone📱
Subscribe to get notified when I publish a new guide or when I update one and to receive special discount codes 💌
Save entire days of planning and research, I do it for you :)
