For high-end luxury incentives, you can’t go wrong with Italy. From the stunning cities of Rome, Milan and Florence, to the Italian lakes, awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast and up and coming regions of Puglia and Matera, there is something for everyone.

Ranked in the top three in our hotlist of the most popular destinations for luxury events and incentives in 2019 in our recent inSPIRE trends report, behind Spain and Portugal, Italy’s already impressive luxury hotel portfolio continues to expand at a rapid pace. So, we round up some of our favourite new openings (and reopenings) so far this year…

Elizabeth Unique Hotel
Set in the heart of Rome’s historic city centre, among the cobbled streets and just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, this restored 17th-century palazzo combines the history and elegance of former times with all the dynamism of modern-day Italy. The 33-room boutique property has been lovingly brought to life by the Curatella family, five generations of construction experts, who have maintained the neoclassical touches of white marble and fireplaces while adding a contemporary feel.

The 40-seater Bacharach & Bistrot, named after American composer Burt Bacharach, serves an international menu complemented by a delightful wine list of some of Italy’s finest vintages, while the urban garden space, scented with jasmine, is a perfect relaxation spot.

Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel
Just around the corner in Rome, Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel, opened at the top of the Spanish Steps in May. The property has a number of exciting bars and restaurants to discover, from the fresh Roman cuisine masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini, through to the cute Italian street-side bistro, and rooftop bar.

The striking 104 rooms and suites have been designed by Olga Polizzi and Tommaso Ziffer, resulting in an elegant yet playful style which fuses effortlessly the contemporary furnishings with decadent fabrics that hint at the palazzo’s former glories.

COMO Castello Del Nero
The luxury brand recently made its debut in Italy with the reopening of Castello Del Nero in Tuscany. Located within the Chianti wine region, COMO Castello Del Nero spans 740 acres and has a total of 50 rooms and suites, all housed within a 12th century castle.

The historic site has been delicately transformed by designer Paola Navone into a contemporary retreat, while original details like terracotta floors, fresco walls, and vaulted ceilings remain intact. The Michelin-starred La Torre restaurant at COMO Castello del Nero is located in the original stables of the castello in the winter, transferring to the garden terrace in summer.

Mandarin Oriental Lake Como
Ranked one of the ten hottest openings in 2019, as name-checked by the luxury event planners surveyed for our inSPIRE trends report, Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como opened in April following a rebranding and renovation.

Formerly the CastaDiva Resort & Spa, the lakefront property features 76 spacious rooms and suites housed in nine villas, dating from the 19th Century. It also offers four restaurants and bars, including a lakeside terrace for al fresco dining, a large spa with an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor floating pool on the lake, plus a range of social and meeting facilities in the resort’s grounds.

Palazzo Daniele
Set in the village of Gagliano del Capo, the Palazzo Daniele is a stunning  nine-suite residence built within the 150-year-old former family palazzo of art philanthropist Francesco Petrucci. This history shines through in the sheer grandeur of the property – from the original ceiling frescoes and mosaic flooring, all hinting at the past. 

Inside the hotel, vast exhibition spaces form the living spaces while the opulent suites overlook the fragrant courtyards and pool. The property, a member of the exclusive Design Hotels collection, features a range of suites with king-size beds, rain shower falls and contemporary artworks galore.

Masseria Torre Maizza, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Another new Italian addition to the Rocco Forte portfolio, Masseria Torre Maizza, was reopened by the brand in May following a €6m refurbishment by the brand’s design director Olga Polizzi that added a number of junior suites and suites bringing the key count from 30 to 40 units.

Located near Savelleteri di Fasano, close to the Adriatic coast in Puglia, the resort is an original masseria dating back to the 16th century. Features include a sunset rooftop bar, a stylish restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, nine-hole executive golf course, fitness centre, kids club, access to a private beach club nearby and meeting and event space.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Back in the capital, this five-star property just reopened following a complete redesign by French architect and interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Situated in a former 19th-century Roman palazzo, Nuel has taken inspiration from the building’s original architecture as well as the landscaped gardens of the adjacent Villa Borghese to bring a fresh look with a nature-inspired colour palette for the city retreat.

The 78-room hotel lies on a quaint street in the centre of the city, just moments from iconic landmarks including the Villa Medici, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. The crown jewel of the hotel situated on the seventh floor and offering panoramic views of The Eternal City is Settimo – an elegant rooftop lounge and restaurant.