With travel restrictions starting to ease and Europe beginning to open up, we thought it was perfect timing to start getting inspired for the return of luxury events and incentives.

First up, we shine the spotlight on one of our favourite destinations, Italy, which really does have it all – vibrant cities, stunning countryside, idyllic islands, fabulous food, arts and culture and more! From Capri to the Lakes, and Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan, we check out six fabulous options for event planners from our inVOYAGE community of luxury brands…

Venice – San Clemente Palace Kempinski

San Clemente Palace Kempinski is located on the private island of San Clemente, only minutes away from Piazza San Marco by complimentary boat. The proximity to Venice and unique combination of conference rooms and outdoor areas make San Clemente Palace the perfect choice for outstanding events and incentives.

The exclusive retreat, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, features 196 rooms and suites overlooking the lagoon or the centuries-old park

Facilities include two restaurants, Acquerello and Insieme, offering interpretations of iconic Italian and Venetian specialities, Buddha-Bar Beach Restaurant & Pool Bar, an outdoor pool, tennis court and more.

Milan – Grand Hotel et de Milan

Built in 1863, the privately-owned boutique hotel is best known as the Milanese house of Giuseppe Verdi, where the lauded composer wrote “Othello” and “The Falstaff” exquisitely combines history, charm and elegance.

Set in the very heart of the city on Via Manzoni, just five minutes from the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, the Grand Hotel et de Milan features 95 elegant rooms and suites featuring 18th century touches.

Event planners will be delighted with the stylish and pleasingly named spaces – Puccini can host 200 for receptions, Giordano will suit theatre-style meetings for 50 while the diminutive Verdi is perfect for banquets for up to 40 people.

The Italian Lakes - Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como 

With its serene setting and an iconic floating pool on the lake, this luxury property joined the Mandarin Oriental property after a rebranding and renovation in 2019. The lakefront hotel 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.

Florence – Palazzo Portinari Salviati

The prestigious Palazzo Portinari Salviati, located in the historic centre of Florence and facing the Dome, will join the collection of luxury LDC Group hotels in Italy this December. Following a meticulous restoration work, the Historical Residence features 13 units, including elegant rooms and suites and luxury serviced apartments.

The elegant Court of the Emperors, which feature frescoes dated back to the fifteenth century depicting Homer’s Odyssey, is home to the fine dining Restaurant with Michelin starred Chefs, offering guests an authentic dining experience.

In addition, the Palazzo features the Bistrot and Lounge Bar, 500sqm SPA facilities including indoor pool with jacuzzi area, sauna, steam bath, fitness center and four treatment rooms, luxury boutiques, historical Noble floor 110 sqm for private exclusive events, a 40 sqm meeting room and a frescoed private chapel by Alessandro Allori.

Rome – Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

With a commanding view of the Eternal City, the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel boasts Michelin-star dining, a luxury Spa, 15 acres of private park, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities making it ideal for events and incentives of all kinds.

The property features 370 rooms and suites, an award-winning convention centre comprised of 29 meeting rooms offering a total of 8,700sqm for up to 5,500 delegates, as well as outdoor spaces. The Salone dei Cavalieri grand ballroom subtly blends advanced modern technology with breath-taking pieces of art, including four ornate tapestries dating back to the 17th Century, while La Pergola is the first and only three-star Michelin restaurant in Rome, offering fine dining with stunning vistas.

Capri – Hotel La Palma

This iconic property is due to reopen as one of Oetker Collection’s masterpiece hotels in April 2022 following a complete transformation. Dating back to 1822, Hotel La Palma is the first and oldest hotel on the island.

During its renovation, the room count of the hotel is being decreased, from 80 to 50 rooms – including 18 suites – each complete with its own private balcony or terrace. It will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques.