Palazzo Doglio

Set in 116 acres of gardens on Sardinia's southern coast, Forte Village Resort includes a selection of eight hotels, 13 luxury villas and some 40 exclusive suites.

Once hosting aristocratic travellers, Russian royalty and renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, a half century hiatus as an office building ended with a glorious restoration and re-establishment of this Roman icon. The Hotel de Russie lies between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino, within easy walking distance of Rome’s main attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. Though surrounded by the ceaseless buzz of the city, behind the hotel’s unassuming frontage, is a soothing tranquility – both in design and ambiance – and vast private 18th century terraced gardens, a rare oasis away from it all. 122 rooms and suites are thoroughly up to date amenity wise, complete with Bisazza mosaic and Carrara marble in the bathrooms. Some feature private terraces and many rooms have views over Rome, Piazza del Popolo or the garden. The Stravinskij Bar is renowned for its apertivos, while Le Jardin de Russie and its chef, two-Michelin-star chef Fulvio Pierangelini, serve up simple yet refined dishes Mediterranean dishes in one a most romantic of settings. Furthering the Hotel de Russie urban oasis credentials is the De Russie Spa, one of Rome’s best health clubs.

Along the banks of the River Arno on a pedestrianised piazza, is the St. Regis Florence, a historic palace designed by Brunelleschi. The hotel’s 80 rooms and 19 suites are decorated in elegant Medici, Fiorentino or Renaissance style. Some feature adorned coffered ceilings, wall frescoes and 15th-century artwork. Florence is a city of true beauty and you’ll enjoy views of the city, courtyard or the River Arno from your opulent room. Indulging in the local food is the highlight of any trip to Italy and the hotel’s Restaurant, Winter Garden by Caino, has been awarded a Michelin star for its innovative cuisine. The excellent food is matched by its surroundings and the high glass ceilings and dramatic chandelier give the room plenty of old-world charm. The Regis Bar is located in the arches of the restaurant and the perfect place to relax with an espresso or cocktail. If grapes are more your thing, the cellar houses more than 300 prestigious labels from Italy and further afield. For when you want to relax and unwind, head to the hotel spa or fitness centre or get out and discover the beautiful city of Florence which is right on your doorstep.

Lake Como is all about style and elegance, and the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo with its impressive art nouveau façade, fits the brief perfectly. Sat on the western shores of the lake, the hotel looks out across the water to the pretty town of Bellagio and the dramatic Grigne mountains. Not to be outshone by its famous neighbour, Villa Carlotta, the hotel sits within beautifully landscaped gardens filled with rare and ancient magnolias, palm trees and flowers that explode in clouds of red, purple, pink and blue. Rooms come with large windows that look out over lake or gardens, and the views from the rooftop suites are hard to beat. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your eye, however, and there’s plenty to admire inside as well. The lounge is filled with brightly coloured furniture and features ornate silk hangings on the wall, while the billiards room is home to an original table from the 1800s. Guests can dine on seasonal Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant where in the warmer months, food is served on the terrace. The trattoria and wine bar is perfect for more casual dining, offering the relaxed atmosphere of an ancient wine cellar with a touch of modern elegance. Relaxing here is easy; the hotel has a secluded outdoor pool in the gardens and its own man-made beach, located just in front of the water-on-water floating pool on the lake. The indoor infinity pool and spa look out over the water and offer luxurious Santa Maria Novella products and treatments. The hotel also has its own water limos for when you want to explore and discover the lake.