According to TravelPulse tourism to Italy is expected to draw an estimated 25 million visitors this summer as 2025 is the Jubilee Year, a Roman Catholic religious event that’s held once every 25 years.
While Rome will take center stage this year, savvy travelers from around the world are seeking out alternative Italian destinations that offer a balance of cultural richness, luxury, and relaxation. From the coastal elegance of Tuscany’s Forte dei Marmi to the sun-drenched glamour of Sardinia, Italy is brimming with refined retreats perfect for both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors.
Hotel Cala di Volpe – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy (pictured)
An icon of Italian glamour and luxury, Hotel Cala di Volpe—part of The Luxury Collection by Marriott—has captivated global jet-setters for over 60 years. Nestled along Sardinia’s famed Emerald Coast, the hotel blends rustic elegance with world-class amenities, including the Harrods-designed penthouse suite, award-winning Shiseido Spa, and destination dining from Le Grand to Ai Due Mari. Guests can explore outdoor pursuits like championship golf at Pevero and elite tennis at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center. From cinematic heritage to modern indulgence, Cala di Volpe is the essence of Sardinian dolce vita. Press Kit HERE
Cervo Hotel – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy
Located in the heart of Porto Cervo, Cervo Hotel is a sophisticated retreat that epitomizes coastal charm and understated elegance. Designed by Luigi Vietti in 1962, the hotel overlooks the iconic Piazzetta and Marina, offering seamless access to Sardinia’s finest shopping, dining, and nightlife. Guests enjoy immersive culinary experiences at standout restaurants like Quattro Passi al Pescatore and Novikov Porto Cervo. With its vibrant ambiance and exceptional location, Cervo Hotel remains the beating heart of Costa Smeralda. Press Kit HERE
Grand Hotel Imperiale – Forte dei Marmi
Grand Hotel Imperiale offers the same elegance and coastal charm as the Amalfi Coast but with fewer crowds, more privacy, and a unique Tuscan twist. Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Versilia Riviera, the hotel gives guests access to the quaint town center and to Remo Private Beach Club, the resort’s exclusive beach club offering sleek loungers, a stylish pool, and beachside dining.
Forte dei Marmi is where Italy’s elite have escaped to for years (Andrea Bocelli is a resident) and it’s now catching the attention of U.S. travelers who want luxury without the tourist overload. Guests can enjoy designer shopping (think Gucci, Dior, Miu Miu), quiet bike rides through the town, gourmet seaside dining, and the laid-back glamour this beach town is known for.
Offering seamless access to discover unique experiences guests of the resort can book activities such as a guided driving tour through the Apuan Alps Regional Park to see the Carrara marble quarries, taking a hot air balloon over the hills of Tuscany or going Truffle Hunt in the Tuscan countryside, exploring the art, food, and history of Florence or Siena through guided walking tours, and more. Hi-res imagery HERE
Il Sereno, Lake Como
Il Sereno Lago di Como offers the ultimate summer escape on the iconic shores of Lake Como. Guests can enjoy curated experiences, from mid-century property tours and lakeside picnics to sunset hours on the water. The hotel is home to the Michelin-starred Il Sereno Al Lago, led by Executive Chef Raffaele Lenzi, whose award-winning dishes, including the signature Vegetali, Tuberi e Radici, continue to impress.
Each spacious waterfront suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces with breathtaking lake views. The serene spa, housed beneath centuries-old stone arches, offers restorative treatments from Swiss brand Valmont. For relaxation and adventure, the hotel’s 60-foot freshwater infinity pool and custom Ernesto Riva boats provide the perfect way to enjoy the lake. Il Sereno Lago di Como merges timeless charm with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most renowned destinations.
