Villa Passalaqua, Lake Como

The family behind Lake Como’s legendary Grand Hotel Tremezzo has secured a second lakeside site for a 24-room sister hotel. Passalaqua is sitting on land that was originally owned by 17th century Pope Innocent XI. The building was once owned by a wealthy Italian nobleman after whom the hotel is now named. Thanks to its elevated position, Passalacqua dominates the western shore from above and offers some of the most fascinating views of Lake Como. The hoteliers promise a playful luxury hideaway, complete with hidden bars and secret tunnels, a swoony rose garden for romantic walks at dusk, an antique orchard packed with centuries-old trees and even a private dock from which vintage boats will take visitors out on the waters. Opening summer 2022.

Hotel de Len, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hotel de LEN is a tribute to its place and to the natural element of wood. A story of well-being and sustainability that begins in the heart of the structure. de LEN, “of wood” in Ladino, a neo-Latin language spoken in the Dolomite communities, is a tribute to the true protagonist of this architectural structure, a sustainable, renewable and functional element. The 22-room property is a welcome addition to one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains — home to the 1956 Winter Olympics, and soon the 2026 edition, too. Its name is a nod to the natural, sustainable materials used to construct the minimalist design. The oversized rooftop spa, with views out across the Cortina slopes, is a perfect après-ski hideaway. Opening was in January 2022.

Vista Palazzo, Verona

Verona is the city that made Shakespeare fall in love. And the new Vista Palazzo Verona is worthy of a Romeo and Juliet level of love. Vista is set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated historic center, in an elegant palazzo that has been renovated to reflect a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Historic Italian designs are paired with modern furnishings from Italy’s best craftsmen throughout this stylish palazzo. The 16 spacious suites are furnished with pieces from top Italian designers, from the custom-made marbles sinks to fine cotton towels by Rivalta Carmignani. Not to miss is the rooftop terrace with a 360-degree views. The spa features a pool, whirlpool, Turkish bath, saunas and a small gym that can be privatized. Head to the panoramic terrace to find the bar and restaurant, both looking out over the Verona rooftops and out to the vineyards just outside town. Opened in March 2022.

Portrait, Milan

The multitasking cobbling family, Ferragamo, has dominated its hometown hotel scene with a series of elegant, understated spots flagged under the Lungarno collection brand. Now it’s branching out beyond its Tuscan base with this flagship in Italy’s northwestern hub, Portrait Milano. The hideaway will be housed in a former seminary, with a show-stopping Baroque entrance dating back to 1652. One of the new location’s greatest attributes is that it will welcome hotel guests, visitors and residents alike, modifying pedestrian access through the fashion district by joining Corso Venezia to Via Sant’Andrea. The huge building will also host restaurants, a shopping arcade and plenty of space for events, making it a major lifestyle hub in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. Expect sleek, functional rooms with knowing winks to the owners. Opening summer 2022.

Hotel La Palma, Capri

Capri’s first hotel, built in 1822, is currently being transformed into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite hotel. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and high-fashion boutiques. Hotel La Palma will be the incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers, and musicians from all over the world. Once again, it will be at the epicenter of the social scene on the island. It’s set to be a swoon-worthy jet-set spot this summer and the ideal romantic break, as, supposedly, Oetker CEO Dr. Timo Gruenert proposed to his own wife on the island four years ago. Opening summer 2022.

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Hotel La Palma will be the incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers, and musicians from all over the world. Once again, it will be at the epicenter of the social scene on the island.

Set the scene

The property has been conceived as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island for the modern traveler. The original hotel on Capri will once more become the chicest address on the island for people who want to see and be seen. The renovation will decrease the room count to 50, including 18 suites. Each will have its own private balcony or terrace. Located in the heart of Capri, it is just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I, better known as the Piazzetta. Hotel La Palma is perfectly positioned for guests to visit some of the most notable sites of Capri: Via and Villa Krupp, La Certosa, I Giardini di Augusto and the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

A Feast for the Senses

In true Italian fashion, Hotel La Palma will be a gourmet’s delight. Leading the hotel’s culinary scene is chef Gennaro Esposito, who has run his own two-Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for 23 years. Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace will embrace the timeless romance of the island, serving unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. Another highlight will be Bianca, a glamorous, newly created rooftop restaurant and bar. Open until late, it will offer spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village. And then, there will be the elegant pool bar which pays homage to the “classic Capri” of the golden age.

Beach life

Just a short drive to Capri’s southern coast, guests can spend their day at Hotel La Palma’s elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola. At the island’s most famous beaches and restaurants, people come and go from their yachts and neighboring hotels. One can enjoy a lazy lunch created by Chef Gennaro, or later a sunset cocktail while soaking in Capri’s animated social scene. Or, you might want to head back to the hotel and indulge in one of the spa offerings like sauna, steam bath, ice shower or the fitness center.

Hotel History

Since 1822, Hotel La Palma – formerly known as Locanda Pagano – is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travelers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations. Often, his guests were artists, architects, painters, writers and musicians. All showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the “Artists” Hotel.

Capri – The iconic island

Laidback and a synonym for enduring elegance, Capri is set in the blue waters of Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea in the Bay of Naples just off the Sorrentine Peninsula. The island is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter from the mainland, Capri has remained a popular destination since the 1950s; a sun-soaked playground for the contemporary jet set that captures the quintessential spirit of the Mediterranean.

Photos: Romain Réglade, Oetker Collection

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The villa (https://www.lionard.com/villa-de-sica-for-sale-capri.html) is part of the historic residence “The Four Winds”, one of those that contributed to the myth of Capri, designed and built by the American symbolist painter and poet Elihu Vedder, between 1900 and 1903, on the slopes of Mount Solaro. The villa of the De Sica family, in Capri style, was built in what was once the artist studio of Vedder. A destiny that will continue with the subsequent owners: sold to Earl Brewster, the villa “The Four Winds” was a long-stay residence for the writer D. H. Lawrence who worked here on the drafting of his famous book: “Lady Chatterley’s Lover”. The entire property changed hands again at the end of the 1930s, and continued to be frequented by many artists, including Joseph Beuys (who has dedicated one of his famous works to Capri) and Cy Twombly.

Famous Capri

The villa enjoys a unique view of Capri and, at the same time, the Bay of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. Surrounded by a splendid garden with citrus and olive trees, which guarantees total privacy thanks to its strategic position, it is easily reachable from the port and, in just ten minutes on foot, from the famous Piazzetta di Capri. Completely renovated, using quality materials and attention to detail, the villa is spread over a total of 2600 square feet of interior, harmoniously divided over two floors. Access to the large panoramic living room is from one of two terraces overlooking the sea, extraordinarily bright thanks to the high vaulted ceilings and large windows that open onto the green garden and the sea, completed by a kitchen and a bathroom. Part of the living area can also be used as a bedroom and, thanks to retractable blinds, becomes a completely independent room with bathroom and comfortable closets. On either side of the living area, the two large terraces are perfectly equipped to be comfortably lived in at any time of the day.

Above, on the roof, another magnificent terrace. The sleeping area, connected internally by a comfortable staircase and externally accessible from the garden, includes two double bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Near, but independent from the villa, there is the outbuilding used as a spa area, with magnificent mosaics and bathroom, easily convertible into a space for guests. On the roof, another magnificent panoramic terrace. This villa is the ideal solution for those who would like to own a charming property in one of the most exclusive spots in the world.

Photos courtesy of Lionard, Campania Tourism

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