I think we can all agree that we all deserve a peaceful holiday away after the year we’ve had... Whilst many of us have been in limbo for months now, unsure on whether we will be able to travel freely again in 2021, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel as the UK government proceeds to open up foreign travel from the 17th of May!

Despite the enormous hardship we have all experienced during this uncertain time, the prospect of a summer holiday is now becoming a reality. Whilst we wait for a traffic light system to come into place however, many of you may still be feeling a little cautious about travelling to busy places; here at HIP Hotels we want to make sure that you not only continue to look forward to travelling again but that you feel as comfortable as possible doing so. We want to keep your spirits high and above all, help fulfill your wanderlust dreams this holiday season!

If you’re unsure about where to book for your next holiday destination, how about easing yourself into travel with a peaceful escape in Southern Italy? Gifted with spectacular landscapes, gastronomical success and cultural and historical prowess, this week the Italian Prime Minister announced that the country is beginning to welcome back travellers. Whilst there are so many incredible destinations throughout Italy to discover, many of the more popular cities will be teeming with people; ease yourself into travel and discover some of these stunning southern Italy hotels that thrive in peace and that warm your soul as well as your skin – HIP Hotels approved.

Please note: travel may be subject to change. Therefore, please keep updated with the travel news!

Villa Ducale

If a romantic quiet escape is what you’re looking for, then look no further than the enchanting Villa Ducale. Located in the heart of Taormina, discover the true meaning of peace and quiet whilst you listen to the sounds of pristine nature, enjoy the scent of fresh lemons and oranges and indulge in the glittering deep blue Mediterranean sea at your feet. Nominated by TripAdvisor as a “Top Hotel For Romance”, Villa Ducale is an intimate get away surrounded by stunning panoramic ocean views over Mount Etna, Giardini Naxos Bay and the Isola Bella - an charming islet linked only to the mainland with a small strip of sand - making the vista all the more enchanting! The villa’s elevated location benefits from an extremely favourable position, not only allowing for such awe-inspiring seascapes, but creating a complete sense of tranquility away from the busier areas of the historical centre of town.

Villa Ducale was originally built as a grand home and has now been transformed into a serene oasis made up of 18 exquisite rooms and suites. Authentic antique furniture and local Sicilian fabrics adorn the rooms, with private balconies offering a retreat away from other guests. There’s almost never a moment without the ocean views at Villa Ducale, as the villa’s new pool offers a chance to cool down from the southern Italian heat whilst surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and vibrant plants, once again with a view of the bay!

Soak up the charm of the surrounding town and its culture before returning to the villa for freshly prepared food and delicious cocktails on the renowned open plan terrace, made all the more opulent when served against the magnificent scene of sundown. A stay at Villa Ducale is where you enjoy the simple pleasures of life. So grab a book, indulge in the fresh flower aromas that surround you and feel that warm Mediterranean sun on your skin. This is a place of true relaxation – perfect for a tranquil escape with the one you love, or on your own, if you’ve spent too much time cooped up with them in the last year!

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Casa Angelina

Leave all your worries behind and escape to the most exclusive luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. Positioned on a cliff face surrounded by mesmerising views across the Meditteranean Sea, Casa Angelina is a breath-taking contemporary, minimalist escape for those who are looking for a luxurious and elegant tranquil getaway in southern Italy. Located in the picturesque town of Praiano, a former fishing village, the foot of the hotel sits by the old fishermen’s houses, teeming with the charm and history of the town that was founded by the ancient Greeks.

Style is the word at Casa Angelina. Its decor is dominated by white, contrasting the vibrant Mediterranean blues of the ocean, with blue accents purposefully placed to complement them. Indulge in modern minimalist surroundings, elegant simplicity and an eclectic collection of hand-picked pieces of art that fill the hotel. The clean and contemporary lines are the real protagonists of the gorgeously styled rooms and suites – this magnificent haven is a true representation of timeless elegance.

Let Casa Angelina’s restaurant “Un Piano Nel Cielo” transport you to a world of such sublime beauty that it feels like you’ve stepped into heaven. Curated by executive chef Leopoldo Elefante, the locally sourced seasonal ingredients are brought together to create divine gourmet dishes that are presented with a perfect balance between elegant and playful. Enjoy a glass of wine or two from the 4000-plus bottles wine cellar that are carefully selected to complement the cuisine, whilst you enjoy one of the most spectacular vistas that the Amalfi Coast has to offer.

Whether you’ll be sipping cocktails at the Seascape Bar, sitting by the fire on the rooftop terrace with a book or simply enjoying the tranquility and beauty of such elegant surroundings, Casa Angelina will give you such mesmerising peace and serenity that you’ll never want to leave!

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Palazzo de Noha

Nestled in the Old Town district of Southern Italy’s quiet town of Lecce, Palazzo de Noha captures an exquisite serenity that exists outside of time. Blending the very best of contemporary fine art and design into spaces that feel elegant and minimalist, this enchanting hotel focuses on maintaining the historical elements of its property, whilst offering its guests something truly unique and special. The exposure to the archaeological vestiges weave this hotel in Lecce’s historical centre effortlessly, whilst presenting each guest with the five hundred year old history of the space, inadvertently creating a tranquil yet inquisitive environment for moments of peaceful reflection.

Palazzo de Noha is an undeniably stylish escape. Equipped with a rooftop solarium with an infinity pool and charming terrace gardens, this palazzo blossoms with an intimate playfulness, inviting guests to soak up the ambience of this lifestyle design hotel. Indulge in the intricate details that adorn all nine of the individually decorated suites. From ancient alcoves and star-pinnacle ceilings, to custom furniture and beautiful Italian design, no detail within Palazzo de Noha has been left unattended. Not to mention the Artemide lamp by architect Gae Aulenti and the futuristic sofa by Zaza Hadid illuminates the archaeological remains that lie under a glass pavement. Many of the original features of this fifteenth-century palace have been honoured and respectfully preserved with modern architectural feats that make it feel like a museum, rather than simply a place in which you lay your head!

If your idea of peace is either diving into this palazzo’s and its surroundings history, or just taking in its serene atmosphere on their “corner of the sky” rooftop, the geniality of Palazzo de Noha is a heavenly space to truly relax and indulge in this little slice of paradise in southern Italy.

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Art Hotel Villa Fiorella

Perched on the southern edge of Naples, Art Hotel Villa Fiorella is a haven of peace and harmony for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Each space offers an atmosphere of elegance and beauty, with stunning panoramic views over the Gulf of Naples and the island of Capri in all their splendour. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to staying at this magnificent hotel; from expansive two-floor apartments and Deluxe suites with wide terraces overlooking the ocean, to access over 4000 square metres of beautiful private grounds and gardens, be sure to browse through the “soul” of the hotel through its extensive art collection that is showcased throughout.

After a long day of immersing yourself within the local culture of the quaint town of Sorrento, return to the exquisitely curated comfort, relaxation and peace of Art Hotel Villa Fiorella. If being pampered is your preferred way to relax, then be sure to rejuvenate your senses at the hotel’s wellness spa, where you can transform your holiday to Naples into the perfect revitalising and calming escape. Whether you're enjoying its variety of energising massages, facials and body treatments or unwinding in its designated thermal area, this is the perfect place to wash your worries away – especially after the year we’ve had!

Take a dip in the hotel’s magnificent infinity pool, immerse yourself in the cool and romantic atmosphere at the Cielo Sky Lounge whilst you enjoy a cocktail or two, enjoy some tasty gourmet dishes freshly prepared by Chef Marco Del Sorbo at the Scirocco Pool Bar and watch the sky come to life as the sun dips behind the ocean. A stay at Art Hotel Villa Fiorella is a stay you’ll never forget.

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Donna Coraly Resort

If you’re after a more secluded escape in which you can destress, recharge your batteries and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, then look no further than Donna Coraly Resort. Nestled among olive groves in the lush nature of the Sicilian countryside, this private villa is set in a 600-year-old fortified estate and is the perfect home-away-from-home. A moment in history elevates the peace of the Donna Coraly, as it was here that the armistice of Cassibile was signed in September 1943. The echo of this moment is preserved in the serenity of the villa and can be felt wherever in the grounds you may be escaping to.

With over 5000 square metres of stunning grounds where quiet and tranquility reign, there are plenty of spaces to explore, soak in and admire. Perched between the island’s best beaches and its spectacular Baroque towns such as Noto and Ortigia, this enchanting hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Sicily. Experience the highest quality of Sicilian hospitality and fully immerse yourself in the romantic oasis that is Donna Coraly Resort as the spectacular members of staff help you get under the skin of this magical region. Be inspired by the mixture of 18th-century furniture and beautiful contemporary art, that blend in seamlessly with its awe-inspiring surroundings as you enter into your own private gardens from the elegant French doors. The suites here are both classic and unique, making you feel as if you’ve just walked into the epitome of peace and tranquility.

Wander through the luxurious botanical gardens filled with spectacular plants, vibrant flowers and tropical fruit trees, enjoy some complimentary sunset aperitifs on the terrace and tantalise your tastebuds in the intimate and romantic hotel restaurant where fresh and organic products are served directly from the hotel garden. No stay at Donna Coraly is complete without a trip to the Wellness Corner. Destress with a rejuvenating massage, take a private yoga class at sunset and take a dip inside their heated bio lake which allows you to decompress with its naturally generated thermal qualities. The refined ambience and elegant details make this enchanting hotel the quintessential place for those who are seeking an unforgettable experience.

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