Red Savannah’s “A-Listers Guide to Italy” highlights some of the exclusive properties and luxury destinations where Hollywood royalty and celebrities spend their vacations.
Italy is a country that exudes style and sophistication, where La Dolce Vita finds its natural home in a setting of exquisite landscapes, seemingly untouched medieval towns, fine dining that is famous the world over, and designer shopping that rivals Rodeo Drive.
It is, therefore, no surprise that the country has attracted Hollywood royalty for decades—and continues to do so.
From the peaceful shores of Lake Como to the rolling hills of Tuscany, follow in the footsteps of some of the best-known names on screen on your next Italian vacation with Red Savannah’s A-Lister’s Guide to Italy.
Destinations in Italy That Draw A-Listers
These destinations consistently draw the Hollywood elite:
Lake Como
Flowers Pool at Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como (credit: Grand Hotel Tremezzo)
With the beautiful resorts of Como, Tremezzo, Bellagio and Lecco (to name just a few) dotted around its scenic shores, Lake Como is a picture-perfect Italian idyll, favoured by Hollywood stars.
Probably its most famous vacationers are The Clooneys; their Italian home in Laglio is located just 15 minutes from Como and the couple are also rumoured to be regulars at Villa d’Este, a 150-year old former royal residence, now an exclusive five-star hotel.
And they’re not the only A-Listers who flock to the lake’s enchanting shores. Most recently Lady Gaga made Como her base while taking on the role of Patrizia Gucci in House of Gucci.
Lovers of the film will recognise Villa Balbiano as the grand palazzo owned by the head of the family, Aldo Gucci, where Patrizia gains her first introduction to the enigmatic family. The villa can be rented exclusively, its regal lakeside setting and landscaped gardens making it the ultimate venue – with family drama entirely optional.
Villa Balbiano on Lake Como (credit; Red Svannah)
If you don’t require the 14 lavish guest rooms of Villa Balbiano, a hotel stay in Como delivers a similar dose of glamour. Set in a privileged lakeside position, with unbeatable views of Bellagio, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a five-star hotel favoured by names such as Natalie Portman, Edward Norton, and Van Morrison.
Live like a movie star and take to the water on the hotel’s water limousine, or meander around the extensive gardens and terraces. Who knows who you’ll bump into whilst enjoying an afternoon Aperol aperitivo!
Tuscany
Gardens at Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence (credit: Villa San Michele)
Wildly romantic Tuscan landscapes extend across olive groves and vineyards, medieval towns come alive with markets and festivals, and historic cities host impressive Renaissance art. There are endless places to discover in Tuscany but it is Florence, its capital, which is favoured by those in the know.
After going behind the scenes at the Uffizi Gallery, window shopping on the historic Ponte Vecchio, and tasting some of the best gelato in Italy, there’s only one place you’ll want to rest your head – Belmond Villa San Michele.
The hotel sits majestically in the Fiesole hills and has commanding views over the city. Famous names in the guest book include Julia Roberts and Elton John, as well as true royalty in the form of King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, who came to stay in 2018.
For dining with A-list privacy, little beats the slow food tasting menu Ristorante San Michele, while the panoramic views from hillside La Loggia are exquisite.
Portofino
Splendido A Belmond Hotel in Portofino (credit: Splendido)
The pretty fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera is home to high-end boutiques, attractive pastel-coloured houses, and a harbour teeming with superyachts. The spectacular coastal roads which approach the harbour town evoke James Bond glamour and adventure, while the views from Castello Brown are simply breath-taking.
This seemingly sleepy corner of Italy has attracted the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Sarah Jessica Parker – the Louis Vuitton store here is bound to have Carrie Bradshaw’s discerning seal of approval. The allure of Portofino dates back yet further, however, to the Golden Age of Hollywood. The ultimate address is Splendido, A Belmond Hotel.
Richard Burton famously proposed to Elizabeth Taylor (the first time) in the 1960s – they stayed in room 471. You may even wish to dine on Pasta alla Elizabeth Taylor in the restaurant.
Venice
Aerial view of Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel in Venice (credit: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel)
Renaissance mansions, Gothic palaces and opulent bridges line the waterways of Veneto’s capital and provide an eternally romantic backdrop for star-crossed lovers. The Clooneys cemented their love affair with Italy when they married in Venice in 2014. The Hotel Aman Venice staged the star-studded event which inarguably drew in more of the Hollywood set than the city’s annual Film Festival. In 2021 Jennifer Lopez made waves when she arrived at Dolce & Gabbana’s couture show in an outfit full of drama.
Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, is the prime address in the city, perfectly positioned away from the crowds on Giudecca island. J-Lo, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg are just a few of those attracted to the hotel’s Michelin-starred cuisine, views of St Mark’s Square from its Olympic-sized pool, and the sumptuously decorated suites which overlook the lagoon.
Having transcended the decades and as popular now as it was in Hollywood’s Golden Age, isn’t it time to start your love affair with Italy? Red Savannah’s hand-picked luxury hotels and villas are in the best locations and their Italy Travel Specialists can help plan every detail of your vacation.
Disclosure: The post was sponsored by Red Savannah, an award-winning travel company that designs custom journeys around the world.
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A-Lister’s Guide to Travel in Italy
