Italian cuisine is world-famous for good reason. Its allure goes beyond a desire to satisfy hunger. Over time, its blend of Greek, Roman, and Arab roots has seen refinement with new techniques while retaining its authenticity.
Regardless of what part of the country you choose to visit, a local culinary experience is vital to making your sojourn fulfilling. It tells a cultural tale while pleasing your palate, leaving you with lasting memories.
In addition to comfort and quality of service, many of Italy’s best hotel stays are often defined by gastronomy. Ranging from Michelin-starred dining to curated wine-tasting tours, these properties offer unique experiences that bring a deeper sense of place to every stay. Here, we explore culinary delights offered to LHW's Leaders Club members at five luxury hotels across the country.
Casa Angelina, Praiano
Perched on the cliffs of Praiano, Casa Angelina occupies one of the Amalfi Coast’s most dramatic settings. The hotel is a serene retreat where contemporary design, luminous interiors, and sweeping sea views create an aura of understated glamour. In a place long associated with cinematic beauty, Casa Angelina offers a subdued, more polished expression of the coast. One that feels deeply connected to the landscape around it.
That sense of place aligns with its culinary offering. Guided by Michelin-starred Chef Leopoldo Elefante. Guests start with a harvest of ingredients from the hotel’s organic garden. This is followed by a private cooking lesson using local recipes and techniques. The experience concludes with lunch for two built around the dishes prepared during the lesson. The session brings the garden's flavors to the table in a personal way, leaving participants with a lasting memory.
Grand Hotel Fasano, Gardone Riviera
Set on the shores of Lake Garda in Gardone Riviera, Grand Hotel Fasano draws much of its identity from the appeal of Italy's largest lake. The calm waters and scenery shape the mood and induce a sense of calm. Its location gives the hotel a classic sense of grandeur, softened by the calm that defines lakefront living.
The culinary experience exploits that backdrop. Guests are invited aboard a vintage sailing ship for a sunset cruise across the lake. A chef puts on a show while preparing a four-course dinner as guests enjoy the scenery. With paired wines and attentive service, the evening is designed as a unique encounter with Lake Garda as day gives way to dusk.
Mazzarò Sea Palace, Taormina
Mazzarò Sea Palace brings a distinct energy to Sicily's crystalline shores. Located on the bay of Taormina, the hotel is framed by its private terraces and sublime views. The sea is central to the experience here, giving the property a bright, sensuous quality.
The hotel's experience focuses on mixology. Guests can take part in a hands-on cocktail session led by the hotel’s expert mixologist. The session explores the craft behind classics such as the Negroni and Mojito while also creating their own signature drinks. Ingredients, tools, and core techniques are all part of the lesson, which ends with a tasting served with light bites.
Therasia Resort Sea and Spa, Lipari
Few places in Italy have the appeal of the Aeolian Islands. Therasia Resort Sea and Spa makes the most of its position on Vulcano Island. Perched on a natural terrace with sweeping views, it is surrounded by natural beauty in various forms. These include a unique volcanic landscape and an active volcano. It is a remote and dramatic place, lending the property a powerful sense of character.
Guests are invited to dine at the resort’s two-Michelin-starred I Tenerumi, where Chef Davide Guidara presents a 13-course vegetarian tasting menu. The cuisine is built around bold flavors, unique textures, and sustainable ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s gardens. It celebrates creativity and contemporary gastronomy.
Villa Eden – The Private Retreat, Merano
Villa Eden offers a unique vision of Italy, shaped by Alpine scenery and the cultural richness of South Tyrol. The hotel positions itself as a sanctuary of serenity and wellness, surrounded by the beautiful land elevations of northern Italy. The property has a quiet and introspective identity, one grounded in regional heritage.
That regional dimension defines the culinary experience. Guests begin at Castle Rametz, where the Schmid family hosts a private tasting that includes a tour of the medieval wine cellar and estate wines paired with local delicacies in the castle’s private salons. The experience then continues at Villa Eden with a dinner for two in the Tasting Room. Here, each dish is designed to reflect the terroir and character of South Tyrol.
