LOOKING FOR A REASON TO LOVE ITALY? WE HAVE 10 OF THEM

Italy’s timeless and extraordinary beauty deserves to be in the spotlight. And Sina is rightly proud of its 10 luxury hotels which are in some of the most celebrated and stunning locations around the country.

Florence, a Renaissance gem and a cradle of art and architecture which draws visitors from all over the world for its artistic and fashion events, has a hidden gem set in private gardens: the Grand Hotel Villa Medici, a striking 18th-century patrician residence which as been skilfully renovated and is next to the Arno river and just a stone’s throw from the old city centre with its outstanding monuments and elegant shops.

Rome, where history blends with the city’s bustling daily life and each season is crammed with international events, has an exceptional panoramic view point: the Hotel Bernini Bristol. Overlooking Piazza Barberini and Bernini’s famous Triton Fountain, it also has views over the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and many of Rome’s famous shopping streets and, in the distance, the dome of St. Peter’s.

Venice, a UNESCO world heritage site and quite unique for its priceless artistic beauties and timeless ambience, expresses its most profound and eclectic soul in two hotels. The Palazzo Sant'Angelo, a refined residence in perfect Venetian style overlooking the Grand Canal between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. And the Centurion Palace, with its exclusive design features and Venetian façade. This hotel has direct access to the Grand Canal and views of St. Mark’s, and is next to the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, between the Dogana Point and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.

Perugia, this city of art, history and culture invites you to stroll along its narrow little streets and through its lush countryside to discover the beauties of Umbria and enjoy the many international events it hosts every year. And then stay in the exclusive Hotel Brufani Palace, a symbol of luxury in the heart of Medieval Perugia with unforgettable views over the city and the Umbrian hills.

Romano Canavese, this ancient little town close to Turin on the borders of the Val d’Aosta in a land of good food, castles and vineyards has a secret: the Relais Villa Matilde, a splendid 18th-century patrician residence where guests delight in the atmosphere and pomp  reminiscent of the days when it was the summer retreat of an aristocratic family.

Milan, Italy’s fashion, financial, publishing and industrial capital which will host the 2015 Universal exposition, has two hotels which reflect its vibrant spirit. The Hotel De la Ville, the elegant haunt of everyone who is anyone in Milan, on the famous fashion beat and just a stone’s throw from the La Scala Opera House. And The Gray, an eclectic design hotel close to the magnificent Cathedral; a popular haunt for trend-setters from the worlds of fashion and entertainment.

Parma, home to Giuseppe Verdi and a city with a long and fascinating history, is steeped in art and music, has many theatres and is famous for its quality of life which puts it at he highest of European levels, expresses its proverbial welcome in the Palace Maria Luigia. This hotel, right in the heart of the city and with an external patio, is popular for its sober elegance and renowned restaurant.

Viareggio, the famous seaside resort which attracts jet-setting visitors for its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and for its annual Carnival, has a very special rapport with the sea. And the large terraces of the Hotel Astor overlook the famous promenade, allowing visitors to enjoy wide horizons, a regenerating ambience and a warm welcome.