It’s a hive of activity at several of our hotels at this time of year as they get ready to open for the 2025 season.  Rooms are refreshed, paint is touched up, staff training is renewed and new menus are created.  The staff at our hotels in Italy and Spain can’t wait to reopen their doors and below are some reasons why you should visit each one.

Italy

Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges – open

From sea views to mountain landscapes, each unique suite and lodge at Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges is designed for relaxation and peaceful seclusion. Donna Carmela is surrounded by 10,000 square metres of lush Mediterranean and subtropical plants giving the resort a unique and tranquil environment.  Several of the resort’s spacious suites enjoy Etna or sea-facing views and some enjoy panoramic terraces, lava stone hot tubs or private gardens.  Sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna, between Catania and Taormina in the small village of Carruba, Donna Carmela, its beautifully restored ancient farmhouse and lodges exist with design, nature, sustainability and Sicilian hospitality in mind.

Later this year, Donna Carmela will add a spa, indoor pool and an additional restaurant to it’s amenities.

Ottolire Resort – open

Ottolire Resort is located in the heart of the Itria Valley, Puglia and is the passion project of the Piccoli family. The restoration of the buildings was meticulously carried out over a 10 year period and the resulting hotel is really something to behold. Ottolire Resort encompasses everything that is great about Puglia: fabulous food, amazing wines and beautiful scenery.

The hotel rooms are split over several buildings that in the past were the home and farm buildings of the Piccoli family. The grounds of the hotel have been beautifully landscaped with a stunning pool to relax by after a day exploring the surrounding towns. Once you have tired of sampling local wines and eating there are a load of activities available from cycling, horseback riding, hot air ballooning or perhaps just a drive around the nearby villages of Locorotondo or Martina Franca.

Costa del Capitano Seaside Villas – open

Located between Punta Chiarito and Sant’Angelo on the beautiful island of Ischia, Costa del Capitano Seaside Villas comprises 11 luxury villas ranging from 47 to 200 sqm.  Each is furnished in traditional Ischian style and all enjoy stunning sea views.

These villas are the ultimate in peace and tranquillity – each has no telephone.  The helpful reception staff are happy to advise on local activities enabling guests to get the most out of their stay.  Explore the island of Ischia, both on land and sea: take a nature walk around the island, a boat trip along the coastline, experience local restaurants and enjoy outings to nearby islands.

Hotel Miramalfi – opening 13^th April

Hotel Miramalfi has been defining hotel luxury since it opened in 1956.  Perched on the cliff above the pretty town of Amalfi the hotel is still owned and managed by the same family who originally opened the hotel and with the same passion.

The hotel has 45 individually designed rooms each facing the sea or overlooking the town of Amalfi. Relax by the sea water pool or soak up the sun at the beach club. Dining is excellent at Hotel Miramalfi with the choice of leisurely Sauté Restaurant offering traditional Neapolitan cuisine or the more formal Donna Emma La Cucina. The stunning Amalfi coast is easy to explore from Hotel Miramalfi – Ravello, Positano and Capri are all easily accessible and the hotel is just 800 metres from the centre of Amalfi itself. Miramalfi Hotel is the perfect place to unwind, get away from it all and simply be who you want to be.

Botania Relais – opening 18^th April

Botania Relais & Spa sits outside the picturesque town of Lacco Ameno just 500 metres away from the sandy bay of San Montano on the island of Ischia.  Botania Relais & Spa opens from April until the end of October each year.

This beautiful Ischian resort comprises of 50 rooms and suites spread across 9 villas of typical Mediterranean architecture, splendidly located in three acres of relaxing gardens.  Two restaurants are located within the gardens: Il Corbezzolo offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine and new to the hotel, Il Mirto offers innovative vegetarian cuisine and carries one Green Michelin star.  The restorative hotel spa includes hydromassage, a Turkish bath and relaxing massage.

Therasia Resort & Spa – opening 24^th April

Therasia Resort & Spa is situated on the island of Vulcano just an hour north of Sicily by ferry where the horizon stretches over the Mediterranean sea and the entire Aeolian archipelago. Therasia Resort & Spa is open each year from April through to the end of October.

The resort is home to 94 guest rooms of different categories, some of which have a jacuzzi tub located on the sea-view terrace which make the most of the most incredible sea views.

The infinity pool is perfectly located overlooking the majestic Faraglioni of Lipari, surrounded by a large sun-bathing terrace and the relaxed I Grusoni restaurant. A private rocky bathing area allows for swimming in the clear waters of the Aeolian Islands. Dining is a highlight at Therasia: as well as relaxed dining at L’Arcipelago and at the pool restaurant, Il Cappero offers one Michelin star dining.  The hotel’s new Il Tenerumi restaurant takes vegetarian cuisine to a new level and also proudly displays one green Michelin star.  Completing the hotel’s facilities are an equipped spa centre with an indoor seawater pool, sauna, Turkish bath and emotion shower.

Therasia Resort and Spa unveils an unforgettable 2025 season with elevated luxury and sustainability.  Read more here.

Manzi Hotel & Spa – opening May 2025

Manzi Hotel & Spa in Ischia will reopen in May this year, continuing to offer a relaxed environment to stimulate mind, body and soul.

Spain

Hacienda de San Rafael – open

Privately owned Hacienda de San Rafael, once a thriving olive estate, has been meticulously restored and converted into a heavenly hideaway.  The hotel balances between rustic charm and modern sophistication. Perfectly located between the historic cities of Seville & Jerez de la Frontera, Hacienda de San Rafael offers a warm welcome and a generosity of spirit.

14 bedrooms and 2 villas complete the hotel’s accommodation.  All rooms are individually and thoughtfully designed with a home from home feel in mind.  Enjoy endless views of the Andalusian plains with olive and almond groves, the sea of sunflower fields, the scent of the lavender and jasmine in the gardens, nothing but blue skies and the Spanish sunshine.  Enjoy a dry manzanilla sherry with the background singing of the cicadas before al fresco dinner in the beautiful gardens.

To find out, more get in touch.

March 2025