PLUME
Our Romantic Hotels in Europe
A Trip for Two
By a lake, deep in the mountains, or by the sea,
Passalacqua on the shores of Lake Como, Italy
Passalacqua is not like other hotels. On the shores of Lake Como, this 18th-century villa—transformed into an exceptional retreat—cultivates the art of loving one another in complete discretion and offers a rare way of life: terraced gardens, period frescoes, impeccable service, and a magical view of the sparkling lake all contribute to a sense of well-being. Here, luxury is found in the quiet of a breakfast overlooking the water, the coolness of a pool nestled in the greenery, or the natural elegance of an Italian home perfectly embodied.
Already a cult favorite for those who prefer emotion over ostentation.
Read the full article on Passalacqua
Sleep with a view of the Arno at the Hotel Lungarno in Florence
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting in Florence. Perched on the left bank of the Arno, in the Oltrarno district, just a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Lungarno exudes the intimate atmosphere of an elegant Florentine home suspended above the water. Owned by the Ferragamo family and an iconic property of the Lungarno Collection, this five-star hotel is one of those places where guests come as much for Florence as for the sheer pleasure of staying in their room.
Because here, true luxury begins with the view. From the rooms and suites facing the Arno—some of which feature private terraces—your gaze drifts along the river to the Ponte Vecchio and the Renaissance facades. At sunset, when the Tuscan light reflects off the water and the bridges are lit up, Florence suddenly seems to belong to just the two of you.
Redesigned by architect Michele Bönan, the hotel embodies a very contemporary take on Italian classicism: shades of white and blue, ivory fabrics, carefully selected furnishings, and design elements inspired by the nautical world. More than 400 20th-century works of art—including pieces by Picasso, Cocteau, Sironi, and Rosai—reinforce the impression that you are staying at a Florentine collector’s home rather than in a grand hotel.
In the evening, head to Picteau Bistrot & Bar, overlooking the Arno, for a cocktail before continuing on to Borgo San Jacopo, which still boasts a Michelin star.
There,Claudio Mengoni creates precise and creative Italian cuisine, served in an intimate setting overlooking the river. On sunny days, the two small tables on the balcony, with a direct view of the Ponte Vecchio, are among the most romantic spots in Florence.
This is the perfect place to stay for a romantic weekend—ideally in a River View room or suite; waking up to a view of the Arno is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways to experience Florence as a couple.
Sleeping in a Romantic Castle in Italy: Reschio
Imagine a thousand-year-old castle nestled amid 1,560 hectares of hills, forests, and meadows, somewhere between Umbria and Tuscany. An almost secret estate where a couple would gladly escape for a few days.
Reschio has all the hallmarks of a romantic Italian retreat: rooms tucked away behind the walls of an ancient castello, horses galloping through the countryside, dinners at sunset, and one of Italy’s most enchanting swimming pools.
Shaped over three decades by the Bolza family, the estate is centered around a nearly thousand-year-old castle, restored by architect Benedikt Bolza in a spirit that carefully avoids the overly polished conventions of luxury hospitality. Here, no two rooms are truly alike. Four-poster beds, antiques, custom-designed furniture by BB for Reschio Studio, marble, brass, and paintings come together to create dark, sensual interiors that strike a balance between an aristocratic residence and a country retreat.
But the most romantic setting is undoubtedly the pool. Nestled in the castle’s gardens and surrounded by tall umbrella pines, its oval pool becomes a mirror as evening falls, reflecting the trees and the old stones of the Castello. Guests linger there until sunset before heading to the bar or the Ristorante al Castello, whose terrace also overlooks the setting sun.
For couples, the days can be spent immersing themselves in nature: going for a horseback ride on the estate, cycling through the hills, visiting the Bathhouse—housed in the former wine cellars—or simply relaxing in their room. To take romance to its peak, the spectacular Tower Suite occupies the oldest part of the castle. Spanning five floors, it opens onto a private terrace overlooking the countryside, featuring an freestanding bathtub under the open sky.
Plume’s Pick: a late afternoon by the pool, when the last rays of sunlight bathe the castle, followed by dinner on the terrace. And for a truly exceptional getaway, the Tower Suite and its open-air bath beneath the Umbrian sky.
Starting at €1,115 per night, including breakfast.
Selected from among the 7 most beautiful luxury hotels in Italy
Fall in love all over again at the Eden Roc Ascona, on the shores of Lake Maggiore
How about heading to a lakeside to fall in love all over again? In Ascona, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Maggiore and practically right on the water’s edge, the Eden Roc has the feel of a grand Mediterranean hotel that’s been transported to the heart of Ticino. Palm trees, gardens, a private beach, a marina, and mountains as a backdrop: it’s hard to imagine a more enchanting setting for a romantic getaway.
A member of the Tschuggen Collection, this five-star hotel with 95 rooms and suites recently completed a major renovation. The 46 rooms and suites in the main building have been completely redesigned, with windows enlarged where possible and balconies fitted with glass railings to allow the lake to fully become part of the scenery. Inside, natural materials, light, and soft tones come together to create a contemporary elegance that never overshadows the true star of the show: the view of Lake Maggiore.
Outside, the 10,000 m² garden slopes down to the water and features three swimming pools, while a private beach and a marina let you enjoy the lake as a couple, from your first morning coffee until the last light of evening. Take a boat ride on the lake, relax at the 2,000-square-meter spa, then return to your terrace to watch the sun set behind the mountains.
The romantic atmosphere extends to the dining table. Among the hotel’s four restaurants, La Brezza remains the flagship establishment. At the helm is Marco Campanella, named “Chef of the Year 2025” by Gault&Millau and awarded 19 points, whose precise and contemporary cuisine has been recognized with two Michelin stars.
And the Eden Roc successfully combines this hedonistic luxury with a particularly comprehensive environmental approach. Its renovation included a new energy system that utilizes, among other things, lake water and groundwater, enabling the building’s infrastructure to achieve climate neutrality. The property is also Green Globe-certified.
Plume’s recommendation: book a room with a view of the lake, set out on the water in the late afternoon before returning for dinner at La Brezza, and let the evening wind down overlooking Lake Maggiore. A certain vision of Italian romance… on the Swiss side.
Palazzo Matteo: A Romantic Getaway for Two in a Secret Palace in Puglia
In Nardò, all you have to do is step through the door of an old palace to rediscover that Italian “Dolce Vita” we thought was reserved for the movies. In the heart of one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Salento, Palazzo Matteo is one of those hidden gems you’d almost want to keep to yourself. A retreat designed for couples to get away from it all, surrounded by old blond stone, works of art, and terraces overlooking the town’s rooftops.
The palace is part of a complex of three historic residences—Palazzo Matteo, Palazzo Maritati, and Palazzo Muci—restored by Michelin-starred French chef Guy Martin. Behind their centuries-old facades lies a world far more personal than that of a traditional hotel, where the heritage of Salento interplays with contemporary art, antiques, and collections amassed over time.
Inside, the spacious interiors immediately set the tone. Beneath the immense vaulted ceilings typical of Salento architecture, the rooms exude a bohemian yet refined luxury: antique floors, terracotta, Apulian stone, vintage furniture, works of art, and collectibles blend together without striving for uniformity. Katherina Marx brings her artistic sensibility to the space, particularly through works of art and arrangements that transform the palace into a living gallery.
In fact, everything here seems to have been designed to encourage you to take your time. The bathrooms, spectacular in their proportions, extend this sensuality with spacious showers, some of which are large enough for two people to slip under the water together. The luxurious fabrics, mosaics, headboards, and natural stone bring an almost carnal softness to the magnificent austerity of the ancient walls.
Next comes the terrace. From up there, Nardò reveals a different side of itself: a tangle of domes, bell towers, and Baroque facades set amid the sun-scorched landscapes of Salento. You head up there at the end of the day, when the heat subsides, to watch the light shift across the rooftops before wandering through the narrow streets of the old town.
For the charm of Palazzo Matteo also stems from Nardò itself. More secluded than Lecce, this Baroque town retains something intensely Italian, with its aristocratic palaces, piazzas, and honey-colored alleyways, while just a few kilometers separate it from the turquoise waters of the Ionian coast.
Plume’s Pick: Treat yourselves to a stay at Palazzo Matteo as a couple, spend a few days living as if in a collector’s home, and step out onto the terrace just as the sun sets over Nardò. A place to rediscover—far from overly perfect hotels—the charm of an intimate and slightly clandestine “Dolce Vita.”
