Mild weather, fewer crowds and foodie highlights from the country’s harvests are just a few of the perks of taking a trip to Italy in the Fall. What’s more, there’s been a flurry of new hotel suite openings, offering the ultimate way to soak up the country’s charms without the crowds.
Londra Palace Venezia, Venice
As the temperatures cool down, autumn is a wonderful time to explore Venice’s sestiere (quarters) and empty campi (squares). This time of year, Venetian cuisine—such as pumpkin risotto, lagoon crab and polenta with mushrooms—is at its best and, as the city prepares for winter, the canals and narrow streets, known as calle, are noticeably quieter.
Londra Palace Venezia is one of the city’s iconic hotels. The 52-room palazzo has been celebrated for more than a century due to its famous 100-window facade that overlooks the San Marco Basin. Originally opened in 1853, the hotel unveiled an extensive renovation in March 2024, and has now followed this by launching its new Tchaikovsky Suite.
Dedicated to the iconic Russian composer, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the suite was inspired by his visit to the property in December 1877. During his stay, the composer worked on the first three movements of his fourth symphony. As a result, Suite 106 is now named in his honor and in memory of his time at the hotel.
With waterfront canal views, the suite’s design features quintessential Venetian silks and sumptuous velvets, a nod to the city’s textiles traditions, and in keeping with Venice’s long craftsmenship heritage. The suite’s marble-lined bathroom, opulent lighting and gilded artwork also reflect the artisanal spirit of Venice.
Borgo Dei Conti Resort, Umbria
There’s no better time to explore Italy’s hidden gem of Umbria than in the autumn. It’s the time of year when the region’s rich culinary traditions are at their best: you can go foraging for chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles, for instance, and tour local wineries and olive groves to experience tastings.
Found in the heart of Umbria, Borgo dei Conti Resort, which opened in Summer 2024, is found in its own idyllic estate. As well as exploring the 40 acres of picturesque olive groves and forestland, the hotel offers an indulgent spa, which has both indoor and outdoor facilities, and a fine dining restaurant, Cedri.
This year, Borgo dei Conti has expanded its offering with 19 new rooms and suites in its standalone La Colonica building. A highlight is its opulent Grand Colonica Suite, which offers sweeping panoramic views across the countryside. The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens. Spanning 129 square meters, the Grand Colonica Suite is lofty in size, with a high, wooden trussed ceiling, a luxury bathroom and its own private lift.
“The travel industry as a whole is finding an increase in the number of travelers seeking ‘slow tourism’. Think: a search for fewer crowds, less noise pollution and less stereotypical tourist experiences,” says Antonello Buono, GM of Borgo dei Conti Resort.
“Umbria is an excellent destination for this type of travel, and we’ve seen a notable increase in demand for authentic experiences at Borgo dei Conti Resort. Adding to this, off-season travel gives travelers a better value experience, with favorable prices for flights and accommodations. As a result, as off-season travel to Borgo dei Conti Resort increases, we’re even evaluating the possibility of extending our 2026 season, opening early March and remaining open until January 2027.”
San Montano Resort, Ischia
Found in the gulf of Naples, visiting the island of Ischia out of season—a favourite summer destination for many Italians—may feel counterintuitive. Beloved by Italians as a holiday island, autumn is in fact one of the best periods of the year to explore its secluded beaches without the crowds.
“It is true,” says the GM at luxury Ischian hotel, San Montano Resort & Spa, “Ischia has slowly become a popular destination during the traditional off season. You can still enjoy a warm climate, the natural hot springs and the many wine experiences, which are abundantly available during this time of year. What better time to relax in the natural pools of Sorgeto Bay, where the sea reaches 40°C?”
“We used to consider periods like the second half of September as our low season, with the majority of tourism concentrated in July and August. But, September has now become one of the most popular times to visit Ischia for those ‘in the know’.”
Perched atop Mount Vico, San Montano Resort & Spa is a 65-room retreat offering sweeping views of the Bay of Naples across to Mount Vesuvius. Opened in 2008 by the De Siano family, the hotel has since become a cornerstone of Ischian hospitality. The property is built directly over the island’s famed thermal springs—legendary natural pools said to offer many therapeutic benefits.
With 11 outdoor thermal pools, a spa specializing in volcanic mud and healing waters and seven acres of lush parkland, San Montano offers guests an immersive Ischian experience.
This year, the hotel will also unveil the first phase of an extensive two-part renovation, including newly designed suites, a new pool and refreshed interiors throughout. A standout is the Lighthouse Suite, a two-bedroom villa housed in a former military lighthouse. This reimagined glass space will feature original architectural details alongside locally-sourced materials and furniture by local artisans. What better reason to discover the destination in autumn? It’s proof that low season can bring high value.