Hotel Il Pellicano
an Italian coastal classic on a sliver of the Maremma coastline.
This genuine Italian hideaway was founded by American glass heiress Patricia and handsome British aviator Michael Graham in 1965.
Initially kept as a private location, the couple later decided to host their glamorous friends and friends-of-friends. On that guest list was the iconic photographer, Slim Aarons, known for his images of socialites, jet-setters and celebrities.
While staying at Il Pellicano, guests can pick from a room in the main villa or a more private cottage. Some have views of the gardens while others have views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
After settling in to your room, you can spend your afternoon drinking limonata by the saltwater pool or taking a dip in the hotel’s private cove. 6pm marks cocktail hour when one can order a Pellicano Negroni from the hotel's cocktail master Frederico Morosi. For dinner, there are two restaurants on property, one of which is a Michelin star.
In short, Il Pellicano is exactly the place where one can and should lean into mastering “il dolce far niente” - the sweetness of doing nothing.
Location: Porto Ercole, Italy
Rooms & Suites: 47
Vibe: Barefoot luxury
Amenities: Bar, Pool
Owner: Roberto Sciò
Creative Director: Marie-Louise Sciò
Instagram: @hotelilpellicano
Disclaimer: I share hotels that appeal to me based on design, history and a sense of place. I haven’t had the chance to visit every hotel I share in this newsletter. My hope is that you will discover new hotels that you want to visit and experience.