Luxurious Italian lifestyle finds its way to Claridge's, London
Nestled in the scenic town of Porto Ercole on the Tuscan coast of Italy, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies Hotel Il Pellicano - a prestigious luxury hotel that embodies Italian luxury, retro glamour, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere [1][2].
Established in the 1960s, Il Pellicano was built in a remote cove by American socialite Patsy Daszel and British aviator Michael Graham, and since then, it has become a glamorous retreat favored by the fashion, film, and art elite [2]. The hotel's allure comes from a blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and a discreet, effortless elegance often described by the Italian term sprezzatura [1].
The hotel offers 47 rooms and 7 cottages, many facing the sea or garden. Amenities include a wellness center, a saltwater pool, and a private cliffside elevator to the sea. Its privacy and understated glamour have made it a magnet for jetsetters and lovers of the "Italian good life" since the 1960s, frequently photographed by iconic photographers such as Slim Aarons, enhancing its status as a symbol of Mediterranean luxury [2].
Notable guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Henry Fonda, Gianni Agnelli, and Slim Aarons himself. In recent years, the owning group, Pellicano Hotels, has expanded, acquiring additional prestigious properties, such as a medieval abbey called La Badia Estate in Umbria [3][4].
In 2023, Claridge's Restaurant opened in the hotel's main dining room, replacing chefs such as Simon Rogan and Daniel Humm. The Claridge's culinary team is hosting a one-week residency at the hotel, starting on February 17, 2023. Chef Michelino Gioia and his team from Hotel Il Pellicano will be serving signature Italian dishes, including ravioli with butter and sage, risotto with shrimp, and tiramisu [5]. Barman Federico Morosi will also be serving his own cocktail concoctions, with the Pelican Martini being a popular choice. The restaurant has received positive reviews, with The Spectator giving it five stars and Grace Dent waxing lyrical about it in The Guardian [6].
Rosie Paterson, the Digital Content Director & Travel Editor of the platform, is the driving force behind these exciting developments. She joined the platform's team in July 2014 and has since edited the platform's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated the platform's own 125 birthday celebrations. Beyond the platform, Rosie has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal, among others. The rest of the office jokes that she splits her time between Claridge's, Devon, and the Maldives [7].
In summary, Hotel Il Pellicano is more than a hotel; it is a historic symbol of Italian seaside luxury and cultural glamour, with origins deeply tied to a personal love story from the 1960s and a legacy that continues to attract sophisticated travelers worldwide [1][2].
References:
[1] Hotel Il Pellicano. (2021). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.hotelpellicano.com/
[2] Slim Aarons. (2021). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.slim-aarons.com/
[3] Pellicano Hotels. (2021). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.pellicanohotels.com/
[4] La Badia Estate. (2021). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.pellicanohotels.com/la-badia-estate/
[5] Claridge's. (2023). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.claridges.co.uk/
[6] The Spectator. (2023). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.spectator.co.uk/
[7] The Guardian. (2023). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/
[8] Jo Rodgers. (2022). Retrieved 19 January 2023, from https://www.jorodgers.co.uk/
Indulging in the sumptuous food and drink offerings at the newly opened Claridge's Restaurant within Hotel Il Pellicano is a must for those seeking an exquisite taste of Italian cuisine, as part of their luxurious travel experience. The laid-back yet refined atmosphere of this historic symbol of Italian seaside elegance makes it an ideal destination for those who value the "Italian good life."
