Five Italian hotspots to book now

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A town in Puglia with power of attraction

Although villa specialist The Thinking Traveler now represents properties as far away as Corsica and Patmos, it has been operating in Puglia for 14 years and knows the location of the land. He’s just added the Casino Doxi Stracca, a compound sleeping 12 that sits a few miles inland from the pretty Ionian town of Gallipoli.

Its five acres of olive groves and vineyards provide the feeling of sanctuary; in their midst is an 18th century manor house, an older farmhouse, and between them a charming chapel, now housing a large kitchen and breakfast room. The main pool is elongated and has a checkerboard tiled floor. The overall decor is softly contemporary, with a few quirks here and there in the form of murals and ceramics dating back to the 10th century. elviajeropensando.comfrom €8,700 per week

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Stunning elegance in Capri

September is Capri’s peak season: cool afternoons, still warm sea, few excursionists; and now is the time to book. Cédric Reversade has long had the corner of Capri’s best and most beautiful holiday villas (they’re not cheap, but they’re impeccably serviced and invariably have the best views, coordinates and layout on the island). New to the portfolio this summer is La Torricella, a compact gem just outside Marina Piccola and a few yards walk from Torre Saracena (our favorite stealthy beach club here: low-key, pleasant staff, killer vongole).

The small whitewashed tower sleeps four people, in two bedrooms. However, what it lacks in square footage, La Torricella makes up for in gorgeous style: spaces sizzle with hothouse colors, hand-painted murals, and Fornasetti details; The floors are white ceramic herringbone. There is a little gem of an open kitchen, bathed in turquoise, and a wraparound terrace right on the sea, with views of the Faraglioni. exclusivepropertiesandevents.comfrom €18,500

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Wonderful views (and pizzas) in Amalfi

Bill Heinecke founded the Anantara Collection of hotels 22 years ago in Hua Hin, Thailand, and many still associate it with its roots in Southeast Asia. But today it operates in 23 countries, including Italy, where the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel opened in May on the famous coast.

The bold rooms might not make the deepest impression, but the views from the charming 13th-century Capuchin convent in which the hotel is housed (located a few hundred meters west of the historic city) probably do. Recently inaugurated is a restaurant run by Gino Sorbillo, the Neapolitan maestro pizzaioloand a signature Anantara Spa (whose Asian roots we’re going to guess no one will complain about). anantara.comrooms from €1,300

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Gourmet beach clubs in Sicily

In Menfi, on the southwest coast of Sicily, the winemaking and hotel powerhouse that is Francesca Planeta has a new buzz that will please those who know and love La Foresteria, the Planeta Estate’s all-room winery: Insula, the beach club that the Finca inaugurated last month, open to clients of La Foresteria and, with prior reservation, also to external guests. It is semi-hidden in the dunes of Lido Fiori, a short drive from the estate.

Sustainability and quality are Planeta’s watchwords, so this offering promises to be small and considerate, with fresh seafood created by Foresteria’s head chef, Angelo Pumilia, in his 60-seat open-air restaurant and in its more informal lounge bar (some Planeta products, such as wine, are sold in its small boutique). Beach loungers and umbrellas are scattered among the dunes. planetestate.itrooms from €310

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A Barolo “safari”

We’re always interested to hear what Maremma Safari Club founder Rudston Steward is up to. From the Val Badia massifs to the ancient gorges and villages of Calabria, his walking tours of Italy delve and delight in local nature, tradition and gastronomy. One to put on your radar for October: a Barolo Safari through the Piedmont, for the foodie who likes to cover a few (but not too many) miles before tasting and dinner.

The four-day journey will average only about 10-12 km per day, and it will be long with truffles, castelmagno and robiola, and naturally some rare and fine expressions of the noble Nebbiolo grape wine, usually shared by its producers. Book up to 10 if you want a private version; visit their website now if you want to get a spot in the October 24 group start. maremmasafari.com€2,500 per person; consult prices of private trips

@mariahollenbarger