One of my very favorite vacations was at Hotel Il Pellicano,Tuscany, Italy. Just outside of Porto Ercole, overlooking the Tyrrhernian Sea, at cliff's edge sits Il Pellicano. It's been the resort of choice for various celebrities and European royalty for over 50 years. During its 1960's heyday, the society photographer, Slim Aarons chronicled the guests as they played and relaxed in this tucked away oasis. Updated in 2006 the hotel maintains its laid-back charm, feeling more like a very well run private home rather than a luxury hotel.
Philippe and I arrived very late one evening at the end of summer and there were no street or house lights for miles around. I was sure we were on the road to nowhere, but after about 15 minutes of driving cautiously on a single lane winding road we finally arrived at the base of the hotel's driveway lined with olive trees. It turned out that one of the aspects of the hotel I really like is that it's so secluded.
The hotel's amenities include a full service spa using my favorite Santa Maria Novella products, swimming pool, sauna, tennis courts, beach access and a michelin starred restaurant on the terrace overlooking the ocean. It certainly lives up to and beyond the hype - we can't wait to return, preferably in September or October when the rates are much more reasonable.
Great article from the Wall Street Journal: Hotel Il Pellicano is a Tuscan Dream - WSJ
The dress code is fashionably casual dressed up with eye-catching jewelry, European-style! My favorite summer items for an Il Pellicano vacation would include:
Hotel Il Pellicano