A-lister hotspots from Cortina to Como: the Summer of '23 in Italy

Italy, the land of pasta, fashion, stunning coastlines, and of course... celebrities! It's long been a hotspot for the rich and famous, but let's be honest, not every celeb is blessed with good taste. Let's take a glimpse into the glittering lives of these A-listers on Italian soil.

Portofino

Portofino, a picturesque place that looks like a postcard. But what on earth are celebrities doing there? When they arrive, they must think, "Oh no, this was a bad choice." It's definitely not a place for the average celeb, unless they want to be stuck between the walls of the Hotel Splendido or far away on a yacht along the coast - which apparently was the case this year. Putting aside Jeff Bezos and his ridiculous boat, the real A-listers hide here in super deluxe villas with tenders for an exclusive trip to San Fruttuoso after hours. Rihanna spent the night last year in nearby Santa Magherita Ligure, while supermodel Frida Aasen secretly married at L'Abbaye La Cervara - a fairy-tale wedding venue.

Venice

Belmond Cipriani - The Best Hotel in the World

Venice, the city of waterways and gondolas, also attracts celebrities. The Belmond Cipriani, Venice's 'home away from home' for George Clooney and other enigmatic guests, was even named the 'best hotel in the world in 2023'. The pool, typically reserved for guests, is open this year for outsiders too, featuring four stylish cabanas and the Bellini station - where you can sample the five-star hotel's iconic cocktail. If you're thirsting for more culture, head over to Ca'Select, where you can not only drink but also experience an immersive exhibition on the history of the Serennissima and the works of Ukrainian artist Bogdan Kochebvoy.

When George makes a trip to Venice, you can probably find him at Ivo's, tasting spaghetti with caparozzoli and risotto with cuttlefish ink. For the ultimate A-list experience, visit the seven-star Aman Canal Grande hotel, where tranquility is the name of the game - it was also the venue where George and Amal Clooney got married in 2014. Another worthwhile stop is the Terrazza Danieli.

Will the Venice Venice Hotel by Golden Goose emerge as the A-Lister hotspot of 2023? We'll have to wait and see if the bookings roll in from movie stars for the Venice Film Festival in late August. The editors of Condé Nast Traveller certainly have no doubts. Amid ethnic tapestries, replicas of historical designs, and velvet couches, you enter a concept store that transitions into a restaurant (the truffles are delightful, and the 'Americano with a double finger of orange mousse' is unforgettable).

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the go-to place for mountain lovers. The Hotel Rosapetra is the hotspot here, especially during the Olympic Games year. Lucas Kelm prepares the 'Negroni d'Ampezzo' with lemon and eucalyptus infusion, while the DJ sets the mood with the Tofane in the background.

Lake Como

When you think of Lake Como, of course, George Clooney comes to mind – honorary citizen of Laglio, where his enchanting Villa Oleandra is located. He's often spotted at Al Gatto Nero in Rovenna di Cernobbio, due to his friendship with the owner Paolo. Here you can savor the most delightful dishes, such as fresh burrata from Andria with arugula and cherry tomatoes, and exquisite risotto with porcini mushrooms and blueberries. And as if that's not enough, they have a wine cellar stocked with the most exclusive wines, including a Franciacorta Ca'del Bosco and the Super Tuscans Sassicaia and Tignanello.

When he's not dining at Il Gatto Nero, George loves to unwind at La Colombetta, a restaurant located in downtown Como. The Sardinian chef Marianna treats him to simple yet delicious dishes. Robert De Niro, Mick Jagger, and U2's The Edge are also regular customers. 

Rome

Rome is not only the eternal city but also a stylish meeting place for celebrities. The restaurant Antica Pesa is a renowned family-run establishment, but to call it the best restaurant in Rome might be a stretch. Here, you can expect typical Roman dishes like fettuccine with artichokes and caciofiore, or trippa alla Romana for the adventurous eaters. But if you're looking for a real celebrity hotspot, then Noto's roof garden bar at the new Six Senses is the place to be. Open for less than a year, it's already a favorite spot for A-listers to enjoy an aperitif.

By the way, Antica Pesa has a great cookbook that I highly recommend! 

Ristorante Pagnanelli in Castelgandolfo

Ristorante Pagnanelli is a great spot for those looking for a romantic dinner. Located on Lake Albano, the views are absolutely breathtaking. A favorite of Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, this place is perfect for a special occasion or simply to indulge in delicious Italian cuisine. Try the sea bass in a salt crust or the grilled squid, and make sure to pair it with a wine from their expansive wine cellar. 

Capri

New this summer is the Giardino Mediterraneo di Capri, a project by Gin Mare that has transformed an old lemon grove into a terrace where you can enjoy the best gin. No A-listers have been spotted there yet, but it's only a matter of time.

Fontelina, Capri

It's a classic, but definitely not easy to get to. This Italian enclave on the rocks of Capri has humble beginnings, starting as a tiny restaurant in a rustic hut. It first made it on the proverbial map thanks to Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot in the 60s, quickly becoming a hotspot for movie stars from the golden days of Hollywood and Cinecittà.

The location has expanded to include a beach club, carved into a rocky alcove with stairs leading to the sea. The restaurant remains, still serving up fresh fish dishes and sweet sangria enriched with the island's peaches. What Fontelina lacked in amenities, it more than made up for in location, unbeatable character, and an incredible menu; and that holds true today. Anyone wishing to charter a taxi boat for the journey from Marina Piccola to Fontelina can easily do so. The cost is 30€ for up to 4 people (7€ for each additional person). There's also a so-called gozzo (a small, usually covered boat) that departs every half hour from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm every 30 minutes (round trip € 7).

The Amalfi Coast

La Conca Del Sogno

The Amalfi Coast, the ultimate dream destination for celebrities. Here, you'll find "Conca del Sogno", a luxurious beach club and restaurant frequented by the likes of Kim Kardashian, Chiara Ferragni, Orlando Bloom, Beyoncé, and many others. The price may be a tad exorbitant, but who could say no to the refreshing Sgroppino al Limone - a delightful lemon sorbet mixed with sharp vodka, of course topped with ice-cold champagne.

The Venice Film Festival

For those truly into celebrity spotting, head to Venice by the end of August. The Film Festival, also known as La Biennale di Venezia, is the world's oldest film festival and one of the most prestigious. First held in 1932, it takes place annually on the Lido in Venice. The festival serves as a platform for the film industry to showcase and promote new international films. Movies are presented across different categories, with the most coveted award being the Golden Lion, presented to the best film of the festival. The Venice Film Festival has a rich history of introducing innovative and influential films, attracting filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world each year.

So, if you're looking to catch a glimpse of the crème de la crème of the entertainment world, don't forget to travel to Italy. It's where the A-listers spend their summers, indulge their taste buds, and embrace the flashy lifestyle. And who knows, you might even bump into your favorite movie star during the Venice Film Festival!