5 top beach hotels in Italy
Enjoy the benefits of your Platinum Card at these five hotels on the Italian coast.
"Ara Maris": fantastic view of Mount Vesuvius
The Ara Maris on the Amalfi Coast in the Gulf of Naples is a modern retreat in Sorrento, surrounded by lush gardens and just 300 metres from the beach. From the coastline or the hotel terrace, you have an unobstructed view of the sea and Mount Vesuvius.
This 5-star hotel pampers you with every imaginable amenity: the rooms are decorated with handmade tiles and Apulian marble and feature private balconies with sea or garden views. Some luxury rooms even offer private plunge pools or whirlpools.
The restaurant and rooftop tapas and cocktail bar offer culinary highlights ranging from casual to fine dining. And in the Thala Spa, you can relax in a sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. The gym is state-of-the-art, with citrus trees growing around the outdoor pool. In short, the Ara Maris is a haven of well-being.
The Fine Hotels + Resorts programme from American Express
With the American Express Platinum Card, you get access to more than 1,000 exclusive luxury hotels worldwide – with special benefits for discerning travellers.
You will receive a credit of USD 100 for spending at the hotel, a room upgrade subject to availability, free breakfast for two people every day, early check-in and guaranteed late check-out until 4 p.m.
Select your desired destination in the American Express hotel finder and filter by "Fine Hotels + Resorts" to see all participating hotels at a glance.
To benefit from these advantages, you need an American Express Platinum Card, which you can use to book the hotel via the Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service. You can also redeem your Membership Rewards points collected for your booking.
If you are travelling with your family or in a group, you can book up to three rooms at the same time – with benefits for all your fellow travellers. As the cardholder, you only need to occupy one of the rooms yourself.
"Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia": View of one of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches
Sardinia is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, located on the tranquil south coast of the island, is situated directly on a beautiful lagoon, Chia Bay. White sand, stunning snorkelling spots and a picturesque panorama characterise this Italian beach.
The 5-star beach hotel is an Italian place to feel at home: the terrace features comfortable sofas and natural stone elements. The hotel's main lobby has a gallery displaying works of art that honour Sardinian heritage and culture. The pool has sea views and there is also a plunge pool for cooling off on hot days.
"J.K. Place Capri": Boutique hotel right by the sea
If the outdoor terrace of the J.K. Place Capri weren't so high up, you could jump straight into the sea from there: this 5-star hotel on Capri is located on a cliff overlooking the harbour and the Gulf of Naples, right on Marina Grande beach. At the same time, it is situated in the pretty old town.
The interior design of the 5-star hotel meets the expectations of a first-class establishment: classic, stylish, urban, inspired by English country style and nautical elements. Warm pastel tones dominate large areas of the bright white building in Italian Art Deco style, which houses only 22 rooms.
Other highlights of this luxury beach hotel in Italy include a spa with hammam and sauna, a large outdoor pool and phenomenal dining at JKitchen, the hotel's restaurant, which serves haute cuisine in Neapolitan style.
"Mazzarò Sea Palace": private sandy beach on the Sicilian coast
The Mazzarò Sea Palace on Sicily's north-east coast below the pretty village of Taormina offers all the amenities of a 5-star hotel. It is located directly on a small bay with a private beach where there is always a spot for sunbathing. The Isola Bella and the cable car that takes you to the centre of Taormina are nearby.
The 70 rooms all have sea views and are modernly designed in soft blue and grey tones. Marble dominates the bathrooms. Some suites even have small swimming pools.
Be sure to sample the Sicilian gourmet dishes in the Armònia restaurant and then enjoy a cocktail in the Amaré bar with views of the beach and sea. The picturesque pool, sun terrace and Hyd'Or Spa guarantee a relaxing holiday in this Italian beach hotel
"Cala Beach Resort": Tuscan dream with a view of Elba
The design of this 5-star hotel is extraordinary: both the main buildings and the beach pavilions are pyramid-shaped. The rooms are bright and spacious thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and have their own beach access and a balcony with views of Elba Island.
Thanks to your American Express Platinum Card, you can enjoy breakfast for two every morning in the breakfast restaurant free of charge. Your additional hotel credit can be redeemed at the La Vela restaurant, where you can enjoy sophisticated seafood dishes al fresco.
Must-do: Visit the nearby wineries of Tuscany.
Italy's beach hotels: feel-good retreats to unwind
In Italy, you will find a number of upscale residences right by the sea, especially in well-known holiday regions such as the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany. These 5-star hotels on Italian beaches often offer luxurious comfort, breathtaking sea views, fantastic restaurants and first-class service.
Stays at hotels belonging to Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection by American Express are particularly worthwhile. This is because Platinum Card holders enjoy numerous exclusive benefits here.
And if you like Italy, why not discover the most beautiful places on Lake Como and the best beaches in Italy – one Italian island is even said to have the best beach in the world.
The right credit card for your lifestyle
Frequently asked questions and answers
There are outstanding beach hotels in many Italian regions, but especially on the Amalfi Coast and on the islands of Sardinia, Sicily and Capri.
Yes, many of the northern Italian lakes, such as Lake Garda, also have beaches. There are also coastal areas suitable for swimming around Genoa and Venice.
That's a matter of taste, but Cala Goloritzè, a beautiful bay on the east coast of Sardinia, has made it to number one in the "World's 50 Best Beaches 2025" ranking.
