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Ah, Italy. Where do we even start? There’s the food, of course. That topic alone could fill several of our newsletters (and it probably will in the future). There are the stunning, historic cities, towns, and sights. The landscape, from the mountains in the north to the volcanoes in the south, from the hills to the beaches. The fashion (another newsletter topic to come, surely). And there’s a culture so rich and vivid that it inspires a thousand movies and memes. So where to start? 

Let’s find a place to stay for our imaginary vacation first. Naturally, we went to two of the country’s most popular destinations: Venice and Capri. The first hotel looks very classic from the outside, with its Venetian palazzo facade. Inside, not so much. Though glamorous, there is also lots of modern art and some fresh ideas. On Capri, the oldest hotel on the island is about to be reopened, completely renovated, leaving only its original shell intact. The rest is all understated, Italian island luxury. Got your speedos ready? A big pair of Prada sunglasses on? Then let’s jump into our Fiat and head to Italy!

📡 On Our Radar

Avant-Garde Soul

Located on the waters of the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice's historic center, the 5-star Venice Venice Hotel tries something different. With its dedication to ‘postvenezianità’, – a term meant to showcase a ‘Venice after Venice’ – it embraces the avant-garde spirit deeply ingrained in the city’s cultural fabric. Owned by Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo, the creative minds behind the cult sneaker brand Golden Goose, this boutique hotel captures the essence of Venice while infusing it with contemporary appeal, strongly inspired by the art fair Biennale.

Palazzo Ca' da Mosto, the oldest stone facade along the Grand Canal, serves as the stunning backdrop. The Gallos acquired the property, which had fallen into disrepair, and meticulously transformed it into a forward-thinking hotel that pays homage to Venice's cosmopolitan history. Palazzo Ca' da Mosto has witnessed many lives over the centuries, serving as a private residence, workshop, hotel, and school. With the Gallos' help, the building has regained its identity, reminiscent of its time as the renowned Albergo Leon Biano, a hotel that welcomed distinguished guests, including the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II.

Inside, you'll encounter a myriad of art installations, design pieces, and cultural references that span various eras and styles. The eclectic public space, Venice M'Art, located along the ancient Sotoportego passageway that connects the entrance courtyard to the Grand Canal terrace, seamlessly combines a concept store, a café, a wine bar, and an all-day restaurant.

Every corner of the rooms boasts unparalleled views and lofty ceilings, showcasing an original and distinctly contemporary Venetian style. The Altana roof terrace, situated at the highest point of the palace, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and the entire city of Venice. 

Venice Venice Hotel

Old bones

With its prime location just a seagull's breath from the Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma occupies the stunning white shell of the historic Locanda Pagano, built in 1822 and the oldest hotel on Capri. Adored by artists, musicians, writers, and painters, the hotel carries a rich legacy of creative inspiration. The architectural overhaul of the space has been entrusted to Rome-based Delogu Architects and New York's Tihay Design, ensuring a seamless blend of classic charm and contemporary sophistication. The hotel will offer 50 stylish rooms (down from 80 previously) and suites, each featuring a terrace or balcony that provides breathtaking island views. Guests can indulge in the hotel's spa, relax by the brand-new pool deck, and explore the fancy boutique on-site.

Under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito, the hotel's two restaurants, Gennaro's and Bianca, will offer a gourmet twist on local cuisine on the stunning rooftop. For those seeking only the sun, the hotel will feature its own beach club, located at the nearby Marina Piccola. 

Oetker Collection, known for their exceptional properties worldwide, is in charge of this new opening, so our hopes are high.

Hotel La Palma

🧳 In Our Bags

Bella Italia

Here is what we would pack in our bags for a holiday in Italy, and some things we’d bring home with us as souvenirs to hold on to that Bella Italia-feeling long after returning home.

Aperol | Turtle Bag Shopping Net | Loewe Candle | Venezia FC Football Jersey | Bitter Honey by Letitia Clark  | Barilla Spaghetti | Bialetti Moka Express | Dior Sunglasses | Casablanca Shirt | Lemon Napkin Ring | Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Arancia La Spugnatura

💻 Open Tabs

The 36 most beautiful places in Italy: Link

How to open a National Park for the summer season: Link

Japanese Buildings that are Shaped Like the Things They Sell: Link


That’s it for this week. If you like Out of Office, we’d be thrilled if you told your friends about us. For more detailed travel guides, head over to our website (many more guides to come). You can follow us on Instagram here.

See you next week! Same time, same place.