Written by Erica Gragg, Founder of Escape Artists Travel & Escape to Shape
Each year, a select group of the world’s top travel designers and hospitality partners gather for something truly special: DUCO Italy.
This year’s event brought together an exceptional caliber of hoteliers, experience designers, and advisors, each one deeply committed to elevating what travel can and should be. The organization was flawless, the atmosphere effortlessly elegant, and the opportunities to connect, both structured and informal, revealed the real magic of the event. Over three full days, I participated in 96 one-on-one meetings, along with hosted lunches, intimate dinners, and beautifully executed opening and closing events. While the formal meetings are efficient and productive, the real insights often emerge over lunch, cocktails, or dinner, where relationships deepen and authentic conversations flow.
A Stay to Remember: Portrait Milano
I was hosted by Portrait Milano, and it was a remarkable experience from the moment I arrived. Located in the heart of Milan, within a historic building owned by the Vatican (originally a monastery), the hotel blends heritage with modern Italian elegance, curated by the Ferragamo family. The architecture and interior design are stunning, combining masculine edges with a warmth that makes the space feel approachable and inviting.
Service was impeccable: nightly turndown amenities are thoughtful and beautifully presented, and breakfast is both abundant and personalized, combining buffet offerings with made-to-order dishes. Whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors, the setting feels intentional, designed for a luxurious yet comfortable experience. This property is centrally located, but in truth, the hotel itself becomes a destination, with elegance and Italian style woven into every detail.
Lake Como: A Fresh Perspective
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio surprised me in the best way. While I’ve historically positioned it as a more accessible alternative to Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua, or Villa d’Este, this property is more than just a “secondary” option, it is a destination in its own right. This family-run palazzo offers a private, in-ground pool and a sandy beach club overlooking the lake, the only property on Lake Como to do so. Both are reserved exclusively for guests, creating a serene, intimate experience. Add in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and this is a property I will be quoting more frequently, particularly for clients seeking exclusivity, elegance, and a true Italian palazzo experience.
Also always worth mentioning are Passalacqua and Grand Hotel Tremezzo, as both continue to be long time standouts, with incredible attention to detail and personal touches that ensure every guest feels cared for.
Florence: Elevated Access & Hidden Gems
The Place Firenze continues to deliver flawless experiences, with clients leaving consistently happy. What stood out at DUCO this year was their ability to provide private, insider access to artisan visits, shoemakers, leather craftsmen, and cashmere suppliers, which elevates any itinerary from typical sightseeing to a cultural immersion.
Just outside Florence, Il Salviatino offers spectacular views of the city, modern design, and a serene setting, perfect for clients who want proximity without being in the thick of tourist traffic.
Palazzo Portinari Salviati, a sister property to Palazzo Venart in Venice, is a hidden gem in Florence. Each of its 14 rooms is unique, creating the feeling of sleeping inside a museum. Art, history, and design are fully integrated into the guest experience, making it ideal for clients who value a deep connection to local culture and aesthetics.
Hotel Savoy Firenze by Rocco Forte also impressed with exceptional service and a central location, ensuring an elegant stay in the heart of the city.
San Vincenzo near Montepulciano is another intimate, family-run jewel with 21 rooms and a charming bar, ideal for travelers seeking authenticity in Tuscany without the price tag of larger luxury brands.
Venice: Beyond Expectations
Londra Palace won DUCO’s Small Hotel of the Year award, a distinction that says everything about its charm and service. The hotel balances intimate boutique elegance with impeccable service, providing a highly personalized experience that feels rare in Venice.
Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is a surprising standout. Situated on a sandy beach just a short boat ride from St. Mark’s Square, it offers a rare combination of city access and a proper beach club. It’s also home to the Venice Film Festival, which gives guests an added layer of cultural significance and allure.
For a boutique, design-forward experience, Palazzo Venart offers a sophisticated aesthetic where artful interiors meet high-touch service, perfect for clients seeking privacy, style, and refinement.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani continues to impress in Venice with its legendary service, waterfront location, and timeless luxury, making it a property I always recommend for clients seeking the ultimate Venetian experience. Belmond properties were a highlight during DUCO, with the team going above and beyond for clients. Their attentive care, both in-person and behind the scenes, ensures that every experience is seamless, making them a trusted partner we love to work with.
Amalfi Coast: Timeless Favorites & Smart Additions
Treville continues to impress with every visit. Each room is curated with attention to detail, from artful furniture to thoughtful amenities, ensuring that every client’s stay feels elevated and personal. Their commitment to quality is evident not only in the rooms but also in how they manage experiences, such as boat trips, in a client-friendly way.
Furore Grand Hotel remains a top choice for its guaranteed sea views, even in entry-level rooms, and for its location slightly outside the busiest tourist hubs. Clients enjoy both accessibility and serenity, along with attentive staff who anticipate every need.
Casa Angelina blends modern design with comfort, appealing to both young, design-conscious travelers and clients seeking a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere. Its beach club and shuttle service to Positano make it both practical and luxurious.
Miramalfi offers the perfect combination of beach club access and walkable proximity to the town center, while Hotel Villa Franca in Positano boasts modern, artful design with a beach club and fresh rooms.
Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello provides clients with breathtaking cliffside views, exquisite gardens, and a historical ambiance, making it an essential Amalfi Coast experience.
Puglia, Basilicata & Southern Italy
The Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana collection provides options ranging from the iconic Borgo Egnazia to the more authentic Masseria San Domenico. Each property has its own unique character and target audience, and I’m confident in matching the right property to the right client.
Santavenere in Basilicata is a discovery reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast before mass tourism, a hidden jewel with pristine beaches, authentic hospitality, and unparalleled privacy.
Palazzo Luce in Lecce stands out for its museum-quality art collection and eccentric, individualistic charm, while Vista Ostuni offers a refined inland escape.
Convento Francescano (7 rooms), Sant Angelo in Matera, Castle Elvina (adults-only), provide additional boutique, story-rich stays that cater to clients seeking authenticity with high-touch service.
Dolomites: Design Meets Nature
Sensoria Dolomites is a design-forward option, with seamless access to both hiking and skiing. It is a year-round property that balances modern aesthetics with a deep connection to nature.
Chalet del Sogno is a true hidden gem: family-owned, sustainable, and infused with personality. The Olympic medalist owner even offers guided ski and hiking experiences, creating a unique, experiential stay that is both alpine and intimate.
Adler properties Ritten and Alpe also stand out for wellness, spa, and active offerings, with amazing locations in both Dolomites and Sicily.
COMO Alpina in San Cassiano offers another high-touch, luxury option for clients seeking refined alpine hospitality & Forestis provides an off the beaten path beautiful nature focused escape.
Sicily & Beyond
Il San Corrado di Noto continues to impress with its integration of sustainability, design, and strategic location, offering both cultural exploration and beach access.
Q92 Noto provides a boutique, story-driven experience in the heart of the historic center.
Villa Carlotta and Hotel Villa Ducale in Taormina offer family-owned, charming alternatives to larger properties, delivering a sense of place and elevated service.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina also offers clients a combination of historic elegance, views of Mount Etna, and impeccable service.
Experiences That Are Redefining Travel
Experience-led travel continues to dominate. Private yacht charters through Arca Boats and Capri on Board provide freedom and privacy to explore regions like the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily, often at a cost comparable to land-based luxury stays.
Curated itineraries allow clients to enjoy fully customized experiences with insider access, seamless logistics, and exclusive opportunities that make every journey uniquely personal.
For clients seeking the ultimate in convenience and style, high-end vehicles, such as Mercedes G-Class, Range Rover, and Ferrari, can be arranged for door-to-door delivery, with insurance included and guaranteed models.
Final Thoughts
What stood out most at DUCO wasn’t just the hotels or the experiences, it was the people behind them. Family-run properties, passionate industry partners, and visionary hoteliers share a commitment to crafting meaningful, highly personalized travel.
These are the relationships that allow us to go beyond simply booking trips, to create journeys that are seamless, personal, and unforgettable. I’m thrilled to guide clients to the properties, partners, and experiences that feel like the perfect fit, each one meticulously curated with care, insight, and expertise. ~ Erica Gragg
