The Italian Art of Doing Nothing

The words “I’m on vacation!” often really mean “let me live!,” but what if all you really want to do on vacation is nothing at all? Well, in that case, Belmond introduces The Sweet Art of Doing Nothing, a series of travel offerings across its iconic Italian properties.

Sit back, relax and savor all Italy has to offer while doing little to nothing at all. Picture lazy afternoons, small dinner parties, casual cocktails on city rooftops and a variety of leisure “activities” from a trusted name in the industry.

Begin your vacation in Florence with incredible views of the city from your family’s beautiful villa at Belmond Villa San Michele and Belmond Castello di Casole. At the new Art On The Move artwork project, guests view a 1930s Fiat Musone completely customized by famous Rome-based street artist Lucamaleonte, or they can stick to the more traditional masterpieces the city is famous for. Florence is a hub for Italian art and culture, making the hotel’s offer for transfers between properties and sculpture parks, including the Pazzagli and hidden Garden of Sounds, ideal. Hop in the car and take a sunset drive with the family to the Florentine hills for a stunning view — a throwback to a simpler time when scenic quality time with the kids on weekends was spent going for a drive.

Also located in the Tuscan region, but tucked away in the rolling hills and lush forests, Belmond Castello di Casole is a great homebase for families looking to get back to nature and enjoy farm-to-table dining with friends and family. Reconnect with your surroundings and each other with the timeless family activity of eating dinner together — only this dinner is inspired by the wonders of nature and served at the hotel’s Enchanted Table. Catch up over homemade Pomodoro sauces, pasta and farmhouse cheeses at a dining table suspended from an ancient oak tree, lit only by twinkle lights and a dangling candelabra.

For families that want to stretch their legs a bit more between meals, Belmond Hotel Splendido offers a Tastes Of The Lands wine and bike tour. Families ride along some of the most beautiful trails of Portofino, taking in the sights of iconic locales, including various protected parks. The journey leads your group to an eco-farm, where guests enjoy tastes of the vineyard, sample local specialties and other homegrown goodies straight from the sustainable farm. You’ll enjoy your earned snacks with views of Liguria, or choose to get a bit closer while visiting the farm’s family-run caves and underground tunnels, leading back toward Portofino.

Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast in the Campagnia region, Italy. Photo: Josef Skacel | Dreamstime.com

Also, along the scenic western Italian coastline, Belmond Hotel Caruso sits on the Amalfi Coast and offers scenic hikes, such as the Path Of The Gods. Mythology claims the trail once led gods through to the sea and Sirens, seeking Ulysses with their songs. Hike along the paths and take in the scenic views of literally everything around, en route to Nocelle for a family picnic.

The Belmond boasts several other Italian properties with easy, laid-back itineraries for families, including Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s rooftop city views, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo’s culinary offers and the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea across the sea in Sicily. Pick your destination and enjoy a luxuriously relaxing getaway with the family, filled with light activity and plenty of Italian culture.

Italy can seem like it’s all go-go-go to this tourist destination and the next, but sometimes the best way to take in the local culture, cuisine and incredible beauty is just to do nothing, and enjoy.