The Jetsetter's Guide to Holidaying Like a Gucci

There was once a time when the Gucci name was synonymous with dynastic wealth, power, and glamour. And then one of its scions Maurizio, a grandson of brand founder Guccio Gucci, wrested control of the family business from his relatives, lost all of it to a Bahraini investment firm, and then pissed off his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani so much that she had him murdered by a hit man. Such is the sensational tale that has recently been adapted into a movie with much fanfare as Ridley Scott's House of Gucci, itself based on a 2001 book by the same name.

The film, which stars Lady Gaga and Adam Driver as doomed couple Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci, has managed to become nearly as big of a phenomenon as the real-life events it depicts. Some of that has to do with the controversy, from the fake Italian accents to the actual Gucci descendants' deep dissatisfaction with what they believe to be a far-from-accurate portrayal of their family.

A lot of it also has to do with the general fabulosity of '80s-era Guccis: the clothes (some of which were pulled from the house archives), the big, bold, yellow gold jewels, the villas in Lake Como and Milan, the ski chalet in St. Moritz. In fact, House of Gucci just may be one of the more visually stunning and sartorially aspirational cinematic works we've seen in a long time, providing the same kind of vicarious indulgence that Emily in Paris did six months into Covid-19 lockdown last year. That it was shot in sumptuous locations around Italy only adds to its luster.

Now should you feel compelled to turn a wanderlust dream into reality, below are 10 opulent hotels in Italy—and beyond—to recreate a European holiday a la Gucci. Extra points if you spring for the top suite.