From grand Italian escapes to stylish New York jaunts, Sophia Loren’s travel diary would epitomise timeless glamour
Italian screen legend Sophia Loren is known for her elegance and elevated glamour. While the actress has travelled the world, her values remain deeply rooted in family and traditional Italian culture. She has often spoken about her love of good food, whether cooking or sharing meals around the table, as well as the beauty of historic cities, the confidence of impeccable style and the luxury of places that still feel quietly undiscovered. To travel as Sophia Loren would is to embrace la dolce vita in its truest form.
Grand Italian Escape
Sophia Loren’s travels would naturally begin in Italy, where cinema, culture and glamour intertwine. In Rome, Hotel Hassler, known as the city’s first luxury hotel, sits at the top of the Spanish Steps, offering sweeping views across the Eternal City and a sense of discreet grandeur perfectly aligned with Loren’s classic style.
At the grand Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, a suite designed in Loren’s honour celebrates the actress’s timeless style and favourite details, making it one of the most fitting places to stay when exploring the Eternal City. Book a night in this stylish haven to get a small taste of what it feels like to be in Loren’s world.
Further south, and heading to Loren’s hometown of Naples, wander the vibrant streets, take in the sweeping views of Mount Vesuvius and immerse yourself in the city’s deep culinary heritage. For a stay worthy of Loren’s timeless glamour, Grand Hotel Vesuvio offers views across the Bay of Naples and has long been associated with visiting film stars and cultural icons. Nearby, Romeo Hotel provides a more contemporary interpretation of Neapolitan luxury, combining design, art and exceptional dining.
Naples also celebrates the culinary traditions Loren loves most. Simple yet perfect plates of pasta, fresh seafood and of course, traditional Neapolitan Italian pizza capture the Mediterranean approach to food she has championed for decades.
Loren’s love of Italian cuisine would naturally lead to Tuscany, where rolling hills, olive groves and historic towns create a picturesque setting. The legendary Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel and a restored 10th-century estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offers the kind of quiet elegance and privacy that would suit Loren’s refined taste perfectly. Equally fitting is Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, created by Massimo Ferragamo and set within a historic UNESCO-certified estate where guests can explore nature, truffle hunt, or enjoy long Tuscan meals beneath the stars.
Mediterranean Glamour
Beyond Italy, Loren’s travels would extend across the Mediterranean to some of the world’s most coveted seaside destinations. In the 1950s, she even helped bring international attention to the Greek island of Hydra, a serene retreat where artists and creatives gathered during the golden age of European cinema. Today, the island remains a charming retreat where visitors arrive by yacht at the harbour before wandering its winding streets, discovering secluded beaches and immersing themselves in the island’s artistic culture.
Further along the Riviera, the elegance of Monaco offers a natural extension of Loren’s world. A stay at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo captures the glamour of old-world Europe overlooking the famous Casino Square. Just along the coast, discover the iconic destination of Cannes, where no trip would be complete without a check-in at the Hôtel Martinez.
The stylish city of Paris would no doubt be the next stop on Loren’s European tour. A stay at the legendary Ritz Paris on Place Vendôme places you at the heart of the city’s timeless elegance. Meander through the nearby jewellery Maisons and step inside some of the world’s most iconic couture ateliers to gain a sense of how Loren’s experiences may have once been. Stop for lunch at Le Grand Véfour, one of Paris’s most historic restaurants, or enjoy tea at Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Afternoons could be spent wandering the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, pausing at terrace cafés or browsing antique jewellery boutiques along the Left Bank.
New York’s Cultural Energy
Across the Atlantic, New York offers a bolder expression of glamour that fits perfectly with Loren’s confident sense of style. The legendary Carlyle Hotel has long been a favourite among cultural icons and would be a natural choice for Loren, as well as The Plaza, a place designed for icons. Stop here for a glamorous afternoon tea experience before taking a stroll along Fifth Avenue to discover the city’s iconic shopping destinations.
As one of the world’s most effortlessly sophisticated icons, travelling like Sophia Loren would be a journey defined by Italian joy and enjoying life to the fullest.
