The preferred get-away of the icons of the golden age of cinema, Hotel Il Pellicano sparkles with timeless glamour. Perched on the picturesque central east coast of Italy in Porto Ercole, the storied luxury hotel Il Pellicano commands breathtaking views of a bay that glistens under the brilliant Italian sun. A testament to elegance and refinement, this iconic establishment was brought to life in 1965 by Michael Graham, a British aviator, and Patsy Daszel, an American socialite. Cascading down a hillside adorned with fragrant rosemary and vibrant bougainvillea, Il Pellicano exudes timeless beauty and a captivating ambiance.
Over the years, Il Pellicano has played host to a captivating cast of illustrious guests. Charlie Chaplin himself once owned a cottage on the hotel grounds, and the Queen of the Netherlands was a regular visitor. In 1979, Roberto Scio, the owner of the Pellicano hotel group, recognized the exceptional potential of this hidden gem and acquired the property. With his visionary touch, Scio transformed Il Pellicano into a quintessential Tuscan retreat, captivating the hearts of the international jet-set. Today, Il Pellicano is under the discerning stewardship of Scio’s daughter, Marie-Louise Scio, who serves as the creative director. For four enchanting summer months each year, she relocates from Rome to the hotel, immersing herself in the idyllic atmosphere alongside her family.
Reflecting on the eclectic mix of guests who grace the hotel’s elegant halls, Scio remarks, “It’s always such an interesting mix of people – we get honeymooners, art people, fashion people…” The hotel’s allure knows no bounds, attracting a diverse array of distinguished individuals seeking an unparalleled retreat. Arriving for three glorious days at this luxurious cliffside boutique resort, we looked forward to chef Michelino Gioia's Michelin star dining at Ristorante Il Pellicano and the glorious outdoor terrace of Pelligrill overlooking the pristine blue Tyrrhenian Sea, making it one of the most romantic addresses in Italy.
Michael and Patricia Graham — he a decorated British pilot and she an American heiress
Sun loungers overlooking the sea
is one of our favourite restaurants in the world
one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Italy
Michelino Gioia’s Tuscan Vegetables Panzanella
Serves 4
Recipe courtesy of Chef Michelino Gioia, Il Pellicano
360 gr stale Tuscan bread
220 ml water, approximately
50 ml white wine vinegar
250 gr cherry tomatoes
220 gr cucumber
250 gr celery heart
80 gr red onion
40 gr basil
110 ml Tuscan EVO olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cut the stale bread into cubes and place them into a deep dish. Separately, clean all the vegetables, wash them and cut them into thin lozenges, while the cherry tomatoes should be cut into 4. Place everything into a container and season with EVO olive oil, vinegar, water, salt and pepper. Let it macerate for about 30 minutes, so that everything takes on flavour. Take the stale bread cubes, soak them with the excess liquid from the vegetables and then pour over the seasoned vegetables. Finish the dish with a few fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of EVO olive oil to taste, and serve immediately.
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