Hotel Il Pellicano Turns 50

Hotel Il Pellicano is an iconic Italian destination that has long been on my bucket list. Overlooking the Mediterranean from a promontory on the Tuscan coast, next to the stylish seaport of Porto Ercole, the hotel has been frequented by a cadre of international stylemakers since its opening in 1965.

Initially built as a small hotel and private club by socialites Michael and Patricia Graham (he a decorated British pilot and she an American heiress), it was purchased in 1979 by friend and frequent guest Roberto Sciò. While maintaining the intimate charm, he transformed and expanded the exclusive enclave into the legendary hotel it is today – below, Sciò and wife, shot by Slim Aarons in 1980.

A chic hideaway of understated luxury and refined relaxation, Il Pellicano has a glamorous history that was thankfully documented several years ago in a book with photos by John Swope, Slim Aarons and Juergen Teller, each representing an era at the celebrated hotel.

Nowadays it is Sciò’s daughter, the chic Marie-Louise Sciò, below, who, as creative director, oversees the hotel.

Photo by Matthieu Salvaing for the WSJ Magazine

In 2006 she was responsible for masterminding a major renovation. As she described, in a WSJ magazine piece last year, “We have changed it and updated it, but Il Pellicano hasn’t lost its spirit.” She naturally kept the pelican theme and extended it with other avian references such as the custom Fornasetti wallpaper, above and below, that covers the restaurant’s walls.

The bedrooms feature Pierre Frey fabrics, some subdued and serene,

and some in bright tropical colors.

Photo by Matthieu Salvaing for the WSJ Magazine

As annual visitor Margherita Missoni explained in the WSJ piece, “Il Pellicano is totally timeless—but not retro. It’s in its own bubble.” Echoing other regulars, many see no reason to ever leave the property. With a beach club, several restaurants, gym, tennis court, boutique and spa (using Santa Maria Novella products), it is a cosseted and coveted world that seems just the right combination of luxury and laissez faire.

This Saturday the storied hotel turned 50 and Marie-Louise oversaw a huge gala celebrating half a century of stylish Italian hospitality. It was hard to miss the party pics on Instagram as a bevy of European and American journalists and stylemakers attended. A few moments below via Instagram. Dinner via T magazine

chic style via Marie-Louise

and ambience via Max Mara’s dapper Giorgio Guidotti.

So thank you Il Pellicano for a marvelous vicarious weekend. Here’s to 50 more years of barefoot luxury!