Nestled among the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, nestled in the unspoiled tranquility of the Tuscan coast of Monte Argentario, Hotel Il Pellicano is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, recognizing an icon where elegance and charm blend together in a unique experience.

Hotel Il Pellicano was founded in the 1950s by British aviator Michael Graham and American socialite Patsy Daszel, who fell in love with a wild cliff near Porto Ercole. In 1965, that secret spot transformed into an exclusive retreat, soon a favorite destination for aristocrats, international stars, and intellectuals, including the Agnellis., Charlie Chaplin and the European jet set immortalized by Slim Aarons' famous shots.
In 1979, the hotel was purchased by Roberto Sciò, who preserved its original soul while enhancing its sophisticated character. His vision transformed the’Hotel Il Pellicano in a unique destination, recognized for its refined design, quality service, and ability to make every guest feel at home. Since then, the tradition has been constantly renewed, finding new life in the contemporary sensibility of his daughter, Marie-Louise Sciò, now CEO and Creative Director of the Pellicano Hotels group. Under her leadership, the brand has expanded, maintaining its identity intact and pursuing a concept of hospitality that blends naturalness, beauty, and sustainability. The group has expanded over time, including, in the early 1990s, The Old Post Office Hotel in Palo Laziale, once the residence of Jean Paul Getty, and since 2019 the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa in Ischia, supported by ISSIMO, an e-commerce and publishing platform that celebrates Italian excellence. The property currently comprises 50 rooms and suites spread across the main building and seven cottages, all tastefully furnished by Marie-Louise Sciò, who has expertly integrated Tuscan details with contemporary lines, natural colors, and bright atmospheres. Among the most exclusive rooms are the Pellicano Suite with a private garden, the Argentario Suite with a pool and breathtaking views, and the Master Suites, elegant residences overlooking the sea. The hotel's gastronomic offerings are entrusted to chef Michelino Gioia, who helms both the Michelin-starred Il Pellicano Restaurant and the Pelligrill, Both overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea. Chef Gioia elegantly reinterprets local and seasonal produce, transforming Tuscan ingredients into refined sensory experiences. His style, faithful to tradition and attentive to innovation, is perfectly in tune with the hotel's identity.

At the Open Air Bar, the bar manager Federico Morosi – at Pellicano for eighteen seasons – embodies the house's convivial spirit with his classic style and warm welcome. He creates the celebrated Pellican Martini and the Teller Negroni, his personal take on the renowned classic. Ingredients such as rosemary and lemongrass, harvested from the hotel's gardens, enrich his creations and make every sip a part of the landscape. The Boutique, personally curated by Marie-Louise Sciò, is a true haven for those who embrace a refined and authentic lifestyle. Here, you'll find an exclusive selection of products ranging from eveningwear to beach sarongs, from designer objects to precious jewelry, and even exclusive products related to the Pellicano universe, also available on the ISSIMO platform. Every brand featured in the Boutique, whether renowned labels or true niche discoveries, reflects a passion for quality and timeless elegance. Il Pellicano also offers wellness, sports, and nature. The Pelliclub offers exclusive treatments, a heated seawater pool, and a private beach accessible by an elevator hidden among the rocks, making it the perfect place to unwind. The gym with modern Technogym equipment, the tennis court nestled among cypress trees, sunrise yoga on a private seafront terrace, and activities in the surrounding nature—from horseback riding to golf—complete an offering that blends relaxation, wellness, and lifestyle.
Commitment to sustainability is now one of the group's cornerstones, thanks to the "Il Dolce Far Bene" program, which promotes responsible tourism, enhances local communities, and celebrates the region's natural beauty. Every gesture, from using locally sourced ingredients to caring for the surrounding ecosystems, reflects an ethic of honest luxury, based on conscious choices and respect for the environment.
To celebrate its sixtieth anniversary, Hotel Il Pellicano organized a festive weekend in early June, filled with glamour and la dolce vita. Loyal guests, longtime friends, and international celebrities gathered to pay homage to the hotel's soul, in an event that captured the essence of carefree sophistication and understated glamour.

The festivities began with a sunset aperitif and a convivial dinner, ushering in a weekend filled with laughter, music, and the unique charm of the Italian coast. Guests enjoyed a special menu that included the hotel's signature dishes. Saturday began with a barefoot breakfast on the beach, created in collaboration with Speedo, followed by a lively doubles tennis tournament hosted by Superga. The day's casual elegance and playful spirit continued to reflect the vintage inspiration that ran throughout the celebration. The grand finale—a beachside party as the sun sank below the horizon—gave way to a night of dancing under the stars, accompanied by music from the DJ Paul Harris. A celebration imbued with the ineffable magic of the Pellicano that has enchanted its guests for six decades. Guests include: Maria Sharapova and Alex Gilkes, Francesca Amfitheatrof, Miriam Leone, Margaret Qualley, Juergen Teller, Cass Bird, Christine Centenera, Haider Ackermann, Angela, Margherita and Teresa Missoni, Riccardo Scamarcio And many others. Sixty years later, Il Pellicano remains true to itself: an elegant and timeless home, where every detail tells a story. A destination that has transcended the decades with grace and consistency, without ever losing its soul.

And while it looks to the future, with new projects and new visions, it continues to be a place where the dream of the Dolce Vita comes to life, every day, on the most beautiful cliff in the Mediterranean..