Milanese design takes centre stage at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano with 118 restyled rooms and suites designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

Sober, elegantly luxurious rooms and suites 

The 118 rooms and suites have been completely redesigned by the designer - known the world over for his exclusive interior architecture projects and renowned for his impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. The approach is sober and elegant. In its new interpretation of hospitality, the Four Seasons Milan now offers a vision of luxury in which every detail finds its place, every material its function in an essential elegance that leaves room for substance.

A blend of local heritage and contemporary style

Pierre-Yves Rochon favours a balance between heritage and contemporaneity, paying homage to Milan's history and instilling a sense of refined discretion, where each space is designed with precision, in a fluid and natural continuity. The interiors of the rooms and suites are a contemporary interpretation of local heritage and the technology is designed to blend with the architecture, without ever overriding the experience. This translates as discreet domotics and furnishings with studied proportions.

Heritage ceiling art and  studio-style layouts

The special suites envelop guests in the atmosphere of a typical Milanese apartment, thanks to design and spaciousness. The Fresco Suite, with a preserved ceiling fresco painted by Giocondo Albertolli (1742-1839), is a suite-studio that invites you to live in a work of art.  In the Renaissance Suite the living room overlooks the garden and it has an open studio-style layout, an original Renaissance stucco ceiling, a large four-poster bed and flooded with sunlight. 

Design elements from Italian brands

The hotel has a further five suites that are ideal for business trips or family holidays, with separate living and sleeping areas, or on a spacious single area, and then there are different room types for truly personalized stays. Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon's work also blends in with the common areas, where the famous designer Patricia Urquiola has given the hotel its current metropolitan and cosmopolitan character by introducing design elements from Cassina, Aggiolight Custom Lamps, Flos,  and iconic pieces from the collections of Italian brands such as Cassina, Poliform, Moroso, Poltrona Frau and Stepevi. The Spa, in the cellar of the former convent, is now a temple of wellness and a pioneer of treatments from the most famous beauty brands.

What’s new at Starhotels after the record 2024 operational and financial year.  

2024 was a highly successful year 

Starhotels closed the 2024 financial year with a total turnover of €314.8 million, up 2.8% over 2023; an EBITDA of €102.7 million, or 32.6% of turnover; and a net profit of €34.3 million, or 10.9% of turnover, up 9% over 2023. On a like-for-like basis, without taking into account the restructuring that reduced the availability of some facilities, turnover would have been €312.5 million and EBITDA would have been €104.5 million, with increases of 6.2% and 4.3% respectively compared to 2023. 

“This is the best result in our history”

“2024 confirms the solidity of our business model and our ability to generate growth even in complex scenarios,- said Elisabetta Fabri, president and CEO of Starhotels. -The best result in our history, while maintaining excellent margins. This performance propels us towards an ambitious expansion phase, with the objective of driving the evolution of high level and quality Italian hospitality." The group is therefore accelerating its expansion plans: a ten-year loan of €350 million was recently finalized, reducing the previous five-year loan of €460 million. The deal allows Starhotels to become more financially efficient and allocate the funds to improving its property portfolio, acquiring new hotels and signing new lease and management contracts.

A new Starhotels Collezione 4-star in Forte dei Marmi

Among the most significant operations in recent times, Starhotels has acquired the ownership and management of the Hermitage Hotel & Resort, a 4-star hotel with 59 rooms in Forte dei Marmi, marking its debut in the resort segment and strengthening its presence in Tuscany. The resort will become part of the Group's portfolio from the end of the 2025 season and will reopen to the public under the Starhotels Collezione brand from 2026 following a redevelopment phase aimed at maintaining and enhancing the hotel's identity and distinctive historical features, and aligning it with the Group's standards of excellence.

A new hotel in Venice and residential units in Florence

The summer of 2025 will see two openings the Hotel Gabrielli in Venice, a historic hotel in Riva degli Schiavoni, which will reopen as a 5-star hotel with 66 rooms and suites after an exceptional conservative restoration, and the Teatro Luxury Apartments in Florence. This will be one of the city's largest real estate recovery and development projects, and will consist of a new residential complex of 156-high-end units.  

Discover the beaches to experience in Apulia by following the winds on the PuntoMare app.

Real-time sea and bathing forecasts for 20 beaches in Apulia

PuntoMare is an exclusive guide to 20 top beaches in Puglia to experience - with the right wind! The app is the brainchild of a group of young Apulians who decided to create a tool that would simplify the experience and enhance seaside holidays for visitors.   Using a proprietary algorithm the app, which is free and is in Italian and English, offers precise indications on the state of the sea for bathing, making it possible to choose the perfect place on any given day to enjoy the sea in total safety.

app punto mare puglia

Italy to get 20 million visitors to seaside towns this summer

Italy is preparing to experience a record-breaking summer. According to data from the Florence-based Tourism Research Centre, from June to August 2025, 20.7 million visitors are expected in seaside towns up and down Italy, which means some 110 million overnights, a clear sign that the sea remains the undisputed king of the Italian summer.

And the Apulia region is preparing to welcome more than 8.5 million visitors, confirming its position as one of the most desirable destinations of the season.

AI suggests the perfect beach based on the wind

But every paradise has its unknowns: waves that are too high, annoying wind, jellyfish, or the beach of dreams already crowded at 9 a.m. and this is where PuntoMare comes in, using artificial intelligence to suggest the perfect beach in real time based on the wind of the day. It has selected the 20 best beaches on the Apulian coast, from north to south, Adriatic and Ionian, according to the type of wind. Because the secret to finding calm, clear waters is often all there is to it: follow the right wind. In addition to detailed bathing forecasts, PuntoMare allows users to discover and book unique experiences, quality restaurants and well-equipped lidos in just a few clicks, making their beach holiday a unique experience.

Three beaches in the province of Lecce top the list

Topping PuntoMare’s list are five beaches in the province of Lecce.  The Zinzulusa beach in the little town of Castro located on the south-eastern Adriatic in Castro a small town, just over an hour’s drive from the international Brinsidi-Salento airport, is a rocky covs famous for the cave of the same name. It faces south-east with northern and western winds, making the water clear and the sea calm. Also in Castro the La Sorgente beach is on the south-eastern Adriatic coast and is small natural platform with deep waters and transparent water. From the third to the fifth place we find beaches in Ugento, on the southern Ionian coat in the province of Lecce. First, the Torre San Giovanni beach in Ugento which is sandy with turquoise sea and shallow waters  and, facing south-west, it gets cool north-easterly winds.  In fourth position Torre Mozza’s beach is a long stretch of golden sand with very calm waters that are ideal for families, and in fifth place Lido Marini, is a well-equipped lido with fine sand and transparent seas. The list goes on with beaches in Polignano a Mare, Ginosa, Ostuni, Otranto, Porto Cesareo and Monopoli.  For information: www.punto-mare.it 

Summer evening openings with music and performances in scenic candlelit settings in Piedmont’s La Veneria royal palace will run until 30 August. 

Every Friday and Saturday until 30 August

Summer evenings are back at La Veneria, the former Savoy dynasty royal hunting lodge which is located some ten kilometres from the centre of Turin, wit evening openings that allow the public to enjoy music, live shows and light installations up to 30 August, every Friday and Saturday (and Thursday 14 August) from 6.30 p.m. until 23.00. And the atmosphere is made even more emotional thanks to the light of more than 5,000 candles and decorative lights. 

Live music performances and art installations 

Visitors can also enjoy the Baroque architecture of the Palace and the ongoing exhibitions until late in the evening. In the Sala di Diana, the baroque heart of the Palace, there is the “Frames” film installation by Davide Ferrario, while the Citroniera Juvarriana hosts the exhibition-event  “Solid Light,” which exhibits three-dimensional luminous volumes that use projections of light and non-toxic smoke, with which visitors are invited to interact. You can also enjoy an aperitif while listening to the most varied musical genres, from swing to flamenco, light music to tango, afro to jazz and from traditional folk music to oriental and Latin American…all live!

Sound and light shows in the Court of Honour  

In the illuminated gardens, as well as having the chance to sip an aperitif at sunset and attend the shows organized in collaboration with the Fondazione Piemonte dal Vivo, visitors can enjoy the music of relaxing DJ sets also in front of the Cascina Medici del Vascello where the light installation “Assembly” by Marinella Senatore, one of the most renowned contemporary Italian artists at an international level, is inspired by the traditional illuminations used in popular celebrations in Southern Italy, and consisting of a sculpture of coloured lights.  Evenings end in the Court of Honour, with a show of light and sound at the Fountain of the Deer with over a hundred jets spouting water to heights of over 12 metres. For information: www.lavenaria.it 

Wizz Air, the EMEA’s most eco-friendly airline is proud to introduce the “My Journey” mobile app.  

Revolutionizing the way passengers can monitor and manage their flights

Total air traffic forecast for this summer will exceed 2024 levels by 5% and has already surpassed pre-Covid levels, and with passengers possibly facing disruptions beyond the airlines' control this summer, from insufficient air traffic control capacity in some parts of Europe to expected adverse weather conditions across the continent, this powerful new feature on the official Wizz app, is designed to revolutionize the way passengers can monitor and manage their flights directly from their mobile devices..  

Assistance and benefits directly on mobile phones

“My Journey” gives passengers full control during their journey and in case of unforeseen events, providing assistance and benefits directly on their phone. In addition to receiving updates through various channels (calls, SMS, email), travellers can now consult all information in one place, conveniently on their smartphone: with real time flight status monitoring at every stage, from check-in to boarding time and the gate number, as well as a range of other benefits making for  faster decisions, less uncertainty and greater peace of mind when travelling.

“Helping our customers to save time and energy"

“It's not just about flying, it's about feeling in control even in the most frustrating moments - said Boglarka Spak, head of customer experience at Wizz Air. "My Journey is the ultimate solution for our passengers, allowing them to manage their travel experience in total autonomy. We believe that launching this feature during the summer peak period, when flights are more prone to disruption due to weather conditions or air traffic management, will help our customers find their way around more easily, saving time and energy."

The new app is being phased in from 8 July

With over 35 million downloads of the Wizz Air app on Apple, Google and Huawei platforms, the update promises to significantly improve the passenger experience. Those who have already downloaded the app and logged in will receive updates in their preferred language. “My Journey ” will be phased in from 8 July and aims to improve the airport experience, accompany the passenger throughout their journey and offer support to both frequent travellers and those flying with Wizz Air for the first time.

Umbria Jazz Gourmet is the chance to try these three restaurants in Perugia.

A gourmet project in parallel with the Jazz Festival

Umbria Jazz Gourmet is the gourmet spin-off of Umbria Jazz (from 11 to 20 July), the world-renowned festival of international music, cultural encounters and cosmopolitan vibes. This parallel gourmet project is a collaboration between the festival organizers and a number of local food and wine producers, making Umbrian cuisine an integral part of the event.  Many of the restaurants that best represent this vision are located in Perugia’s historic centre, and they blend the best of techniques with a gastronomic identity and contemporary spirit. Here are three of the best.

Ada Gourmet in the historic centre of Perugia

Ada Gourmet, a refined restaurant in the historic centre of Perugia, received a Michelin star in 2024 for its creative cuisine that blends Umbrian traditions and international influences. It has two tasting menus: one vegetarian and the other inspired by the Storyteller disco. The restaurant has two elegant rooms, an open kitchen and a fine wine cellar, and the menus is focused on Umbrian traditions which are reinterpreted with modern sensitivity.

L'Officina also hosts events

L’Officina is known for its creative and seasonal dishes that blend Umbrian traditions with international influences. The restaurant is also a cultural centre that hosts artistic and musical events. The wine cellar has a selection of biodynamic and natural wines, as well as craft beers and spirits. Dining here is an experience designed for a curious public who wants to experience contemporary reinterpretations of local flavours.

Acciugais a Michelin-star restaurant

Acciuga is a popular Michelin-star restaurant that specializes in modern and creative seasonal dishes served in an elegant setting, and it has an open kitchen. The choices on the menu show a penchant for ingredients that have a clear Mediterranean identity, and they change in tune with the seasons,  market availability and the chef’s sensitivity.

In summer the province of Alessandria in Piedmont beckons with lavender in bloom and summer vibes.

An attraction for slow travellers and photographers

Across the province of Alessandria in the Piedmont region Summer begins with a whisper of purple as entire hillsides are covered with lavender in bloom. Up to the end of July the countryside here transforms into a violet wonderland and attracts slow travellers, photographers, and lovers of beauty. Local farms cultivate the lavenderturning blossoms into essential oils, natural cosmetics, and organic beauty products that carry the scent of the hills.

ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato

Lavender-growing towns, villages and hamlets

Castelletto d’Erro in the Alto Monferrato Acquese region is a charming hilltop village, with just 150 residents and is the perfect starting point for a lavender tour. Not far away far Spigno, home to the Agronatura Cooperative, grows lavender using organic and biodynamic methods, and here visitors can learn all about officinal herbs in a serene countryside setting. Moving towards the Monferrato Casalese area, a scenic drive awaits with a panoramic road that leads through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and of course, endless waves of lavender fields. Another must-see for lavender lovers, Quargnento is just a short drive from Alessandria, and is home to the La Lavanda di Lu estate. Here a little kiosk sells everything from essential oils to scented sachets which make perfect souvenirs with the aroma of summer

ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato

Stays in wooden cabins in lavender fields

Close to the border with Savona, Merana is a little hamlet that seems frozen in time. Here, the Agriturismo Verdita offers a unique stay in “star boxes” which are cozy wooden cabins set right in the lavender fields. In the Val Borbera valley the little hamlet of Vendersi has over 70 scarecrows, each with a name and a story and there is a fragrant lavender field crowning the village that sells handmade soaps and local products.  In Alessandria’s suburb of Valmadonna, don’t miss the Chicche di Lavanda lavender fields which are open for free visits on Sundays and are a perfect way to end a fragrant lavender adventure through the province of Alessandria.

ph credits: Carlo Lenti ALEXALA Tourist Board Alessandria Monferrato

Italy remains one of the world's most popular destinations in 2025.

Digital payments are an ally to environmental protection

This is what emerged from the “Travel Trends 2025 - Italy Inbound” survey, together with the fact that digital payments are playing an increasingly central role in travel planning and management, and are considered a useful ally for environmental protection. The survey analyses tourists arriving from the UK, USA, China and the UAE, together with their spending expectations and payment intentions.

78% of trips are concentrated between May and September

And so Italy is confirmed as one of the main tourist destinations in Europe, thanks to how it is able to satisfy different interests. The most frequent motivations among visitors are cultural experiences (60%) and Italy’s iconic art cities (53%), often combined with moments of relaxation by the sea or exploring nature (44%). Travellers who chose Italy tend to concentrate visits to several locations in a short time (56%). 49% of tourists plan stays of between four and seven days, while 45% stay more than eight days. Although Italy is a popular year-round destination, most trips are concentrated between May and September (78%).

American visitors are the biggest spenders

The average spend is around €2,535 per person, with significant differences between countries, ranging from €1,890 for British tourists to €2,900 for Americans and tourists send on average of 14% of their annual income on their stay, while a third of respondents (32%) expect to spend more than last year, with an average increase of 18%.