Beyond Italy's iconic landmarks and majestic art-infused cities lies a world of adventure waiting to be explored. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Italy is a chequerboard of pulse-pounding activities for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

In a recent survey from Holidu it emerged that, when it comes to adrenaline-fueled escapades Italy’s two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia, take the biscuit. Sicily in fact leads the list of Italy’s 20 regions with an impressive 203 adventure-packed activities, while Sardinia comes in second, trailing at 77 and closely followed by Tuscany at 76. 

At the top of Sicily's adventure list are its 150 off-road and mountain bike trails on scenic and rugged pathways, where adventurous cyclists navigate challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes on off-road and mountain trails. Parachuting comes in second with 21 sites that offer thrill-seekers the chance to leap from soaring heights and freefall through the sky, and the island also has 15 opportunities for rafting and tubing. 

Sardinia and Tuscany then chip in with additional thrills such as kayaking and tree-climbing, rounding out Italy’s high-octane adventure experiences with paddling through rivers, lakes and the ocean, or making gruelling ascensions into forest canopies to overcome the challenges of rope climbing and free climbing. www.holidu.it/casa-vacanze/italia#regioni-avventurose.

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor

The 2022-2023 fiscal year of Hnh Hospitality concluded on 31 October with record revenues and a 15% profits and margins growth.

Heightened demand notably from the United States

The unprecedented figures topped the £100 million revenue mark for the first time. Direct management saw a notable surge, reaching £105.7 million, a 48% increase from 2022. Gross operating margins stood at £16.1 million, equating to 15%, reflecting a one-percentage-point rise over the previous year. Statutory net profit reached £6.4 million. The strong growth in both primary destinations, such as Rome, Milan, and Venice, and secondary cities like Verona, Bologna, and Trieste, was bolstered by heightened demand from foreign markets, notably the United States. 

“New openings have already been identified” 

In addition to the inauguration of Almar Giardino di Costanza in Sicily, 2023 saw the opening of Pullman Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa in Villasimius, Sardinia, enhancing the luxury segment. 

“We'll remember 2023 as the year we topped the £100 million turnover milestone, but it's not just that,- said Luca Boccato, the company's CEO. -It was a year marked by sales consolidation, with employment levels returning to 2019 levels. However, the average price has soared by nearly 40% compared to the same period. Moreover, with the partnership of Fondo Italiano d'Investimento and Euler Capital, we've bolstered our strengths. This year we want to explore new avenues for growth and pursue diversified commercial development in a multi-brand approach. We look forward to soon announcing new openings that we have already identified.”

 

Two new openings in Italy for the Radisson group in Rome and Sardinia. 

The Roma Antica is the Radisson Collections’ second Roman property 

In Rome, the Radisson Collection Roma Antica has just opened. The 5-star 84-room hotel created from the conversion of Palazzo Lares Permarini is in Via delle Botteghe Oscure, close to the central Piazza Venezia square. The hotel has a gym, a spa, a restaurant and a bar with panoramic views on the top floor. During the renovation the remains of the walls of the Porticus Minucia, with traces of the polychrome marbles, were found. The Roma Antica will be the second Radisson Collection hotel in Rome and the sixth in Italy.

Seven Radisson openings are planned in Italy for 2024 and 2025

At the end of last year the Fattore Italia hotel company signed a leasing contract for the Sardinian Parco Torre di Chia, previously operated by TH Resorts. The property is spread over 100,000 sqm and is currently undergoing renovations, with the aim of repositioning it from the midscale to the 5-star segment. Expected to reopen in June, the resort will be renamed Veridia Resort and will be part of the Radisson Collection. The hotel group headed by Jin Jiang International Holdings is making strides in Italy. According to the vice president of business development Italy, Mauro Vinci, there are seven Radisson openings planned in Italy between now and 2025, for a total of over 1,200 new rooms.

Le Dune Piscinas which will open in April is the luxury of slowness in the “other” Sardinia.

Sand dunes and transparent seas

In south-western Sardinia, in the Costa Verde area, there are 47 kilometres of wild and spectacular coastline in the municipality of Arbus with an expanse of fine sand dunes, the highest in Europe, that become endless beaches bathed by a sea of surprising transparency. 

This is the other Sardinia

This is the other Sardinia, the one reserved for lovers of nature and silence and from Arbus, you come to the Ingurtosu mining park, a monument of industrial archaeology included in a UNESCO World Heritage area that stretches over 18 kilometres of deserted beach.  From here you proceed along a dirt road until you reach the beach of Piscinas, untouched and solitary, lapped by crystal-clear water. 

junior suite - Le Dune Piscinas

A 5-star hotel with 28 rooms and suites

Le Dune Piscinas Resort, directly on the beach, reopens on 24 April after three years of radical renovation. A project aimed at protecting and enhancing the historic property, an integral part of the local mining industrial archaeology, now elevated to the pinnacle  of environmentally sustainable hospitality. This five-star hotel with 28 rooms and suites, three restaurants, an American bar, spa and gym, and an outdoor pool.

Menus from a Michelin-star chef 

Le Dune Piscinas has all the comforts of a 5-star hotel, with impeccable service and guests will delight in the food and wine with a menu created by chef Fabio Ciervo, who got a Michelin star at the Eden Hotel Terrace in Rome, and who blends the simplicity of local cuisine with the creativity of fine dining. 

The 4-star Diana is Garibaldi Hotels’ second property in Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia. 

“We are working on adding more rooms”

The property, which has 42 rooms, also features a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, free parking and a garden. “We are very close to Sardinia, a region that we know well and where we are already operational with the Santina Resort – says Egidio Ventimiglia, CEO of the Apulian company. -The hotel has already been  restyled by the owners, and we are now working on adding more rooms."

Garibaldi Hotels has 12 properties 

Located halfway between the beach and the historic centre of the town, the Diana Hotel boosts the group's leisure segment, which continues to grow and currently counts 12 hotels in Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, Umbria, Lazio and Trentino. 

In 2023 the group recorded a 28% increase

“2024 will be an important year for us, as we want to accelerate our development plans: after Sardinia we are already looking at new opportunities. We closed 2023 with excellent results, recording +28% over 2022 with the same number of rooms – says general manager, Fabrizio Prete - This figure is highly satisfying and serves as a motivation to face new challenges and maintain the trajectory we’ve followed since the outset of our journey in 2013” 

Bluserena's summer 2024 sales are already open, and the Abruzzo-based company is adding new services to its resorts in Sardinia.

A new full all-inclusive service

With 12 resorts in Sardinia, Apulia, Calabria, Sicily and Abruzzo, Bluserena is preparing for the next high season. The Is Serenas Badesi Resort near Gallura in Sardinia, will be offering a full all-inclusive formula including drinks, cocktails, and unlimited snacks. And Prestige Room guests will also have an exclusive pool with a bar, as well as a reserved area with table service in the restaurant, and an exclusive check-in and check-out lobby. 

A 15% discount for holidays booked by 31 January

The Calaserena Resort in southern Sardinia will also start the 2024 season with some new features. In addition to the restyled public areas, the rooms have been refurbished, there are new suites and a brand new fitness and spa area. Summer holidays booked with Bluserena Hotels & Resorts by 31 January afford a 15% discount on the next summer stay.

Alex Dallocchio will oversee the pre-opening at Romazzino Hotel on the Costa Smeralda. 

The Romazzino and also the Pitrizza, to be rebranded as Cheval Blanc, are now under the LVMH group alongside Belmond. The new general manager, Alex Dallocchio, will oversee the pre-opening strategy and lead the team in crafting the reopening of Romazzino in 2024.

Dallocchio has worked with Starhotels and Marriott 

Bringing over twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dallocchio has an extensive background in Europe and North America. His most recent role was CEO of the Starhotels Group, and previously he was with the Westin London City and the Beverly Hills Marriott. In his new position, Dallocchio will report to Christian Boyens, vice president and leader of LVMH's Southern Europe division.

Romazzino Hotel

“This is an exceptional rebranding and renovation project”

Expressing his enthusiasm, Dallocchio said, “It is truly an honour to be appointed general manager of Romazzino. I can't wait to commence work on this exceptional rebranding and renovation project, which will elevate this renowned hotel to one of the finest resorts in Southern Europe.” 

Jet2.com is particularly excited about an expansion for summer 20224 and 2025 with what CEO Steve Heapy calls a “trio of Italian delights: Sicily, Sardinia, and the city of Verona.” 

More summer flights to eight Italian airports

The expansion includes the addition of capacity to eight airports in Italy, offering thousands more seats for sale. Furthermore, the 2024 summer season will be extended until mid-November, introducing new flights to Sicily from Manchester and London Stansted. 

For the summer of 2025, additional services to Sicily have been put on sale from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, and London Stansted, just in time for the Easter holidays. Late summer 2025 will see further flights added to Sicily from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted in November.

Sardinia is set to get increased flights

Sardinia is also set to receive increased flights from Manchester Airport in September, October, and November 2024, with additional flights in November from London Stansted. The summer of 2025 will see further growth with the introduction of flights from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted airports starting in April.

Verona too with get new frequencies 

Verona, the third Italian destination in focus, will get new frequencies from Edinburgh, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, and Newcastle international airports starting on 24 October 2024,. The 2025 summer season to Verona will be expanded with spring flights from Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Additionally, flights are planned for the end of the summer between September and October 2025 from Belfast International, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, and Newcastle International.

“Our Italian operation is experiencing strong demand”

“Our Italian operation is experiencing strong demand, which is not surprising considering the amazing beach and city holiday options it offers to customers and independent travel agents,” says the airline’s CEO. “Sicily, Sardinia, and Verona are a trio of Italian delights, and today's announcement sees a significant expansion for all three destinations. Based on the demand we expect these flights and holidays to sell very quickly as customers look to escape to these magical destinations.”

This summer Sardinia made a comeback to pre-pandemic levels and is proving to be a year-round attraction.

“Arrivals were higher than pre-pandemic levels”

“Summer 2023 was a very good season. Arrivals to Sardinia were higher than pre-pandemic levels, and for the first time we are witnessing a growth in tourists beyond the high season. Sardinia has so much to offer throughout the year,” said Andrea Cocco, head of the cabinet of tourism, crafts and commerce of the Sardinia’s Region, speaking last month at the WTM. 

Sardinia is now appealing in the off-peak months 

“In 2024 we will continue to promote all our attractions that are spread across the 24,000 square kilometres and 377 municipalities of our island. Food and wine events are an invitation to get to know authentic Sardinia, and are something to be experienced not only in the high season. Regarding overtourism, Sardinia has long chosen to appeal to an attentive, high-profile, and demanding tourist; there is something for everyone here and we are extremely hospitable. If we manage to fully resolve the problem of air transport and connections, Sardinia can be a holiday destination all year round."

Mangia's Santa Teresa Resort in Sardinia has reopened after a makeover costing €12 million. 

Landscaped gardens and 199 rooms many with private terraces

Suite Santa Teresa Resort

The work included the swimming pool, spa, gym, tennis court, water sports (SUP and canoeing), landscaped gardens and free parking which are just some of the innovations awaiting guests at Mangia's Santa Teresa Resort.  Located on the small bay of Santa Reparata in the north of the island, Mangia’s Santa Teresa boasts 199 rooms that have been completely renovated and furnished in Italian style. Many of the rooms have sea views or a private terrace. The resort also has an equipped private beach and a shuttle service to the most beautiful beaches in the area. 

Two restaurants and a pool bar

For summer 2024 the Mangia’s property has a new beach club near the resort. There are also two restaurants: the brand-new Donna Floriana Bistrot, which serves traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, and the renovated Perseo Restaurant, with an international buffet that also includes local specialities. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the Lime Pool Bar, and relax in the Lounge with jazz music.

Sardinia, a trailblazer in tourism and eco-sustainable accommodation, is once again pioneering a new concept in hospitality: the nautical scattered hotel.

Sardinia was the first region to introduce the scattered hotel

Following its distinction as the first Italian region to formally recognise the albergo diffuso or scattered hotel (with rooms located in various buildings throughout a community or small town) in 1998, Sardinia is now introducing a ground-breaking concept: the albergo nautico diffuso or scattered nautical hotel. 

Staying on the land and on the sea

Enabled by the modification of a regional law this innovative accommodation facility integrates land services, including reception, registration, customer assistance, and standard hotel services. At the same time the nautical scattered hotel offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the captivating beauty of Sardinia's coasts on boats that can move within a three-mile radius from their port location, limited to daylight hours.

“We are once again in the lead, both in Italy and in the world”

The nautical scattered hotel will consist of at least seven craft, providing a minimum of fifty beds "in the cabin." The rental contracts for these facilities will range from a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of four weeks,  and will offer guests a truly exclusive experience. Giovanni Chessa, Sardinia’s regional councillor for tourism, crafts, and commerce, commenting on the significance of this new type of accommodation said: “By introducing this new facility Sardinia shows that it knows how to be a benchmark for Italian tourism. By standardizing new hospitality frontiers we are once again in the lead, both in Italy and in the world.”

Sardinia is at the top of the international tourist wish list

This approach is reaping the benefits, with an increase in arrivals which this year are at  6,377,247 (in ports and airports) compared to 6,005,971 in 2022,  thus reasserting  Sardinia's position at the top of the international tourist wish list. For information: www.sardegnaturismo.it 

As already anticipated in July, Mandarin Oriental is to open in 2026 in Sardinia with a new resort in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda.

A beach resort with 83 keys

Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Pevero, the Mandarin Oriental Porto Cervo, formerly the Le Ginestre hotel, will be surrounded by greenery and will have a private beach accessible via a 350-metre walkway. The resort’s development will be overseen by the Statuto Group,  and it will have 83 rooms and suites. The five different restaurants and bars will entice guests with their varied culinary offerings, while the Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer the group's wellness experiences.

“The experience of the Statuto Group promises an extraordinary resort”

There will also be swimming pools hidden in the lush vegetation, a gym with state-of-the-art machines and a beach club on the Porto Paglia beach. "We are thrilled to announce the Mandarin Oriental Porto Cervo to our guests, and to expand our presence in one of the most exclusive destinations in this region,- says Mandarin Oriental's chief development officer, Francesco Cefalù. - The unique charm of the Costa Smeralda, combined with the experience of the Statuto Group, promises an extraordinary resort. We look forward to offering our refined service in this fascinating corner of Italy."

Over 40 kilometres of new cycle routes to explore the less crowded beaches and oldest villages on the Sassari coastline of Sardinia.

Crystal clear seas, coastal pine forests and digital maps

All this is possible in Budoni, the village in Sardinia’s Gallura district, which has for some time now been focusing on sustainability, the rediscovery of traditions in a modern key, and the valorization of the inestimable natural heritage it preserves. With its crystal-clear seas and coastal pine forests, cyclists can use both digital maps and the hundred new-generation bicycle racks distributed along the itineraries. These new itineraries can be enjoyed on e-bike, winding for over 40 kilometres, far from smog, traffic and pollution, through the ancient villages of Budoni. 

“Designed for cycle tourists who prefer seasons of the year other than summer”

Alessandro Fiore, Destination manager of Budoni Wellcome, explains:

"The development of routes for lovers of two wheels or long walks makes us particularly proud. We accompany visitors as they discovery our area, distributing our guests in the different parts of our destination. These routes are also designed for cycle tourists who prefer seasons of the year other than summer to move around, when our territory reveals its deepest nature, rich in history, colours and perfumes.”  

Komoot-mapped cycle and walking routes

Great attention is also paid to those who prefer to move around on foot, with three trekking paths that allow them to discover the magnificence of the cosatal and inland areas. All in total safety thanks to the mapping of all the routes on Komoot, one of the most authoritative outdoor platforms in the world. They will also find an ample number of signs with QR codes that at all times indicate the precise position, the route travelled and the time remaining.  Along the way there are also numerous refreshment points where it is possible to stop and enjoy typical local.

It has been confirmed that the prestigious Mandarin Oriental group is set to open in Sardinia. But will it be the Hotel Le Ginestre?  

Rumours suggest the Statuto Group’s Hotel Le Ginestre

Francesco Cefalù, the newly appointed Chief Development Officer, recently said an official announcement will be made soon. Rumours suggest that the Mandarin Oriental’s choice will be the Hotel Le Ginestre in Porto Cervo (Sardinia), which was recently acquired by the Statuto Group, owner of the Mandarin in Milan. The Hotel Le Ginestre, currently a 4-star with 80 rooms, is expected to undergo a rebranding and repositioning to 5-star status. 

Mandarin Oriental has plans to open six properties in Italy

As well as the opening planned for Cortina in 2025, Christoph Mares, the global chief operating officer of Mandarin Oriental, said the company has set its sights on six locations in Italy in the near future. Yet more rumors suggest the Villini ,in a  beautiful park in Rome's Sallustiano district which is currently undergoing redevelopment could be one of them. 

The Group expects a rebound in demand from Asia

Cefalù also expressed optimism about the group's performance in 2023, anticipating a rebound in demand from Asia to offset the anticipated slowdown in the US market, though 2025 will be a crucial year with regard to the sustainability of prices. Cefalù believes that only projects offering true luxury and exceptional quality will thrive in the long term. 

As summer gets into full swing at VRetreats’ Cala Cuncheddi, five new VRetreats have been announced.  

85 rooms set in a park and three restaurants 

After the Roma hotel in Ortigia, now is the turn of the Sardinian Cala Cuncheddi located in Capo Ceraso, a few steps from the sea and only 12 kilometres from Olbia airport. The hotel has 85 rooms, including six brand new suites, and is set in a park of centuries-old olive and myrtle trees. There is also a private beach, an infinity pool, a pool bar and a beauty spa by the sea, which complements the indoor wellness wet area with a whirlpool bath, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation spaces. Completing the offer is a gym, three restaurants specialized in Sardinian cuisine and wine cellar with local, Italian and international wines, which can also be used for gourmet dinners with a dedicated maître sommelier.

Excursions with a marine biologist and canyon trekking

“Olbia’s southern seaboard, from San Teodoro to the Ogliastra area, has coves with sheer cliffs overlooking the sea. The waters are among the most beautiful in Sardinia,- says Massimiliano Atlantei, hotel manager of Cala Cuncheddi. - Our guests can enjoy unique experiences, such excursions with a skipper and marine biologist to the Tavolara protected area, or by sailing boat or yacht, departing from Cannigione, Portisco or Palau, for tailor-made itineraries to the Maddalena archipelago and beyond. For those who prefer a more active experience, we also organize visits with specialised guides to some of the most evocative places in Barbagia and Ogliastra, such as the Gorroppu Gorge: one of the most famous and highest canyons in Europe.”