April 18, 2026
Cristoforo Trapani is the new executive chef at Belmond Caruso in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast
March 18, 2022Cristoforo Trapani is the new executive chef at the Caruso in Ravello, a Belmond hotel on the Amalfi coast. The reopening for the 2022 season is scheduled for April 1st.
Originally from the Sorrento peninsula, Trapani has worked in some of the most important starred restaurants in the world. Among others, he has worked with Heinz Beck, Mauro Colagreco, Yannick Alléno, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, Moreno Cedroni and Davide Scabin. Eclectic, and in tune with his surroundings, Trapani has already received recognition from the Michelin guide.His cuisine blends local produce with simplicity
Trapani’s signature style of cuisine is a blend of local produce and simplicity, resulting in mouth-watering dishes such as the Violet Artichoke of Schito, Glazed Rock octopus, Gragnano Spaghetti with Yellow Tomatoes, and Red Praws Rigatoni, as well as, Vesuvius Annurche Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Ice Cream.
Inspired by the beauty of the coastline
“I’m happy to return home and to be able to start this new journey in the land where I was born and where my great passion for cooking blossomed,” declares the new executive chef. “At the Caruso my creativity will find new forms of inspiration; the beauty suspended between sky, sea and nature will be translated into flavours and an expression of soulful emotions.”
Ravello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ravello is one of the prettiest towns on the Amalfi Coast. Perched high up on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Salerno it has truly breathtaking views, and its air of laid-back glamour and sophistication makes is a popular tourist destination. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Published in Food&Wine
The Fiocco di Neve Relais and Spa in Limone in Piedmont joins the Autentico Hotels group
March 18, 2022Fiocco di Neve Relais and Spa in Limone in Piedmont joins the Autentico Hotels group and sister properties Castel Fragsburg in Merano, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort in Cortina and Mont Blanc Relais & Spa a few steps from Courmayeur.
This is the first 5-star luxury hotel in Limone, Piedmont and the only 5-star in the entire province of Cuneo. A Piedmontese family with roots in this valley took the hotel over in 2017, and a recent restyling has involved the expansion of the Relais, adding two new suites and bringing the total number of rooms to 14, all furnished in a romantic style.
Shuttles to the lifts and chairlifts
"The renovation project began about five years ago – explains hotel manager, Luigi Aprea - and particular attention was paid to the spa. This recreates authentic mountain scenery with natural colours and materials, and our services include the shuttle to the lifts and chairlifts, and gourmet cuisine with breakfasts prepared with quality local ingredients. Among the most recent additions is the White Lounge Bar adjacent to the hotel, now a glam location included in the Michelin guide, that hosts themed evenings and live music.”
“We have a passion for the true essence of luxury”
Limone is a glamorous winter resort town in the Maritime Alps in Italy’s Piedmont region, and is just an hour and a half from the city of Turin, and easily reachable from the Ligurian Riviera, the Principality of Monaco and the French Côte d’Azur.“We are pleased to welcome Fiocco di Neve Relais & Spa to our exclusive club - adds Beatriz Gimeno, Sales Development and Co-founder of Autentico Hospitality - it fully embraces our passion for family-run properties and our attitude towards the art of hospitality: the true essence of luxury.”
Published in Hospitality
The Deutsche Hospitality Group debuts in Italy with a hotel at Rome’s Tiburtina station
March 18, 2022The Deutsche Hospitality group is making its debut in Rome. The German company, formerly known as Steigenberger and now owned by the Chinese Huazhu, will open a hotel, branded as an IntercityHotel, at Rome’s Tiburtina station. The property will have 310 keys, a restaurant, a bar and six conference rooms.
Developed on an area purchased from the Fs Italiane Group
This operation is possible thanks to an agreement signed last week by Fs Sistemi Urbani (Fs Italiane Group), on behalf of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, Roma Capitale, and Progetto Tiburtina, of the Mtk group. The latter had purchased the plot for development, called C1 in July 2020, from Fs Sistemi Urbani for about €13 million. The Austrian Mtk Group already has properties in Italy having developed four accommodation facilities in via Ca' Marcello in Mestre, close to Venice.
Rome’s Tiburtina Station is linked to the underground and to Fiumicino Airport
The Tiburtina railway station is the second most important in Rome, and many Trenitalia high-speed and Intercity trains use it, as does Italy’s second rail operator Italo. The station is not as central as the main Termini Station, but it is on the metropolitan Line B, and also on the line for the urban trains that go to Fiumicino International Airport.
Published in Hospitality
Oscar Wilde famously said “Let me be surrounded by luxury, I can do without the necessities.” But what kind of luxury will high-net-worth individual travellers be looking for post-Covid? And which, if any, necessities will they be willing to do without?
With the industry champing at the bit, and luxury travel predicted to be a frontrunner in 2022, one US agent says ultraluxe holiday weeks are running into the $100,000s. “Ultraluxe is most easily defined as exclusive use. Think private jets and private islands, and a lot of navel-gazing.”
A recent Marriott survey revealed that 75% of upmarket travellers say that "luxury has a different meaning today than it did to my parents' generation.” Which means they want to spend for experiences that let them learn something new, implying a shift from “what I can buy or do" to "who I can be.”
So high-end travellers are looking beyond mere comfort and pampering for holidays that allow them to “be themselves”. And with many of them changing their bucket lists into do-now lists, the luxury hospitality brands need to rethink their mindsets. Those that do so fast, offering guests opportunities to live up to their aspirations of self-actualization and mindful travel, will find themselves with a whopping competitive advantage in the fast-changing world of luxury and ultraluxe travel.
Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor
Lefay Resorts & Residences group is one of the 131 Top Employers Italia certified companies for 2022. This certification is issued following a process of analysis and evaluation of HR policies and strategies based on objective data and documentation.
HR policies and strategies are examined and analyzed in six areas covering twenty topics, and over 400 best practices, and only after an internal validation and an external audit, can companies that meet the required standards and quality levels obtain the Top Employers certification.
“People are the real key to success”
“It is a great honor to be recognized as one of the best Italian companies for the management of human resources by the Top Employers Institute - comments Lefay’s CEO, Liliana Leali - we strongly believe that people are the real key to success, and that is why their satisfaction and well-being have always been among our main objectives.”
The Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda has won 70 awards
The Lefay Resorts & Residences Group was founded in 2006 by entrepreneurs Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali with the aim of becoming the number one Italian brand in the international luxury wellness holiday market for Italian lifestyle eco-resorts. The first jewel of the collection, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, in Gargnano opened in 2008, and has won over 70 awards internationally, positioning itself among the best spa destinations in the world.
The group is also developing its overseas portfolio
The Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti opened in Pinzolo in 2019, and has already received 15 international awards. Consistent with the values of well-being and sustainability, both are totally carbon neutral. In 2018 the company entered a new sector with the Lefay Wellness Residences at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti and a third property will be located in Tuscany, which is one of the most evocative and sought-after areas of Italy. The Lefay Resorts & Residences Group is also developing its overseas portfolio.
Published in Hospitality
Springtime in the Trentino region. Trails through meadows of orchids, lilies and buttercups
March 17, 2022Springtime in the Trentino region, when the mountains and valleys are carpeted with colourful orchids, snowdrops and buttercups, is the best time of year to enjoy its extraordinary biodiversity and colourful flowers.
The Monte Baldo Nature Park is famous for its biodiversity
The Monte Baldo Nature Park, between the Lagarina Valley and Lake Garda, has been known by botanists from all over Europe since the Middle Ages thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity and abundance of endemic species. As early as 1500 Giovan Battista Olivi, a pharmacist and physician from Cremona, defined the Monte Baldo massif as Hortus Italiae, the Garden of Italy. The most common species such as arnica, lilies, gentians, orchids, and buttercups bloom in the high-altitude meadows between May and June, creating colourful carpets throughout park. One of the most spectacular is the buttercup, with its intense yellow flowers.
Spectacular peaks and colourful blossoms
Mount Casale is the most panoramic mountain in the Terme di Comano Valley with its spectacular peaks, but it is not the only one. Even up here, in the high altitude meadows overlooking the southern side of the Brenta Dolomites, in May nature awakens, transforming the mountains into a colourful fresco of mountain tulips, orchids, peonies, gentians, lilies and rhododendrons, as well as gorse, cranberries, arnica, and heather.
A route suitable for families
The ascent on Mount Casale is an easy route that is also suitable for families. With a permit that can be purchased at the Panorama Hotel in Comano, drive up to the parking lot in Le Quadre and then continue on foot along a dirt road that leads into the meadows at the summit. When you reach the Don Zio refuge continue to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Valley of the Lakes with its stunning views over the peaks on the horizon. You can then continue south to a large cross and from there return to the Don Zio refuge.
A sea of apple blossom
At the end of April the Valle di Non valley, famous for its apples, becomes blanketed in white and soft pink apple blossom. This is the perfect time to discover this valley with its historic little villages and abundant natural attractions like the canyons around the Santa Giustina Lake. These can be reached along the many hiking and biking trails, made even more spectacular by the colourful apple orchards.
Gastronomic walks and themed picnics
The annual Aprile dolce fiorire (April sweet blossom) programme from 8 April to 1 May (www.apriledolcefiorire.com) is packed with events. From gastronomic walks and themed picnics to flowering itineraries and guided excursions, and from visits to wineries and distilleries to wine trekking, and excursions with donkeys. At the Lavazè Pass in the Val di Fiemme valley, on the border between Trentino and Alto Adige, you can find orchids and the rare edelweiss and the slopes of the Corno Bianco and Corno Nero are home to splendid rhododendrons.
Through fir and pine forests up to the peaks
Hiking from the Passo di Lavazè Pass to the panoramic peak of Pala Santa you pass through forests of fir and pine trees up to the peaks of the Corno Bianco and Corno Nero. On the descent, following the ski slope to Passo di Pampeago, you return to Passo Lavazè on trail number 9 first along the forest road and then back on the pathway.
Published in Cities & Regions
Aquadulci Hotel in a Sardinian paradise with emerald seas, pink flamingos and wonderful food
March 16, 2022Spartivento di Chia in Sardinia is a little paradise on earth, with its crystal clear emerald seas, pink flamingos, high sand dunes and fragrant Mediterranean scrub. Crossing a wooden walkway from the beach you come to the Aquadulci Hotel, a natural oasis in an enchanting setting.
The Aquadulci Hotel has minimally elegant rooms
This 4-star hotel has a large garden, a swimming pool, a bamboo gazebo for massages that use the organic essences of native plants, and minimally elegant rooms with furnishings in natural materials by local artisans. They also have private gardens, patios or terraces and there is an extensive outdoor lounge area in which to relax and enjoy an aperitif.
Local lobsters, cured hams and traditional pastries
In the à la carte Aquadulci restaurant the menu includes many local delicacies such as Sant'Antioco lobster, Villagrande cured ham, Cabras bottarga and the famous Camona tomatoes from Pula, as well as traditional pastries fresh from the kitchens.
Explore Chia’s coast on an old sailing schooner
Take a vacation to be enjoyed barefoot, from the soft carpet of grass in the garden to the fine sand of Su Giudeu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. This coastal stretch of Chia with its beaches and hidden coves is just waiting to be explored on foot or on an old sailing schooner.
Kite surfing and windsurfing courses, tennis and golf
The hotel also provides bicycles, organizes excursions by mountain bike, horseback riding, kite surfing, and windsurfing courses, and there is tennis and golf on the nearby 18-hole course. Book your stay by 31 March 2022, for a 10% discount. From May 21, 2022, prices from €75 per person per night with bed and breakfast.
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Published in Hospitality
Venice’s 2022 Biennale through the eyes of a native. The Luminaire makes intellectual travel cool
March 16, 2022Experience Venice with the eyes of a native with The Luminaire’s immersive journey into the beating heart of the floating city during the prestigious Biennale exhibition, this year entitled The Milk of Dreams.
For the event, which will run from April to November, and feature works by over two hundred artists from 58 countries, the new UK-based luxury travel company is reinventing the concept of cultural and stimulating travel with a personalised journey in the company of a truly remarkable Venetian.
A renowned architect and Venice native accompanies guests
The Luminaire’s Venice Biennale journey has a suggested timeframe of May or June 2022, and an ideal length of one week. Home will be a luxury suite in one of Venice’s most prestigious hotels and renowned architect, author and Venice native Francesco Da Mosto will accompany guests, starting with a welcome dinner at one of his favourite Venetian restaurants. 
Francesco da Mosto
Expeditions on the lagoon and to hidden corners of Venice
The week will unroll with a special evening at the La Fenice Opera House, and viewings at the Accademia Art Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum with art historian Giulia Martina Watson. There will also be visits to master artisans as they restore priceless treasures and artworks, and an intimate look into the city’s greatest landmark, St Mark’s Basilica. Da Mosto will accompany guests for expeditions on the lagoon and to hidden corners of Venice for a true insider’s view of the city, its history, its people and customs, its food and wines. 
Journeys to Antarctica, Florence, Japan and Cairo are planned
Also on The Luminaire’s 2022 schedule, the Antarctica with Sir Ranulph Finnes, the world’s greatest living explorer and a photographic expedition with the famous photographer Sir Don McCullin. Florence, Paris, Japan, Cairo and Luxor are also planned, but The Luminaire will create personalized experiences in any cultural hub in the world, designing journeys that explore the individual interests of each of its guests. These one-off travel experiences are for people who want to make their travel passions come true, and include private access to select locations and properties, bringing cultural and educational travel to new levels of specialization as they reveal the world through a new and exciting lens.
“Our mission is to make intellectual travel cool”
Adam Sebba, the Luminaire’s co-founder and CEO, who has worked over a 20-year career in luxury travel and fashion says:
“We’ve built the Luminaire for a new archetype of traveller. We know the next generation has a strong passion for knowledge, expects and values deep personalisation, and has a wide and eclectic range of interests. Our mission is to make intellectual travel cool, and we don’t see anyone else doing that.”
For more information visit the website: https://www.theluminaire.com
Published in MICE & Events
Maremma Safari Club’s 2022 scheduled walking trips start with two Tuscan itineraries in April and May
March 16, 2022The 2022 season of Maremma Safari Club’s scheduled walking trips start with two Tuscan itineraries in April and May. These, and the other four scheduled walks that run up to October through mostly unexplored parts of Italy, are described by founder and host Rudston Steward as “off beat.”
Walking across Monte Amiata and Elba
Tuscany is the first region to feature in 2022 with the Monte Amiata 19-24 April walk that will cross this little-known region of Southern Tuscany and its 1,738-metre mountain (a popular winter skiing choice). Then, from 21 to 26 May, Steward will accompany a group of slow-tourism buffs across the island of Elba which is just off the Tuscan coast. The port of Piombino is two hours by car from Florence, and the ferry from there to Elba’s capital Portoferraio - the starting point of the itinerary – takes just an hour.
“People are attracted by being in contact with nature”
Two scheduled 2022 walks are already sold out: the 10-14 May route through Calabria’s wild Aspromonte region, and the very popular and physically challenging 5-10 July Dolomites trip.
“I launched Maremma Safari Club in 2016. The 2022 walks are my first post-pandemic adventures on foot, and they are drawing a lot of attention. People are increasingly attracted by being in contact with nature, and getting away from run-of-the-mill holidays.”
Groups stay in guesthouses, boutique hotels, wine estates and castles
On an average day, walking little-known country trails and byways, and along untrodden paths known only to Rudston, groups cover about 20 kilometres a day with picnic lunches in the countryside or a break for local specialties in a typical trattoria. The accommodation is in double rooms in charming guesthouses, boutique hotels, wine estates and Medieval castles. Travel transfers and add-ons can be requested for all tours, and breakfast, lunch and dinner, and local table wines are always included.
Completely customizable private walks
Steward meticulously researches all his itineraries.
“They are truly off the beaten track and we can go for days without meeting another walker,” says Rudston who personally guides each group. He also runs private bespoke walks fitting in up to 3-4 different private and scheduled groups each month. “Our private walks are completely customizable with regard to the length, the difficulty and the personal preferences of the group.”
Spring is the best time of year to explore Elba
The Elba 21-26 May walk will cross the island along Mediterranean footpaths (with a visit to Napoleon’s love nest) and with walkers getting to swim on a different beach each day. “This itinerary is not particularly challenging, and spring is the best time of year to explore Elba. The sea is stunning and you avoid the summer crowds.”
Sardinia’s Supramonte walk ends in the boutique Hotel Cala Luna
Also very popular is the last walking trip of the season, to eastern Sardinia’s Supramonte region from 4 to 9 October. After the 13-kilometre second day, dinner is hosted in a local ovile shepherd’s hut and the night is spent camping. Another day, having explored the stunning Gorropu Gorge and its canyons, the walk ends at the limpid sea of Cala Gonone, with optional boat excursions and two nights in the Hotel Cala Luna boutique hotel.
Photo Credits: Maremma Safari Club
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Maremma Safari Club
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Published in On the road
Castelli Aperti FVG. Step back in time into historic houses and castles in Friuli Venezia Giulia on 2 and 3 April
March 15, 2022Take a leap back in time to discover the most beautiful historic houses and castles in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 April, the much-awaited Castelli Aperti FVG event returns. Now in its 37th edition this is a unique opportunity to discover the history of this region in the far north-east of Italy by visiting manor houses, castles, residences, gardens and parks that are normally closed to the public.
Owners and tour guides will show visitors around
With 19 castles opening for two days throughout the region, thanks to the Consortium for the Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia's Historic Castles visitors will be shown around by the owners of these historic properties or by professional guides. They will hear fascinating stories about the history of each castle, on journeys of culture and art, but also of curiosities and anecdotes handed down from generation to generation.
Strassoldo Castle
The province of Udine has 13 castles
There are 13 castles in the province of Udine: Aiello Castle, Ahrensperg Castle (Pulfero), San Pietro di Ragogna Castle, Strassoldo di Sopra Castle, Strassoldo di Sotto Castle, Susans Castle (Majano), Villalta Castle (Fagagna), Casaforte la Brunelde (Fagagna), Rocca Bernarda (Premariacco), Palazzo Steffaneo Roncato (Crauglio di S. Vito al Torre), Palazzo Romano Roncato (Crauglio di S. Vito al Torre), Rocca Bernarda (Premariacco). Vito al Torre), Palazzo Romano (Manzano), Castello di Flambruzzo (Rivignano Teor) and the Castello Savorgnan di Brazzà (Brazzacco). 
Spilimbergo Castle - credits Ciol
There are 6 castles in the provinces of Pordenone and Gorizia
While in the province of Pordenone, in addition to Spilimbergo Castle, Palazzo Panigai Ovio (Pravisdomini) and Cordovado Castle will open their doors, and in the province of Gorizia the Rocca di Monfalcone, Castello di San Floriano del Collio and Palazzo Lantieri (Gorizia) will also be open to visitors.
Some castles are open only by appointment
For safety reasons visits will be organised in small groups, with each residence managing access in different ways according to needs and space, and some open only by appointment. A list of participating castles, access regulations and individual initiatives are published on the website www.consorziocastelli.it. The price of admission varies from €7 to €10 and €3.5 for children aged 7 to 12. For information: e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Published in Cities & Regions
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