The Milan W brand property, by Studio Urquiola, reinterprets the Rationalist architecture of the original late 1950s building.

Very close to Milan’s La Scala opera house

Milan’s first Marriott's W brand will make its debut in Piazzetta Bossi, a short walk from the La Scala opera house. The building is owned by the Statuto Group, and the W Milan with 116 rooms, including 15 suites, and will open next autumn.

Marriott W Milan

A rooftop swimming pool and a W Lounge

The new W brand hotel will also have a series of restaurants and bars serving Japanese and Italian cuisine, including a collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton. It will also have the iconic W Lounge, and guests will also find a panoramic rooftop complete with a swimming pool. In the evenings the building's rooftop bar, l'Aria, will offer contemporary food and cocktails as well as DJ sessions.

An MOU between FTO, the Organized Tourism Federation, and IBAR, the Italian Board of Airlines Representatives, promotes environmental and financial sustainability.

Promoting environmental and financial sustainability

Confcommercio's  FTO, the Federation of Organized Tourism and IBAR - Italian Board Airline Representatives - have signed a memorandum of understanding with the key aim of "promoting and ensuring the environmental and financial sustainability of air transport and organized tourism by protecting its specificities". 

“Synergies between organized tourism and carriers are decisive”

The two associations undertake to disseminate a full understanding of the national and European regulatory framework and to coordinate the guidelines, as well as working on 'oint training activities, and constantly improving customer satisfaction. “This is a very important agreement for us, because the synergies between organized tourism and carriers are decisive for the sector," says FTO’s president Franco Gattinoni.   Flavio Ghiringhelli, president of Ibar, adds "Air transport is the indispensable flywheel for the connectivity of a country like Italy. Close collaboration with the organized tourism chain is essential for our industry.”  

  

Namibia will be on stage at Capena, near Rome, with the art exhibition Namibia Würth - Capena, scheduled to run until 14 October.

Themes highlighting Namibia’s history and culture

Urte R. Remmert © 2022 rights for the images used, of the artists, heirs or legal successors.

The Namibian Consulate has collaborated with the Art Forum Würth Capena for this exhibition, which will run through 14 October,  aimed at publicizing an event that is the fruit both of the wealth of Namibia’s artistic production and the sensitivity of those who have curated the show. The aim being to highlight the artists’ search for forms and themes that combine different eras of their country's history and culture, and their ability to convey important messages, whatever the perspective adopted as a starting point. 

Ismael Shivute © 2022 rights for the images used, of the artists, heirs or legal successors

An inspiration for travellers to discover the country

Namibia's First Lady Monica Geingos and Namibia's Ambassador to Italy Albertus Aochamub expressed their appreciation for the Art Forum Würth Capena event that aims at introducing Italians to the country from a new angle. It is also seen as an inspiration for travellers, inviting them to discover the country, now that its borders have finally reopened to travel.

Overlooking the Bay of Naples with views of the city, Vesuvius, the Sorrento Coast and Capri, the boutique Hotel Mediterraneo is an oasis of curated luxury.

A luxurious home-away-from-home

  

The dazzling white Art Nouveau building, five minutes by car from the lively heart of Sorrento, was a private home that was converted into a hotel in the 1960s. The Marasca-Monti family, which still owns and manages the Hotel Mediterraneo, has taken it through a total and elegant renovation, and from three to four, and then in 2021 to five-stars. 

Palm trees and a large swimming pool

Many of the 61 rooms and junior suites have balconies and views of the Bay of Naples while others overlook the gardens with their tall palm trees and large swimming pool. The rooms are discreet yet sophisticated with touches that reflect the area’s history and seafaring traditions, like the fisherman’s lampara lights, the turquoise Vesuvius lava stone bedside tables, and the decor in Mediterranean shades of blue and teal. 

Traditional and modern cuisine, champagne and cocktails

In the Vesuvio Restaurant the traditional and international menu features local favourites with a contemporary twist that are impeccably served on refined tableware. The Aqua Pool Lounge by the pool serves pizzas, grilled meats and fish lunches, and the new Oltremare Lounge Bar in the lobby has an extensive list of wines, champagnes, signature cocktails and seafood finger food.  

“The rooftop Vista SkyBar has live music and an eclectic menu”

Resident manager Francesco Monti says there are spectacular sunsets and stunning views of the Sorrento Coast, Naples and Capri from the Vista Sky Bar.

“The rooftop is one of the Coast’s coolest rendezvous, with live and DJ music and an eclectic menu showcasing local and international specialties.”

In the Hotel Mediterraneo’s LePietre Spa the rituals use volcanic basalt and marine stones, and there is a salt room which is also used for couples’ treatments. A lift descends to the sea where there is a reserved area with beach loungers and sun umbrellas for hotel guests.

 

Tiberland’s itineraries of nature, culture and relaxation along Rome’s Tiber river are from a newly formed DMO. 

A sustainable itinerary along Rome’s Tiber river

The newly formed DMO Tiberland brings together the cities, towns and villages, associations and economic operators of the area and the mouth of Rome’s Tiber river. The route, that winds for 70 kilometres, offers a travel experience immersed in nature, and an opportunity to combine leisure, culture and relaxation, focusing on sustainable mobility (horses, bicycles, walking routes, etc.) as well as on alternative accommodation, local foods and wines. 

Discovering what lies beyond the Eternal City

Tiberland is a destination to be experienced in a contemporary, proactive, and sustainable way, looking at Rome from the outside, and discovering the beauties of the city beyond its historic centre in a geographical area that stretches from the capital to the sea. For nature lovers Tiberland offers green trails that can be explored on donkeys, on foot or by bicycle. And there is also the possibility to relax and forage, a DIY approach to adding flavour to your food, and you can also opt for the train, from the stations of the Roma Nord railway.

river boat

Alternative accommodation and discounts

There are also tours within the capital and there is no shortage of itineraries centred around the historical and naturalistic charm of the towns and villages located along the northern part of the Tiber. The tourism proposed by Tiberland is sustainable as can be found in the type of accommodation that include "en plein air" stays, with a welcoming family dimension and an accessible quality-price ratio. The Tiberland project includes the Tiber Card, which gives the cardholder offers and benefits, such as discounts on services including guided tours, workshops, and restaurants, as well as on books and other items at museum giftshops.

Charm and sustainability at Il Baglio sull'Acqua, a romantic and exclusive boutique hotel on the little island of Favignana.

A charming resort in Going’s Summer 2023 programme

Favignana, the heart of the Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands off the coast of Sicily is confirmed in the Going Summer 2023 programme, with Il Baglio sull'Acqua in the Going Lifestyle section, where the MSC Cruises tour operator includes charming proposals with assistance.

A romantic and exclusive hotel of charm

At the resort, which opens today 25 May and will close on 8 October, the service is bed and breakfast, while it is also possible to use the adjoining à la carte restaurant. In the Sicilian architectural tradition of an old fortified country farm with a large courtyard in the centre, overlooked by suites and communal areas, the resort stands out for its charming atmosphere and attentive service. It is a romantic and exclusive boutique hotel with just ten rooms and suites, some with furnished terraces and whirlpool baths, overlooking the garden or on the first floor, with a sea view.

“Favignana is authentic, a little wild and simple”

"We are not a hotel, but a home that welcomes guests as friends during their stay.  Favignana is special because it has remained authentic, unspoiled, a little wild and at the same time simple,” says, manager Beppe Pellegrino. The island is made for being discovered by bicycle and scooter or on long walks. It also has trekking routes and from the mountains in the centre you can see all seven of the Egadi islands. 

A good choice for events and for fashion and film shoots

The destination has a strong sustainable vocation thanks to the AMP Egadi Marine Protected Area, and to the efforts made to raise tourism awareness of the protection of the marine and natural environments. Baglio sull'Acqua is also available for private outdoor events for up to 70 people, with classy set-ups and is perfect for fashion and film shoots. 

Indulge in photography and painting, guided by a professional photographer and by young art students, for relaxing breaks in Florence and Borgo Pignano, an hour from the Tuscan capital.  

Leica and the Portrait Firenze hotel team for photography coaching

Spring is an ideal time for re-connecting the brain and body, and Italy has some fantastic locations in which to indulge in activities of an artistic nature like photography and painting.  One of the best parts of any holiday is when you return home and share your photographs with your loved ones. Let Leica and Portrait Firenze guide you to enhance your technique. The Ferragamo-owned hotel has partnered with the leading camera and optical lenses manufacturer to enjoy Florence while learning technical know-how with a professional photographer arranged by Leica. 

End a day behind the lens with indelible memories

At the end of the day, you’ll be able to save all your pictures on a USB stick at the Leica store, ready to print out your photos at home.  The Leica Experience is available at Portrait Firenze from €800 per day based on two people joining. Stays at Portrait Firenze which offers rooms from €715 per night, based on two adults sharing exclude breakfast. lungarnocollection.com/portrait-firenze  

Painting lessons on an organic Tuscan estate

Borgo Pignano (Volterra - Florence), set in the heart of a picturesque 750-acre organic estate an hour from Florence has a long-established relationship with The Royal Drawing School in London. Whether you’re a professional painter, avid collector or just an art enthusiast, Borgo Pignano is the perfect place for you to release your inner Michelangelo. Students from The Royal Drawing School visit Pignano every summer as part of their studies and whilst staying are available to offer guests private drawing lessons. 

An art studio with canvases and paint supplies

The property is home to an art studio equipped with complimentary canvases and paint supplies, overlooking the inspiring Tuscan Hills. The classes with the RDS students help guests learn all about perspective, how different times of the day can change the colour palette and how the types of equipment they use can mould their own unique style. 

Group and individual art classes

Set against the backdrop of the Tuscan hills, Borgo Pignano’s innovative art programme helps to nourish creativity and fuel happiness.  Borgo Pignano, Tuscany offers double rooms from €320 per night in La Villa on a B&B basis.  An individual painting class at Borgo Pignano costs €50 for two hours. A group class costs €40 per person for two hours.  borgopignano.com/en 

 

 

Air Corsica is again investing in Italy and will launch new Milan Linate routes from Calvi and Figari. 

Routes served by ATR72-600s

The flights will operate every Saturday from 2 September to 4 November 2023, following the introduction of seasonal flights from Ajaccio-Rome in 2022, and the Bastia-Rome for summer 2023. The new ATR72-600s will serve both routes, with a total capacity of 2,880 seats. These new flights will be a significant test for the tourism market in the low season, and also for short stays in Italy for the island's clientele throughout autumn.

The new flights are aimed at extending the season

“After the good results on the Rome route last year Air Corsica is now expanding its presence in Italy by targeting new customers in Milan with the aim of extending the shoulder season,- said Marie-Hélène Csanova-Servas, chair of Air Corsica's Supervisory Board. – Our commercial strategy is enabling us to expand our network beyond the public service. This development, connecting Corsica with Europe, will also enhance the mobility of the islanders, who always prefer direct flights.”

Rome’s Villa Farnesina, with masterpieces painted by Raphael, is next to the Tiber river, between the Botanical Garden and the bohemian quarter of Trastevere. 

To be enjoyed without crowds 

The first thing that strikes you, apart from the beautifully manicured gardens, is that the villa and grounds are rarely crowded.They get nothing like the number of visitors other Roman attractions do. Such as the Vatican Museums, where works by Raphael, who painted the very beautiful frescoes in Villa Farnesina, draw massive crowds.  That same Raphael Sanzio whose four rooms in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican Museums attract millions of visitors every year, and whose Galathea Loggia in this hushed mansion are every bit as stunning. 

A head perhaps painted by Michelangelo

The property was bought the end of the 16th century by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, from which the name Farnesina derives. This mansion is not to be confused with Palazzo Farnese, now the French Embassy which has a famous façade by Michelangelo and is is on the other side of the Tiber river.  In 1517 and 1518 Raphael and his apprentices painted scenes from the fable of Cupid and Psyche on the vaulted ceiling of the vast loggia, while legend has it that one of the lunettes, with the gigantic head of a young man, is the work of the great Michelangelo. 

Raphael’s fresco of Galatea 

The Loggia of Galatea gets its name from Raphael’s fresco of the nymph Galatea. The great master gave the nymph delicate facial features contrasting with her lush body, and she is transported across the water in a chariot formed by a shell pulled by dolphins and surrounded by tritons, cupids and nereids.