A new wellness experience in collaboration with Dior has Belmond’s Grand Hotel Timeo’s gardens as a backdrop. 

Sea views and a specially designed upholstery fabric

As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, the Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina (Sicily), announces unprecedented wellness treatments in partnership with Dior. Until next October two Dior cabins will have their own terrace with a sea view at the property.  Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative director of Dior, has reinterpreted the brand fabric that adorns the cabins in a vibrant leaf green to recreate the feeling of fusion in harmony with the surrounding garden.

ph Credits: Pierre Mouton

Holistic facials and relaxing massages

Treatments, using Dior techniques that combine traditional Eastern and Western rituals, include the Dior Prestige Haute Précision, a holistic facial massage that combines the regenerative power of the Rose de Granville with massage techniques that pamper the skin and visibly correct the signs of ageing. The Constellation is another holistic massage, for the body and for relaxation.  

ph Credits: Pierre Mouton

Terme Merano is the first spa in the world to receive the renowned EarthCheck sustainabile certification. 

"Sustainable alternatives in all areas of the company"

Terme Merano confirms its leading role in the sector, with an increasingly exclusive offer for its guests. With the certification process, Terme Merano has implemented the tools to align its management in terms of environmental impact, resource conservation and investment awareness. 

Bio Nature Pool Terme Merano

 
"Sustainability criteria have been in place at Terme Merano for several years now," explains Terme Merano’s director Adelheid Stifter, "It's not just about avoiding plastic, but rather sustainable alternatives in all areas of the company.  It is this continuous surpassing ourselves that allows us to always offer the best to our guests.” 

EarthCheck, a world leader for the travel and tourism industry 

Maximising the guest experience and minimising their environmental footprint: this is the goal of EarthCheck, the world's leading environmental certification and benchmarking programme for the travel and tourism industry.  The EarthCheck Company standard encourages best environmental, social and cultural practices.

A natural swimming lake and solar panels

Pools, saunas, health park, fitness, food, shop, events: at Terme Merano everything has to fit in with a green style. The most visible of all is certainly the new Bio Nature Pool, a natural swimming lake that does not require any chemicals.  But there are many green innovations that touch on different areas from the new cogenerators to the solar panels on the roof for savings on electricity and heating.”  

The expansion project for Salerno's Costa d'Amalfi airport features a new terminal and a longer runway. 

The airport is 20 kilometres from Salerno

Situated approximately 20 kilometres from Salerno, the airport will undergo three key developments: the construction of a new terminal spanning approximately 16,000 square meters across two above-ground floors with completion planned in stages; lengthening the runway to 2,200 meters; and the creation of a parking area and airport access.

Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport rendering Alfonso Femia studio

Environmental sustainability is a primary focus

The new terminal is designed to accommodate 3.3 million passengers, thanks to the addition of five new gates. The interior design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments with natural light and greenery. Environmental sustainability is a primary focus of the project, with the implementation of state-of-the-art systems expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 390 tonnes per year. Alfonso Femia of the architectural firm behind the project commented, “The terminal should be an integral part of  the passengers' journey and exploration of the region, the beginning and end of their experience.”

Lake Garda is a glamorous choice for summer holidays with its eco-lodges, bubbles, and geodesic domes.  

Sustainable and glamorous outdoor choices

Thanks to the mild climate, which can make it feel like a corner of the Mediterranean in certain areas, the surrounding mountains, the rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as its diverse natural environments and resources, Lake Garda is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, it offers all the joys that camping can provide - a connection with nature, freedom, and a break from the routines of everyday life - all interpreted with creativity, versatility, elegance, and an increasing focus on sustainability. Another important aspect that sets certain glamping experiences apart is the exclusivity of the spaces and facilities available, from eco-lodges to bubbles, and geodesic domes, as well as personalised services.

Bubble Suite - La Rocca Camping Village

Glamping at its most appealing and glamorous 

Among the new glamping offerings at lagodigardacamping.com for summer 2023 on Lake Garda there are eco-lodges. Spacious and elegantly designed, they are equipped with excellent amenities, and were built based on a new concept dedicated to eco-sustainability. The futuristic bubbles are also quite unique: at night, they create the sensation of touching the stars, thanks to their three interconnected bubble volumes with panoramic domes. The accommodation includes a living area, a bedroom with a four-poster bed, and a wooden patio with a wellness area and a heated whirlpool tub.

Park delle Rose Safari Tent

The tented lodges have equipped kitchens 

Lake Garda’s luxurious geodesic domes are another elegant innovation. They stand out not only for their shape but also for the harmonious arrangement of the spaces, including a bedroom with a window overlooking the lake and a bathroom with a shower. Those seeking a touch of exoticism can opt for the two-story pyramid-shaped tented lodges, made of fabric and wood. These lodges come with crockery, air conditioning, heating, a colour TV, refrigerator, kitchenette, and a private bathroom.

La Rocca Geosuite

The deluxe tents can accommodate up to six people

For carefree family trips, with a hint of glamorous open-air living, the best choice are the deluxe tents, which can accommodate up to six people. They also have a spacious and shaded veranda for outdoor relaxation.

For information: www.lagodigardacamping.com.

Riva Blu glamping Lake Sunshine

The new Nolinski Venice the first Italian hotel of the Evok Collection Group, opened on 15 June.

The Palais Royal Restaurant has 2 Michelin stars

This Venice property is the debut hotel in Italy for the Evok Collection brand, a French group specializing in the luxury segment. The new 5-star hotel is the result of the conversion of Venice’s former Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Nolinsky Venice’s 43 rooms, including 13 suites, it will also have the two Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Palais Royal, a spa by La Colline with an indoor swimming pool, the Nolinski café and a library bar.  

Evok’s Bach brand is to debut in Rome in 2025

The Nolinski’s first Italian hotel in Venice opened less than six months after the repeal of the 2017 Venetian directive that blocked new hotels being built. The total investment, including the purchase price, as well as urban planning charges, and restoration and conversion costs came to just over €100 million. In addition to the construction of the hotel, the project also includes commercial areas, and exhibition spaces open to the public. The Evok Group is also planning the Italian debut of the Brach brand, arriving in Rome in 2025 with a 5-star hotel with 62 rooms.

There are four new appointments at the Florentine-based hotel group: all lady managers. 

Starhotels is Best Employer for Women in Italy

Starhotels is striving to increase the number of women it employs, and this approach recently earned the group the award of Best Employer for Women in Italy in the hotel sector.

New appointments in Siena and Milan

Lydia Barbini is the new group director of marketing, while Barbara Papi is the new chief human resources officer. At the same time, Nathalie Beaugoni has been promoted to general manager of the Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione and Lucia Basile returns to the Starhotels Business Palace in Milan, assuming its leadership.

New entries and promotions

After a career in prestigious multinationals in Paris and Lausanne, since 2016, Lydia Barbini led Piave Maitex, the family textile business, and now she joins Starhotels with the aim of redesigning the group's brand identity and developing its new communications strategy. Barbara Papi boasts ten years of experience in the world of human resources, and previously held the position of multi-property director of human resources for Marriott International.  After more than 20 years at the Grand Hotel Continental, Nathalie Beaugoni has been promoted to general manager of the hotel, guaranteeing an important continuum in running the only 5-star in Siena.

The Cala la Luna resort in Favignana, the first Sicilian hotel of the Omega Hospitality Group, reopened its doors on 3 June.

“Projects in harmony with the environment” 

With its new Essence Hotels branded look, the resort is located within the Egadi Islands National Reserve, is owned by the Bulgarella Group and has undergone a restyling of the animation, the green areas, and the restaurant.

"It is a privilege to join forces with Omega Hospitality for the reopening of Cala La Luna,- says Andrea Bulgarella, president of the Bulgarella Group, - and to establish synergic relations with a partner that cherishes projects in harmony with the environment and committed to preserving the spirit of their location.”

Next steps the Costa Smeralda and Elba

All of this is only the first step in the ambitious development plans of Essence Hotels, which envisages adding ten resorts to its portfolio by 2027:

"The next destinations - explains the Essence Hotels’ SEO, Antonio Cafarelli – will be the Essence Olbia Costa Smeralda and Isola D'Elba. We are also working in a very concrete way for the opening by 2024 of the Essence Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and an additional 5-star resort in Zanzibar by 2025."

The Local Concierge at Masseria Fontanelle offers personalised experiences and tailored excursions based on the preferences of each guest. 

Water sports and sailing

In Ugento Puglia, renowned as the Maldives of Salento, along the coast between the charming villages of Torre San Giovanni and Torre Mozza, this location is approximately 50 km from Lecce and a three-hour drive from Brindisi airport. Sea enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore the coastline through a variety of options, such as embarking on sporty kayaking or canoeing trips, or enjoying leisurely days on a sailing or motor boat. The towering rock cliffs are topped by ancient watchtowers and Art Nouveau villas, creating an unexpected spectacle to be admired from the sea.

Panoramic sea views

At Masseria Fontanelle guests will find the Charming Spa inside historic cave, a play room equipped with games and a shared library, a swimming pool with panoramic sea views, an outdoor gym featuring state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment, a padel court, an open-air cinema, and yoga, pilates, and meditation classes. Additionally, there are guided tours to discover the beauty of the Salento region. To ensure maximum relaxation for guests, the rooms are divided into doubles and Junior Suites, and only children aged 12 and above are welcomed.

Delightful snorkeling experiences

Exploring the hidden coves and crystal-clear seabeds from the water allows for delightful snorkeling experiences. For venturing into caves, small boats are used, while those seeking more refined experiences can opt for the Masseria Fontanelle’s historic gozzo boats or indulge in a private sailing experience for couples. Lastly, for those interested in immersing themselves in myths and legends, a yacht excursion to the Greek island of Fanò is available, with a stop at the Bay of Calypso mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey

A tranquil retreat

During these outings Masseria Fontanelle guests can enjoy the thrill of fishing and collecting delectable sea urchins, and when it's time for an aperitif, the sailor on board will skillfully fillet the catch, serving it alongside Salento specialties and chilled prosecco. Masseria Fontanelle serves as a tranquil retreat nestled amidst the unspoiled nature of the Ugento Coastal Natural Park, and it has direct access to the sandy beach and the crystal-clear waters of the Salento's Maldives.

For information: www.masseriafontanelle.it/slow-living-salento/experiences/. 

It will be a summer of big numbers for Italy, with almost 2 million airport arrivals, of which 84% will be international visitors. 

International visitors will hit almost a million in June

The forecast is from ENIT, the Italian national tourist agency, on estimates based on Data Appeal and UNWTO figures for the summer period, with at least 1,844,000 airport passengers expected in Italy, 84% of whom will be international. At least 944,000 arrivals are expected in June, an increase of +8.6% compared to 2022.  International travellers to Italy number about 15 million, an increase of +42.0% over 2022 and a recovery of 87.7% over the same period in 2019. 

Italy is popular with both leisure and business travellers

Visitors choose Italy mainly as a holiday destination (around 30% of travellers) and for business (21.4%), but also to visit friends and relatives(14.6%) and for shopping (11.8%).  Some 71.7% of the arrivals are from EU countries, mainly France and Germany with 18.3% from outside Europe, mainly from the United Kingdom. 

Visitors come from the four corners of the world

The USA is the first market of origin in terms of air passengers, with an incidence of 26.3% on the total foreign countries expected this summer. France with 6.1%, and Spain  with 4.7% together account for 11%. In the rest of the top ten, travellers from overseas also include Australia, which ranks fifth (4.1%) and Canada seventh (3.8%), followed by Brazil (2.8%), South Korea (1.9%) and Argentina (1.7%).  Airline bookings are predominantly for two passengers (32.3%) and small groups of 3 to5 persons (28.3%). Individual travellers account for 27.3%. Rome FCO and Milan are expected to account for 80% of international airport arrivals, equally distributed between the two cities. 

“The government is investing heavily” says the tourism minister

"The figures for the summer season are very encouraging and highlight the steady growth of the sector, which is set to exceed 2019. Tourism is fundamental for the nation's growth and the government is investing heavily," comments tourism minister Daniela Santanchè. "We will have a flourishing summer with a return of all international visitors, pushing us to a higher performance in terms of offer and hospitality," says Ivana Jelinic ENIT’s president and CEO. 

Ville Aperte in Brianza, the exhibition of historic homes in the Brianza region near Milan will showcase nearly 200 architectural masterpieces across 5 provinces.   

Homes that are usually off-limits to the public

Open from 16 September to 1 October 2023, and following the success of the spring edition, Ville Aperte in Brianza is an exceptional opportunity to explore historically significant homes that are  usually off-limits to the public. In the autumn edition, it will expand its offerings to include nearly 200 architectural gems including museums, religious buildings, waterways, industrial works of art, villages, and other cultural sites that will serve as a splendid backdrop to the featured homes.

Reggia Reale di Monza Ph Credits: Francesca Bocchia

A unique chance to visit many splendid villas 

The list of confirmed locations includes sites such as the Reggia di Monza, Palazzo Rasini, Palazzo Arese Borromeo, Villa Tittoni, Villa Antona Traversi, Villa Taverna for the Province of Monza and Brianza; Villa Monastero, Villa Greppi di Bussero, and Villa Sormani Marzorati Uva for the Province of Lecco; Villa Bernasconi and Villa Imbonati for the Province of Como; Villa Ghirlanda Silva, Villa Arconati, and Villa Litta for the Metropolitan City of Milan, and Villa Gianetti for the Province of Varese.

Villa Gianetti Saronno

“It sheds light on a cultural panorama that is rarely seen”

“During the spring edition, a total of 33 historic homes in 28 municipalities across 5 provinces opened their doors to the public. If the response we received in just two weekends is any indication of the interest surrounding the event, we can confidently say that the autumn edition will generate an even greater wave of enthusiasm,” says Luca Santambrogio, president of the Province of Monza and Brianza. “Not only does it shed light on a cultural panorama that is rarely seen, but it also promotes the candidacy of many of these sites for UNESCO World Heritage status.”