Dr Hospitality is a joint venture between the Der Touristik Group (one of the biggest German travel operators after Tui) and the Deutsche Seereederei conglomerate. This new hotel company will initially handle the operations and marketing strategies of 16 hotels and resorts under the A-Rosa, Aja, Henri Hotels, Louis C. Jacob and Hotel Neptun brands.

Friendly hospitality in locations easily reached by train, bus or car

The new project has ambitious plans, aspiring to become the benchmark of the European market for sustainable and environmentally friendly hospitality in locations that can be easily reached by train, bus or car. Italy, the entire Alpine area, the Baltic and the North Sea are among the targets on which the company's expansion plans will focus. The new joint venture, which will be held 50/50 by Der Touristik and Deutsche Seereederei, is still waiting for approval from the German antitrust authorities.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has launched Considerate Collection, a community of actively sustainable luxury hotels going the extra eco mile, proving that luxury is compatible with longevity.  With 26 pioneering hotels in 16 countries, each meeting the highest criteria in sustainability, Italy has four properties in the new collection: the Foretis Dolomites wellness hotel in Brixen in the South Tyrol mountains, the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda on Lake Garda, the Lefay Resort Dolomiti in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio and the Masseria Susafa Hotel, a former farmhouse in the town of Polizzi Generosa on the island of Sicily.

Better-considered choices for the travel trade

Daniel Luddington, VP of Development, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said

We've carefully curated the Considerate Collection to spotlight luxury boutique hotels exemplary in their sustainability efforts, making it easier for customers and the travel trade to make better-considered choices. We also have an exciting pipeline of new hotels to add in the coming months. This is not about creating a new brand, but rather building on the strong brand values that have always existed within SLH and the ultimate belief that small is beautiful and a better way to travel.

All the hotels are community minded, cultural custodians and environmentally conscious

Criteria for the Considerate Collection ensure that all the hotels are community minded, cultural custodians and environmentally conscious and are underpinned by a strong sustainability management system.  SLH is making it easier for travel trade and customers to identify each Considerate Collection hotel by featuring them within a specific section on the  website www.slh.com/considerate   The hotel pages are also stamped with a sage leaf and include dedicated content outlining their notable sustainability initiatives.

Planting trees to give back to Nature

Each SLH room night booked and stayed, using a complimentary SLH INVITED member rate, includes a donation to plant a minimum of three trees with TreeSisters.  Through individuals and businesses that give back to Nature every month, TreeSisters has so far funded the planting of over 19 million trees across 12 locations in Brazil, Borneo, Cameroon, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nepal and West Papua. 

The recently inaugurated Pietra del Cabreo, an exclusive relais within the historic Tenute del Cabreo in Greve in Chianti, boasts a celebrity chef at the helm of a refined and exclusive restaurant. Open at breakfast with a classical buffet, in the evenings chef Alessio Sedran, one of the most sought-after chefs on the market today, thrills patrons with his traditional Tuscan dishes.  From 19.00 to 22.00 five days a week, on reservation exclusively for guests of the Relais on the estate of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari, there is the choice of the Pietra Menu or an alternative menu which varies daily, with four courses, bread, coffee and cover charge included (new menus attached).

Stunning views and superb wines

The setting is enchanting, immersed in vineyards where the gaze sweeps from the infinity pool to ancient woodlands, to the Castle of Colognole and as far as Florence which can be glimpsed in the distance. The Pietra Terrace is especially magical at sunset, and you can dine with traditional Tuscan dishes accompanied by wines from the Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute as well as Supertuscan wines like La Pietra Chardonnay IGT and Cabreo il Borgo Toscana IGT.

Authentic Tuscan cuisine and cooking lessons

Sedran’s innovative cuisine is in perfect harmony with the territory and seasonal produce making the Tuscan experience even more authentic for guests at the Relais del Cabreo.  Born and raised on a farm in the Tuscan countryside he was introduced to cooking as a child and his innovative dishes vary according to the season with many handed down by his grandmother Wilma.  Trained in the kitchens of leading chefs, great Florentine restaurants and in the field of international catering he developed his personal vision of cuisine  - from local to gourmet and from traditional to contemporary - in a harmonious synthesis of taste and pleasure. Guests at the Pietra can also take Sedran’s cooking lessons to learn the secrets of Italian culinary traditions.

Belmond's long-term vision is to be the most desired luxury travel experience brand in the world: a vision that reflects its growth strategy of acquiring luxury properties to add to its extraordinary portfolio of historic hotels. The company recently announced the purchase of Villa Beatrice in Portofino, formerly Castello Odero, a historic 20th-century building designed by the architect Gino Coppedè.

Villa Beatrice overlooks Punta Caiega and the Ligurian Riviera

The Villa, commissioned by the famous Ligurian entrepreneur Attilio Oder, is situated in one of the loveliest beauty spots in the area just above Punta Caiega, a privileged position with breathtaking views of the Ligurian Riviera. “As custodians of a timeless heritage we will delve into the history of Villa Beatrice, its link with the local community and its contemporary relevance for the charming little town of Portofino”.

Belmond has 46 properties in 24 countries

Belmond has been a pioneer brand in the luxury travel industry for over 45 years and has a collection of unique properties in some of the most fascinating and exciting destinations in the world. Since it took over the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, inviting travelers from around the world to experience enchanting and unforgettable stays. Its portfolio spans 24 countries and counts 46 extraordinary properties such as the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian grand hotels like the Splendido in Portofino, and unparalleled locations next to amazing natural wonders such as the Hotel das Cataratas in the Iguazu National Park in Brazil.

Trains, river cruises, safari lodges and hotels

From trains to river cruises, to safari lodges, to hotels each property provides unique and incomparable experiences, and each one has a story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is based on its historical heritage and craftsmanship as well as on its reputation for genuine and authentic service. Part of the world's leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Belmond sees itself as the custodian of a timeless heritage dedicated to the conservation of its properties through sensitive restoration.

The first Radisson Collection brand in the Lombardy capital recently opened its doors. With 89 rooms, and a presidential suite on over 105 square meters, the Radisson Collection Hotel Palazzo Touring Club Milan was formerly the headquarters of the travel club that opened there in 1894. Built between 1914 and in 1915 by the architect Binda, the building, which is ten minutes from the Duomo, was renovated and transformed into a 5-star by the Marco Piva Studio, which also revamped and kept the historic bookshop and travel agency.

Seasonal regional and local dishes in the Bertarelli Restaurant

The Bertarelli Bar & Restaurant, named after the founder of the Italian Touring Club, is open for guests and the public. The restaurant specializes in seasonal local and regional cuisine. The congress and events area is for up to 200 and there is also an internal courtyard.

Speaking to the Italian national daily business newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore Tony Capuano, the Italian-American CEO who last February officially took over from the late Arne Sorenson, announced the first W brand hotel will open in Rome next November. To be followed by Florence – scheduled for 2023 – a property with 120 rooms including 20 suites, some of which will overlook the Duomo and Santa Maria Novella. Marriott also has a Bulgari project slated for Piazza Augusto Imperatore in the heart of old Rome and there is talk of resort openings in Apulia, Sicily and on the island of Capri. 

Rebranding for The Costa Smeralda affiliates?

With rumours abounding about a rebranding for the four iconic Marriott affiliates on the Costa Smeralda -  Cervo, Pitrizza, Romazzino and Cala di Volpe - Capuano is playing his cards close to his chest, admitting only that discussions are under way.

Inc Hotels has added the Parma & Congressi Hotel to its portfolio which now counts nine properties. The new 4-star has 166 rooms, a 400-seat auditorium and 13 meeting rooms with a capacity of 600, as well as a swimming pool and a wellness area with a gym and sauna.

For business and leisure markets

The Inc Hotels, some of which have international branding, include Ihg (Holiday Inn Express Parma and Reggio Emilia) and Bw Italia (Bw Plus Hotel Farnese in Parma and BwClassic Hotel in Reggio Emilia) and are aimed mainly at business customers but also at the leisure market. As in Piacenza where the central Grande Albergo Roma has the Ducato Restaurant and a 7th-floor roof garden with stunning panoramic views of the city.

Milan will get 24,000 new rooms between now and 2026. Despite the crisis triggered by the pandemic the city of Milan is not standing still with hotel investors seeing a lot of potential in the city. And not just with a view to the 2026 Olympics. Estimates from World Capital Real Estate for 2022-2023 predict 1,389 new rooms and some 100 projects, 75 of which are already under construction.

The Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, a historic 5-star hotel in Italy’s Dolomite mountains, in the little sli resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo renovated in 2018 and is a delightful blend of modernity and tradition. For those looking for the silence of nature, snowy slopes and the colours and aromas of the mountains the Faloria is the perfect choice both in winter and in summer. Using only the best partners and mountain guides the hotel offer guests unique and personalized stays and experiences.  

A step back into history for history and nature aficionados

For lovers of history and adventure, in collaboration with the Col Gallina Refuge, the resort organizes the Discovering the Great War excursion to be enjoyed as a walk during the summer months and as a snowshoe hike in winter. Accompanied by a mountain guide and a historical re-enactor, guests embark on a journey through the places of the conflict between the Italians and the Austrians. Along the way they come across tunnels in the mountains, suspension bridges, railway tracks and shelters on the rocky slopes. 

Time to enjoy local delicacies and organic wines

When they get to the Cima Gallina point (2333 asl) there are 360° views of the Dolomite peaks and they can sit down to enjoy a snack of cold cuts and cheeses, served inside the restored Great War memorial.  The quality local products and organic wines are the perfect way to end a day of history and nature in a breathtaking mountain landscape setting.

Boscolo’s autumn itineraries in Italy and Europe reflect the season and the colours of the changing foliage. Following a successful summer season we move into autumn starting with the Langhe, a land of intense aromas and flavours, or Lake Maggiore and the Centovalli train which, like the Bernina red train, (also among the tours) is a historic experience not to be missed.  Then there is Tuscia with its splendid nature which is even more delightful in this season and the iconic Val d’Orcia, but also Trentino and surprising Friuli. These are all 4 to 7-day tours starting from €590, and all are accompanied by Boscolo tour managers.

Northern Europe’s spectacular nature in five to seven days

We also have special departures from Rome and Milan with a guide and connections from all over the country for four 5-7-day itineraries to the Far North starting from €940 euro. Discover Oslo and Bergen and the colours of the Norwegian fjords, or the foliage of Finland in Helsinki and Hameenlinna, a trekking tour that takes in the Aulanko Park.

Specialty food festivals for gourmet travellers

Heading south we tour the melancholy and sweet landscapes of Portugal between Oporto and the suggestive Douro valley. For gourmet travelers, there is the Fiesta del los Mariscos in Galicia, an unmissable seafood festival and a lively tribute to the excellence of local gastronomy.