The Tenuta d'Arbia is a new relais farmhouse in Tuscany, and a place for all seasons. 

Astronomical observations your round

Located between Chianti to the north and Montalcino and Montepulciano to the south, the property has eight rooms overlooking the 30-metre salt-water infinity pool and views of the surrounding countryside. To enrich the experience, there is the possibility of personalized astronomical observations at any time of the year, thanks to a guide and an Astronomitaly telescope. It is also possible to take cooking classes and enjoy local wine and oil tastings, to go truffle hunting and much more, with experiences tailored to each time of the year.

Sighting the Milky Way on 5 August

On 5 August, with the new moon, the estate will host a unique astronomical event  entitled Under the Tuscan Milky Way. This is reserved for those staying overnight at the estate. Tenuta d'Arbia is, in short, a gateway to an area that, in every season, offers unique experiences: from bright sunny summers to autumns of grape harvesting in the Chianti and Brunello areas while, from the end of October, the search for truffles begins.

The Soges Group has taken over the Malaspina and plans to rebrand it a Place of Charme.

Three major operations completed in a month

The intense activity of the Soges Group continues. Following its debut on the stock market last June, it has now completed its third operation in about a month (the others were the Park Hotel Chianti and the Art Hotel Atelier in Florence. Ed.) Now the Tuscan company has signed a nine-plus-nine lease agreement for the management of the Hotel Malaspina in Florence

Aiming to reopen as a Place of Charm in April 2025

The hotel is in the historic centre of Florence and has been closed since the Covid period.  Currently it has 31 rooms, nine of which are singles and 22 doubles, but it will undergo major work by Soges to upgrade its energy efficiency and make over the interiors. The aim is to reopen to guests under the Place of Charme brand in April 2025.

“The property has enormous potential”

The agreement envisages a rent of €280,000 per annum for the first two years, €270,000 for the 3rd year, €220,000 from the 4th year and €250,000 from the 10th year. The effectiveness of the agreement is, however, conditional on the execution judge issuing the authorization to sign the agreement by 30 September. The property where the Hotel Malaspina is located is in fact currently subject to foreclosure. “The management of Hotel Malaspina is an important step forward for us,- says Soges Group CEO Andrea Galardi. -It is a redevelopment project of great value. The property has enormous potential, and we are thrilled to bring it back to life. Our decision to invest in this property is strategic because it consolidates the Place of Charme brand in Florence. 

Could this be the right time for Nobu’s planned hotel in Rome?

It will be the first Nobu brand property in Italy

Announced for the following summer in November 2021, but still only a pipe dream, the project for the first Nobu Hotel in Italy now seems to have taken a decisive turn for the better. In fact the asset management company Castello Sgr has signed a €135 million loan for the refinancing and relaunch of the former Grand Hotel Via Veneto in Rome, planned as the first Italian property of the brand founded by Robert De Niro with the Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper.

122 rooms and suites and a Nobu Restaurant

The opening is now scheduled for spring 2025, and will see the property totally renovated, with 122 rooms and suites designed by a leading New York design studio. Numerous facilities will be added, including of course the Nobu Restaurant, a rooftop lounge bar, meeting spaces, a city spa with a fitness centre and a club lounge. 

In the heart of Rome’s Dolce Vita district

The Nobu Hotel Roma will be in the heart of the Dolce Vita district, which already has many luxury hotels and where other new luxury brand openings are planned. “We are delighted to contribute to the opening in Rome of the first Nobu Hotel in Italy,- says Giampiero Schiavo, managing director of Castello Sgr. -This deal further testifies to the appeal and the room for growth of the high-end hospitality market in the capital, which has been at the centre of many of the most significant transactions on a national scale over the last two years.” 

Flying taxis are set to debut in the skies over Lombardy and Northern Italy in 2027.

Lombardy get over 37 million annual visitors

Thanks to the signing of an mou between Lilium, a leading manufacturer of electric aircraft and pioneer of Regional Air Mobility, Sea Milan Airports and Skyports Infrastructure  which is specialized in vertiport infrastructure for the regional air mobility industry. The agreement, reached at the Farnborough International Airshow, lays the foundation for the development of a network of vertiports for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVtol) aircraft. Lombardy in particular is a strategically important location for the partners: almost one fifth of Italy's population resides here and with over 37 million annual visitors, air mobility will complement and supplement the region's existing mobility solutions, offering faster and lower-emission travel between major locations.

The first route will be from Malpensa Airport to Milan

The network of vertiports operated with Lilium Jet will be operational by 2027, with a series of regional air mobility routes serving the main locations in Lombardy: the first will connect Milan Malpensa Airport - which handled more than 26 million passengers last year - and the centre of Milan. For the development and operation of the vertiports in Lombardy and Italy, Sea, Skyports and their shareholder 2i Aeroporti are setting up a joint venture company.

The air taxis will carry from 2 to 7 passengers

The air taxi developed by Lilium - awaiting approval for operations by Easa (in Europe) and Faa (in the USA) - is capable of carrying from 2 to 7 people, can reach speeds of 300 kilometres per hour and cover distances of up to 190 kilometres. It has received 796 orders, including the 100 requested in recent days by the Arab carrier Saudia. In Lombardy, the first route that will be inaugurated after the necessary authorizations and will connect Milan's Malpensa airport with the centre of Milan. 

An estimated 2,000 passengers daily in 2030

‘In 2030 we estimate around 2,000 passengers carried by flying taxis every day in the area,2  Sea's CEO Armando Brunini said recently. To build the first four vertiports, investments of just over €30 million are planned. In 2030, turnover is expected to be around €13 million with a profit of around €2 million.  “As we continue to collaborate with key global partners with strong expertise in key markets this partnership will help unlock new potential for regional air transport infrastructure in Northern Italy,- said Sebastien Borel, CCO Lilium. -This partnership will support our vision of pioneering a new era of regional air mobility in Europe with the electrification of premium tourist routes in the region.”

The five-language, 120-page guide to the Costa degli Dei in Calabria returns for its fifteenth edition, printed once again in 17,000 copies. 

Guides to counteract the variables affecting tourism

Calabria’s bother guide, to the Costa Viola has been printed in 10,000 copies in three languages. “It is at times like these that the strengths and resilience of holiday destinations are measured,” say the publishers of the Calabrian magazine. The reference is to the effects of the various political and economic crises affecting tourism as well as the increasingly ruthless competition between tourist destination, but also to the bankruptcy of the German tourism giant FTI, which wiped out tens of thousands of tourists from beyond the Alps.

"Communications are fundamental, especially when the competition gets tougher, and with this in mind the print and digital 2024 Pronto Estate guides of the Costa degli Dei and the Costa Viola underscore once again that tourists can find a varied range of offers and services on site that will allow them to spend their holidays in the best possible way.” In the Costa degli Dei guide, the main sections have been confirmed: from the up-to-date maps to the sections dedicated to the ten things tourists must do. It also lists the best dishes to try, sports to practice, souvenirs to buy and activities for families and children. Plus excursions, travel companies, beaches and useful information. The Experiences section also describes activities where simply doing something will turn into a lifetime experience. 

Focussing on the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria

The Costa Viola guide provides 3-D maps, the various top ten, places to visit, excursions, food, beaches, and experiences, along with a new focus on the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria. Pronto Estate is also a dynamic web portal that makes it possible to plan a 360° holiday. The site, www.prontoestate.it, is an evolution of the printed tourist guide. “Our vision is reflected in our ability to activate a real virtual network between sponsors, private and public stakeholders, readers, organizations and associations, which through the guide and social networks contribute to showcasing the beauty of Calabria for the tourist-traveller.” 

Autentico Hotels announces the opening of a new property, La Monastica Resort & Spa,  which is its fourth in Tuscany.

The new resort is between Lucca and Pistoia

This brings to 19 the number of properties in Autentico Hotels’ portfolio in Italy. The new 5-star boutique hotel has been converted from an ancient 16th-century monastery, located in a medieval village. Half an hour from Versilia, between Lucca and Pistoia, it offers 19 rooms and suites and the Devoti gourmet restaurant, part of which is set up in the monastery's scenic former church. There is also a spa with an exclusive-use swimming pool carved out of the rock, and gardens with a Jacuzzi.

The original architecture has been preserved

“The owners of this resort have been able to preserve not only the architecture of the building, but also its historical-artistic treasures,- says Mario Cardone, CEO of Autentico Hospitality. -The restored mural designs of the monastery for example date back to over 400 years ago, and now they harmonize with the elegant modern furnishings.”

“We have safeguarded our uniqueness” 

“For our debut in hotellerie my father and I felt it was important to safeguard our uniqueness,- adds Monastica's owner Stefania Arrighetti. “We have invested in the customization of each individual room and suite, and we have created area that although for the public, emanate their own individuality.” 

The Ananea Yachting Resort by the German group Dertour (formerly Der Touristik), soft-opened in Tropea on 1 July. 

The rooms will grow from 21 to 57 next year

This is the first Italian property of the lifestyle brand launched in 2023, and is the result of the renovation and repositioning of the former La Pineta Hotel which is now a 4-star superior with 21 rooms that will rise to 57 in 2025. And next year a restaurant, beach bar and swimming pool will all be added.

The DMC Valentour manages the resort

The property is managed by the DMC Valentour through its V Collection, which, through business rental contracts, manages a number of other complexes in Calabria: the 4-star 80-key Baia d'Ercole village, the 3-star 12-apartment Borgo Italico residence, both located in Ricadi, as well as the 4-star 80-room Sentido Michelizia Tropea Resort, the five-room Blue Tropea Maison B&B and, again in Tropea, the four-key Palazzo Toraldo di Francia B&B. 

Dertour is present in nine properties in Italy

In the same Tropea resort the company also operates the Lido Blanca Beach Club by Valentour. In Italy, the Dertour group is present with a further eight properties, including the Sentido Michelizia Tropea Resort, as well as the Sentido Orosei Beach and the Sentido Lago di Garda.

A new entry for the Una Esperienze brand, as the Grand Hotel in Parma is added to its portfolio. 

59 rooms and suites overlooking the garden

The historic Palazzo Vighi, dating back to 1913, was once the Royal Surgical Clinic. Today the property retains many traces of its illustrious past, from the grand staircase that welcomes guests at the entrance, to the handsome rooms with vaulted ceilings and the Carrara marble floors.  The Grand Hotel di Parma Una Esperienze has 59 rooms and suites overlooking the hotel's 10,000 sqm garden.

“Emilia-Romagna is a strategic region for us” 

There is also a restaurant and an area for meetings and events, as well as the possibility of using the park for occasions such as book presentations, vernissages, theme evenings, small concerts, tastings and culinary itineraries, as well as weddings, ceremonies, cocktails and parties.  “We are proud to welcome the Grand Hotel di Parma Una Esperienze into our portfolio,- says Gruppo Una’s CEO Giorgio Marchegiani. -This new affiliation not only expands our presence to a key city in a region as strategic for us as Emilia-Romagna, but also enriches our portfolio of exclusive experiences.”

Just eight miles from the Baroque Sicilian city of Messina, Forte Cavalli is a monument of unique historical, military and natural significance and beauty.  

“The most beautiful terrace from which to admire the Strait.”  

ItaliAbsolutely spoke with Vincenzo Caruso, the director of Forte Cavalli who is also Messina’s tourism councillor. Caruso told us that the fort is a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike, as it is a unique testament to Sicily's rich historical tapestry. “This massive fort is steeped in cultural and military significance, and visitors have the added value that, given its elevated position, there are stunning panoramic views over the Strait of Messina and the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Environmentally speaking Forte Cavalli is the most beautiful terrace from which to admire the Strait.”  

“Overall, it is a truly emotional experience." 

“Forte Cavalli was built by the Italian Army in the late 1800s as part of the defensive system of the Strait of Messina.” (The Strait is that narrow strip of Mediterranean Sea that separates the Italian peninsula from Sicily, which is Europe’s largest island, and Messina is the first Sicilian city across the Strait. Ed.)  The fort played a pivotal role in the defense of the Strait during World War II, as its strategic location was crucial for monitoring and protecting the entrance to the Strait.  “Forte Cavalli houses a historic museum where visitors can learn about its role during World War II,- added Caruso. -They can also watch videos, and there is an air-raid shelter with audio effects like the sound of approaching planes; overall it is a truly emotional experience.”

Forte Cavalli is both a museum and a cultural venue

Forte Cavalli welcomes visitors year-round with guided tours and educational programmes for schools and families, and it also serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, theatrical performances, and concerts on its vast square. “There is a €3 entrance fee,- said Caruso, -and we will soon  be introducing an audio guide in various languages. However, the fort’s guides are always on hand to explain to visitors the significance of the artifacts and wartime relics on display. For example, we have bombs that are up to ten feet tall.” 

Stepping back in time and getting the best photos

No visitor to Messina or its surrounding area should miss this chance to step back in time and uncover the secrets of this remarkable Sicilian gem. And for those who like to keep photographic records of their travels, the views from Forte Cavalli over the Strait of Messina and the Mediterranean’s stunning landscape and colours, make for truly memorable photos and selfies. Opening days: every second Sunday of the month and, on request, also on weekdays, for groups. www.fortecavalli.it

Rome is currently sweltering in near 104F temperatures, while Greece soared to an unprecedented 109F last month.  At Easter Catalonia had to ration water for a record-breaking drought, and Sicilians are still shaking their heads at the sizzing 119F temperatures that hit them three summers ago.

Yes, the Mediterranean has always been hot in the peak summer months but, as records are showing, never as hot ,nor as frequently, as it has been in the last few years. 

With beach tourism counting for 12% in Spain 10.5% in Italy and 8% in Greece, these countries are increasingly worried about the future of their summers, and they are beginning to search for alternatives. 

Moving their minds and their efforts away from traditional sun and sea products, they are creating innovative packages for mountain, nature, sports and wellness holidays, as well as toying with new ideas like stargazing. 

They are also trying to push the off months of April and October - May and September are already firmly embedded in Mediterranean summer bookings – and they are coming up with some strange bedfellows.

So don’t be surprised if you see a rise in promotions for winter breaks in Greece or summer package holidays on the Baltic Riviera.   

Pamela McCourt Francescone
Executive Editor