Mangia's resorts in Brucoli and Selinunte in Sicily get Breeam in-use certification.

One of the most important environmental certifications

The certification also goes to the Santa Teresa in Sardinia, and the award for sustainable building, had already been obtained in January by Mangia's Torre del Barone Resort & Spa. Breeam is an acronym combining the acronyms Bre (building research establishment) and eam (environmental assessment method) and is considered among the most important environmental certifications. The Bre group is a private British organization with more than 100 years of experience in research into sustainability and the environmental impacts of the building sector. It ensures environmentally sustainable design and construction standards, applicable to buildings, infrastructure and urban-scale initiatives.

Low environmental impact and more

Certifying a Breeam building therefore means guaranteeing a low environmental impact, the use of environmentally sustainable processes and materials, a focus on green building and design innovations, superior building quality compared to legislative standards, lower maintenance and operating costs, and high standards of indoor comfort.

The former Hotel Corso in Padua will be converted into a new generation hostel with over 200 beds. 

Specialized in hybrid hostels

The property was recently acquired by Urban Homy, a Trieste-based company specialized in 4-star hotels and  innovative mid and long-term formulas such as hybrid hostels and serviced apartments in Trieste, as well as in Udine, Monfalcone and Gorizia. The former Padua hotel is an Art Nouveau building and, starting in September, it will undergo renovations that are expected to be completed by the summer of 2025 when Hotello Padova will be inaugurated.

“Padua is strategically interesting” 

"Thanks to our experience in Trieste with the opening of Hotello in 2021, the largest hostel in Friuli Venezia Giulia, we are now ready to develop an expansion plan that looks towards new areas such as Padua, - explains the president of Urban Homy, Massimo Antoci. -The city is strategically interesting for us to intercept tourist targets that will be able to appreciate a hostel in the centre of town.

Padua got a second UNESCO listing for its Urbs Picta frescoes

The Gabetti agency in Padua was the advisor for the sale of the property in the city centre, the former Corso Hotel, as well as a number of businesses. The Veneto city is experiencing a moment of exceptional revitalization of its real estate assets, with important repercussions on the living-accommodation-residential segment. The attractiveness from a tourist point of view is certainly also driven by Padua’s recent second UNESCO listing for the Urbs Picta, which has increased the city's notoriety and brought new tourist flows related to leisure and art-tourism, while in the broader accommodation sector there is a growing demand for student beds. 

"The acquisition of the former Corso Hotel represents not only a real estate investment, but also a vote of confidence in the growth and development potential of the Padua railway station area,” adds Gabetti's relationship manager for Veneto, Alessandro Zanetti.

 

Astro tourism is the newest trend taking over the travel industry, captivating travellers and astronomy enthusiasts alike.

Escaping to areas with reduced light-pollution

This niche travel trend is transforming traditional travel by combining education, adventure, and luxury. One third of the global population cannot see the stars or Milky Way at night due to artificial light pollution. Astro tourism allows you to experience these cosmic landscapes by escaping to destinations with reduced light pollution and clear night skies to witness a dazzling array of stars and constellations.


Italy’s Most Beautiful Skies award

This summer witness the wonders of the cosmos at the 4-star Baia del Sole located on Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, between Tropea and Capo Vaticano, in lush gardens facing the sea, just steps from its private sandy beach. The expansive panoramic views of Stromboli and the Aeolian Islands from the terraces, combined with the reduced light pollution of the area, makes Baia del Sole the perfect spot to observe the stars and the central region of the Milky Way. The beauty of these starry skies and the resort’s commitment to creating experiences to enhance and enjoy celestial heritage has earned Baia del Sole Italy’s Most Beautiful Skies award.

Observing the moon, stars and planets

Baia del Sole offers Star Hopping Among the Constellations experiences free for all hotel guests. The Association of Amateur Astronomers will guide guests through the cosmos with the aid of professional telescopes, providing them with the opportunity to observe the moon, planets, and deep sky objects as never before. Baia del Sole’s advantageous location makes it possible to see constellations year-round - witness the Lunar sunsets over the sea each moth, watch the Milky Way rise from the south and set over the sea in the west in the summer, and see Jupiter and Saturn become visible throughout the night in late September and October. These experiences are scheduled for 13 and 27 July, 11 and 24 August and 7 September.

Ancient sites and foodie discoveries

The resort has a Kids’ Club and a variety of activities in the unspoiled nature of Calabria, including hiking and cycling, as well as visits to ancient archaeological sites and foodie discovery trips of this lesser-known region.

For information: www.baiadelsole.com

Canavese region is in Piedmont between Turin and Ivrea, a 45-minute drive from the centre of Turin and about an hour from Milan. It is an area rich in attractions and environmental heritage, starting with the Gran Paradiso National Park, which is the oldest park in Italy having been founded in 1922.  The many animals that roam freely in the park, from ibexes, chamois, marmots and foxes, to eagles and bearded vultures are easily spotted, and so it is an ideal destination for a rewarding photo safari, especially if accompanied by one of the park guides who know exactly where visitors can best encounter the local fauna. The park is also an ideal destination for nature discovery and environmental education activities for children and families, but above all it is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor tourism.

Ph credits: Franco Ferrero - Ceresole Rosset

Canavese can also boast Italy’s only Italian 4,000-metre mountain, the Gran Paradiso, as well as numerous peaks that exceed 3,000 metres. These are very popular for free climbing at an international level. There is also the possibility of canyoning or, in winter, climbing icefalls. But the park does not just offer thrills and technical activities for adrenaline junkies,  because with its eight hundred kilometres of trails (including the Strade Reali) it offers excursions for all tastes and all levels, from simple walks for families to multi-day treks (Alta Via Canavesana, Giroparco Gran Paradiso).

Lake Candia

For those who do not want to, or cannot, walk, there is the road from Ceresole Reale to the Colle del Nivolet. At 2,600 metres, it is one of the highest roads in Europe and visitors find themselves  in the wilderness just a few steps away from their car. There are also other protected areas in the Canavese like the Pelati Mountains and the Ivrea Five Lakes and Lake Candia. But even outside the parks, Canavese is a nature paradise with a great variety of landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, as you can go from the plains around Turin to the Erbaluce vineyard hills in little more than an hour's drive, and then on to the glaciers and Alpine altitudes of the Canavese mountains.

One of the characteristics of the area is its wealth of lakes, the legacy of a great glacier that once occupied the plain and left us the Anfiteatro Morenico della Serra and the lakes of Viverone, Candia and the Ivrea Five Lakes, which are excellent for bathing, for motorized activities including water skiing (Viverone), for trekking and excursions by e-bike and on horseback (Ivrea 5 Lakes) as well as for bird watching, canoeing and excursions with electric boats (Candia). Lake Ceresole is of great interest for windsurfing is it is one of the few lakes at an altitude of 1,600 metres where this sport can be practiced.

The entire Canavese area is a training ground for outdoor activities like free flight (paragliding or hang-gliding) with two different take-off stations and then there are water activities such as rafting and canoeing. In Ivrea the Dora Baltea is one of the few urban tracks for canoeing and kayaking where international competitions are held. Among the experiences offered by the Consortium is the Baptism of Flight that allows even those with no experience to take to the skies in a paraglider with an expert instructor, or to soar in a hot-air balloon, also with a personal chef on board for a VIP experience. And anyone who loves walking can take the Via Francigena Canavesana, a route with peaceful landscapes, baptisteries and Romanesque churches.

In winter it is possible to go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and, for the more experienced, ski mountaineering. For those who do not want to walk, but still want to immerse themselves in nature, the Consortium also offers horse-drawn carriage rides which are ideal for families with children. And we also recommend walks among the Erbaluce or Carema vineyards, perhaps in the company of a sommelier, ending the day with a guided tasting in a wine cellar, a forest bath or a pottery course in Castellamonte, with the possibility of visiting an ancient kiln, the artists' workshops or a pottery factory.

Ph credits: Mattia Bonavida - Castello di Agliè

Canavese is a splendid choice not only for active tourism but also for cultural tourism as it has four UNESCO heritage sites: the pile-dwelling areas of Viverone, The Sacred Mount of Belmonte, The Castle of Agliè  and Ivrea, 20^th-century industrial city. Among the events not to be missed is the Ivrea Carnival with the Battle of the Oranges in February, although there are also numerous traditional festivals and historical re-enactments throughout the year. Excellent food and wine, enchanting landscapes, picturesque villages and many castles, among then the Masino with its extraordinary park. And, of course, nature galore.

Valchiusella is a beautiful valley renowned for its wild herbs that become rustic or refined dishes depending on the interpretation of the chef. The Consortium offers foraging excursions with a chef who holds one Michelin star and a green star for sustainability, and also with an ethnobotanical expert. After learning to recognize the herbs, we can enjoy a picnic on the meadow with herb-based dishes. Valchiusella is also home to the Damanhur community, which offers holistic experiences and visits to the extraordinary Temples of Humanity. These are extraordinary temples 75 metres underground with frescoed walls and mosaic floors covered with symbols of all religions and have a magical charm.  

The Canavese is a land of a thousand opportunities, and the Canavese Village project by the Consortium of Tourism Operators Valli del Canavese offers unique and authentic experiences in the area.

For further information visit the website or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

 

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From June 23 to 29, the enchanting cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria will welcome 20 international buyers for "Meet Tourism Stretto di Messina.” 

Meeting local DMOs and DMCs

Organized by ItaliaAbsolutely, this exclusive event is designed to elevate local tourism through engaging B2B meetings, dynamic workshops, and captivating excursions, all highlighting the unique splendor of these stunning destinations. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with local Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in a series of networking events. These interactions will pave the way for new collaborations and the development of innovative tourism packages showcasing the distinctive allure of Messina and Reggio Calabria.

An excursion on a felucca fishing boat

A highlight of the event will be a scenic trip on a felucca, the traditional boat used for swordfish fishing, offering an authentic taste of Messina's maritime heritage. Another unforgettable experience awaits at the National Museum of Magna Graecia in Reggio Calabria, where attendees can marvel at the renowned Riace Bronzes, one of Italy's most treasured cultural artifacts. And no visit would be complete without savoring the local culinary delights, including Messina's famous Pane alla Disgraziata, a delectable sandwich considered the world's first fast food. 

Fostering connections with local stakeholders

"Meet Tourism Strait of Messina" is set to enhance the visibility of Messina and Reggio Calabria as premier tourist destinations. By fostering connections with European travel agents and local stakeholders, the event aims to uncover new opportunities for developing tailored travel proposals, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of these Italian gems.

The event is sold out. Please write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to participate in our upcoming fam trips in Italy.

It’s now official: the Villini Sallustiani in Rome, which Merope Asset Management bought in 2021 from Colony Capital, will become the fifth Mandarin Oriental property in Italy. 

The hotel will open in 2026 on a Roman archeological site

The new hotel, scheduled to open in 2026, will follow those already in operation in Milan, Lake Como and the already announced openings in Cortina d'Ampezzo and Porto Cervo. The Roman complex is located in the archaeological site of the Gardens of Sallustio, situated between Via Piemonte and Via Sallustiana, close to Rome’s famous Via Vaneto.

Ten villas with a total of 108 rooms and suites

The Mandarin Oriental Rome will be developed on an area of over 18,000 sqm and consist of ten 19th-century villas set in a park. The villas will house 108 rooms and suites, some with private gardens and terraces. As part of the agreement reached with Mandarin Oriental, Merope will be in charge of the redevelopment and restoration, for a total investment of some €100 million, as well as taking on the long-term management. After long discussions with the municipal administration, the proposal for an exemption building permit was recently approved, with a change of use of the area from residential to hospitality, making it possible to go ahead with the project.

The hotel will have six restaurants and bars 

The master plan for the project and the redevelopment and restoration of the villas, which will preserve their typical 19th-century architectural style, has been entrusted to Bms, while the interior design will be handled by the French duo Gilles&Boissier. The F&B will be entrusted to DimoreStudio, and  P'arcnouveau will be responsible for the landscaping. Guests will find six restaurants and bars, plus the option of dining outdoors or inside the villas. The Mandarin Bar will be located on a large rooftop terrace overlooking the city. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer a wide range of wellness experiences. Fitness enthusiasts will have access to state-of-the-art machines, a large indoor pool as well as outdoor pools in the gardens. Six treatment rooms, a VIP suite, spa rooms and a terrace will complete the wellness offer.

The new Mercure Roma Cinecittà is eight kilometres from Ciampino airport in a strategic position, a short distance from the historic Cinecittà film studios and the underground station. 

The hotel has a smart working area

With 126 rooms, underground parking, three meeting rooms with natural light, a gym and a smart working area, it has all-day dining inspired by the historical Roman clubs frequented and loved by the actors and actresses who work and have worked at the Cinecittà studios.

The all-day dining is inspired by the cinema

The hotel is inspired by the world of cinema, with rooms that have been designed to evoke the atmosphere of film sets. The artworks have been commissioned to tell the story of Italian cinema to international guests, and the corridors have wallpaper depicting the geometries of the facades of the Cinecittà studios. The Mercure Cinecittà All Day Dining is designed as a place frequented by movie stars.

Accor-Amapa will open five more hotels in Italy 

The hotel is the result of a franchising agreement between Accor and Amapa, a long-standing partner of the French group, with which nine other hotels in Italy have already been developed. Over the next few years, Accor and Amapa plan to open five more hotels in Northern and Central Italy. 

Life Hotels & Resorts has added the Unico Albatres Palace Salento. located in San Vito dei Normanni, near Ostuni and Brindisi in Apulia.

A boutique resort with 25 rooms and suites

The Unico Albatres Palace Salento has 25 rooms and suites set in a private courtyard with a swimming pool and terraces. The property also features a panoramic events room, a restaurant, two bars, a wellness centre and a Mediterranean garden.  “This boutique resort can compete on international markets. It is located in San Vito dei Normanni, a village that is still authentic and full of charm, a short distance from the lively coastal town of Ostuni and the splendid nature oasis of Marina di Torre Guaceto,- says Enzo Carella, CEO & founder of the group. -As an ideal starting point to visit charming towns and villages in the Apulia region, the complex will be our privileged observatory in the area, catalyzing the growth of our collection in the region, to which we will soon be adding novelties.” 

Life Resorts is looking to open new resorts in Apulia

The Unico Albatres Palace Salento will be run on a full management basis and will be marketed exclusively through Life Resorts' network of international partners. The group has also set up a project to develop further areas to boost the resort’s positioning, also in the food & beverage field, in collaboration with the best producers in the area.

Cervinia is the ideal destination for those who love skiing and winter sports even in summer. And the Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Ski Resort reveals its most hidden side in fine weather.

Goillet Lake. Ph credits: Enrico Romanzi

A 5-star unit and two 4-star annexes with 211 rooms

The Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Ski Resort is located in the heart of the Valle d'Aosta region: a prime expression of the Italian lifestyle where wellness, entertainment, good food, design, fashion and music blend in perfect harmony with the destination. 

A vibrant place, to be experienced in both winter and summer, it is nestled in the Alps at Cielo Alto, some 2,000 metres asl, and consists of a main 5-star unit flanked by two 4-star annexes for a total of 211 rooms suited to all needs.

A relaxing area with a central fireplace

The resort has spacious, welcoming and multifunctional spaces from the lobby, which is its beating heart, to the relaxing area with a central fireplace, to the theatre area where magic and entertainment come to life, to the Cervino Terrace, an outdoor area at the foot of the Matterhorn. Everything here contributes to making your holiday a true masterpiece and one to be framed among your most beautiful memories.

A temple of taste, to be pampered by food and wine experiences

The resort has three restaurants: GOU, Gargantua and Bolla Bistrot, where guests can enjoy high-altitude cuisine faithful to tradition, but also with innovative and gourmet proposals. There are also two bars: The Fire Place Bar and Lounge Bar Bolla, where guests can indulge in prestigious bubbles and the best spirits, or embark on an extraordinary journey through the art of mixology.  During the summer season the Bolla Bistrot and the Bolla Lounge Bar will be closed to guests, while the GOU will be transformed into a bistrot Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner.

Wellbeing, to rediscover oneself

A multifunctional wellness area with four zones is available for guests. The pool is equipped with loungers. The Miele Spa is a wellness path consisting of a mini hydromassage pool, sauna, bio-sauna, Turkish bath, ice cascade, emotional shower, salt wall and a relaxation area. The Technogym gym is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated personal trainer and there are treatment cabins, and a functional area for massages and beauty treatments.

A sports playground with emotions at high altitude

The resort also has a modern ski room with a Rossignol start gate for equipment hire, an exclusive VIP ski room equipped with heated lockers and a coffee station, a ski school with dedicated packages for every level, an ice skating rink and two padel courts. In addition, in summer Rossignol offers a complete e-bike service for outdoor adventures with accessory hire and equipment allowing guests to comfortably explore the area.

Gaming Room

Professionalism touches the highest peaks with entertainment

A staff of Italian artists and professionals put on a sophisticated and exclusive entertainment programme with top-class evening shows, professional performers and artists, and even DJ sets and live music. Team Valturland takes care of the little ones. The attentive and caring staff will make little guests feel they are in a happy oasis every day. And for a hi-tech immersive experience, a dedicated space, with a unique and refined design - the Gaming Room - has games, consoles and the latest generation products.

Snow and adrenaline. Nature and discovery.

Experts and enthusiasts guide guests with travel suggestions, experiences not to be missed, typical products to taste and emotions worth trying, making sure they fully enjoy their stay and connect with the territory. Cervinia offers endless sports activities and in the summer there is: Alpine skiing, golfing, trekking, horse riding (2 km from the resort), paragliding, mountaineering, canyoning, rafting, Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, mountain biking at the Matterhorn bike park, hiking to the Blue Lake, excursions to the ice cave, a picnic-adventure park and dinners at the Chalet. At the Valtur Cervinia Cristallo Ski Resort guests can practice pilates, yoga, meditation, water aerobics, hydrobiking, GAG, padel, ice skating and walking accompanied by sports coaches.