The protected area of the Egadi Islands is the largest in the Mediterranean and is made up of the three islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, and the islets of Maraone and Formica. 

The Egadi Islands are a protected marine area

At the BTE in Palermo ItaliAbsolutely met Sara Di Stefano, who works in the ISO Legacies Area of the Egadi Islands protected area.  “I take care of environmental education in our protected marine area, and we are here at the BTE show on behalf of the Municipality of Favignana, which manages our protected area on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment.” 

“The factory where tuna was processed is now a museum

“Our islands have many nature trails both by the sea and on the land, and there is also a lot of culture on our islands like the former Florio factory, and the tonnare of Favignana and Formica where tuna used to be processed, and which is now a museum of industrial archaeology.

Nature trails with different grades of difficulty 

Last year there were the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the death of Donna Florio whose family made the Egadi Islands famous back in the 19th century.  “We also have natural monuments like the Genovese Cave, and on Marettimo we have some naturale routes of great interest, a site called Case Romane, where there is a Byzantine church that can be visited, and there are also nature trails with different grades of difficulty.” 

Capo Vaticano is a stunning coastal destination located in Ricadi, Calabria, Italy. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches, it offers breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the scenic trails or relax on the golden sands of its secluded beaches. The area is also home to several charming villages and historic sites, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and culture. Capo Vaticano is an ideal spot for both nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. It remains one of Calabria’s best-kept secrets, offering a peaceful escape in a picturesque setting.

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Six Senses expands in Como and in Milan with two new properties under a new agreement with the Statuto Group.

Six Senses Milan is in the city centre

Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como follow the opening of Six Senses Rome in 2023 and the announcement of the opening of Six Senses Antognolla in Umbria. The Milan property is located in the heart of the city, in Via Brera 19, while the Como hotel carries on the legacy of the first holiday destination opened on the shores of the lake of the same name in 1820 in Cadenabbia di Griante.

The Milan hotel will have a suspended pool

The Six Senses Milan, scheduled to open in 2025, has 68 rooms of which 15 are suites and two have private pools. There will also be a spa offering a range of high-tech and high-touch treatments, plus a rooftop bar and a suspended pool.

A new gourmet restaurant on Lake Como

The Six Senses Lake Como which is due to its doors in 2018 following a makeover, will have102 rooms and suites and an ample spa. In addition to the outdoor pool and sun terrace, there will also be a floating pool on the lake. Facilities will include a gourmet restaurant, terrace bar and lake view restaurant located on the fourth floor of the hotel.

Grand Hotel Royal Sorrento - Manniello Hotels. 

Grand Hotel Royal, member of Alberghi Storici d’Italia (Historic Hotels of Italy), is a classy and stylish five-star estate in the heart of Sorrento, perched over the sea in a privileged location overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, surrounded by a large park boasting exotic plants.

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There are flavours and fun galore for all the family at Milan’s Alfa Romeo Museum.

Games and treasure hunts

The Alfa Romeo Museum recounts the legendary history of the great Italian motoring brand, through a design and layout that reflect its core values. With games, workshops and treasure hunts the Alfa Romeo Museum on the outskirts of Milan is a great Sunday venue with a rich programme for adults and children. The experience also includes a relaxing gastronomic break at the Alfa Romeo Caffè & Bistrò by MAIO. 

Raising children's awareness of road safety

Spending a day with the family at the Alfa Romeo Museum is a guaranteed thrill for everyone, with active participation in innovative games linked to the history of Alfa Romeo and motoring workshops designed to raising childrens’ awareness of road safety. While young and old explore the cars on display at the Museum, there are also treasure hunts in which parents and children can join forces as a team to solve enigmas and mysterious clues, ensuring fun for all the family.

Traditional cuisine in the Alfa Romeo Caffè & Bistrò 

Then it’s time to drop into the Alfa Romeo Caffè & Bistrò, by the MAIO Group, for some traditional and contemporary cuisine. Here there is also a menu dedicated to children, who will also be able to enjoy the well-equipped play area. The cuisine reflects the values and traditions of the historic Italian motoring brand, with a menu curated by chef Eugenio Moreni, who uses the highest quality raw materials to create menus that reflect the best of Italian traditions.  The Museum is also the perfect place for private and corporate events, from aperitifs to gala dinners and team-building events. The Alfa Romeo Caffè & Bistrò is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesdays.  For information:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The magic of Christmas enchantingly embraces Garda Trentino with Christmas markets and coloured lights.

Activities for the whole family

In Garda Trentino, an enchanting area between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, Christmas is a real fairy tale: Christmas lights are reflected on the surface of the lake, and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon, chocolate, and mulled wine creating a magical Christmas atmosphere. To make the experience even more special, there are many activities for the whole family, from markets where you can sample typical specialities, to encounters with Father Christmas and his famous green opponent, the Grinch.

Market stalls and genuine local flavours

The markets start in mid-November and last up to the beginning of January, bringing with them stalls selling all kinds of local handicrafts, such as those to be found at the markets of Canale di Tenno and Rango, where agricultural tools, wooden toys, and delicious traditional country dishes are on display. In its historic centre Riva del Garda welcomes the Di Gusto in Gusto market which is a gastronomic village where you can discover the many flavours of this region, from wine to cold cuts and cheeses. There is also guaranteed fun for children with the Father Christmas House in the Rocca di Riva del Garda fortress.  

Apt Garda Trentino Ph Prugnola (Calavino)

Discovering the art of distilling grappa

But the friendly grandfather in red is not the only character in this fairy tale because, from 6 December to 6 January the Bastion of Riva del Garda will once again host the home of the Grinch, the little green animal known to all as the anti-Christmas. And if the Grinch doesn't steal it first, the village of Santa Massenza will let visitors discover the authentic spirit of Christmas with the Night of the Alembic Shops, an exciting itinerant journey through the historical art of distillation to discover how true Trentino grappa is made. 

An exhibition of cribs and EVO tastings 

Bringing the Christmas events to a close from 30 November to 22 December the Castle of Drena, will host an exhibition of handcrafted cribs. In addition to the nativity scenes, dancing, music and traditional crafts will enliven the weekends while, for those who prefer outdoor activities, there is the Foiling Experience in Torbole on beautiful Lake Garda, in the company of an expert guide. And also an excursion through olive groves to discover all the secrets of EVO oil production, and taste this traditional product. Garda Trentino is the perfect destination to experience a magical Christmas and this year the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square in Rome  - a magnificent 29-metre spruce chosen for its thick and majestic foliage - comes from the Garda Trentino’s Ledro Valley. For information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Just minutes from Aosta, Pila offers a world of winter sports and spectacular scenery. 

A paradise for skiers and snowboarders

The opening of the 2024/2025 winter season is set for 30 November 2024. With a modern cable car that connects the town to an altitude of 1,800 metres in just 18 minutes, mountain lovers can enjoy perfectly groomed slopes and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Pila is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with 70 km of runs suitable for all levels: from blue runs for beginners to black runs for experts. And freeride enthusiasts will find exciting routes through the woods, while two safe trails are dedicated to ski mountaineering.

New for the 2024/2025 season

This winter the new Couis lift will take skiers and snowboarders from Pila to Couis 1 in just 5 minutes, eliminating waiting times, and improving the overall experience. The lift, equipped with 10-seater cabins, will replace the old chairlift which dated back to the 1980s. By December 2025 the Stella del Couis refuge at 2,700 metres will also be completed, and accessible even to non-skiers, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, Grivola and Gran Paradiso.

Culinary traditions and events 

After a day on the slopes the Aosta Valley culinary traditions awaitsvisitors with genuine flavours like the famous PDO fontina cheese, Arnad lard and local wines. There are many typical restaurants and huts in Pila serving typical dishes such as polenta, game and homemade desserts, and they are renowned for their quality cuisine and family hospitality. The season is enriched by events such as the Christmas celebrations and the I Light Pila torchlight procession on 15 February 2025, added to which there are many cultural attractions and the Marché Vert Noël Christmas market.  

For information: https://domani.pila.it

The Michelin-starred Idylio by Apreda at The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel has had a revamp and has moved outside the hotel. 

Aimed at non-hotel guests

The Idylio Restaurant is remaining in the hotel’s immediate vicinity, not far from the Pantheon, in the beating heart of the city. The move is aimed at further enhancing the asset, and bringing the Rome hotel's F&B offer even closer to non-hotel guests. The restaurant features a large and scenic central hall, an intimate area for more intimate moments, such as romantic dinners or private meetings, and has an open wine cellar.

“This new space represents an evolution for Idylio”

“We are proud to present this new space, which represents an evolution for Idylio,’- says Emidio Pacini, CEO and founder of the Idylio Group. – This operation is a reflection of our continuous desire to improve and innovate our catering and hospitality facilities. This new venue in the heart of Rome is on a square that is attracting increasing interest from investors interested in exclusive projects. I have personally taken care of every detail of this new opening, to satisfy an increasingly demanding clientele. The new Idylio by Apreda invites you to enjoy some unique culinary experiences.” 

Smart, easy dining at lunchtime

The gastronomic concept from chef Francesco Apreda is also new, as is the midday opening with a menu designed for guests who want to treat themselves to a gourmet lunch, for those looking for a quick break, and for those who want to approach fine dining for the first time through an easy and smart dining formula.