The Vigilius Mountain Resort offers its guests 5-star stays in the pursuit of nature, sustainability and wellness in the heart of the Dolomites.

Digital-free and TV-free stays

The eco-design Vigilius Mountain Resort is located in Lana, eight kilometres from Merano and close to Bolzano. At an altitude of 1,500 metres, the resort, which was recently awarded a Michelin Key, can only be reached by cable car, guaranteeing a stay in close contact with nature from the moment of arrival.  The Vigilius Mountain Resort offers the unique experience of almost total digital disconnection. The common areas are digital-free, while Wi-Fi is switched off at 23:00. The rooms are also TV-free, and guests who wish to do so can leave their smartphones at the reception or in the available safes.

Exclusive experiences for physical and mental well-being

Monte San Vigilio changes face with the seasons, offering unique experiences all year round: snowshoeing, skiing and ice skating in winter; hiking and discovering the alpine flora in summer and the Vigilius Mountain Resort provides rental equipment such as crampons, snowshoes and toboggans in the colder months, to mountain bikes and e-bikes for summer adventures. The resort offers its guests a rich variety of activities all year round, a focus on local customs and on physical and mental well-being.

ph credits Tobias Kaser

Not-to-be-missed Christmas celebrations

For Christmas and New Year there are exclusive programmes combining Alpine traditions, culinary experiences and musical events. The highlights of the festivities are the traditional Rauhnächte, 12 holy nights between Christmas and Epiphany, with artistic and culinary activities taking centre stage.  Then there is Christmas Eve with a festive dinner in the Restaurant 1500 and mass in the little church of San Vigilio, which can be reached on foot or by chairlift. On New Year's Eve the 8-course gala dinner will be in the Stube Ida, followed by live music, dancing and the Midnight Gondola, a toast in a cable car with fireworks. And visitors will not want to miss the Sterntaler Lana Christmas Market in the atmospheric Capuchin Garden. For these festive occasions the Vigilius Mountain Resort vouchers are available as gift ideas, with an exclusive promotion of an extra 10%. As places for all these events are filling up fast reservations should be made as soon as possible at +39 0473 556600 or by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wellness in the Aquiléia Spa and traditional cuisine

The renovated Aquiléia Spa on 1,200 sqm of wellness offers two floors of relaxation with activities and treatments including massages using heated Swiss pine sticks. Guests can also enjoy an indoor whirlpool connected to an outdoor pool, a solarium, relaxation area and sauna with panoramic views.  The Restaurant 1500 offers an exceptional culinary experience with farm-to-fork products used in the creations from Chef Daniel Sanin. Stube Idaalso welcomes day guests, offering seasonal dishes to be enjoyed both indoors and on the sunny terrace with views of the Dolomites.

Activities in and around Monte San Vigilio

There are numerous activities organized in summer, like the Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, the MeranoOjazz and the Merano Music Weeks, while LanaLive is a cross-disciplinary cultural festival. At Trauttmansdorff Castle the Touriseum and Gardens welcome visitors all year round, as do the museums of the Messner Mountain Museum circuit while there are also classic car rallies and events for wine lovers such as the Vernatsch Cup at the Vigilius Mountain Resort. For information: https://vigilius.it/en/home

The Nature Programme at Familienhotels Südtirol is packed with outdoor activities for younger guests.   

Creative activities for younger guests

The aim of the creative programme is to use games and workshops to educate children, helping them to develop manual, social and cognitive skills and raising their awareness of the importance of respecting and understanding the environment.  Each year the activities follow a main theme, always accompanied by off-the-shelf proposals, with the childcare assistants accompanying the youngest children in their discovery of nature artistically and playfully.    

ph credits Alex FilzHikes and nature adventures are part of the programme

The workshops this year will see the children try their hand at creating ice sculptures, birdhouses and Christmas decorations made from leaves, berries and other elements collected from nature. Also on the programme are hikes and nature adventures where they can learn to recognize animal tracks, cook dishes made from wild plants, roasting them over a bonfire, and using natural pigments such as berries and earth to paint in the snow.

“Programmes designed to stimulate children's curiosity”

“Our hotels not only offer luxurious surroundings, but also educational programmes designed to stimulate children's curiosity and learning,- explains Daniela Klotz, consultant, trainer and responsible for the Nature Programme and educational activities at Familienhotels Südtirol. -Our goal is to ensure that during their holiday children not only have fun, but also acquire new skills and knowledge that will leave a lasting impression.” 

Areas designed for babies and teenagers  

New for the autumn season is the Magic Workshop. Young guests can make magic wands and magician's hats, as well as magic bags for performing illusions. They will also create all the materials needed to put on the final show performing in front of their parents and receiving a magic diploma and a book full of magic tricks. The Familienhotels Südtirol hotels, residences and resorts offer family-friendly stays, replying to the interests of young and old alike with activities and modern, cozy areas designed especially for little ones, from babies to teenagers.

Have you ever experienced New Year’s Eve in a scattered hotel in Scicli? 

Five days of festivite fun

Scicli Albergo Diffuso invites you to celebrate an unforgettable Sicilian New Year, immersed in nature and local traditions, with an exclusive experience combining adventure, relaxation and the authentic flavours of Sicily. From 29 December to 2 January enjoy five days and four nights discovering a different Scicli, enveloped in a festive, wintry spirit that will make your stay even more special.

A charming town, nature treks and visits to wineries

New Year's Eve 2025 in Scicli: Trekking and Tradition allows you to rediscover the charm of this charming village in a unique atmosphere, far from the summer crowds. Imagine strolling through historic alleyways, nature treks amidst breathtaking scenery, visits to local wineries for wine tastings and a New Year's Eve dinner with colourful Christmas lights. Baroque churches, medieval alleyways, noble palaces, ancient pharmacies, museums and archaeological sites - some of them among the main settings of the successful RAI television series Inspector Montalbano - are all places to discover before celebrating New Year's Eve 2025.

Armosa wine tasting

A New Year’s Eve Gala dinner

The programme starts on 29 December with a welcome drink, followed by a guided evening tour of the historic centre of Scicli, a UNESCO heritage site. On 30 December it’s time for some urban trekking to explore the historical and cultural wonders of the village, time for a free lunch and, in the afternoon, a visit to a local winery with typical product tastings. On 31 December it’s time for nature with trekking among scenic trails and winter landscapes, a light packed lunch and, in the evening, the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner with traditional dishes, music and midnight toast. 

A ricotta cheese tasting in a masseria farmhouse

On 1 January it’s time to relax with a scattered breakfast, followed by free time to explore the historic centre at leisure, and then a hot ricotta cheese tasting in a traditional masseria farmhouse in the afternoon. And on the last day, 2 January, after a scattered breakfast guests will receive a small local gift as a souvenir of their stay. 

Staying in historic houses in the centre of Scicli

Scicli Albergo Diffuso is a unique holiday experience in the historic centre of Scicli, with rooms in restored ancient houses that retain the charm of the past. Starting from €447 per person in a standard double room, the package is an extraordinary opportunity to experience a different and thoroughly original New Year's Eve.

For information:  https://www.sciclialbergodiffuso.com

Winter in the Dolomites is an experience that goes beyond the slopes, with sports and culture for all ages.

Skiing marathons and skating competitions

January and February 2025 will again host various sporting and cultural events that attract tourists of all ages, and enthusiasts from all over the world. Among the events dedicated to cross-country skiing, the 3 Zinnen Ski-Marathon, the oldest and longest cross-country skiing marathon in South Tyrol, stands out. On 11 and 12 January over a hundred athletes will cross the municipalities of Dobbiaco, San Candido, Sesto, Villabassa and Braies, competing in the classic and skating styles. Then, on 1 and 2 February the Gran Fondo Dobbiaco-Cortina will take place, a 42 km race in classic style, or 35 km in freestyle.

Events for runners and a hot air balloon festival

Running-related events are also on the programme. On 18 January, the Winter Night Run in Dobbiaco offers two night runs from 5 ppm. to 8 p.m.: a competitive 12 km run and a non-competitive 7 km run. Also in Dobbiaco, the FIS Para Nordic Worldcup will take place from 11 to 14 February. There is no shortage of attractions for the whole family. From 5 to 12 January, the hot-air balloons of the Dolomiti Balloonfestival will fly over Dobbiaco, while in San Candido, from 20 to 22 January, visitors can watch the construction of works of art carved from snow blocks at the Dolomiti Snow Festival, the international festival of snow sculptures.

A spa resort next to the mountain ski lifts

Strategically located to fully enjoy the events, the Bad Moos Aqua Spa Resort in Sesto offers two types of packages from 5 January to 23 February: the White Weeks - Dolomites Ski Paradise for ski lovers and the Wellness for Body & Soul for those who just want to relax. The resort enjoys a privileged position at the base of the Croda Rossa mountain ski lifts, allowing guests to leave the resort with their skis on. The Soma & Anima Spa is equipped with every comfort from an indoor pool and a sauna to a sulfur grotto, and much more. For imformation: www.badmoos.it

The Numa group's expansion in Italy continues with four new properties in the pipeline for Rome, Venice and Florence, bringing the Berlin-based company’s Italy offer to over 455 keys. 

Two new hotels are planned for Florence

The new entry in Rome will be in Via Luigi Turchi 9 in the historic Trastevere district. With 72 rooms and 291 beds, this development will open in the second quarter of 2025. Palazzo Haggis, in the heart of Florence, is a 6-key building scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024 and is strategically located within walking distance of the Duomo, the Accademia, Sant'Ambrogio and Santa Croce.  In Venice Numa is renovating Palazzo Orseolo, a historic building with 34 beds, located in the San Marco district, and yet another new development is in the pipeline in Florence, in the San Niccolò district. 

“Our properties blend charm with modern conveniences”

“Each property reflects our vision of blending historical charm with modern, digital conveniences-’ says Numa Group's general manager Italy, Umberto Ottaviani. -Looking ahead, we are actively seeking new opportunities in key markets such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Verona and Turin to further expand our presence in Italy.”

Mielemente, the first and only Christmas market dedicated to the world of honey, returns for its second edition to the Marche village of Montelupone from 6 to 8 December.

Honey-based foods, products and cosmetics

The event is aimed at tasting and discovering honey and all the products derived from it in the areas of food, beverage, cosmetics and publishing, from northern to southern Italy. From Sicilian Sanfurrichi, the “world's oldest honey candies” to Melitites, the first honey wine in the Marche region, and from anti-ageing masks to hair products and publishing. 

Honey events for all the family 

During the event numerous events and activities are planned for the whole family, with workshops and happenings to discover the world of beekeeping. Such as the exhibition Beekeeping in the Marche region, an all-Italian story and the presentation of the book “Beekeeping in Italy - history and biodiversity” and there will also be a cocktail contest for young bartenders. While on Saturday and Sunday Mielemente Degustando will feature guided tastings of honey and cheeses and cured meats from the Marche region.  For information:  www.cittadelmiele.it

Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA, at the crossroads of Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio, is the perfect choice for a stay in Italy’s Green Heart.

A typically traditional Umbrian farmhouse

The modern 5-star property, immersed in the countryside of ancient Etruria, combines innovative materials with the typical architecture of old Umbrian farmhouses, in a blend of modernity, tradition and extreme comfort.

Close to many charming towns like Orvieto 

Located in Castel Giorgio, in the province of Terni, the Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA is close to the area's main tourist treasures. These include not only Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its precious historical and artistic heritage, medieval architecture and famous Palio horse race. Many other interesting destinations can be easily reached from Borgo La Chiaracia including Orvieto, one of the oldest towns in Italy, of Etruscan origin and with underground caves and the unique St Patrick's Well with its double spiral staircase. 

Trekking, biking and horse riding

Pitigliano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Civita di Bagnoregio, the fascinating “dying city” also perched on fragile lava rock, and Medieval towns such as Todi and Spoleto, the latter home to the Festival of Two Worlds, an internationally important cultural event of art, music, dance and theatre, are just some of the nearby towns waiting to be discovered.  Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA organizes guided tours to discover the many gems in the area, like nearby Lake Bolsena with its beautiful landscape of volcanic origin, an ideal destination for anyone wishing to practice water sports such as sailing and windsurfing. The area in which the Resort is located is also perfect all year round for trekking enthusiasts and those wishing to explore the area by bicycle or on horseback.

 

A spa, outdoor pool and award-winning restaurant

Borgo La Chiaracia boasts 26 spacious rooms and suites in three interconnected farmhouses, the Livinna SPA with the latest wellness technology, an outdoor pool and bar, and spacious rooms for special events and meetings. The hotel's pride and joy is the award-winning Radici Restaurant, offering traditional Umbrian farm-to-fork cuisine revisited in a modern key, while there are also the modern Pagoda and the Etrusco Bar. This year Borgo La Chiaracia Resort & SPA won TripAdvisor “Travelers’ ChoiceAward.” 

The ItaliAbsolutely by Travel Quotidiano fam trip to Emilia-Romagna and Marche allowed buyers from all over the world to discover the beauty of some of Italy's lesser-known attractions and to meet directly with local operators. 

An opportunity to discover some Italian gems

From 8 to 13 October, 19 buyers from America, Asia and Europe were able to get a close-up view of the history and culture of the Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions. "I am very grateful to ItaliAbsolutely for inviting me on this great fam trip. These two regions are perfect to be combined as pre or  post-tours with a more touristy city like Florence. I found the Frasassi Caves amazing and the Hotel Le Grotte in Genga was quiet, clean and cozy,” said Jun Jessica Yingh of China Travel Service Artic AB, Stockholm.

The buyers met leading Italian professionals

The international buyers got a chance to lay the foundation for future collaborations with leading Italian professionals including Alberto Maffizzoli, international sales manager Gardaland, Simona Pampaloni, sales & marketing manager Hard Rock, Marco Benazzi, secretary of DMO Castelli Romani, Silvio Bertero, president Consorzio Valli del Canavese, BluSerena’s corporate director of sales Marco Masserini, I Grandi Viaggi’s Andrea Ragusa who is Baia Samuele village’s director and product coordinator, and Francesco Muciaccia, head of promotion non-EU markets for the Metropolitan City of Messina.

Promoting lesser-known areas

“The fam programme was perfect for anyone who has already been to Italy and wants to discover new places rich in history, culture, good food, and atmosphere.  I found the presentation of the Marche Region particularly useful. I spoke with several tour operators: it is very important for me as they can show me the best way to promote the destination,” said Letitia Raducea of Edelweiss Tours, Romania.  For Filomena Lofranco of LDV&CO, Toronto “the tour was perfect for exploring destinations beyond the more touristy cities.  I would also like to develop roots tourism to introduce the country to those with Italian origins.”

Interesting destinations for business trips

Fabrice Noyelle of SFX Groupe, Paris said the hotel inspections were particularly useful, “I discovered many things that I think are perfect to include on business trips, such as the accommodation, the food and wines and the activities.” After Rimini and the Romagna hinterland, with a bicycle excursion provided by Decathlon, the group moved on to Pesaro, the capital of the Marche region and Italian Capital of Culture 2024.

A gala dinner offered by Inside Marche Live

The tour organized by Inside Marche Live, ended with a gala dinner offered by President Federico Scaramucci and local municipalities. It then continued with the discovery of the Savio Valley starting from Cesena, organized in collaboration with Giratlantide, Percorsi del Savio and the Municipality of Cesena, concluding in Sarsina with an exclusive wine-tasting experience in the Mercato Saracena. The buyers were welcomed to Genga by Grotte di Frasassi srl, followed by a visit to the famous caves.

Don't miss ItaliAbsolutely's next fam trip! 

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