Lecce, a little town in Puglia in southern Italy, has ranked higher than many of the world’s best loved romantic hotspots according to the popular social media video-sharing app TikTok. When Discover Cars analyzed the number of TikTok views on the hashtags of popular destinations that appeal for their romance, it ranked the world’s top 23 romantic getaways. And the little Italian town placed 9th, beating out many larger and more famous tourist destinations.

With a staggering 272,202,044 combined views Lecce, which has fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, came in after favourite boltholes like Lausanne, the luxury resort town on Lake Geneva in Switerland, and Cambodia’s Siem Reap with its famous Angkor Wat temples. But the surprise was that the charming little Italian town, with its stunning Baroque architecture, scored higher than mega favourites such as Menorca in Spain, Paros in Greece and Antalya in Turkey. www.discovercars.com/blog/most-romantic-locations-tiktok 

The entrance to Eitch Borromini, an ancient residence housed in a building designed and built by the great architect Borromini between 1654 and 1659, is behind Rome’s historic Piazza Navona square.

A hotel overlooking Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers

One of the Eitch Borromini's main features is the panoramic view from both the breakfast room and many of the guestrooms that overlook Piazza Navona, and in particular Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the skyline of downtown Rome: from the Pantheon dome to St. Peter's Basilica.

A restaurant and a cocktail bar for private events

The same view is also shared by the Restaurant Terrazza Borromini, a unique area on the fourth floor in rooms embellished with Bernini's frescoes, where the Borromini Art Gallery is located, overlooking Piazza Navona, and which has tables also outside almost suspended over the square. The restaurant menu features modern Roman cuisine and the cocktail bar is open for private events.

The first floor of the palace provides access to the Pamphilj family's private library, which is famous for the quantity and rarity of its volumes and manuscripts, and for the fresco on the vault painted by Francesco Cozza.

Views of the square, of Roman palaces, and of a medieval tower

The rooms of different types range from the Single with a queen bed to the Classic, up to the Superior Suite, Deluxe Suite and Executive Suite with a private terrace. Some have views of Piazza Navona or the domes, bell towers and iconic palaces of Rome and others over Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, with glimpses of Tor Millina, a medieval tower with Guelph battlements. 

The rooms are all different and have all modern comforts 

Each room is different, given the different uses the building has had down the centuries. Refined, intimate and tastefully furnished, they have extra-comfortable beds and Etro courtesy kits, minibars, courtesy water, electric kettle with tea, coffee and herbal teas, bathrobe and slippers, safe, flat-screen TV with Sky decoder and free Wifi. 

Toscana Resort Castelfalfi has a new general manager with Roberto Protezione take over all hospitality-related activities. The complex provides a variety of lodging options, including rooms, suites, and villas, for a relaxing vacation in beautiful natural surroundings with various restaurants and Tuscany's largest golf course.

20 years of experience in luxury hospitality

Protezione has nearly 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality in Italy and abroad. Prior to leading the Castelfalfi team, he was general manager of Belmond Castello di Casole for five years. Previously he worked in the UAE at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island and the Westin Golf Resort in Abu Dhabi. His career in the industry began in revenue management at Starwood, first at the St. Regis Grand and the Excelsior in Rome and then at the St. Regis in Florence.

“This is a period of significant development for the destination”

“Working in a reality like Castelfalfi is an exciting challenge,” Protezione says. “I am grateful to the owners for seeing me as a potential ally during this period of significant development for the destination. I am confident that my knowledge of the area gained over the years, as well as my previous international experience, will help to raise the standards of service and hospitality, ensuring guests get the most out of the estate's potential.”

Palmanova is a UNESCO Renaissance city and an extraordinary masterpiece of military architecture, just over an hour by car from Venice.  

The power of the number three

A fortress town preserved in extraordinary condition, built by the Republic of Venice in 1593 to counter the expansionist aims of the Habsburgs of Austria and the raids of the Turks, in 2017 Palmanova is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is enclosed within three concentric circling walls in the shape of a perfect nine-pointed star. These have three monumental entrance gates, and the city is considered a model of the ideal Renaissance city and an extraordinary example of military architecture. 

An impregnable fortress and invisible city

The Piazza Grande, or main square, has a hexagonal structure and is the heart of the historical centre and fortress, as well as being the hub of city life. Known as the Piazza d'Armi, this vast parade ground houses an interesting museum with life size reproductions of the tools and machines used to build Palmanova’s Fortress. The city’s strictly geometric structure and star shape make it a significant example of well-preserved military architecture but what makes it even more extraordinary is that it was an invisible city. Built lower than the horizon line, Palmanova was hidden from enemy eyes and, thanks to the distant hills and mountains and the outer walls that were covered by earth and vegetation, the city was totally camouflaged, making it one of the most impregnable fortresses in Europe.

A city shrouded in mystery and legend

With its nine-pointed star shape, Palmanova has always been shrouded in mystery as it is a city based on the number three and its multiples. In fact the star has nine points on its bastions and encircling walls. There are three access gates to the city, the Porta Udine, Porta Cividale and Porta Aquileia, and it has 18 radial roads and six main roads, while the main square is six-sided. So who can doubt that three is Palmanova’s lucky number? 

An annual October folk festival 

Palmanova is crisscrossed by a system of underground tunnels, some of which can be visited. Also worth visiting are the Cathedral and the Loggia dei Mercanti, as are the Palace of the Provveditore Generale, which today houses the Town Hall dating back to 1598, and the Historical Military Museum. Every year on 7 October to celebrate its patron saint Santa Justina the austere old city takes on a festive air with colourful street stalls selling local arts and crafts, street food and performances. 

Kickstart your health and wellness this year with the 4-night Chenot wellness progamme at the luxury L’Albereta  hotel and spa, in the vineyards of Franciacorta and Alpine foothills just 30 minutes from Milan, on the southern shore of Lake Iseo in Italy.

The only Chenot Espace Health Wellness SPA in Italy

This four-night Chenot Wellness detoxifying and re-energizing programme at the luxury L’Albereta hotel and spa near Milan is perfect for guests looking to dedicate time restoring their natural state of health wellness and improving well-being for the year ahead.  The Chenot Advanced Detox programme provides an integrated, science-based approach to health and well-being.   Housing the only Chenot Espace Health Wellness SPA in Italy, L’Albereta has a highly qualified team of over 30 doctors, dietitians and osteopaths, ready to help guests restore their health and regain lost vital energy. 

An exclusive 4-night lakeside wellness programme

The 4-night Chenot Wellness Programme, valid until 31st March 2023, includes four nights in a double or single room, Chenot breakfast for one person and breakfast (not Chenot) for an additional companion sharing the room, and Chenot treatments for one person. The offer is available from €3,700 per person for a minimum stay of four nights, plus a compulsory medical consultation at the start of the programme at €150. There is also a city tax supplement of €2.50 per person, per day. 

Artist Christo chose Lake Iseo for an installation 

Lake Iseo is one of the lesser-known Northern Italian lakes and boasts Monte Isola, the biggest lake island in Europe, which was selected by artist Christo for one of his spectacular landscape installations back in 2016, when he created unique orange floating piers connecting one of the villages on the shores of the lake to Monte Isola.  

L’Albereta’s two restaurants and Franciacorta wines

L’Albereta is the perfect tonic to city life, a luxury hotel with 53 rooms and suites and is surrounded by some of Italy’s most breath-taking scenery. The hotel’s main restaurant, Leonefelice Vista Lago, overlooks Lake Iseo and serves a selection of typical Italian and regional dishes. L’Albereta’s pizza restaurant, La Filiale, combines a menu entirely dedicated to pizza with outstanding wines from Franciacorta and beyond. For information:   www.albereta.it/en/luxury-spa-hotels-italy/spa-franciacorta/

Oria is the epitome of Puglia’s Salento hilltop allure, a little town nestled between the cities of Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce, on the highest hills of a cordon of ancient fossil dunes. 

A medieval re-enactment in historical costumes

Famous for its gleaming whitewashed houses with colorful window boxes, maze of narrow cobbled streets, Rococo cathedral, majestic castle and its historical Jewish quarter, the hilltop town’s medieval origins are spotlighted every year with the August Torneo dei Rioni (Tournament of the Wards) re-enactment.  Representing the four town districts that compete for victory, it is centered around the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, the builder of the castle. During this tournament athletes and knights from the city's four districts, dressed in historical costumes, challenge one another in medieval-style trials and challenges requiring great skill, speed and dexterity.   

The Little St. Peter’s and an archeological museum

The Basilica Cathedral has a handsome Baroque façade and draws so heavily on the architecture of St. Peter’s in Rome that it is known as the Little St. Peter’s. The majestic Castle of Oria, also built by Frederick II is a national monument, and the nearby Montalbano Park has ponds, lakes and stairways leading to a panoramic walk that connects the castle’s two towers. Other places of interest worth visiting are the Crypt of Saints Crisante and Daria, the Porta degli Ebrei and Porta Manfredi gates, the Torre Palomba tower and the Jewish Ghetto. Palazzo Martini is a classic example of 18th-century Baroque architecture and houses an archaeological museum with finds from local tomb and sites. 

Friendly townspeople and ancient cooking techniques

The lasting memory visitors take away with them from this hilltop town of allure is that of an alluring and lively town, snowy-white houses, ancient monuments, the smiles of the friendly and welcoming townspeople and the genuine traditional local cuisine. Like the Pignata that uses an ancient cooking technique, with beef or other meats cooked in terracotta placed over an open fire.  This slow cooking allows the meat to cook gently, keeping in all its flavour while remaining juicy and tender. 

For information: https://www.beautifulpuglia.com/oria/

Hotel La Gemma, opening in April 2023, a concept hotel and Florence’s hottest new 5-star, charmingly captures the essence of Florence’s unique elegance and distinctive sense of timeless sophistication.

A luxurious home with first class services and 5-star amenities in the heart of Florence

The inspiring concept hotel is located within Palazzo Paoletti on the famous via Calimala, close to the city’s most iconic landmarks and stylish shopping streets. An oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence’s vibrant city centre, the new 5-star is moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral and elegant Via de’ Tornabuoni. The perfect destination for travellers interested in the arts, fashion, design, architecture, and contemporary Florentine culture, this design-led hotel created and masterminded by the Cecchi family is a charismatic Florentine experience where guests feel they are being hosted in a luxurious home, yet with first class services and 5-star amenities.



Rooms with private terraces and family Prestige Suites

Hotel La Gemma’s interior reflects the innate splendour of Florence’s famous Cathedral featuring a palette of vibrant greens, powder pinks, and gentle ivories alongside bold geometric patterns, opulent marbles, sumptuous textiles and elegant furnishings. Located over five floors the accommodation includes a selection of rooms and suites with several featuring private terraces overlooking the city. Rooms and suites are impeccable and the impressive Prestige Suites are perfect for family vacations and include a sofa-bed, open-plan kitchen and living space.

The Luca’s restaurant is helmed by Chef Lorenzo De Vivo Martini

At the heart of Hotel La Gemma is Luca’s restaurant and lounge, inspired by the Art Deco era. Gentle arches divide the room into comfortable dining areas, while the panelled walls, open wine cellar and handcrafted bookcases add warmth, character, and charm. The concept of Luca’s gourmet menu has been created by talented chef Lorenzo De Vivo Martini, one of Tuscany’s most inspiring culinary talents. Honouring the classic traditions of Florentine cuisine yet reinterpreting these with a strong, contemporary vision, Lorenzo’s style of cooking is both authentic and innovative and celebrates locally sourced Tuscan ingredients and the much-loved Florentine street-food, giving classic dishes a modern twist.

The Allure spa offers bespoke treatments

The sophisticated sub-terranean Allure spa offers guests the ultimate setting for total escapism. Therapists use Biologique Recherche for the quality bespoke treatments in a serene space that features a boutique wellness area, a Turkish bath hydro-massage, ice shower and two therapy rooms. For information: the Hotel La Gemma website is coming soon

Scalapay and Federalberghi have joined forces for flexible and fast bookins, taking a decisive step towards customers demands for flexible and fast bookings. There are also advantages for hoteliers who will be paid immediately.

Immediate payment for the hotelier

Thanks to the new agreement with the buy-now-pay-later operator Scalapay, Federalberghi is now able to offer  accommodation facilities the possibility of assigning the credit, on favourable terms, owed to the customer, while the hotelier will be able to receive the full amount immediately.

“The agreement opens up a new customer acquisition channel to increase direct sales”

"Collaborating with Federalberghi means having a channel to listen to the needs of more than 27 thousand Italian accommodation facilities, but also making available to hoteliers a customer potential that now exceeds 2.5 million in Europe, - says Scalapay’s travel partnerships director Matteo Ciccalé. - Together we are responding to the hospitality industry's need for a new payment method in three interest-free instalments, eliminating collection operations for the property and, at the same time opening up a new customer acquisition channel to increase direct sales.”

“I am certain this formula is a winner” says Bernabò Bocca

"This partnership represents added value for our customers, who are increasingly looking for services and facilities," says Bernabò Bocca, President of Federalberghi. "Hoteliers will feel partly relieved of the financial bureaucratic aspects giving us time to devote to the operation and functionality of our businesses. I am certain this formula is a winner.”

Winter travel has never been easier with the winter promotions from B&B HOTELS Italia, valid up to March 31, 2023.

Promotions start at €29 exclusively on hotelbb.com 

The international B&B HOTELS chain which has over 670 hotels in Italy and around the world, continues its winter promotion with rooms starting at €29, available exclusively on hotelbb.com up to March 31, 2023.

Cortina d’Ampezzo for snow, mountains and good food

Winter is an ideal time for visiting many Italian cities and discovering the gastronomic specialties of each destination for a real taste experience, and  Cortina d'Ampezzo is the best choice for those who enjoy snow, mountains and good food. The B&B HOTEL Passo Tre Croci Cortina is strategically located directly on the ski slopes of Monte Cristallo and only ten minutes from the centre of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The hotel has 124 large rooms of various types, including family rooms, furnished in perfect Alpine style Wi-Fi, smart TVs and free Sky channels. There is also a restaurant and a bistrot bar for traditional dishes and aperitifs, which is also open to non-residents.

B&B Hotels Arezzo -  Restaurant

Arezzo is a destination made for winter relaxation

Arezzo, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, is surrounded by four beautiful valleys just made for winter relaxation. The B&B HOTEL Arezzo enjoys a privileged location, just a 15-minute walk from the centre, and a few minutes from the city's main attractions, including the Medici Fortress and the Piazza Grande square. It also has the Lo Zafferano Restaurant for breakfasts, and dinners with a traditional Tuscan menu that will delight foodies. The special B&B HOTELS’ winter promotion is valid until March 2023 for a prepaid double room (room only), non-cancellable, non-modifiable, non-refundable, bookable online only at hotelbb.com. The offer is subject to availability and is only valid during certain periods; additionally, it cannot be combined with other discounts or the B&B HOTELS Club programme.