Ever since Greta Gerwig’s hotly anticipated Barbie movie was announced to hit the screens next summer Barbiecore has been in an all-round pink state of mind.

What’s more, this girly aesthetic is now making its way into the world of luxury holidays, so if you’re ready to embark on some of your own hyper-pink escapism, we’ve got you covered.

Explore Barbie’s dream house at Forte Village in Sardinia

Barbie fans can get in on the action at Forte Village, home to a real-life Barbie Dreamhouse. This playhouse is the perfect place for children to enter the magical world of their favourite doll and has many exciting games and activities to be enjoyed with Barbie herself. And parents and children can enjoy quality time together over a joint manicure and facial session.

For information: www.fortevillageresort.com

Villa Paola

Villa Paola. A pink adults-only hidden gem

Dating back to the 16th century, Villa Paola is a charming and romantic adults-only escape. The pink hotel is steeped in local history, originally part of a Franciscan convent it was converted into a private home in the 1920s and fully restored to an elegant villa in 2000 by Lugano-based architect Bruno Haber.

Coast of the Gods

Beautiful beaches on the Coast of the Gods

The area also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, still lesser known to the international traveler but favoured by the locals. At the foot of the Villa, in Marina Vescovado di Tropea, lie the estate’s citrus groves and vegetable gardens. Mesmerizing views from one of the many manicured terraces overlook the Coast of the Gods which is an unbeatable setting for an aperitivo in the evening, framed by the gorgeous pink glow of the hotel itself.

For information: www.villapaolatropea.it

The Almar Jesolo Resort & Spa in Jesolo has new owners though the management remains with Hnh Hospitality.

Taken over by a French group

The Venetian property, already owned by the Castello sgr Star fund, has in fact been acquired by the French asset management company Perial on behalf of its own fund Scpi Pf Hospitalité Europe.

Rooms and suites with private sea-view terraces.  

Located approximately 30 kilometres from Venice, the luxury resort has 179 rooms and 18 suites with private sea-view terraces. The facilities also include six meeting rooms, four F&B outlets, a spa and 12,000 square metres of private beach. It will be managed by Hnh Hospitality under an 18-year lease.

Relais Villa Balis Crema is a 17th-century Venetian villa with old-world charm and two Michelin stars. 

In the Valpantena valley close to Verona

In the little town of Grezzano in the Valpantena Valley which is half an hour from Verona, the property has been transformed by the Zecchini family into a cozy Relais with refined interiors. The ancient residence, which belonged to a branch of Florence’s historic Medici family, has a restaurant which is one of the finest Michelin establishments in the Veneto region. 

Chef La Cru Restaurant

Elegant contemporary rooms and suites

The interiors with old-world charm, contemporary and refined rooms and suites, and the outdoor area with a biodynamic swimming pool and a concentrically shaped herb garden, combine as an ideal setting for the Michelin-starred La Cru Restaurant.   

Homemade breakfasts

The rooms and suites in the main building and in the adjoining annex are intimate and elegant and some have personal spas with emotional showers, saunas and Turkish baths. Breakfast is a sweet awakening with homemade delicacies from the Michelin kitchen, and is served in the brick-vaulted breakfast room or on the patio.

Seasonal menus with local delicacies

Two Michelin stars shine on the Relais, with Chef Giacomo Sacchetto's Michelin star awarded in 2020, followed in 2021 by his Green Star for sustainable experimentation. On the menu, which changes seasonally, there are local delicacies such as game and wild asparagus and fish from the Adriatic all embellished with Chef Sacchetto's mastery and flair.

For information https://villabaliscrema.it

The itinerary of the new "Calabria Trail” (Sentiero Calabria), which is accessible to all and is dedicated to sportsmen, trekkers, and nature lovers, is on 654 kilometres and divided into 34 stages. Officially it links the national parks of Aspromonte, Sila, Pollino, and the Serre Regional Park for the first time in history.

An eco-sustainable and accessible trail

The project, which is being carried out in collaboration with the bodies of the four national parks, aims at promoting a type of tourism that is eco-sustainable, respectful of the environment, and accessible to all. The Calabria Trail was completed on the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

Ph credits: Carmelo Fiore

Cooperating and achieving important common goals

"The Calabria Trail project brought the national park bodies to join forces, cooperate, and achieve important common goals," said Robert Piattelli, member of the Scientific Coordination of the World Tourism Event.”  Giovanni Aramini, director of parks and protected natural areas of the Calabria Region says "the most important goal is to give visibility and voice to Calabria by promoting sustainable tourism, which is growing fast . Today’s tourist wants to discover our region and its many stunning natural attractions."

“We are in the centre of the Mediterranean” 

“Our mission is to protect the Earth, - says Giuseppe Putort, director of the Aspromonte natural park authority, - and the Region has given us the opportunity to work alongside local communities and institutions.”  “This is a very important project that enhances our land, which is in the centre of the Mediterranean and can boast extraordinary geology and biodiversity,” adds Silvia Lottero, head of the Aspromonte Natural Park's promotion service.

Raising awareness of ancient landscapes

Gaetano Osso, councillor of the Sila National Park authority says the initiative is “a huge springboard to raise awareness of landscapes formed millions of years ago, when a fragment of the Alps broke away from the Mediterranean. Anyone who comes to experience the Calabria Trail will discover a variety of different Calabrias.” 

Lefay posted an excellent 2021 with over €33.5 million in total turnover for a growth of 30% compared to 2020, 100% carbon offsetting and a total of 302 employees, 60% of whom are local. These are some of the most significant numbers of the new Sustainability Report 2021, produced by Lefay Resorts & Residences and certified by third parties.

The spas use only vegan products 

In 2021 all direct CO2 emissions from the Group’s two resorts were in fact fully offset. Both the properties and the parent company have confirmed their management, quality and environmental system certifications. Both spas are also certified for Organic & Ecological Spa-level Excellence and use only vegan products and a cruelty-free cosmetic line. They self-produce 100% of their thermal energy and 51% of their electrical energy, and extensive promotion has been devoted to electric mobility.

A third resort in Tuscany

The group now aims to complete its portfolio of directly owned and managed properties in Italy with a third resort in Montalcino in Tuscany. It is also developing a fee-based model and seeking new opportunities, particularly abroad, with Lefay acting as an operator through management or rental contracts.

“We are ready to face the next challenges”

"I am really proud of the results achieved by our team," commented Alcide Leali, CEO of Lefay Resorts & Residences. "Not only did we brilliantly overcome the difficulties of the pandemic crisis, we also completed the restyling of the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda. We are ready to face the next challenges.”

Italy’s northern regions have a variety of lake breaks just made for romantic getaways. 

From candlelight dinners with a view to tailor-made private couples’ spas and from panoramic suites to vintage car tours and time to enjoy nature. The lake is the perfect place to fall in love, and the ideal destination for romantic getaways, especially in autumn when nature is cloaked in magical colours. 

Lido Palace in Riva del Garda Credits Francesca Bocchia

Romance and gourmet dining on Lake Garda

If you are looking for an exclusive stay you can surprise your sweetheart at the Lido Palace in Riva del Garda (TN), a refined 5-star adult-friendly hotel. Here history meets contemporary luxury and enchants with a waterfront location on the Trentino side of Lake Garda.  With concierge service, romantic gourmet dinners on the lake-view terrace, and wellness rituals to be experienced together in the private spa, as well as penthouse suites with a 180-degree view over the shimmering lake (www.lido-palace.it).

Nature and Michelin dining

In the Brescia area the Romantik Hotel Relais Mirabella Iseo in Clusane sul Lago (BS), which dominates Lake Iseo from the top of a hill and is surrounded by olive trees, is the ideal destination for a full immersion in nature. Explore caves and take cycle tracks or paths that wind from the mountains to the shores of the lake. And whatever you do, don’t miss the fine dining in the Da Nadia restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Nadia Vincenzi. (www.romantikhotels.com).

Lake Carezza Val d'Ega

A home away from home in the Dolomites

Lake Carezza in the South Tyrol is an unmissable gem, especially if experienced with a stay at the Romantik Hotel Post Cavallino Bianco in Nova Levante (BZ). Nestled in a 45,000-square-metre park in the heart of the Dolomite peaks with spectacular views, guests delight in tailor-made hospitality with a homely touch, the excellent local cuisine, and the 1,500-square-metre wellness centre (www.romantikhotels.com). 

A family-run hotel

The Romantik B&B Art Hotel Jagdhof (BZ has an ancient spirit. Overlooking a Mediterranean garden and Lake Caldaro, the Atz family has been welcoming guests here for three generations. The historic Torgglkeller wine cellar celebrates the local wine culture and mountain bikes, city bikes and e-bikes are available, while the Bellavita SPA has a heated indoor seawater pool and a small sauna area (www.romantikhotels.com). 

  

Starhotels announces three new managers, with Alex Dallocchio taking over as the new chief operating officer. Lorenzo Nencini takes on the position of general manager of the Starhotels Metropole and Michelangelo in Rome and Graziano Luddi is now director of special projects.

Experience in the US 

Dallocchio is a passionate professional who gained valuable experience in the United States as director of operations of the Sheraton Austin at The Capitol in Texas, and as general manager at various hotels including the Hyatt Place in Las Vegas. He was also area vice president at the Beverly Hills Marriott and the Hilton in Las Vegas. Dallocchio is now enthusiastically joining Starhotels in the role of COO.

New roles in strategic positions

Nencini also boasts an important background in the industry. His career began at the Jolly Hotel in London and then continued in luxury hotels in Florence and Naples, before joining the Nh Hotel Group in 2014, where he held the role of general manager of the Grand Hotel Verdi in Milan, the Villa Carpegna in Rome, and the Panorama in Naples. In the role of gm of the Starhotels Metropole and Michelangelo in Rome, Nencini takes up the baton left by Graziano Luddi, taking on the leadership of two luxury properties of great strategic importance in Rome, while Luddi returns to the Florentine headquarters of the group as director of special projects.

Chef Gaetano Trovato’s 2-star Michelin Ristorante Arnolfo has opened in new premises in Tuscany’s Val d’Elsa.

His original Arnolfo, opened together with his brother Giovanni in a palazzo in the historic centre of Colle Val d'Elsa, in the hills of the province of Siena, established Trovato as one of the top creators of Italian cuisine in recent decades. 

A new location close to the town

Arnolfo is now on a hillside opposite the little town in a new location that unites two of the chef's great passions: cooking and architecture. In fact, the restaurant's name is a tribute to Arnolfo Di Cambio, a 13th-century sculptor, town planner and architect who was born in the province of Siena.

The new Arnolfo: sustainability and comfort

Chef Gaetano Trovato defines the new venue as "an innovative place in terms of its technological content, but also in terms of what went into its realization. I wanted to fully represent the inseparable link between haute cuisine, people and the environment."   

Seating for 40 

One thousand square metres of floor space divided into two rooms, with six and eight tables, for a total of forty seats. Aesthetically the restaurant is two frames: one facing nature with a view of the town and the surrounding countryside, and the other facing the kitchens and the staff.  

A wine cellar for 6,000 bottles 

The interiors feature burnished and polished metals, Siena earths combined with travertine and local marble, while the large frame with the view of Colle Val d'Elsa was made by a local craftsman from mirrored steel The wine cellar has a contemporary design, can hold six thousand bottles and has an area dedicated to private events. 

Two new menus

There are two new menus: Eighty-two/twenty-two to celebrate Trovato’s 40 years in the business, and Vegetable Impressionism, the vegetarian path taken by the chef over the last15 years. 

For information and bookings: www.arnolfo.com

Castle Malpaga is organizing tricks or treats interactive Halloween-themed visits designed exclusively for children on 1, 8, 15 and 31 October. 

In this historic castle, in the little town of Cavernago close to Bergamo, young visitors go on a hunt for monstrous elements, discovering magical Halloween-related characters and stories of goblins, witches, wizards, monsters, dragons. And at the end of the treasure hunt there will be an art workshop where they will be able to make scary masks.

What about the parents?

While the children are engaged in the treasure hunt the parents can enjoy a Halloween-themed tour of the castle. With our guide they will explore the more mysterious aspects of the 15th century from witchcraft, torture, poisons and the pagan festival of Samhain from which Halloween originated, to medieval superstitions and legends, the concept of death, alchemy and tarot cards. A true journey into 15th-century darkness, ending on a high note with a parade that will reward the family with the best masks! Suitable for ages 4 to 10 – and with brothers and sisters under 4 free if they stay with the parents’ group. Duration: 2 hours. Information and booking: https://shop.castellomalpaga.it/eventi/

Haunted Nights on 7, 14 and 30 October

An evening at the castle is always magical, and even more so with Mum and Dad! Masked characters will delight children with engaging stories, team games and exciting family skills tests. Participants will discover the most secret and suggestive corners of the castle to uncover the final treasure. With torches and spirit of adventure as some rooms will not be fully lit, making the evening even more exciting! Suitable for 5 to 10 years of age. Information and booking: https://shop.castellomalpaga.it/eventi/

Halloween dinner on Saturday 29 October 

On the darkest night of the year, the castle opens its doors for an evening of history. Visitors will be catapulted into the heart of the Middle Ages and welcomed by knights, ladies and servants for an authentic medieval dinner in the Banquet Hall. At each course the origin and meaning of the food will be explained, delighting diners with the curiosities of ancient customs. This will be followed by a mysterious celebration of Samhain, the ancient pagan festival that gave rise to Halloween. Coeliac and vegetarian menus on request. For information: https://shop.castellomalpaga.it/eventi/

Castle visits on Sundays and public holidays

On Sundays and public holidays using the Malpaga Castle Experience app you can delve into the meanders of the castle and discover fascinating stories linked to this timeless place and the extraordinary deeds of its famous owner Bartolomeo Colleoni, Captain General of the Republic of Venice. These vists are also suitable for children and last one hour. Reservations required. For information and reservations: https://shop.castellomalpaga.it/eventi/

House of Gucci, the new celeb Rome tour from Quiiky comes in the wake of the film's international popularity, with the LGBTQ-friendly tour operator kicking off its second film offering following the success of its Call me by your name tour.

Starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver 

Starting in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan’s Piazza della Scala, the tour moves through the city’s fashion district from the Central Station to Via Vittorio Pisani and to Villa Necchi Campiglio. This is the central location of the film where the two protagonists meet - Adam Driver playing the role of Maurizio Gucci, and Lady Gaga in the role of his wife Patrizia Reggiani. Designed by architect Piero Portaluppi in the early 1930s, the villa is an icon of modernism and luxury.

The church where the couple were married 

The tour continues, following in the footsteps of other scenes shot in the vicinity of Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi, the Il Salumaio Restaurant, and the Church of San Sepolcro, where Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani actually got married in 1972. It then moves on to visit Via Palestro 20, the current headquarters of the Gucci fashion house outside of which Maurizio was shot dead on 27t March 1995. In the film, the crime scene was shot not here but in the central Piazza San Babila. 

A visit to Villa Balbiano on Lake Como

This tour is also an opportunity to visit Lake Como, as the fabulous interiors of Villa Balbiano are the setting for some scenes in the film. This villa is the largest private residence on the western shore of the lake and it is here that Maurizio's uncle Aldo, played by Al Pacino, celebrates Maurizio's birthday amidst art collections, sumptuous furnishings, and with stunning lake views.

“Quiicky has always been a trendsetter”

"The great hype surrounding the House of Gucci inspired us to create this unique tour," said Alessio Virgili, CEO of Sonders & Beach, owner of the Quiiky brand. "What distinguishes Quiiky from other tour operators is that we have always been a trendsetter. We anticipate tourist products that become qualitatively inimitable, because they rely on an inclusive and highly professional hospitality network."