Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa is the first South Tyrol hotel to get 5 stars from Forbes Travel Guide 2022. The prestigious property, owned by the Bernardi family, is in Ortisei in the Alto Adige region’s Val Gardena valley. 

A new spa and a Michelin restaurant

The Gardena, which underwent renovations in 2001 followed by a constant and substantial restyling and the creation of a new spa area, is an elegant and refined property.  The new Gardena spa - which is the hotel's pride and joy together with the starred restaurant Anna Stuben – has been expanded to two levels with a huge swimming pool and a large and exclusive sauna area. In the Michelin-starred restaurant, the Anna Stuben gourmet restaurant, Chef Reimund Brunner delights patrons with his deceptively simple and truly elegant delicacies.

Four spacious new suites

This summer four new suites have been added to the exclusive Gardena Chalets. Right in the centre of Ortisei, with views of the old town they are perfect for travellers wanting to spend their holidays in complete  privacy and comfort. The suites, on 100 to 110 square metres, are in Alpine style with modern furnishings and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living area and balconies with large windows overlooking the historic centre of Ortisei, the forests and the majestic mountains around the hotel. 

“The winners are the best of luxury hospitality”

"Travel is back, and while the industry faces persistent problems, the 2022 award winners have proven themselves ready for these challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer," said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide.

Discovering Lake Maggiore’s Terre Borromeo by train along the route that crosses the lake’s popular circuit of tourist destinations, is a journey of slow tourism. A travel experience that becomes even more convenient and comfortable when travelled by train.  Up to 1 November 2022, anyone taking a Trenitalia regional train can benefit from a 10% discount on the admission ticket to the Isola Bella. 

15% reductions from Trenitalia

There is a 15% discount to enter other destinations like the Isola Madre and the Parco Pallavicino in Stresa, and the Rocca di Angera castle on the Lombardy side of the lake. Furthermore there is a 15% reduction for visitors who choose combined tickets for multiple destinations, such as Isola Bella and Isola Madre. These Trenitalia discounts are valid for both individuals and groups and are available on the website and through all sales channels.

The Borromeo Experience

The storytelling campaign for the Borromeo Experience invites visitors to discover and experience Lake Maggiore by train, and it uses emotional images and words: Dream for the magical Isola Bella, Breathe for the botanical heritage and the regenerating setting of  the Isola Madre, Relax for relaxation in the nature of Parco Pallavicino, and Admire for the medieval charm of the Rocca di Angera Castle.

Visiting castles, parks and islands

Currently the Terre Borromeo tourist circuit includes the Isola Bella and the Isola Madre in the archipelago of the Borromean Islands, Pallavicino Park in Stresa and Mottarone Park with its 500 hectares of wooded area along the slopes of the mountain of the same name. It also includes the Rocca di Angera castle on the Lombard side of the province of Varese, and the Castelli di Cannero in the Upper Verbano area that are currently undergoing restoration and expected to open to the public over the next three years.

Twenty-one itineraries from April to November 2024. Ahead of its inaugural cruise scheduled for next August, the super-luxury cruise brand Ritz-Calton Yacht Collection is already unveiling its plans for the 2024 Mediterranean season. 

Private charters to 2024 Grand Prix races

The Evrima, the fleet's first 298-passenger ship, will visit 14 new destinations, including Seville, Sardinia, Syros and Trogir, with cruises lasting between seven and 11 nights on average. The itineraries will also include overnight stays in Casablanca, Monte Carlo, Dubrovbnik and Portofino. Private charter connections to the 2024 Grand Prix in Italy, France and Monaco will also be available for a limited time.

The fleet will comprise three ships

The plan was for the Evrima to debut as early as January 2020 but the pandemic delayed its delivery, and the Ritz-Calton Yacht Collection will soon have a fleet of three ships. This July already saw the cutting of the sheet metal for the second ship, the Ilma (Maltese for water), which will enter service in 2024.

The Salumeria Villani Museum has opened again in Emilia’s Food Valley with tastings resuming after a two-year closure due to a pandemic. The Salumeria di Villani museum, located in the heart of the Emilian Food Valley in the town of

, south-east of Modena, aims to raise awareness, enhance, and pass on the ancient art of cured meats. Three floors are entirely dedicated to one of the productions that has indelibly marked Italy’s gastronomic culture down the centuries and it is now, more than ever, a global point of excellence.

Run by the same family for five generations

The Salumeria Museum opened in 2013 in the historic headquarters of the Villani company, which has been run by the same family for five generations and three centuries of Italian history. "The MuSa was created to present the company and its proud family character – explains CEO Giuseppe Villani - but the main driving force was the desire to celebrate a unique production district. The idea being an exhibition that would tell not only the history of our company, but also the history of the entire region.”

Cured meats’ tastings with a flourish

The tour is divided into ten stages, with the final flourish being a tasting of fine Villani cured meats accompanied by Lambrusco wine in the purest Emilian tradition. And as a delicious final touch, the cured meats are served on the museum's covered terrace.

Tenuta San Masseo is the epitome of luxury, design and tradition. This charming boutique hotel with only 8 rooms and a perfect combination of luxury, tradition, comfort, design, and personality, is a corner of paradise close to Assisi, in Umbria. From the hotel there is an exclusive and suggestive panoramic view of the city and of the Basilica of San Francesco. This oasis of peace is located in a strategic position away from traffic but only a stone's throw from the main roads leading to the discovery of Umbria's most beautiful villages, and only a few minutes from the airport.

From old farmhouse to boutique hotel

Tenuta San Masseo is an old farmhouse owned by the Carloni family who have recreated an enchanting atmosphere by combining design, comfort, and high-level services. They also offer tailor-made solutions for interacting with nature, and following a careful and skilled restyling the property now has eight rooms and suites.

Detox in the private Spa Luxury Suite

The spa, for guests' exclusive use, includes a sauna, a Turkish bath, a hydromassage pool, a salt room, a wellness room for massages and treatments, and a tea corner. Guests staying in the new Private Spa Luxury Suite, adjacent to the Spa, can book the entire Spa for exclusive and unlimited use.

Activities to relax the body and spirit

Exclusive activities include tailor-made cooking classes, olive harvesting, truffle hunting, harvesting of organic vegetables grown on the estate, excursions to the most prestigious wineries in Umbria, and tastings of local food and wine products. Sports enthusiasts can try their hand at archery or rafting under the Marmore Falls, which are less than an hour's drive from Assisi. They can also indulge in healthy outings on e-bikes along itineraries on guided tours. And those who love animals can take riding lessons inside the estate, in the paddock, or relaxing walks in the countryside on horseback.  

For exclusive weddings

The Tenuta San Masseo is also an ideal location for weddings, and all eight luxury rooms and the private Spa can be rented exclusively.

Florence and the Hotel Brunelleschi are not to be missed for the night of the shooting stars on 10 August.  The Notte di San Lorenzo has always been the most magical ans eagerly awaited end-of-day of the entire summer. People in their thousands gather in the most isolated parts of the city with their noses in the air to watch the spectacle of the Perseid meteor shower. Being a romantic city par excellence Florence is the ideal place to be, and with its many interesting vantage points one can easily contemplate this splendid spectacle

Far from the madding crowd

Piana dei Giullari, near Piazza Michelangelo, is on one of the hills overlooking Florence. This charming little village has remained unchanged over time, is easily accessible from the city, and the ideal place from which to admire the shooting stars. Bellosguardo is a promontory south-west of Florence. It is quite unknown to mass tourism and extremely evocative, making it another one of the best places to contemplate the illuminated sky.

Viewing the stars from a mountain top

Monte Morello is a mountain northwest of the city at 934 metres asl. Spending the night of San Lorenzo in this unusual spot is a truly magical experience, as you will feel as if you can reach out and touch the starry sky. Trespiano is a small and quiet village located in a hilly area on the border with Fiesole. In addition to being an excellent viewpoint from which to admire the stars, it has interesting historical monuments such as the Church of Santa Lucia in Trespiano and the Bracco Chapel.

Stay in the luxury of the Hotel Brunelleschi

To remain enveloped by the magical atmosphere of the stars and within easy reach of the city’s many panoramic viewpoints, stay at the Brunelleschi Hotel, an elegant and luxurious historic residence located in the heart of the city. And, talking about stars, the property’s Santa Elisabetta restaurant has two Michelin stars, while the more informal Osteria Pagliazza is on the ground floor of the hotel and during the summer it also has outdoor tables on the charming square   www.hotelbrunelleschi.it

More and more travellers are wanting to learn or boost a new skillset whilst on holiday. Discovering a new activity, sport or craft provides an added sense of achievement to travellers who return home from a holiday with more than just memories and a suntan. 

Bespoke Soap Making at Borgo Pignano in Tuscany

Borgo Pignano, set in the heart of a picturesque 750-acre organic estate in Tuscany, focuses on sustainability, encouraging guests to get involved with bespoke soap making. With a trained herbalist they discover the different herb and flower species grown at Borgo Pignano and how they are manufactured into oils and soaps for use at the hotel. The price for Soap Making at Borgo Pignano starts from €50 per person, max 6 people per class. 
Information: borgopignano.com/en/experiences/laboratory.html 

Play like a Pro at Verdura Resort in Sicily 

Verdura Resort, with two kilometres of private beach, Kyle Phillips golf courses, a kids club, 20 new villas, four restaurants and six clay tennis courts, runs the Sunball Tennis Academy. Aimed at players of all ages, world-class tennis instructors unveil secret tips from the likes of Nadal and Federer. It also hosts guest tournaments and special tennis camps with famous ex-professionals like tennis legends Dominik Hrbaty, Mikael Tillstrom, and Karel Nováček who will be at Verdura Resort from 22-29 October. Rooms start from €365 per night in a Deluxe Room on B&B basis. A 90-minute individual tennis lesson with a star player starts from €85. 
Information: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort 

Kids learn to play football at Forte Village in Sardinia

Forte Village, located on the south coast of Sardinia organizes sporting academies hosting some of the biggest sporting legends. Young footballers can perfect their skills through the Fundación Real Madrid Clinic at Forte Village. This rare opportunity is for children aged six to fourteen, and while they are busy, their parents can take full advantage of the fully renovated Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa which has six seawater pools, each filled with a different mix of oils and salts. The resort has rooms from €530 per room per night based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Bungalow on a half board basis. A 1-day course at the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic starts from €225, ranging up to €495 for a 5-day course.
Information: fortevillageresort.com 

Learn Italian at Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria 

Borgo Bastia Creti is a 14th century hamlet of five cottages and courtyard apartments set in stunning grounds high in the Umbrian hills. Each apartment is elegant and simply decorated with country kitchens, contemporary bathrooms, open fireplaces, and outdoor dining options. For the ultimate unique Umbrian experience the property can arrange personalized Italian lessons for guests according to their level/proficiency. Italian lessons are priced at €60 per hour for two people. Borgo Bastia Creti offers rooms from €280 per night or €1,400 per week, based on two adults sharing La Limonaia, excluding breakfast.
Information:  bastiacreti.it 

Mountainsailing (a flagship of OverAlp) offers a week of sailing combined with splendid trekking routes immersed in the magic of the Aeolian Islands, which are a UNESCO heritage site with fascinating and evocative volcanic landscapes.

Brainchild of the Alpine guide Carlo Gabasio and skipper Paolo Falco, since 2016 Mountainsailing has been offering land and sea treks which are a novel approach and much appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts who also love the sea.

Sailing towards the island of Lipari

The first trek begins in La Fossa and from its highest point there is an exceptional view of the Aeolian archipelago. Upon returning you can relax and enjoy sailing along the coast towards Lipari, the capital of the Aeolian Islands, touching the villages of Canneto, Lama and Acquacalda amd with spectacular views of the most beautiful beaches.

Salina in the green heart of the Aeolian Islands

Another trek is to the island of Salina, the green heart of the Aeolian Islands, with Malvasia vineyards that produce the nectar of the gods, a wine appreciated and known the world over. The highest peak on Salina is the 962-metre inactive volcano Monte Fossa delle Felci. 

Stromboli has an active volcano

At dawn on the sixth day the sails are set for a longer journey to the wonderful island of Stromboli, dominated by Iddu as they call the volcano that has been active for over 2.000 years. A late afternoon trek goes up scenic trails with views of the crater, crowned by incandescent lava eruptions that blend into the colours of the night and the city lights.

Time to swim on sandy beaches

The tour continues with a stop in Panarea, the pearl of the Aeolian Islands, for a refreshing dip on one of the beautiful sandy Mediterranean beaches. This Mountainsailing tour is ideal for those who want to enjoy both the sea and the mountains: a relaxing experience but at the same time with well-planned excursions, and trekking routes suitable for everyone. A late summer dream, ideal for enjoying an active holiday without depriving yourself of the pleasures of the sea.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Dates: 2 – 8 October 2022

Fee: €1600 per person, minimum 5 people

THE PRICE INCLUDES: organization and assistance by a UIAGM mountain guide for the whole trip; accommodation on a sailing boat with a skipper; breakfast, post-trekking snacks and dinners on the boat, boat and tender fuel, any port charges, boat cleaning at the end of the trip.

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: return trip to and from the airports and ports of departure. Any dinners restaurants. Personal extras (drinks etc.). Anything not indicated in “The Price Includes”

Information and reservations OverAlp Srl

Rosa Alpina’s St. Hubertus Restaurant, has been voted 29th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

In the charming town of San Cassiano (about 80 kilometres from Bolzano) in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, St. Hubertus is one of only 11 Italian restaurants in Italy awarded with three Michelin Stars and was one of the first to be given a Green Michelin Star. 


ph credits Alex Moling

A luxury ski lodge

Rosa Alpina, an Aman-partner hotel brought to new heights of excellence by its owners Hugo and Ursula Pizzinini, opened St. Hubertus in 1996 with just two tables dedicated to gourmet cuisine.  This luxury ski lodge with wood-beamed ceilings and antiques has 52 rooms and suites, many with balconies, two spa pools, a steam room and a sauna, and is pet-friendly for pooches up to 35 kilos. With the St. Hubertus Restaurant in a league of its own, guests can also dine in the Winebar and Grill and in the Fondue Restaurant.  

Ethically-sourced seasonal dishes

Over the last 20 years, Chef Norbert Niederkofler has been leading a foodie revolution, offering ethically-sourced seasonal dishes from his zero-waste kitchen, with menus inspired by the stunning Dolomite mountain landscapes.  Dinner at St. Hubertus starts from approx. €320 per person for the Cook The Mountain tasting menu, excluding wine pairings.