ButteroZone’s truffle hunting on horseback in the Marche region becomes a gourmet pursuit.

Truffle hunting with a well-trained dog

ButteroZone is the first of its kind in Italy to offer, among its various horse-riding experiences, truffle hunting in the wooded hinterland of the Marche region. The truffle grows in conditions of humidity, near the roots of trees. The ButteroZone horseback excursions in search of the truffles start from the Secret Garden of San Lorenzo in Campo, and takes place in collaboration with Cianni Tartufi, and a very well-trained dog with an infallible nose. The hunting places are strictly confidential and are only revealed at the time of the excursion. The itineraries are created for a maximum of three people and are aimed at adults. Prices available on request.

ButteroZone, aperitif with the horses

Truffles are considered to be aphrodisiac

The emotion of riding a horse in an enchanting landscape, between rivers and valleys, is enriched with the thrill of the challenge, which involves all the participants in the expedition. Who knows if under that luxuriant tree our four-legged friend will smell the unmistakable scent of the truffle, or if we will have to look elsewhere, perhaps beyond the hill... In the case of a fruitful search, the truffle becomes the main ingredient of a tasty aperitif at the Locanda San Martino di Montalfoglio. In thin petals on croutons spread with butter, sprinkled on fried eggs, or accompanied by bread and cheese, the truffle releases a perfume of earth and woods which is impossible to resist. And truffles are considered to be aphrodisiac.

The Museum of the Ancient Sea and Biodiversity (MuMAB) in the Emilia region stands on confiscated mafia land.

Sustainable redevelopment to boost tourism

Across Italy, there are towns, villages, and natural areas which, thanks to sustainable redevelopment and regeneration efforts, have been given a new lease of life as tourist destinations, which respect the local area’s history and identity.


Reconverting old buildings for cultural use

In Salsomaggiore Terme, in the heart of the Emilia region in Central Italy the Podere Millepioppi:ì, a vast agricultural area, confiscated from the mafia within the Stirone and Piacenziano Park, has been turned into a museum. The MuMAB - Museum of the Ancient Sea and Biodiversity – has a geo-paleontological section set up in the main building of the old farm and a naturalistic section housed in the former stables of the farmhouse.

A museum dedicated the sea in the Emilia region

Visiting this special museum, a short distance from the spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme, one discovers the evolutionary processes that tell the story of the Po Valley and of the ancient sea that once submerged this entire area. Here they have found fossils and artifacts that date back over 7 million years. This is a place of history and tourism, and there are numerous itineraries that enable visitors to make the most of experiences that combine the nature, culture, food, and wine of the Emilia region.

For information: www.visitemilia.com

In the sweet month of September the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola is ideal for relaxing weekends.

On Tuscany’s Monte Argentario

Enjoy sweet September late-summer days in the beautiful natural setting of Monte Argentario. Set overlooking the sea and surrounded by a vast Mediterranean garden with a magnificent infinity pool, the Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola is a charming property with breathtaking views of the Tuscan islands of Giglio and Giannutri and takes its name from the ancient lookout point which was a defense against Saracen pirates.

Rooms and suites have magnificent sea views 

The Boutique Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola boasts extraordinary 360-degree views over the Argentario sea. The 53 rooms and suites are located in the central villas and along the hillside. Each one is different and stands out for its elegant furnishings, stylish atmosphere and attention to detail, but above all for the fabulous sea views. The Tuscan meat and fish specialties in the Torre d'Argento Restaurant, are revisited in a contemporary key and prepared with the best local produce by Chef Francesco Carrieri, and are served on the splendid sea-view terrace. While the Café La Torre, located next to the Spanish tower, is the ideal place to relax with an aperitif and admire the spectacular sunset.

A warm welcome for four-legged friends 

Massages can be booked in the relaxation area and there is free Wi-Fi. Guests' four-legged friends are welcome and will find the Puppy Kit Torre di Cala Piccola in their room. The hotel has private parking and a charging station for electric cars. Shuttle service to/from the airport, the train station and any other destination can also be arranged. And when the sea is calm, as it often is in autumn, another must-do experience is a boat trip to the islands of Giglio and Giannutri with a picnic lunch. The food is prepared by the hotel and placed in coolers, which have the Torre di Cala Piccola logo and are also for sale. For information: www.torredicalapiccola.com

  

A start-up for electric boat sharing on Lake Garda and in La Spezia.

No license needed

All you need is a phone to search the app's map for the closest boat. As you approach the rudder is unlocked with a click. And then you sail, freely, without a boat license. And most importantly without polluting. Because we are talking about electric boats, and the first completely online electric boat sharing initiative, launched in Italy.

A fully-automated system

Michele Lauriola and Leonardo Caiazza, two young entrepreneurs announced the launch of the web app: “Our system is fully automated. The boat is unlocked, and it I navigated with the assistance of a virtual skipper who suggests itineraries and destinations to visit, then it is moored after the user has put it on charge. This is the only obligation for the user.”

Requests for protected marine areas

The start-up, which has developed both the software and the hardware for managing the procedures, started the business with two boats, produced by the Swedish shipyard Nimbus: one is moored in the port of Mirabello in La Spezia and the second is given under license to an operator on Lake Garda, "The first weeks of operation went very well and we were sold out on weekends,", say Lauriola and Caiazza. “Many requests are coming from the 22 Italian protected marine areas, fragile ecosystems where petrol-engine boats would damage the natural balance. We would like to direct our business there.”

The boats can take up to 6 passengers

The start-up will initially make the two boats of its own fleet available to which others will be added thanks to agreements with shipyards. The boats are 6.30 metres long, can take 6 passengers and are equipped with bow and stern sundecks, retractable table, pro audio system, USB charger, on-board computer and Simrad with maps. 

American Beauty is at the Centro Culturale Altinate San Gaetano in Padua from 13 to 21 January 2024.

120 American artists on show until January 2024

This selection of 130 works, by 120 American artists, tells of the lights and shadows of the nation that more than any other has characterized the last century on a global level. The exhibition, organized by Artika in collaboration with the Municipality of Padua and Kr8te, is curated by Daniel Buso.

Andy Warhol Moonwalk 1987 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Inc

Great black and white and colour photographers

Photography introduces the visitor to the triumphant and decadent American universe, starting with black and white and absolute masters such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Diane Arbus and Elliott Erwitt, and then moving on to the colour images of Steve McCurry, Vanessa Beecroft and Annie Leibovitz.

Ruth Orkin Boy with flag 1949 RUTH ORKIN by SIAE 2023

Themes that go deep into American culture and society

The itinerary is enhanced by creations by the masters of Pop Art and the protagonists of Street Art: Keith Haring, Mr. Brainwash, Obey and Banksy. The sections deal with some of the most important themes in order to go deep into the analysis of American culture and society. Many of the artists, including Banksy and Paul Insect, immortalize an America in turmoil, while Steve McCurry recounts the most tragic day for Americans: 11 September 2001. The exhibition also reserves space for the most topical issue in the social debate (inside and outside the United States), namely Black Lives Matter.

LAURENT ELIE BADESSI

As already anticipated in July, Mandarin Oriental is to open in 2026 in Sardinia with a new resort in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda.

A beach resort with 83 keys

Perched on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Pevero, the Mandarin Oriental Porto Cervo, formerly the Le Ginestre hotel, will be surrounded by greenery and will have a private beach accessible via a 350-metre walkway. The resort’s development will be overseen by the Statuto Group,  and it will have 83 rooms and suites. The five different restaurants and bars will entice guests with their varied culinary offerings, while the Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer the group's wellness experiences.

“The experience of the Statuto Group promises an extraordinary resort”

There will also be swimming pools hidden in the lush vegetation, a gym with state-of-the-art machines and a beach club on the Porto Paglia beach. "We are thrilled to announce the Mandarin Oriental Porto Cervo to our guests, and to expand our presence in one of the most exclusive destinations in this region,- says Mandarin Oriental's chief development officer, Francesco Cefalù. - The unique charm of the Costa Smeralda, combined with the experience of the Statuto Group, promises an extraordinary resort. We look forward to offering our refined service in this fascinating corner of Italy."

Starhotels had record-breaking results and operating margins in 2022, posting €80 million in gross operating margins which was 32.7% of the total turnover, a plus 27% over 2019. 

The US is the second market after Italy

The board of directors of the Starhotels group has officially approved the impressive 2022 budget, which reported total revenues of €243 million, a 2% rise over the pre-Covid era. One of the key growth drivers was the renewed interest from the leisure segment – after Italy the US market is second for Starhotels -  particularly for the high-end hotels under the Starhotels Collezione brand. 

“We closed 2022 with an extraordinary change of pace”

 “We closed 2022 with an extraordinary change of pace,” said Elisabetta Fabri, president and CEO of Starhotels highlighting the company's ability to optimise hotel performance, and to pursue sustainable growth, while recognising the ethical significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the long-term vision of the hospitality industry. For 2023 the group has allocated €3 million to reduce energy consumption by over 30%, thus contributing to a significant reduction in the company's carbon footprint by 10,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next four years.

Purchasing Made in Italy products

Starhotels continues to promote Italian culture with the project "Grande Bellezza - The Dream Factory, which supports high-level Italian craftsmanship and generates tangible job opportunities. As part of the project Starhotels supports the professional training of young craftsmen and is committed to purchasing products that are almost exclusively   manufactured in Italy.

MIRA Borgo di Luce, an old monastery turned resort in Southern Italy.

MIRA Borgo di Luce in Siracusa is a monastery transformed into a luxury villa set among lemon groves and carob trees in Southern Italy.


A golf course and beautiful gardens

Once a Benedictine monastery, today it is a distinguished villa with three buildings that reveal refined rooms and suites, immersed in beautiful gardens and tht overlook the golf course or the internal patios, in the heart of Siracusa’s countryside.

For sporty or relaxing holidays

This is the new life of MIRA Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa: where otium and negotium (rest and activity) merge under the banner of a holiday that can be sporty or relaxing, but always full of emotions.


Just 20 kilometres from the sea

This property, a former monastery in Southern Italy has 102 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, has a spa and is surrounded by 200 hectares of parklands, lemon groves and carob trees. It is just 20 kilometres from the sea, where Sicilian Baroque blossoms, and where there is so much to discover.