The new Nolinski Venice the first Italian hotel of the Evok Collection Group, opened on 15 June.

The Palais Royal Restaurant has 2 Michelin stars

This Venice property is the debut hotel in Italy for the Evok Collection brand, a French group specializing in the luxury segment. The new 5-star hotel is the result of the conversion of Venice’s former Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Nolinsky Venice’s 43 rooms, including 13 suites, it will also have the two Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Palais Royal, a spa by La Colline with an indoor swimming pool, the Nolinski café and a library bar.  

Evok’s Bach brand is to debut in Rome in 2025

The Nolinski’s first Italian hotel in Venice opened less than six months after the repeal of the 2017 Venetian directive that blocked new hotels being built. The total investment, including the purchase price, as well as urban planning charges, and restoration and conversion costs came to just over €100 million. In addition to the construction of the hotel, the project also includes commercial areas, and exhibition spaces open to the public. The Evok Group is also planning the Italian debut of the Brach brand, arriving in Rome in 2025 with a 5-star hotel with 62 rooms.

There are four new appointments at the Florentine-based hotel group: all lady managers. 

Starhotels is Best Employer for Women in Italy

Starhotels is striving to increase the number of women it employs, and this approach recently earned the group the award of Best Employer for Women in Italy in the hotel sector.

New appointments in Siena and Milan

Lydia Barbini is the new group director of marketing, while Barbara Papi is the new chief human resources officer. At the same time, Nathalie Beaugoni has been promoted to general manager of the Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione and Lucia Basile returns to the Starhotels Business Palace in Milan, assuming its leadership.

New entries and promotions

After a career in prestigious multinationals in Paris and Lausanne, since 2016, Lydia Barbini led Piave Maitex, the family textile business, and now she joins Starhotels with the aim of redesigning the group's brand identity and developing its new communications strategy. Barbara Papi boasts ten years of experience in the world of human resources, and previously held the position of multi-property director of human resources for Marriott International.  After more than 20 years at the Grand Hotel Continental, Nathalie Beaugoni has been promoted to general manager of the hotel, guaranteeing an important continuum in running the only 5-star in Siena.

The Cala la Luna resort in Favignana, the first Sicilian hotel of the Omega Hospitality Group, reopened its doors on 3 June.

“Projects in harmony with the environment” 

With its new Essence Hotels branded look, the resort is located within the Egadi Islands National Reserve, is owned by the Bulgarella Group and has undergone a restyling of the animation, the green areas, and the restaurant.

"It is a privilege to join forces with Omega Hospitality for the reopening of Cala La Luna,- says Andrea Bulgarella, president of the Bulgarella Group, - and to establish synergic relations with a partner that cherishes projects in harmony with the environment and committed to preserving the spirit of their location.”

Next steps the Costa Smeralda and Elba

All of this is only the first step in the ambitious development plans of Essence Hotels, which envisages adding ten resorts to its portfolio by 2027:

"The next destinations - explains the Essence Hotels’ SEO, Antonio Cafarelli – will be the Essence Olbia Costa Smeralda and Isola D'Elba. We are also working in a very concrete way for the opening by 2024 of the Essence Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania and an additional 5-star resort in Zanzibar by 2025."

The Local Concierge at Masseria Fontanelle offers personalised experiences and tailored excursions based on the preferences of each guest. 

Water sports and sailing

In Ugento Puglia, renowned as the Maldives of Salento, along the coast between the charming villages of Torre San Giovanni and Torre Mozza, this location is approximately 50 km from Lecce and a three-hour drive from Brindisi airport. Sea enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore the coastline through a variety of options, such as embarking on sporty kayaking or canoeing trips, or enjoying leisurely days on a sailing or motor boat. The towering rock cliffs are topped by ancient watchtowers and Art Nouveau villas, creating an unexpected spectacle to be admired from the sea.

Panoramic sea views

At Masseria Fontanelle guests will find the Charming Spa inside historic cave, a play room equipped with games and a shared library, a swimming pool with panoramic sea views, an outdoor gym featuring state-of-the-art Technogym® equipment, a padel court, an open-air cinema, and yoga, pilates, and meditation classes. Additionally, there are guided tours to discover the beauty of the Salento region. To ensure maximum relaxation for guests, the rooms are divided into doubles and Junior Suites, and only children aged 12 and above are welcomed.

Delightful snorkeling experiences

Exploring the hidden coves and crystal-clear seabeds from the water allows for delightful snorkeling experiences. For venturing into caves, small boats are used, while those seeking more refined experiences can opt for the Masseria Fontanelle’s historic gozzo boats or indulge in a private sailing experience for couples. Lastly, for those interested in immersing themselves in myths and legends, a yacht excursion to the Greek island of Fanò is available, with a stop at the Bay of Calypso mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey

A tranquil retreat

During these outings Masseria Fontanelle guests can enjoy the thrill of fishing and collecting delectable sea urchins, and when it's time for an aperitif, the sailor on board will skillfully fillet the catch, serving it alongside Salento specialties and chilled prosecco. Masseria Fontanelle serves as a tranquil retreat nestled amidst the unspoiled nature of the Ugento Coastal Natural Park, and it has direct access to the sandy beach and the crystal-clear waters of the Salento's Maldives.

For information: www.masseriafontanelle.it/slow-living-salento/experiences/. 

It will be a summer of big numbers for Italy, with almost 2 million airport arrivals, of which 84% will be international visitors. 

International visitors will hit almost a million in June

The forecast is from ENIT, the Italian national tourist agency, on estimates based on Data Appeal and UNWTO figures for the summer period, with at least 1,844,000 airport passengers expected in Italy, 84% of whom will be international. At least 944,000 arrivals are expected in June, an increase of +8.6% compared to 2022.  International travellers to Italy number about 15 million, an increase of +42.0% over 2022 and a recovery of 87.7% over the same period in 2019. 

Italy is popular with both leisure and business travellers

Visitors choose Italy mainly as a holiday destination (around 30% of travellers) and for business (21.4%), but also to visit friends and relatives(14.6%) and for shopping (11.8%).  Some 71.7% of the arrivals are from EU countries, mainly France and Germany with 18.3% from outside Europe, mainly from the United Kingdom. 

Visitors come from the four corners of the world

The USA is the first market of origin in terms of air passengers, with an incidence of 26.3% on the total foreign countries expected this summer. France with 6.1%, and Spain  with 4.7% together account for 11%. In the rest of the top ten, travellers from overseas also include Australia, which ranks fifth (4.1%) and Canada seventh (3.8%), followed by Brazil (2.8%), South Korea (1.9%) and Argentina (1.7%).  Airline bookings are predominantly for two passengers (32.3%) and small groups of 3 to5 persons (28.3%). Individual travellers account for 27.3%. Rome FCO and Milan are expected to account for 80% of international airport arrivals, equally distributed between the two cities. 

“The government is investing heavily” says the tourism minister

"The figures for the summer season are very encouraging and highlight the steady growth of the sector, which is set to exceed 2019. Tourism is fundamental for the nation's growth and the government is investing heavily," comments tourism minister Daniela Santanchè. "We will have a flourishing summer with a return of all international visitors, pushing us to a higher performance in terms of offer and hospitality," says Ivana Jelinic ENIT’s president and CEO. 

Ville Aperte in Brianza, the exhibition of historic homes in the Brianza region near Milan will showcase nearly 200 architectural masterpieces across 5 provinces.   

Homes that are usually off-limits to the public

Open from 16 September to 1 October 2023, and following the success of the spring edition, Ville Aperte in Brianza is an exceptional opportunity to explore historically significant homes that are  usually off-limits to the public. In the autumn edition, it will expand its offerings to include nearly 200 architectural gems including museums, religious buildings, waterways, industrial works of art, villages, and other cultural sites that will serve as a splendid backdrop to the featured homes.

Reggia Reale di Monza Ph Credits: Francesca Bocchia

A unique chance to visit many splendid villas 

The list of confirmed locations includes sites such as the Reggia di Monza, Palazzo Rasini, Palazzo Arese Borromeo, Villa Tittoni, Villa Antona Traversi, Villa Taverna for the Province of Monza and Brianza; Villa Monastero, Villa Greppi di Bussero, and Villa Sormani Marzorati Uva for the Province of Lecco; Villa Bernasconi and Villa Imbonati for the Province of Como; Villa Ghirlanda Silva, Villa Arconati, and Villa Litta for the Metropolitan City of Milan, and Villa Gianetti for the Province of Varese.

Villa Gianetti Saronno

“It sheds light on a cultural panorama that is rarely seen”

“During the spring edition, a total of 33 historic homes in 28 municipalities across 5 provinces opened their doors to the public. If the response we received in just two weekends is any indication of the interest surrounding the event, we can confidently say that the autumn edition will generate an even greater wave of enthusiasm,” says Luca Santambrogio, president of the Province of Monza and Brianza. “Not only does it shed light on a cultural panorama that is rarely seen, but it also promotes the candidacy of many of these sites for UNESCO World Heritage status.” 

Slow Drive, which offers unparalleled itineraries in self-drive vintage cars, is a company that takes you off the beaten path.

Driving to some of Italy’s iconic destinations

It allows you to embark on exciting journeys from some of the most stunning destinations in Northern Italy. Slow Drive provides a range of captivating options, in self-drive vintage cars, such as starting from beautiful Lake Garda to reach Brescia, the Italian Capital of Culture 2023, or exploring the likes of Bergamo, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Siena, Verona, the Valpolicella region, Padua, or Savona.

Renting striking vintage cars

At each location, where you can rent a striking self-drive vintage car, such as the vibrant fire red Alfa Romeo Duetto Osso di Seppia or the elegant convertible Giulietta Spider, you'll discover both familiar and lesser-known routes to be shared with your partner, friends, family, or even enjoyed alone. Slow Drive has an array of vehicles to choose from, including the sparkling Triumph Spitfire that pairs perfectly with vintage sunglasses and gloves, or the iconic VW Beetle Cabriolet, or even the timeless VW T2 minibus for a day on the road. Slow Drive ensures that there is a car to match your style.

Thematic guided vintage tours

In addition to car rentals, Slow Drive also offers captivating guided vintage tours. By visiting their website, www.classiccartour.eu, you can select your preferred car model and the duration of the trip (half day, full day, or weekend), and embark on a thematic and original itinerary led by Slow Drive's knowledgeable guides. These tours take you away from the bustling traffic, allowing you to fully enjoy the pleasure of driving through the picturesque landscapes and hidden villages of Tuscany, or the enchanting beauty of Lake Garda. Availability can be checked online, and bookings can be made directly through the website www.slowdrive.it. For information: http://www.noleggioautodepoca.eu/

The Ferragnez with Slow Drive

Sicily’s Noto and the entire valley have espouses a project aimed at LBGT+ visitors. 

A new site backed by mayors and Archigay

The mayors of Noto, Siracusa, Avola, Pachino and the Arcigay Association have backed a project to expand the LGBT+ tourist offer in the Val Di Noto area by boosting, and creating new services, cultural and recreational features and facilities. A new site is already online linking the various commercial and cultural activities and allowing visitors to book, buy and manage their holidays.

“Making LGBT+ tourists feel at home” 

“The nice thing is that the cities of Siracusa, Avola and Pachino have clustered around Noto to make LGBT+ tourists feel at home, without running risks or encountering problems, while breaking down any prejudices. All over the world, first Greece, then Spain, then the US, have gained a lot from LBGT+friendly tourism”, said the journalist Alessandro Cecchi Pavone.

The first Noto Pride

“We have created an internet platform that networks the institutions and the commercial and cultural activities in the area with the first Noto Pride and with cultural events for the LGBT+ community”, said Armando Caravini, president of Arcigay Siracusa.   

Hotel Chalet Mirabell’s mountain hut BBQ with a personal chef is at 1700 metres asl in South Tyrol.

An idyllic setting in the Alpes

Set amidst towering trees and breathtaking Alpine peaks, the Malga Chalet "M" is a serene haven. Formerly a private hunting lodge, it is now an exclusive venue accessible only by private shuttle. Reserved for guests of Hotel Chalet Mirabell in Avelengo, above Merano, in the picturesque South Tyrol region. This idyllic spot can be rented for a minimum of 3 days  - from April to October -  providing a unique experience that seamlessly blends dreams with tradition.

BBQs with a private chef

Inside the warm and inviting "stube" with pine wood features and a traditional wood-burning stove, the bedrooms are intimate and tastefully furnished, exuding the charm of the Alps. Guests can also enjoy the panoramic view from the sauna and a veranda is a mesmerizing setting to observe wildlife. There is also a larch tub for rejuvenating Kneipp baths and a brick barbecue for delightful BBQ parties (including the option to hire a private chef). The BBQ menu includes a variety of grilled meats, sausages, potato salads, grilled vegetables, and delectable homemade bread. Prices start from €84 for 2 people.

A private shuttle to the hotel

Accommodation prices at the malga, which can accommodate 2 to 6 people, begin at €675 for a 3-night stay for the entire malga with overnight accommodations only, including one evening dedicated to a BBQ. Guests have the option to use the private shuttle to descend to the hotel for dining at the restaurant or indulging in a relaxing day at the spa.  For information: https://www.residence-mirabell.com

EasyJet has inaugurated the new summer route from Edinburgh to Catania, the first connection between Scotland and north-eastern Sicily.

EasyJet has over 220 routes to and from 20 Italian airports

The route, which is served with two weekly flights every Monday and Friday, is added to the carrier's vast network from Fontanarossa airport, which counts 17 destinations. There are domestic Milan Malpensa and Naples Capodichino (easyJet's two Italian bases) services to numerous international destinations spread across the continent including Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, London, Manchester and Zurich. And now the new Edinburgh-Catania adds to the more than 220 routes that the low-cost airline operates to and from 20 Italian airports.

“We are contributing to the tourist development of the island”

"Since the start of operations from Catania airport we have already transported almost 12 million passengers. With the launch of this brand new route we intend to renew our commitment and investment in Sicily, increasing the number of destinations, and also contributing to the tourist development of the island," said Lorenzo Lagorio, easyJet Italy country manager.

The first flights between Scotland and Catania

"The new and eagerly awaited flights from Edinburgh to Catania, which has never before been directly connected to Scotland, is yet another confirmation of the central role of our airport,-  said Nico Torrisi, Sac’s CEO. "This new route will allow even more tourists to easily reach Sicily and Scotland is an evocative destination with history and culture, but also nature.”