The Falkensteiner Club Funimation Garden Calabria, located on the Tyrrhenian coast, not far from Tropea and the stunning Costa degli Dei, reopened in May for the summer season.

This all-inclusive resort near Pizzo Calabro is a true hotel city with its 518, partly completely renovated, simply elegant rooms and suites, which are spread over two-story buildings in the middle of lavishly flowering and green gardens, giving no idea of its size.

Experience local, Mediterranean elements combined with refreshing design with a color scheme reflecting the sun-drenched region. All rooms feature a double bed, a TV, a spacious bathroom, a terrace or balcony, and air conditioning. It is the perfect place for the whole family’s holiday by the sea.

 

The facilities are also lavish: two huge pools with waterfalls, 4 restaurants, 3 bars and a self-service drinks station in the sports area, wellness and spa facilities for every taste. The rich entertainment program is divided into age groups, Falky-land and Teenie-land, with games, spaces and creative workshops, activities and sports tournaments of tennis, beach volleyball or paddle.

The wide hotel beach with the strip of pine forest in front of it and the extensive sports facilities with 5 tennis courts alone and numerous courses and tournaments will win over active vacationers and families. Water sports lovers will also have canoes and SUPs at their disposal.

 

For the culinary delights, the Falkensteiner Garden Calabria offers a varied cuisine for all tastes. Whether it’s burgers, pasta, barbecue dishes on the beach or snacks by the pool – there is also a variation for guests with intolerance problems, vegetarian, vegan and a restaurant with seafood. For a sophisticated time-out, the restaurant run by star chef Theodor Falser offers real treats for the gourmets in the evenings.

Pizzo Calabro is known for its historic attractions and the charming centro storico with piazza that overlooks a charming marina. It is within easy distance of the famous Tropea.

Tropea is a seaside resort with sandy beaches, located on the Tyrrhenian Sea and known for its clifftop historic center, beaches and prized red onions.

Lamezia Terme International Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. Private transfer can be arranged.

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Located on the hills, above Torri del Benaco at the edge of Lake Garda in Italy, Borgo Tre has opened its doors to welcome guests. Restored by local artisans, the18th-century farmhouse is surrounded by olive groves, cypresses, lemon trees and pine woods.

Borgo Tre offers 4,305 square feet (400 qm) of living space with six luxury apartment-style suites. With each suite over 860 square feet (80 qm), guests can expect their own private garden or terrace with both lake and countryside views, complete with a bedroom, living and dining area, kitchen, open fireplace and designer bathrooms with free-standing marble baths. Some suites can host up to six people. More accommodations are scheduled to open in 2025.

Although self-catered, breakfast is served in-suite with a complimentary breakfast box. Borgo Tre recommends many nearby restaurants to sample some of the region’s best dishes for daytime and evening dining.

The farmhouse retreat features a heated outdoor pool made from local granite. A mini nature spa is slated to open soon, complete with a relaxation area, yoga terrace, outdoor cabanas, cold plunge pool and a Finnish sauna.

Borgo Tre encourages guests to switch off and explore the surroundings on foot or the hotel’s e-bikes. Its vision of slow living and sustainability is about connecting to nature. It is the ideal place to dedicate time to health and well-being, with upcoming yoga retreats to be held in the grounds. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, Vespa road trips along the shores, hikes up to the 360-degree viewpoint of Monte Baldo and boat trips on the lake.

The closest airport to Borgo Tre is Verona, a 25-minute drive by car.

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The Hotel Roma in Ortigia (Syracuse) changed its name and received a new look. The hotel, designed by VRetreats, is now Palazzo Artemide.

A non-random choice, which refers to the name of the Greek goddess protector of the city of Syracuse to whom the same Temple, the Artemision, is also dedicated. The remains of which can still be admired today along Via Minerva, at the highest point of the Island of Ortigia is a short walk from the hotel.

Added to this was also the new naming of the restaurant and bar inside: Amunì. An invitation to discover Sicily, starting from the choice of the name which embodies the roots of a renewed tradition that can also be found in the dishes, in which the different flavors and ingredients balance each other perfectly. The bar, extending across Piazza Minerva, as well as the outdoor area of the restaurant, are ideal for art lovers who will be able to admire the Doric columns of the Temple of Athena while enjoying a drink.

Historic Hotel

The two innovations were part of a broader renovation project of the entire hotel by VRetreats which has decided to intervene with the aim of revisiting the structure in contemporary key, while respecting its identity and enhancing the original proportions of the building and the strong Sicilian imprint.

The interventions drew inspiration from the historical architecture of the palace. Inside, the Hotel’s character is truly Sicilian: amidst the limestone used for the Greek temples and Baroque palaces – still the dominant motif of the building today – the traditional ‘secret’ courtyards inherited from Arab architecture, the small pensile gardens, the balconies for admiring the beauty of the city and the picturesque tufa stone ‘dammuso’ vaults in the restaurant, every corner speaks of Sicily.

Specifically, the renovation affected the ground floor with new arrangement of the internal common areas linked to reception, made more spacious and harmonious. Particular attention was paid to the new lighting system, which enhances the pre-existing columns, arches and internal vaults, arranged throughout the entrance area and to the conservation of the entire ocher marble flooring. Furthermore, the rooms were renovated, open on two sides with large balconies and reorganized in their decorative effects with plaster frames and backgrounds, typical of the local tradition, in line with the brand’s desire to restore the rooms’ their maximum originality.

Palazzo Artemide – Monumental charme

Palazzo Artemide, a historic hotel in Syracuse, is housed in an ancient late 19th century building adjacent to the Cathedral, the historic center of the city and a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque.

Palazzo Artemide, founded in 1880, is set in the center of Ortigia, between the Cathedral and the Arcivescovado [Archbishopric], and faces Piazza Minerva, amid the ancient Doric columns of the Temple, on the main street of the historic city center of Siracusa, Via Roma.

The structure has 40 rooms, including 3 suites and 6 junior suites, which offer their own identity and diversity in the most refined details. Each is elegantly furnished and equipped with all comforts.

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Tucked among the stunning embrace of 2,400 olive trees and sprawling across a 20-hectare estate, is the luxurious private retreat, Villa Torre Bianca.

Originally built as a summer abode in the 19th century, the historic villa in Triggianello is just a 15-minute drive from the enchanting town of Polignano a Mare and less than five miles (8 km) from the Adriatic Sea. Villa Torre Bianca stands as a testament to timeless elegance and luxury and beckons discerning travelers to indulge in a private villa vacation within the Apulian countryside.

Villa Torre Bianca comprises 11 (soon to be 12) rooms and suites, accommodating up to 28 guests. Each of the rooms and suites affords views of the private gardens. From its signature tower, which houses the Torre Bianca Suite, guests can enjoy views of the village of Triggianello and the surrounding towns of Polignano a Mare, Conversano, Castellana Grotte and Monopoli.

Polignano a Mare, a town perched atop limestone cliffs along the coast of southern Italy, captivates visitors with its beauty and rich history. Its narrow streets wind through ancient whitewashed buildings, leading to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea’s turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Steeped in tradition and culture, this charming town also offers delectable seafood cuisine, local markets, and a warm, welcoming community that captures the essence of Mediterranean life.

The estate offers many luxurious amenities and accommodations, including an alluring outdoor swimming pool paired with inviting loungers for tranquil moments of relaxation. For guests craving wellness during their stay, Villa Torre Bianca houses a gym and a sauna. An onsite coffee bar ensures guests can receive the pick-me-up they need before a day of adventure. The restaurant serves traditional Apulian cuisine featuring regional ingredients. Other amenities include an indoor TV lounge room, daily housekeeping, daily continental breakfast and onsite guest services.

For groups or parties interested in enhancing their stay, the villa offers a selection of luxury services, such as a private experience at Lido Sabbiadoro, which is Monopoli’s most exclusive beach club, or immersive activities including cooking classes, private tours, cellar tastings, offsite excursions and more. Premier services such as private transfers, room service, babysitting, celebration planning and private dining, spa services, and fitness classes are also available upon request. 

Thinking of getting married? Villa Torre Bianca offers outdoor wedding facilities on site and can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Villa Torre Bianca is open year-round.

The addition of Villa Torre Bianca to Emily Hotels’ portfolio in 2023, marks a unique venture for the company. The villa is the first acquisition in Europe, and Emily Hotels has plans for continued expansion throughout Italy over the next few years. The Emily Hotel is an art-inspired boutique concept by the Onni Group. Villa Torre Bianca also has a unique tie to its ownership group’s beginning; the late founder of Onni Group. Innocenzo De Cotiis was a native Italian, spending the majority of his childhood there until his family immigrated to Canada.

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The historic 5* Hotel boasts an impressive legacy dating back to the 16th Century. Originally built as a guest residence for a Roman noble family in the mid-16th century, Hotel d’Inghilterra has been welcoming travelers to the Eternal City for over 150 years. The completely renovated hotel combines contemporary details and bright colors with a timeless elegance characteristic of the aristocratic palace that houses it, just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. Over its long history, it has hosted legendary visitors, including Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck and Henry James.

Located in the heart of Rome’s fashion district, between Via Condotti and Via Frattina, Hotel D’Inghilterra is the perfect place to experience the magic of Italian style.  Stepping into the renovated hotel, guests will notice a redesigned reception area besides a new second reception located alongside a concierge desk, dedicated for VIP guests. Honoring the property’s history, the black floor with white inserts, covering almost the entire ground floor has remained untouched. Additionally, some antique pieces continue to enhance the library.

The ceiling cornices on the first and third floors have been restored to ensure they were exactly as they were “once upon a time.” Wallpapers on the first and third floors are all custom-made for Starhotels in three different colors. All textiles for the rooms are also designed custom-made. On the second floor, a restoration of the original design includes English wallpapers. Rooms and suites on the upper floors, restored during the previous renovation phase in 2023, include the Penthouse Suite with its 753-square-foot (70 qm) terrace overlooking the city and the Balcony Suites on the fifth floor.

The Cafè Romano Restaurant & Lounge Bar, an enduring favorite of artists, writers and movie stars, will be expanded with an additional indoor room for local guests. The restaurant will be connected to the lobby. A new outdoor seating area has been added in Via Borgognona, a pedestrian street dotted with boutiques, the perfect spot for a coffee break, a light lunch or an al fresco dinner. The Bar retains its original counter and wall paneling. A highlight of the renovation will be the new Terrazza Romana on the sixth floor. The rooftop bar will be open to locals as well.

When Hotel d’Inghilterra reopens in September, it will also offer a spa, providing guests with a range of treatments.

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Originally constructed as the Assicurazioni Generali headquarters between 1897 and 1901, Palazzo Venezia’s design sought inspiration from architect and historian Luca Beltrami, who played a pivotal role in the restoration of the area between the late 19th and early 20th century. The reopening of this historic building under Meliá Hotels International kickstarts the redevelopment of Piazza Cordusio, a square that connects the Duomo to Sforzesco Castle.

The original Generali Assicurazioni emblems have been incorporated in the design, paying homage to the history of the building and original esthetics of the era.

Along with the interior restoration, 84 rooms and suites have been created, each characterized by grand windows and, in some rooms, private balconies with views of Piazza Cordusio, Via Orefici, Viadei Mercanti and the Duomo.

Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá brings renowned dining experiences to Milan. The hotel opening introduces four new homegrown concepts to Palazzo Venezia’s dining scene with Gioia Pasticceria, Giardino Cordusio, Isola Restaurant and SACHI. Gioia Pasticceria offers fresh pastries to be enjoyed with the hotel’s ground-floor views overlooking the Square; Giardino Cordusio, an upscale champagne bar and lounge, is located in the hotel’s internal courtyard; Isola offers Italian dishes and an extensive selection of wine pairings; and SACHI, a well-established culinary experience in London led by Chef Moon Kyung Soo, offers Japanese cuisine.

Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation lounge, and a gym with views of the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti.

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Iris in all its glory: Villa La Massa impresses with colorful natural highlights at the gates of Florence – be it in the extensive park or stylish cocktail glass.

In Greek mythology, the iris was the messenger of the gods. At Villa La Massa, in the middle of the Tuscan countryside and surrounded by 25 acres of lemon trees and olive groves, it signals the arrival of spring. Strolling through the extensive park, you will discover new perspectives and wonders of nature time and time again. The iris garden not only impresses with its magnificent flowers, but also forms the basis for a culinary journey that harmoniously combines history and nature.

Blue, purple, white and yellow – this is how the iris blossom shines and delights more than just garden fans. Countless varieties of iris, small and large plants, fragrant beauties and colorful eye-catchers thrive on over 4,300 square feet in Villa La Massa’s specially created iris garden. A visit to the luxury hotel on the Arno is particularly worthwhile between April and July, when the iris garden is in full bloom. The green paradise was created by the renowned landscape architect Maria Chiara Pozzana. It is a continuation of the old tradition of the Medici family, who once ruled Florence: The iris has always been the symbolic flower of Tuscany and still adorns the city’s coat of arms today as a red flower on a white field.

An electric shuttle is available to hotel guests on request to take them comfortably to the city center and to one of the highlights of the season: A true garden paradise stretches east of Piazzale Michelangelo and impresses not only with rare iris specimens, but also with spectacular views of the Florence skyline. Founded in 1957 by the Società Italiana dell’Iris (Italian Iris Foundation), the extensive iris garden only opens its doors to visitors in May during the International Iris Show. However, there is also plenty for guests at Villa La Massa to discover in the other spring months, as the boutique hotel organizes visits to spectacular villas and gardens in Tuscany as a member of the “Grandi Giardini Italiani” association, giving guests exclusive access to the private estates.

The gastronomy at Villa La Massa is also a creative homage to the past, characterized by the aromatic treasures of regional cuisine and the use of fresh ingredients from our own garden. The new iris cocktail is the perfect accompaniment for balmy spring evenings. This creation is dedicated to Countess Bierliska, who acquired the historic estate in 1856. A cocktail delight that pays homage to the gardens with a fresh blend of vodka, iris liqueur and orange bitters.

Villa La Massa

Villa La Massa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has 51 rooms and luxury suites as well as a private chapel. The hotel is located directly on the banks of the River Arno, five miles (eight kilometers) from Florence city center. Guests can take a free shuttle bus directly to the Ponte Vecchio. The hotel’s restaurant Il Verrocchio was voted the restaurant with the most beautiful view in Italy. It is located directly above the Arno in the middle of the hills of the Chianti region, surrounded by estates and vineyards. Other highlights for connoisseurs include the historic wine cellar for private tastings, the Bar Mediceo and the Bistrot L’Oliveto.

Photos: Villa La Massa

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With 80 rooms, including 11 suites, all recently renovated, guests can enjoy views of Portofino and the gulf. Additionally, Michelin-trained Chef Andrea Cannalire will lead culinary operations as the new executive chef, curating the offerings of the F&B venues, including Le Cupole, La Veranda, the Flamingo Pool Bar & Pizzeria and the new Marina di Bardi Portofino Beach Club.

Fine-dining rooftop restaurant Le Cupole serves a fusion menu of Ligurian and Piedmont cuisine that’s mentioned in the Michelin Guide. La Veranda is a bistro located on the main floor terrace, serving traditional Italian dishes as well as a selection of wines and cocktails. Opened in 2023, the Flamingo Pool Bar & Pizzeria is a gourmet poolside pizzeria.

The Marina di Bardi Portofino Beach Club is set to debut on May 3, offering an exclusive “feet in the water” experience along the Portofino coast. Located within the Grand Hotel Bristol, this private beach enclave provides towel service and personalized assistance from the property’s Beach Concierge.

Additionally, Nuar Art Gallery is slated to open on April 27, marking the return of its partnership with Grand Hotel Bristol. Offering an exciting lineup of art events throughout spring and summer, including a permanent gallery and live performances, this collaboration kicks off with Sebastiano Bottaro’s exhibition, “A Devil In Winter.”

The Erre Spa spans 22,000 square feet and features TechnoGym equipment, multi-sensory areas and themed relaxation spaces, a Turkish bath, an emotional shower, and an outdoor pool with views of the sea. For the 2024 season, Erre Spa has enhanced its treatment offerings with the latest in massage therapy, Aquasoma, a water massage that promotes muscle relaxation through tactile contact.

The Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, stands as a five-star lifestyle hotel majestically perched on and overlooking the prestigious Portofino Coast and the complete Gulf of Tigullio. It redefines La Dolce Vita with contemporary concept of hospitality, accentuating exclusive comforts and high-quality services.

A delightful waterfront stroll from the hotel takes guests to the center of Rapallo, while a fin-de-siècle funicular transports them to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, providing a panoramic view of the entire gulf. All the renowned destinations are easily accessible, from Santa Margherita Ligure to globally famous Portofino. The Cinque Terre can be reached by both train and, even better, by private boat.

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At the spa, guests can experience a range of artisanal massages, rituals and warm ceremonies in renovated treatment rooms, including a new couples suite. As guests venture into the center of the revamped facilities, they will discover the Monteverdi Spa Circuit, with its series of warm and cold plunge pools, saunas and showers. The distinctive spa journey includes a new bio sauna, a Finnish sauna and a cold plunge pool. Guests can also experience the new sensory showers, which invigorate the body with harmonious variations in temperature, scents, colors, and vibrations.

Monteverdi Tuscany Spa Circuit

The Spa Circuit also offers access to the newly constructed Conservatory, a relaxation area with views for guests to take in before or after their bathing rituals. Other new facilities include cryotherapy chambers, outdoor garden and yoga platform, featuring vistas of the Italian countryside. To complement the expanded facilities, Monteverdi has partnered with luxury beauty brands to augment its spa program with a range of treatments.

The new 1,720-square-foot Wellness Center offers five treatment rooms, including two rooms designed for laser treatments and an IV lounge. There are four areas of wellness expertise: aesthetic, regenerative, preventative and programmatic, where guests can experience aesthetic care, science-driven treatments and physician guidance to promote health and wellbeing during and after their stay. Each customized wellness journey is designed to help guests gain insight about their health and reach their individual goals. A wellness concierge will be assigned to each guest ahead of and during their stay for a personalized wellness experience.

Monteverdi Wellness Center Menu

The Wellness Center menu was developed in partnership with Dr. Maurizio Cavallini, an esteemed practitioner who brings decades of medical expertise to Monteverdi as chief medical advisor. Services include aesthetic medicine and regenerative treatments that boost skin health with medical techniques, besides diagnostic services and assessments that inspire guests to take a preventative approach to nutritional and age-related needs.

Monteverdi offers multi-day retreats and programs, including the three-night Tuscan Tranquility Retreat and the seven-night Holistic Detox Retreat, each of which include a curated selection of treatments, services, activities and diagnostic assessments, along with F&B experiences led by Executive Chef Giancarla Bodoni.

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Open all year round, the luxury resort in South Tyrol promises alpine experiences in summer and winter, healthy regional cuisine and a holistic COMO Shambhala retreat with views of vast alpine meadows and picturesque peaks.

Tradition and Design

The hotel at the end of the Alpe di Siusi cable car has been around for several years. The tradition of genuine Alpine hospitality is now being continued by COMO Hotels and Resorts and complemented by timeless COMO design, culinary highlights from COMO Shambhala cuisine and a holistic wellness concept.

With a façade made of natural quartzite stone and a wooden construction that encloses the roof of the main building and is inspired by the natural shapes of the mountains, the resort blends seamlessly into the surroundings of the Alpe di Siusi. Nestled in a landscape characterized by towering peaks, expansive valleys and alpine meadows, the resort has 60 rooms. All rooms and suites are decorated in beige and brown tones, with warm wooden floors and fireplaces creating a cozy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offer views of some of the most famous peaks in the Dolomite Mountain range.

As the largest high Alpine pasture in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, the Alpe di Siusi is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and active vacationers. In winter, pristine slopes attract beginners and advanced winter sports enthusiasts alike, as the landscape is perfect for alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Thanks to the ski-in/ski-out service, skiers can start their skiing day on red, blue and black slopes directly from the COMO Alpina Dolomites – you couldn’t be closer to the slopes. Experienced ski instructors are also available at the resort. In summer, too, the Alpe di Siusi offers a wealth of activities in the picturesque natural surroundings of South Tyrol, which guests can set off on directly from the hotel: from hiking and mountain biking to climbing, paragliding and horse riding.

Body & Soul

After a day in the mountains, the COMO Shambhala Retreat is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and relax body, mind and soul. The new spa offers a holistic wellness program with a focus on revitalization. A 72-feet indoor pool, a panoramic outdoor pool, sauna, relaxation areas, fitness center and a beauty sanctuary offer plenty of space to slow down. The highlight is always the sweeping panoramic view of the mountains.

Culinary fans are in for a treat, as the COMO Alpina Dolomites treats guests to culinary delights with products from local farmers and seasonal menus in two restaurants: the bright and informal Alpina Chalet in the fresh mountain air and the intimate Mountain Restaurant, which is dedicated to the art of the healthy cuisine philosophy of COMO Shambhala Cuisine. The relaxed Lobby Lounge is the perfect place for drinks and light snacks.

Photos: COMO Hotels & Resorts

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