“A dream for Rome” said Bvlgari’s CEO Jean-Christophe Babin when he announced the news of the new hotel: “We will make the most beautiful hotel in the city”. Check out the initial announcement in the video.

The Bvlgari Hotel Roma is strategically located in the central Piazza Augusto Imperatore. This is in the very heart of the Campo Marzio neighborhood, a stone’s throw from famous shopping streets Via del Corso and Via del Babuino, the iconic Spanish Steps and the signature Bvlgari flagship store on Via Condotti.

The Heart of Rome

The new Bvlgari Hotel Roma occupies a magnificent building, which was built between 1936 and 1938 to a design by architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo. The building faces two of the most iconic Roman landmarks, the Ara Pacis and the Mausoleum of Augustus, the first Roman Imperator. It reveals a monumental, modern architecture emphasized by the use of traditional Roman materials and colors, such as ochre Travertine marble and burnt red brick.

The rigorous rationalist architectural appeal of the building is counterbalanced by Antonio Barrera’s frescos, running in the Via della Frezza atrium and offering different views of the Mausoleum of Augustus, while the Southern face is decorated with a 70-square-meter mosaic by Ferruccio Ferrazzi, who offered his personal interpretation of the Roman foundation myth.

Luxury pure

The hotel is a celebration of Bvlgari’s Italian style as it is designed on a grand scale. Bvlgari Hotel Roma is home to 114 Rooms and Suites, decorated in a color palette inspired by the city, as well as Bvlgari Hotels’ signature dining and lifestyle experiences, including the prestigious “Il Ristorante” curated by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, and “The Bvlgari Bar,” both located on the top floor to guarantee an unparalleled view of the Eternal City, as well as the Lobby Lounge. The luxury hotel also features the high-end Bvlgari Spa with an indoor swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art gym, offering Bvlgari’s exclusive Workshop training method. The Bvlgari Hotel Roma houses Italy’s first Bvlgari Dolci chocolatier and patisserie.

As an outstanding feature, the Bvlgari Hotel Roma presents a Reading Room containing a collection of precious volumes dedicated to the history of jewelry. The library is open to guests and to the public by appointment only. Standing out on the building’s façade, on top of a splendid fountain, a Latin inscription says: “This is the place where the Emperor Augustus’ soul flies through the air.”

This unique link between the new Bvlgari Hotel Roma and Emperor Augustus’ vision is highlighted with an Interior design balancing the rigor of the stones used in Imperial Rome, concise yet powerful details, as well as rich textures contrasting with the architectural essentiality of the building. Seamlessly blending different references to the unique Roman heritage with the contemporary and timeless Bvlgari style, the new Bvlgari Hotel Roma celebrates the extraordinary magnificence of its hometown, and welcomes its guests in an outstanding and unique environment.

Bvlgari Hotel Roma – Ospitalità Italiana

In occasion of the initial announcement of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma project, and to celebrate its unparalleled constellation of unique and exclusive hotels and resorts, Bvlgari also created a special jewelry piece, reflecting the legendary house’s outstanding creativity and expertise.
In keeping with the eternal magnificence of its native city, Rome, the muse inspiring each of its original and bold creations, Bvlgari presented “The Bvlgari Ospitalità Italiana Necklace”, a white gold tubogas chocker enriched with 10 different precious stones, each of them carefully matched with one the luxury destination of the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts collection. This work of arts, injected with joie de vivre and eternal beauty, is a one of a kind piece made to order.

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Imagine that: From your bed into the free-standing bathtub. A healthy sweat in the private panoramic sauna. Relax in the jacuzzi on the suite terrace. Take a whey bath in a hollowed chestnut log and then, snuggled up in your bathrobe, relax in front of the fireplace. How does all that sound?

Private Spa turns wellness into exclusive vacation moments. Relaxation and recreation in an intimate atmosphere guaranteed. Honestly, who doesn’t want to get away from it all in private and treat body and soul to some soothing time out?

Alta Badia: Private pampering moments

The wellness area at Dolomiti Wellness Hotel Fanes is one of the largest in the Dolomites, with over 53,000 square feet: soothing symbiosis of alpine wellness, professional treatments and high-quality products. In the Fanes Spa Suites, wellness treatments become unforgettable hours for two, in a private retreat for relaxation. The dark, pleasantly smooth wood of the two hollowed chestnut logs in the “Realm of Fanes” spa suite is a delight for the skin. The whey bath in it, is a real feel-good moment for body and soul. In the black and gold room “Caveau”, the anti-aging products from the hotel’s own care line unfold their beneficial effects. And lovers of very private wellness moments stay in the “Dolomites Mountain Spa” or “Natura Loft” suites with their own wellness area. Five-star wellness with private Turkish bath, Finnish sauna and whirlpool with valley view on the terrace.

Algund: Private retreats

The unmistakable beauty writing of the mother-daughter duo Christine and Magdalena Erlacher enchants everywhere in the Forsterhof with private retreats. There, the vacation feeling comes all by itself. Simple, caring elegance and individual wellness instead of a general spa area. For sauna lovers, the Suite Marie with private hydro-soft sauna is just the right thing. Jacuzzi connoisseurs should book the Stella double room. There, nothing stands in the way of the jacuzzi on the terrace and bathing under the starry sky with a glass of champagne in hand. The highlight: the new 540 square feet light-flooded Suite Giardino, a ground-level retreat in the fringed private garden, with loungers and private whirlpool. Inside, spacious rooms and a hydro-soft sauna provide the right atmosphere for pleasant moments of relaxation. Omnipresent: the typical Algund landscape with its apple orchards and vineyards, in which the nearby Merano located Suites&Breakfast is embedded.

Limone sul Garda: Lakeside Dream

Inspired by the Celtic word Eala, which embodies the swan in all its elegance and beauty, the new Hotel on Lake Garda is nestled against the mountains of the western shore. The surrounding area is filled with Italian Dolce Vita, on the Lago is the private beach, and in the hotel, you will find a 16,000-square-feet Luxury Spa with two indoor and one outdoor pool. For luxury lovers with a penchant for undisturbed wellness enjoyment, choose the Spa Suite Argantos. About 750 square feet of nobly furnished interior, in which stone and parquet flooring harmonize. Complemented by the simple elegance of Italian furniture design. The open bathroom impresses with suspended bathtub and Turkish bath with integrated shower, an indoor wellness heaven.  Outside you can enjoy the panoramic sauna and air pool on the terrace. If you relax here, you’ll always have a view of Lake Garda from an elevated vantage point. The Risatti family knows, from 60 years of hotel experience, what guests dream of. And, makes these dreams come true.

Mals: Power place in Val Venosta

Wellness in a stylish ambience has long been cultivated at the Gerstl: Infinity pool, natural bathing pond and sauna area with panoramic view. Here you can relax, together with other hotel guests. Completely privately and completely new is the Arunda Suite. This exclusive Alpine & Relax Suite is for all those who want to indulge in their own individual wellness pleasure. Enjoy feel-good moments for two in the room’s free-standing luxury tub.  When the petals seem to almost float on the surface of the water, bathing pleasure becomes a luxury experience. The wide window directly in front of the tub lets the view wander to the snow-capped mountain peaks. After the bath, all you want to do is snuggle up comfortably in the inviting double bed. Or would you rather go out onto the spacious balcony and enjoy the view of the Ortler mountain range from the sunny south-facing slope in which the Gerstl nestles, while treating yourself to a glass of champagne? Your choice!

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Rooms and Suites

The 238 guest rooms and suites of this luxury five-star property blend old-world glamour and elegant comfort with the ease of modern amenities. Interior design ranges from Neoclassical to Contemporary. Accommodation options offer varying configurations and styles with panoramic city views and spacious terraces.

11 Duplex Suites boast stunning views over the Piazza and the Fountain of the Naiads. There are three Executive Suites which offer unique features including a treadmill, Jacuzzi, a steam bath and a terrace. The two Presidential Suites feature double-height French windows, marble bathrooms and a living room with dining area and kitchenette.

Guest can choose among five unique dining experiences. Indoor and al fresco venues honor Italy’s culinary traditions with contemporary flair. The Lobby Bar is popular with guests, and the intimate Ristorante Tazio serves Roman delights paired with Italy’s finest wines. Guests can enjoy cocktails and other delicious beverages at Champagnerie overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads. Or, you could dine against the backdrop of the skyline at the Posh Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Bar, a truly romantic spot. La Frusta is the choice location for breakfast overlooking Piazza della Repubblica. The culinary experiences are led by Chef Niko Sinisgalli.

New additions

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome is currently undergoing its transition to the Anantara brand. The refurbishment will start in January 2022 and continue throughout next year. It will include an updated lobby with a glamorous mix of fine details and refined designs. A new bar with Art Nouveau décor, a rooftop space with panoramic views and a wellness area will be added.

The hotel’s Spa has four treatment rooms and offers a range of massages and facial treatments. In 2022, a new Anantara Spa will debut on the hotel’s top floor. The facilities include a steam bath, a hammam, hydrotherapy, a sauna and relaxation area. In the fitness center guests can avail of personal training sessions and yoga classes. They will also have the opportunity to exercise in the gardens of Villa Borghese.

The Eternal City is full of life. A range of experiences curated by Anantara will encompass the Vatican’s gravitas to the ultra-hip, bohemian neighborhoods of Trastevere, Monti and Campo dei Fiori. Guests will delight in the hidden scenes of the city of cinema or the lush gardens of the private palaces and villas that make up Rome’s many faces. Or, you could learn to make Roman pasta or gelati at cooking classes overlooking the Piazza, with fresh ingredients discovered at the market with the Chef.

In winter, guests can zip through cobbled alleys, seated in a double sidecar, or in a vintage Fiat 500 for a tour of Rome’s highlights.

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Who does not know them, the porticos of Merano in South Tyrol? Colorful arcades, historical flair, lively and popular as ever. The medieval Laubengasse is one of the oldest shopping streets in the world: for more than 800 years, goods have been sold in the arcades. Lavishly decorated facades, colorfully painted wooden shutters, archways and oriels from a wide variety of stylistic eras transform the 1,300-feet long shopping mile into a living open-air museum. In the historic center of Merano, directly in the “Lauben”, are the new Kuntino Suites with the in-house Kuntinos Café. And with the upcoming Merano Christmas Market there is one more reason to visit.

In 1956, the Kuntner family opened a shoe store here in the Lauben, which still exists today. In 2015, the family acquired the building at Lauben 309, right next to the shoe store, and had it extensively restored. Architects and designers have combined, with great sensitivity, the valuable remains of the past with modern comfort and high-quality interior. With the Kuntino Suites they created a special jewel box in the heart of Merano. At only 25 years of age, the daughter of the house, Aurelie Kuntner, took over the responsibility for the Kuntino Suites – typical South Tyrol, because here the melding of tradition and modernity is not a tactic, but rather a local attitude to life.

Photo: Patrick Schwienbacher

Nine individual and luxurious suites in the heart of the old town of Merano

In the nine suites, the history of the house is carefully preserved and at the same time offers an aesthetic contrast: vaulted ceilings, artistic tiled stoves and antiques merge with clear lines and modern comfort to create a literally stylish ambience. Tranquility spreads behind the historic walls, although the pulse of the spa town beats directly in front of the mighty entrance door on the first floor. Some of the suites have a small terrace or balcony facing the backyard, where only the chirping of birds can be heard.

All suites have a kitchen equipped with the most important utensils as well as a bathroom with shower or bathtub, WiFi, safe, bathrobes, bath sandals and comfort zone cosmetics.

Well served and “Hetz hobn”* – Food & Drink

The in-house Café Kuntinos is located directly below the suites. Through the glass facade in the stairwell, you can already see whether a seat is still available. Or, you can sit outside, under the porticos. Guests of the Kuntino Suites can enjoy healthy bowls, Bruschetta, Piadine (small sandwiches), freshly squeezed juices and delicious 100% Arabica coffee to start the day.

The hostess of the Kuntino Suites, Aurelie Kuntner, is standing behind the counter, together with Christian Comper, who has mixed cocktails and served delicious aperitifs in legendary bars like Icebergs in Sydney. For lunch and dinner, guests will find a wide range of options.

Aurelie Kuntner personally advises each guest and reserves a table in the desired location. The South Tyrolean cuisine is known for its Mediterranean influence. In Merano you will find Michelin-starred restaurants as well as down-to-earth inns with traditional cuisine. Fine wines from the local wineries are ideal companions for the dishes.

*having fun

In and around Merano, in the heart of South Tyrol – activities and destination

In Merano, Dolce Vita and Mediterranean effortlessness meet the customs and traditions of the Alps. Between palm trees and snow-capped mountain peaks, medieval arcades and magnificent buildings of the Belle Époque line up. Right from the city, you can take a chairlift which leads to Dorf Tirol, where the mountains are within reach. Even without the chairlift, it is easy to conquer the mountain world directly from the Kuntino Suites. The Tappeinerweg, one of the longest and most beautiful high-altitude promenades in Europe, begins just a few meters from the Lauben. Cypresses, pines and panoramic views of Merano characterize this path.

Merano 2000, the skiing and hiking area located above the city, offers vacationers a wide range of sporting opportunities – thanks to mountain bike routes, hiking trails, via ferratas and summit destinations. For those interested in culture, a piece of the city’s history already opens up in the arcades. The diverse cultural offerings range from the Merano Spring Festival to the Grape Festival, the Merano Music Weeks to the Merano Wine Festival. Vacationers can explore the multitude of castles, palaces, gardens and parks on guided tours or on their own.

Merano Christmas

Speaking of cultural offerings, the traditional Merano Christmas Market awaits you in the pre-Christmas season along the enchanting promenade. Around 80 wooden booths display a wide range of gift ideas between the 1st Advent and the beginning of January, creating a very special Christmas atmosphere.

The numerous booths in the old town and along the Kurpromenade offer some special drinks and food: you can enjoy a honey wine or try a “Feuerzangenbowle” and taste some grilled buckwheat dumplings. In addition, there are textiles, jewelry, ceramics and articles made of wood.

Special features are the digital Advent calendar, the parade of Krampus and St. Nicholas at the beginning of December, and the glow of lights in Merano. The little guests, on the other hand, have been thought of at the Merano Christmas with activities suitable for children which will light up their eyes.

The Merano region is particularly characterized by its mild climate. In this sunny area – 300 days of sunshine a year are not uncommon – spring arrives very early, winter very late. In addition, the air of the region is particularly fresh and healing. The Kuntino Suites are an ideal starting point to experience Merano and its surroundings. The Kuntino Suites in Merano are part of the Vinum Hotels South Tyrol.  

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Vacation Villa

The Trulli, Puglia is a unique property, made up of 11 Trulli. The cluster of little white stone ‘tents’ is a magical sight as you approach. Once inside, the vibe is traditional with a contemporary twist – whitewashed walls and splashes of bright Mediterranean color bring the shared living spaces to life, while neutral bedrooms and spa-style bathrooms provide comfort and relaxation.

The villa’s outside space has been carefully designed to create a real ‘alfresco home’. Two stone courtyards have been designed to become an outdoor living area… a garden kitchen under the gazebo comes complete with its own dishwasher and oven so you can enjoy cooking under the stars of an evening. And the cobalt-blue tiled pool is a wonderful space in which to float away the day.

Surrounded by herb gardens, in turn encircled by olive groves and fruit trees, with vineyards beyond as far as the eye can see, The Trulli offers real seclusion and, above all, a sense of peace that’s hard to find at home. Listen to the cicadas, inhale the heady scent of rosemary, lavender and fruit trees and breathe a little deeper in your own Italian Trulli.

Rooms

Bring your family or maybe come with a group of friends. The Trulli sleeps eight people in four bedrooms. Bedroom one, two and three are double rooms with queen-size beds; bedroom four is a double room with two single beds. The property has three full bathrooms.

Amenities

The Pool is surrounded by a spacious relaxation area. The outdoor area includes a Gazebo with a garden kitchen, coffee maker and dishwasher, a lounge and a Barbecue area. The bar and wine cellar offers space for some of the best wines available from the area.

The sitting area features a Flatscreen TV with satellite, there is an outdoor stereo system, and WiFi is available in all areas.

Of course, there is a laundry room and private parking.

The villa has a well-appointed kitchen which food lovers will enjoy spending time in, experimenting with local ingredients. A daily continental breakfast is included as well as a welcome basket with local wines, kitchen staples, fresh bread, fruits, vegetables and cheese. For those who would like it, a private chef is available on request for an additional charge.

Location

This luxury villa is situated just south of the town of Ostuni and 10 miles from the Adriatic coast. The closest town is San Michele Salentino, just three minutes drive away. The nearest airport is Brindisi, around 20 minutes drive away, or Bari, which is 1.5 hours drive away.

Since you are already there, don’t miss to visit Ostuni, also called the White Town. This picturesque town, sitting on top of a mountain, is a renowned tourist destination. It boasts a wonderful medieval village, rich with alleys and whitewashed houses, in a maze of streets which recalls an Arab Kasbah. Take a stroll in the old town center, called “la terra” (the land) to distinguish it from the more recent “marina”: it offers lovely spots amid the alleys, sloping stairs, courtyards and small squares, where whitewashed houses appear, embellished with geraniums, craft shops, typical restaurants and small shops.

With its still expanses of olive trees as far as the eye can see, the Itria Valley is red soil, green groves and vineyards, and white trullo houses under a serene blue sky. Also known as the Valley of the Trulli, it makes up part of the Provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto, and comprises the Comuni of Alberobello, Carovigno, Castellana Grotte, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino, Fasano, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Noci, Ostuni, Putignano, San Michele Salentino, San Vito dei Normanni and Villa Castelli.

In the Itria Valley’s heart is the obligatory stop of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (named in 1996), where it is impossible not to be charmed by the lanes of the Monti and Aja Piccola neighborhoods. 

Be sure to visit the Grotte di Castellana, open year-round; led through the wonders of these caves by expert guides, you won’t be sorry you took on this fascinating excursion.

For reservation of The Trulli, Puglia (or any other of their amazing properties) visit The Firefly Collection
www.firefly-collection.com

_{Photo Ostuni: Carlo Elmiro Bevilacqua/Regione Puglia}

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Nestled in the most beautiful vineyards, the 29 Vinum Hotels South Tyrol are the top vacation address for everyone who wants to experience wine culture up close and personally get to know the people behind it. The family-run hotels are as diverse as the nature of South Tyrol: from a castle hotel with its own vineyard to a design, tree or eco hotel, every guest will find the right Vinum domicile.

In the Vinum Hotels, the vine is close enough to touch, the finest wines of South Tyrol are stored in antique wine cellars, the hosts personally guide you through the vineyards, and in addition to wine menus and numerous activities related to the noble drop, there are also wine treatments in selected wellness areas.

Grasp wine culture with all senses

All Vinum Hotels have one thing in common: they are run by passionate wine connoisseurs with dedication and wine know-how. They enthusiastically open the doors to their wine cellars, take their guests into the vineyards, and to wineries. Many of the Vinum hoteliers are winemakers themselves and provide insight into the agricultural processes, reveal what the vine needs to mature into a top wine. At the very latest, the guest internalizes South Tyrol with all its senses during the wine tasting.

Vinum Hotels Quality Criteria

• All Vinum hosts are certified sommeliers or even winemakers.
• Each winery has its own tasting room or wine cellar and offers various guaranteed wine and food experiences.
• At least once a week, the host personally guides you through a wine experience.
• Extensive wine list paired with personal wine coaching, rarities and niche wines, and award-winning wines from Vinum Hotels winemakers.
• Vinum hotels with spa areas offer wine wellness treatments such as grape seed peeling to bathing in a real wine barrel.

In addition, Vinum Hotels places great emphasis on upscale cuisine. The chefs base their menus on nature and the seasons and use mainly regional products from South Tyrolean farmers. Vinum Hotels with upscale cuisine as well as regional and seasonal dishes. An extensive wine list paired with personal wine coaching, rarities and niche wines as well as the award-winning wines of the Vinum Hotels vintners complete the overall package. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

The Vinum Hotels South Tyrol are divided into the following categories and accordingly set different priorities: Wine & Wellness, Wine & Design, Wine & Romance, Wine & Active, Wine & Tradition.

Vinum Hotels Club

Since the year 2019 there is the Vinum Hotels Club. Club members receive privileges, special services and gifts, not only at Vinum Hotels South Tyrol, but also at all partner establishments (wineries, enotecas, gourmet stores, etc.).

VINUM HOTELS SÜDTIROL is the first and only hotel group in the world with a focus on wine. Included are three-star to five-star hotels. In selected VINUM hotels, wine wellness is on the agenda – from grape seed peeling to a bath in a real wine barrel. The 29 hand-picked, family-run hotels are located in the heart of South Tyrol’s wine regions and are managed with great dedication and personally by passionate wine connoisseurs. All hoteliers are also winemakers or sommeliers.

We are planning to write individually about one or the other Vinume Hotel in the future. Until then, take your pick: www.vinumhotels.com

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When Il Sereno Lake Como opened in 2016, it brought a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. The all-suite hotel features a modern style and an authentic flair, all in the name of effortless comfort. While the Penthouse has consistently been rated among the best in the world, according to Il Sereno, famed architect Patricia Urquiola and hotelier Luis Contreras have joined forces to update the Suite.

Penthouse Suite

Perched on the top floor of the hotel, the Penthouse showcases use of rich materials, including Canaletto walnut ceilings, Palissandro Blu stone walls and Ceppo di Gre local stone floors. Venetian terrazzo floors are combined with geometric tiles of Ceppo for a “new yet classic” look. The bedroom wall is also made of Ceppo, specially grooved to provide additional texture. Another local stone, the green Verdi Alpi, covers the living room wall.

Accessed by a separate elevator, there will be approximately 1,600 square feet of living space, including a 320-square-foot terrace, plus an additional 538-square-feet of grass garden around the parameter. There is a large living room with dining space, two bathrooms and main bedroom, sleeping up to four.

Apart from the jaw-dropping views, another advantage of being on the top floor is that the rooms have large skylights, which allow gorgeous natural light to fill the bathrooms and corridors.

The Hotel

Il Sereno Lake Como is the epitome of elegance and luxury. The 30 spacious suites, ranging from 500 square feet in size to The Penthouse at 1,600 square feet, all make full use of the natural light and awe-inspiring scenery with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the peaceful waterfront. Just as the Penthouse Suite, the complete hotel was designed by Patricia Urquiola, award-winning architect and designer.

The property features a private beach, as well as a dock, allowing guests to arrive via one of the hotel’s boats. The 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the lake is without a doubt one of Il Sereno’s show-stopping features, and the large sundeck is perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon under the Italian sun. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s full-service spa, situated under original, century-old arches.

Dining

The hotels Michelin Starred restaurant Berton al Lago is open for lunch and dinner and will allow two different culinary experiences: For dinner you can choose from a selection of elaborate multi course tasting menus while enjoying a pairing of the regions finest wines. For lunch, there is an a la carte menu of  typical Italian specialties from the various regions around Italy, presented in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The setting in both locations is beautiful with splendid views of Lake Como. 

The Lobby Bar with its panoramic terrace, is the ideal setting for an aperitif accompanied by an exquisite menu of cocktails and mocktails. How about ordering a cocktail and taking in the stunning lake views? The sunsets in Lake Como are especially spectacular. Make sure you order at least once, their flagship cocktail “Serenity” – a tantalizing blend of passion fruit, chamomile and limey flavors.

Wine Cellar

Il Sereno features a fantastic wine cellar where you can discover some of Italy’s finest wines and French champagnes. Guests are offered a curated selection of Italy’s top award-winning wines from the biggest producers in Italy to the smaller producers around Lake Como. The hotel works closely with local producers, so guests have the opportunity to discover truly exclusive wines in a spectacular setting. The in-house sommelier will be happy to give you an overview of the wines on offer.

Relax

Originally built as the Darsena (boathouse) of the property over a century ago, the SPA has been transformed into a modern and relaxing facility which reflects its history and Lake Como. The SPA disposes of an outdoor relaxation area with a pool literally built over the water, which is the perfect place to rest and cool down. There are also a sauna and a steam room. The SPA menu offers massages along with a wide range of rejuvenating treatments and Valmont products, renowned cellular cosmetics and anti-aging treatments inspired by nature.

Also built inside the Darsena, there is a gym, located one level below the spa. It is open 24 hours 7 days a week with the usual equipment such as treadmills,  rowing machine,  bicycle,  bench & weights and elliptical machines.

Situated on a sunny promontory next to the village of Torno and surrounded by peaceful views of Lake Como’s natural beauty, lush gardens and idyllic small towns. Il Sereno’s lakefront location stretches approximately 450 feet along the eastern shore of Lake Como. The hotel is less than 4 miles from the center of Como, just a short 8-minute drive; and approximately 50 minutes from both Milano Malpensa airport and the center of Milan.

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Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Italian Riviera, Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, reopened in May 2021, following a complete renovation.

Each of the 14 rooms and suites of the charming guest house have been carefully crafted to tell the story of the nautical heritage of the harbor town. The traditional Ligurian colors of the harbor buildings – a palette of amber, terracotta and sea green – are used to accent the archways and ceilings. The design of the wooden floor was inspired by the church of San Giorgio in Portofino. The complete renovation mirrors the surrounding natural beauty of the Ligurian Coast and the timeless glamour of La Dolce Vita.

Throughout the hotel, guests will find detailed references to nautical heritage blended with the glamour of the 1950s and mid-century modern references. The art collection features 100 pieces of individually works curated by ARTIQ, with specially commissioned items by Italian artist, Gabriele Cappelli.

The new restaurant, DaV Mare, in partnership with Da Vittorio Group, brings a new level of gastronomic excellence to the Ligurian Coast and is set to become the beating heart of the Piazzetta.

Sailing the gentle sea

Departing from the harbor, guests can set sail aboard a traditional Ligurian fishing boat, Gozzo, for a slow and gentle cruise along the beautiful coastline to San Fruttuoso Bay choosing to stop for a swim to the submerged statue of Christ the Abyss, or a dive into the crystal-clear waters of Punta Chiappa. A picnic lunch can be prepared by the hotel’s restaurant, DaV Mare or guests can opt to stop for fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.

In the footsteps of Romance

Treks take the route along the footpath, named after a fabled Italian romance, the ‘Path of the Kiss’ where two young lovers who were separated by their families took their last embrace. The exhilarating 8-mile stretch from San Rocco, passing through Camogli and onto San Fruttuoso features steep paths and sharp drops with unbelievable views. Half day excursions to Monte di Portofino are also available and can be accompanied by a botanist guide to reveal the benefits of the mountain herbs for health and beauty.

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Hotel La Palma will be the incarnation of Capri’s original hotel that has long hosted a collective of notable artists, poets, writers, and musicians from all over the world. Once again, it will be at the epicenter of the social scene on the island.

Set the scene

The property has been conceived as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island for the modern traveler. The original hotel on Capri will once more become the chicest address on the island for people who want to see and be seen. The renovation will decrease the room count to 50, including 18 suites. Each will have its own private balcony or terrace. Located in the heart of Capri, it is just around the corner from the famous Piazza Umberto I, better known as the Piazzetta. Hotel La Palma is perfectly positioned for guests to visit some of the most notable sites of Capri: Via and Villa Krupp, La Certosa, I Giardini di Augusto and the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

A Feast for the Senses

In true Italian fashion, Hotel La Palma will be a gourmet’s delight. Leading the hotel’s culinary scene is chef Gennaro Esposito, who has run his own two-Michelin Star restaurant, Torre del Saracino, for 23 years. Gennaro’s restaurant, bar and terrace will embrace the timeless romance of the island, serving unpretentious, authentic Italian cuisine. Another highlight will be Bianca, a glamorous, newly created rooftop restaurant and bar. Open until late, it will offer spectacular views over the sea and Capri Village. And then, there will be the elegant pool bar which pays homage to the “classic Capri” of the golden age.

Beach life

Just a short drive to Capri’s southern coast, guests can spend their day at Hotel La Palma’s elegant, yet buzzing La Palma Beach Club in the Marina Piccola. At the island’s most famous beaches and restaurants, people come and go from their yachts and neighboring hotels. One can enjoy a lazy lunch created by Chef Gennaro, or later a sunset cocktail while soaking in Capri’s animated social scene. Or, you might want to head back to the hotel and indulge in one of the spa offerings like sauna, steam bath, ice shower or the fitness center.

Hotel History

Since 1822, Hotel La Palma – formerly known as Locanda Pagano – is the oldest hotel on Capri. The original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted travelers in his villa for the pleasure of long conversations. Often, his guests were artists, architects, painters, writers and musicians. All showed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing and playing in what was dubbed the “Artists” Hotel.

Capri – The iconic island

Laidback and a synonym for enduring elegance, Capri is set in the blue waters of Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea in the Bay of Naples just off the Sorrentine Peninsula. The island is famed for its rugged landscape, upscale hotels and shopping, from designer fashions to limoncello and handmade leather sandals. Accessed exclusively via boat, yacht or helicopter from the mainland, Capri has remained a popular destination since the 1950s; a sun-soaked playground for the contemporary jet set that captures the quintessential spirit of the Mediterranean.

Photos: Romain Réglade, Oetker Collection

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Overlooking the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the famed Sicilian hotel will soon reopen as a Four Seasons experience

The hotel is ideally placed on the hilltop town of Taormina on the eastern shores of Sicily, overlooking the Bay of Taormina and the Ionian Sea. After the ongoing extensive renovation, it will feature multiple terraces with clear views of the surrounding waters, as well as Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beach club, lush gardens, and several restaurants and bars including the award-winning restaurant, Principe Cerami.

From convent to hotel

The origins of San Domenico Palace in Taormina reach back to the year 1203, with the founding of the Dominican religious order by Saint Dominic in Toulouse, France. This classic Dominican convent was expanded in 1896 to become a hotel, featuring a new building designed in liberty style. From the 1950s and beyond, San Domenico Palace welcomed the world’s most illustrious stars of stage and screen, including King Edward VIII, Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Oscar Wilde. In 2017, the hotel hosted the world’s political leaders for a G7 summit meeting. Now, as Four Seasons, this iconic hotel begins a new era, delivering the highest standards of personalized service. You can be part of this great new journey.

In July 2021, the Hotel will reopen with 111 guest rooms and suites, two additional restaurants, as well as enhancements to the current facilities and public areas. There will also be a state-of-the-art spa with five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a Turkish bath.

Sipping an aperitivo on your private terrace as you gaze across Taormina Bay? Here’s your chance. Spacious guest rooms with king or twin beds, marble bathrooms and a fully furnished terrace await you. 

Taormina

Taormina is one of the most famous vacation destinations in Sicily. It is home to countless historical attractions, including an ancient Greek Theatre and the Corvaja Palace from the medieval era. In the 1800s, after the German poet Goethe praised its beauty throughout Europe, mentioning it in his book Italian Journey, Taormina became a mandatory stop by the young European aristocracy of the time to enrich their own culture. 

Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. The town is known for the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theater still used today. Near the theater, cliffs drop to the sea forming coves with sandy beaches. A narrow stretch of sand connects to Isola Bella, a tiny island and nature reserve.

Photos with courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

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