July 27, 2026
To embrace Forlì-Cesena and its history, art, nature and good food in Italy’s Romagna region, you turn your back on the sea and the white beaches of the Riviera Romagnola.
And you discover, old cities, ancient castles, fortresses and architectural gems of incalculable historical significance, and an Apennine setting with gentle hills, thermal waters and ancient pilgrim routes.
San Domenico Museum - Ph credits Luca Massari
Forlì is best explored on foot or by bike
Like all towns in Romagna, Forlì - the Forum Livii of the Romans - is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Not far from the central Piazza Aurelio Saffi, with the Town Hall, the Abbey of San Mercuriale and the 15th-century bell tower, the San Domenico Museums hosts exhibitions, concerts and conferences. Running up to 10 July is an exhibition not to be missed: Magdalene. The Mystery and the Image, with 200 paintings of great historical and iconographic significance.
Sleep and dine in an ancient Renaissance city
In the Middle Ages the area of Tuscan Romagna was geographically and linguistically part of Romagna and subject to Florentine rule. Its jewels include the spa town of Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole, which today are a single municipality. Terra del Sole is an 'ideal city' built by Cosimo De' Medici in the 1400s. It is a rare example of a fortified Renaissance city and its original walls, as massive today as when they were built, are 13 metres high and two kilometres long. On top of the ramparts the Castello del Capitano delle Artigliere (www.castellocapitano.com) is a private home that welcomes guests in its splendid rooms (with Jacuzzis and even a grand piano) while in the Osteria del Castello (https://osteria-del-castello.business.site) you can dine, lulled by history, under the towering castle walls.
Rocca di Ravaldino - Forlì
Curative thermal waters and a Memory of the World
The massive Rocca di Castrocaro fortress boasts views all the way to the Adriatic Sea, and for those who prefer a less onerous climb up to it, there are electric bicycles and the company of cycling guide Luigi Barillari (www.biketo.it). Equally fascinating is the Art Deco-style Grand Hotel in Castrocaro’s Spa Park. Famous for its annual song festival, it has thermal pools and health and beauty-farm facilities. In the historical centre of Cesena, which is less than twenty kilometres from the Adriatic coast, must-sees are the elegant façade of Palazzo del Ridotto, the handsome Piazza del Popolo and the extraordinary Malatesta Library. This has survived unscathed and untouched, exactly as it was five centuries ago, and in 2005 was listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World.
Published in Food&Wine
Garda Trentino’s wellness practices in the Comano Valley which is in the area of Garda Trentino between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, are a centuries-old spa tradition, and the natural wellbeing the area offers includes much more.
This is an area where flora and fauna thrive freely, to the point of being recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the mountains are magnificent, the woods luxuriant, and the aromas authentic.
Breathwalking and Barefooting
Each season offers unique experiences and there is the added advantage of Mind and body, in harmony, one of the Garda Trentino Experiences available through the summer up to 30 September. But at any time of year you can choose to walk barefoot along the Sensory Path of the Terme di Comano Park or breathe following the slow rhythm of nature thanks to breathwalking. And you can also practice forest bathing, barefooting (walking barefoot on paths) and conscious breathing, every week up to September.
Comano Thermal Park sensory path
Along the Parco delle Terme Sensory Path the natural materials and sensations change continuously. The path between the trees consists of eleven sensory stations and is for barefoot walkers who can have the company of spa operators, and access is free. Breathwalking is a revitalizing practice that combines yoga, qi-gong and chi-walking exercises, and means walking in a new, conscious way and in full harmony with one's breath and nature. Immersed in the woods of the Comano area there are numerous benefits, as it increases energy levels, facilitates mood control, brings clarity to the mind and helps to establish a deep bond with the environment.
For more info: www.gardatrentino.it
Published in Leisure
Rediscover your true nature on a mountain bike in Pila, in the Aosta Valley in the heart of the Aosta Alps. Some of Europe's highest peaks can be reached by cable car in 18 minutes from Aosta, and in just 30 minutes from the motorway exit.
From June through 11 September, there is a huge range of things to do including trekking, mountain biking, walking, and simply relaxing.
Jam-packed with programmes and events
The summer season is jam-packed with programmes and events. Pila is known for its attention to children, and events such as Kids Open Day (3 July and 7 August) with free MTB/DH camp, magic shows, and theatre performances. Kids just love nature and visiting mountain pastures to indulge in sports, especially mountain biking.
Exciting biking competitions and exhibitions
Other activities include the e-mtb race on 9 July with electric bikes, and the Aosta-Becca di Nona event on Sunday 17 July now in its 12th edition, which includes two classic trails and a gourmet event at La Montée des Gourmants. To conclude, on 9-11 September the IXS European Downhill Cup, an international sporting exhibition, will be held in the now-historic Pila bike park, one of Europe's best-known and most technical venues.
Enjoy the thrills of freeride descents
There's no need for snow in Pila to enjoy the thrill of speed, as downhill mountain bike routes are available all year. The Bike Park consists of 17 tracks, including the Les Fleurs-Aosta freeride descent. The Pilabikeland track, which is some four kilometres long, also allows for cross-country rides. You can hire e-bikes and schedule an e-bike adventure with local guides when you arrive at the cable car station. A well-equipped centre for the rental of bicycles and other necessary equipment is also located near the Chamolé chairlift's exit, while the e-bike rentals are near the cable car terminal.
Curves and bumps on the Pumptrack
The Pumptrack, a 70-meter-long artificial course consisting of parabolic curves and bumps of varying proportions that may be navigated by everyone from beginners to experienced riders, is right at the cable car terminal. There is also a small skills area next to the Pumptrack where you can improve your driving style thanks to the obstacles along the path.
A superior cardiovascular workout
Nordic Walking with snowshoes exerts more energy than walking without snowshoes, and thus is a superior cardiovascular workout. It is practised all over the world, but in the thin and aromatic air of Pila's woods, it is something quite different. A map is accessible at the Aosta-Pila cable car terminal information point.
Published in Experiences & Tips
The Philipp Plein fashion brand, first moved into hotels, and is now into serviced apartments with proptech company G Rent.
After the announcement of the hotel in the former Krizia Space in Milan, there is now news of a partnership with the German brand and G Rent, which operates with the Gabetti Short Rent brand. The multi-year agreement, up to 2035, makes provisions for the exclusive management of super-luxury serviced apartments in two modern complexes, each on an area of at least 3,000 square metres, in prestigious residential areas of Milan and Rome.
Complexes with gyms, swimming pools, and security services
The complexes will be built under the guidance of fashion designer Philipp Plein and his architects, with a layout that will reflect the style and identity of the fashion brand. The interiors of the buildings have been entrusted to Roberto Regondi, art director of Milanese tech company Brera Contract, specialized in interior design and media solutions. The complexes will have large apartments and the most modern and luxurious comforts including a gym, swimming pool, spa, large terraces, relaxation areas, laundry and security service with cameras on all floors.
Marrying luxury fashion with residential accommodation
News about Philipp Plein"We decided on this partnership with one of the most exclusive brands on the international scene, and one with the greatest growth potential in the top luxury sector. Its style is in line with ours - underlines Emiliano Di Bartolo, CEO of G Rent. - We define ourselves as trend-setters in Italy, being the first to bring a super luxury fashion brand to managed residential accommodation."
Philipp Plein’s first Milan hotel, formerly Spazio Krizia, to open mid-2022
Published in Hospitality
The XXIV edition of Paestum’s Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Exchange (BMTA) will run from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 October 2022 in the Cafasso Tobacco Factory, the archaeological area and the National Museum.
The event is promoted by the Campania Region, the City of Capaccio Paestum and the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others and is recognized by the UN, UNESCO and UNWTO.
7,000 visitors and 150 exhibitors from 15 countries
The aim is to enhance the value of archaeological parks and museums, promote archaeological tourism destinations and contribute to seasonal adjustment and employment. Government organizations, institutions and local authorities will get to meet professional businesses, travellers and the media. In all there will be 7,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors from 15 countries, 110 conferences and meetings, 30 European and Italian buyers, 140 supply operators and 120 journalists.
Workshops, press conferences and multimedia exhibitions
The BMTA has 16 sections: from workshops to press conferences to multimedia exhibitions featuring government and trade organizations and local authorities, as well as meetings with industry players and the general public, archaeologists, museum directors, academics, and journalists. 
Destinations from 18 Italian regions
Many archaeologically-themed prizes will be awarded including the International Archaeological Discovery Khaled al-Asaad award for the archaeological discovery of the year, and the Antonella Fiammenghi Prize for the best degree thesis on archaeological tourism or on the BMTA. Tourism destinations from 18 regions will be present in the Exhibition Hall, there will be guided tours for speakers, journalists and visitors to the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia, and workshops for European specialists selected by Enit.
Published in MICE & Events
The 5-star Botania Relais & Spa is Ischia’s only adults-only hotel. The Polito family, who own the property and the Therasia Resort Sea & Spa on Vulcano, have been investing in innovations inside and out.
New natural areas have been created in the Relais’ beautiful botanical garden, and guests can spend their days enjoying the new hot spring-water natural pools and the reserved wooded niches that are made for relaxation.
Terraces overlooking the sea
Wellness treatments can also be requested en plein air overlooking the gulf, and there are also new paths along the terraces overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea. These are perfect for picnics and meditation sessions, and the fully equipped gym has the latest generation of outdoor gym equipment.
Detox in the Garden Spa
The new Nourish & Wellness programmes in the Garden Spa are personalized sessions dedicated to drainage and detox, guided by the therapists and personal trainers, and blend with the balanced personalized meal plans created by Executive Chef Tommaso Luongo.
The Nonna Mari restaurant has an open kitchen
Having opened the first vegetarian restaurant on the island, this year Chef Luongo is unveiling Nonna Marì, a gastronomic corner on the natural terraces of the park that amps up the simplicity of Italian culinary traditions. The open kitchen has large windows overlooking the garden, and many of the dishes include fruit from the Hortus Saporum, the Relais’ organic vegetable garden.
The island’s first mixology menu
Last but not least bartender Onofrio La Monica is on hand to help guests choose from the island's first mixology menu, the Garden in the Grotto. This range of creative and daring cocktails is based on homemade, 100% natural essences collected and extracted from the many species of flowers and herbs growing on the estate.
Published in Hospitality
Designed by the award-winning Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the hotel is an exclusive twin of the nearby Laguna Palace Hotel, completing the package by catering to an affluent and adults-only clientele. Patricia Urquiola has designed a true luxury annex overlooking the lagoon and the marina. Flooded by light and with a unique design, the architecture and the interiors reflect the dialogue between man and nature, and the colourful world of Grado.
A private and exclusive environment
The 34 Patricia Urquiola-designed suites come with warm colours and stylish furnishings inspired by the Casoni traditional fishermen's cottages made of straw, reeds, ropes, and wood. All the suites have a spacious terrace, almost all with a sea view, with design elements that combine skilled craftsmanship with technological innovation in an original and contemporary style.
An infinity pool and a panoramic terrace
The amenities include an infinity pool on the spectacular panoramic terrace, a Spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a fitness and a relaxation area. Guests can also take enjoy the adjoining Laguna Palace Hotel's amenities, wellness, and food and wine offerings, as well as relaxing days on the beach.
Published in Hospitality
Casa Baglioni Milan’s construction site hosts an art exhibition inaugurated during Milan Design Week.
The exhibition called In-Between Art is an itinerary created by the Spagnulo & Partners Studio featuring works of four international artists from the Stefani Trust Collection-Fondo Arte: Enrico Castellani, Agostino Bonalumi, Anne Imohof, and Giulio Paolini. The hotel spaces are inspired by 1960s Milan art and design, with a play of light and shadow like Castellani's stretched canvas, as well as the use of neon and colours.
Luxury and family hospitality
Casa Baglioni, the new 5-star luxury boutique hotel in Milan will open its doors in the heart of Brera at the end of November. Spagnulo & Partners also designed the hotel, which will have 30 rooms, six suites, a restaurant designed by starred chef Claudio Sadler, and a wine cellar.
“There is no reception - explains communications and client manager Alessandra Carbone -guests will be welcomed as in a living room, the concept is one of luxury and family hospitality.”
Entering the history of art books
The current exhibition expresses a hospitality experience even before the opening of the hotel explains senior partner Federico Spagnulo “These characters will enter the history of art books, they made the story of Sixties informal painting and design in a Milan when projects were a whole with art and architecture.”
Published in Hospitality
Summer escapes for couples can become a Valentine's Day-in-Summer: an out-of-the-box idea for a heart-pounding summer.
From high-altitude picnics with wine baths to spa pampering and total relaxation in a Japanese onsen in South Tyrol, there's something for everyone.Here are the most exciting summer hotels and resorts for couples looking for romantic locations.
A high-altitude picnic and a wine bath for two
The Hotel Tyrol in Selva di Val Gardena has two romantic getaway experiences for couples. The first is a unique and leisurely stroll up to the enchanting private hut on Alpe Juac at 1900 metres, where you can sample traditional dishes prepared by the kitchen team led by chef Alessandro Martellini (by reservation only, price € 250 per person excluding drinks). The second getaway is both intimate and healthy with two wooden tubs awaiting the couple in the hotel's wellness area for a relaxing wine bath, followed by a massage with grape seed oil. And, why not, a wine, speck, and cheese tasting?
Website: www.tyrolhotel.it 
Silena Hotel - Onsen Pool
Couples’ relaxation in an onsen tub in the Val Pusteria
A Japanese onsen experience is now available in South Tyrol, in the Silena Hotel in Valles which has built a beautiful onsen pool on the property’s roof. This is an intimate and quiet setting in which to indulge in a couples’ ritual (prices in a Soulful Suite Recreation Rooftop start at € 320.00 per person for half board).
Website: https://www.silena.com/it/ 
Spa Suites in the Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort
A new spa suite for couples in Livigno
The new Spa Suites in the Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort in Livigno, Lombardy, are the ideal romantic retreat for a couples’ vacation. The sauna, Jacuzzi, fireplace, panoramic view, and large balcony in each Spa Suite invite you to unwind, and the intimate saline hydromassage and Apotheke with alpine herbs, will prolong those magical moments of intimacy.
Website: www.lacsalin.com 
Chalet Orniello Manna Resort
Two hearts and ... a chalet
The Orniello Chalet at the Manna Resort, a 5-star luxury property a few kilometres from Bolzano, is an exclusive refuge with private access to the bio-pool (and private indoor sauna). It is part of a special package designed for a relaxing romantic weekend that includes a special dinner at the Chef's table where you can enjoy gourmet dishes served and presented by the chef himself, as well as a Thai Oil massage for two performed by an expert Thai masseur (total price € 3.200).
Website: https://www.mannaresort.it
Published in Experiences & Tips
Top Blue flag ranking for three beaches on Tuscany’s island of Elba with La Fenicia, Re di Noce and La Marina taking the 2022 prestigious recognition for seaside tourist resorts that comply with criteria relating to sustainable land management.
The Blue Flag is awarded every year in 49 countries by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) with the support and participation of two UN agencies the UNEP and the UNWTO.
Cavoli - Ph Credits Roberto RidiA paradise with crystal-clear waters
Two other beaches on Elba, Marina di Campo in Cavoli and La Sorgente in Portoferraio, are 14th and 16th in the European rankings of the best beaches drawn up by European Best Destination, a body of the EU Commission. The Cavoli beach is one of the most popular on Elba and famous for its sand and its crystal-clear sea. It also has a favourable microclimate that makes the beach usable throughout most of the year.
Ph Credits: Roberto Rodi
A Tripadvisor beautiful beach
Perfect water, sand and gravel are what make La Sorgente so popular. There is also a scenic path that leads to the nearby beach of Sansone, in turn included in the rankings of the most beautiful beaches in Europe in 2021, according to TripAdvisor. Another top favourite is Ghiaie to the north-east of the island, very close to Portoferraio, which has an extraordinarily beautiful seabed and grey-blue pebbles smoothed by the sea. When the sirocco wind blows the water becomes even more transparent, and the sea is perfect for snorkeling.
To find out more, go to: www.visitelba.info
Published in Leisure
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