Fashion capital, art palace, food paradise, historical treasures, stunning beauty…
Each label will take you to a different façade of Italy
Located in the south of Europe and embraced by the Mediterranean Sea, the charm of Italy is hidden under the depth of history, culture and art, flowing in the beautiful natural scenery and shining in the glittering wheel of fashion. The homes of art – Rome, Florence and Venice – attract people from all over the world to appreciate the masterpieces of the Renaissance, and the collections of the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery and the Sistine Chapel. From Milan Fashion Week to the antique markets of Florence, Italian fashion elements set global trends. Pasta, pizza, espresso and wine make for a memorable experience. From the Alps to the beautiful beaches, from the watery cityscapes of Venice to the ancient walls of Naples, there’s beauty around every corner.
Rome: the irresistible allure of the eternal city
The birthplace of the ancient Roman Empire and one of the centers of the Renaissance, Italy’s capital city, Rome, has weathered the ages while embracing modern prosperity. Being in Rome for the first time can be a bit overwhelming – after all, there are attractions everywhere you look.
One of the capital’s symbols is the Colosseum. Built in 72 A.D., it was initially used as a venue for gladiator competitions, and then gradually developed into an entertainment center during the Roman Empire. The entire construction covers an area of 20,000 square meters and can accommodate 90,000 spectators. The outer wall is 57 meters high, equivalent to the height of a modern 19-story building. Next to it stands the Fori Imperiali which accommodates the ruins of five monumental squares. This was once the public town square during the ancient Roman era and was the political, economic and cultural center of the time.
Stroll through the city and encounter beautiful fountains. The famous Fontana di Trevi is located at the intersection of three streets, and that’s why it gets the name Trevi. One of the last masterpieces of Baroque architecture in Rome, the fountain features a huge statue of Poseidon, surrounded by gods and goddesses from Western mythology, each with a different demeanor. Since you are here, close your eyes, turn your back to the fountain and flip a coin into the pool. The Piazza di Spagna, where Fontana di Trevi stands, as one of the filming locations of Roman Holiday, attracts tourists one after another to relive the classic scenes in the movie and sit on the magnificent Spanish Steps to take pictures. Surrounding the piazza are many stores, cafes and restaurants where you can taste authentic Italian food and buy a variety of souvenirs and artwork.
The Four Rivers Fountain in Piazza Navona features four rivers that represent the four great rivers conquered by humankind: the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile and the Rio de la Plata, as well as the four continents of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The fountain has a unique design, with the four rivers emanating from a statue in the center of a huge pool and flowing into four different pools. Historically, Piazza Navona was once a place for ancient Roman aristocrats to watch performances and tournaments, and later evolved into a bustling market and commercial area. During the Middle Ages, jousting, horse racing and horse competitions were regularly held here. When it came to the Renaissance, many famous artists and thinkers left their footprints and creations in the square. Today, many artists perform singing, dancing, playing the piano and painting here to create a lively atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in art. Art lovers should not miss Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery within it. The second largest park after the Villa Doria Pamphili Park, the tree-lined garden boasts beautiful fountains and villas offering lodging and dining. The Borghese Gallery houses a large collection of works by Bernini. Each exhibit is accompanied by exquisitely decorated backgrounds and large frescoes.
Horseback riding on the outskirts of Rome is a special experience. Immerse yourself in nature and explore the monuments along the Appia Antica on a horse. Or take a boat ride on the Tiber River, where you can see the magnificent architecture and fresh greenery on both sides. For those who want to shop to their heart’s content, the traditional Campo dei Fiori market is filled with stalls selling fruits, vegetables and meats, while Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso are filled with world-renowned fashion brands. The former is also the place where Audrey Hepburn ate ice cream in Roman Holiday. The latter hosts an annual Christmas market.
Luxury holiday in Lake Como
Nestled between the Alps, a Y-shaped body of water formed by mountain springs, surrounded by elegant villas and picturesque landscapes, Lake Como in Lombardy is a symphony of serenity and beauty.
Between the verdant hillsides and the blue-green waters of the lake, a collection of stunning small towns and villages dwell. With 170 kilometers of shoreline, Lake Como has many well-equipped waterfront recreation areas and lakeside beaches, some of which are secluded and isolated. Soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful lake views is the best way to experience Lake Como. The white pebble beach of Rezzonico is recommended, and the town is known for its cultural heritage. Tremezzina’s waterfront area features large olive groves with soft lawns and offers a variety of water sports. For an alternative, take a boat trip to the small town of Careno on the eastern shore of the lake and stroll through the old streets of the village, where time stands still in tranquility.
The town Corenno Plinio stands out for its medieval atmosphere and is more secluded than the surrounding towns. The narrow streets are lined with stone houses decorated with colorful flowers, and there is also an old castle. Climb up to the observation deck of the old harbor for a panoramic view of the lakeshore and the town, and then sample the local cuisine at the town’s only restaurant.
On the western shore of Lake Como, in the town of Lenno, lies Villa Del Balbianello, built in the 18th century, overlooking the entire lake area, surrounded by beautiful gardens and woods. It is the filming location for James Bond 007 and Star Wars. Walk down the steps into the interior of the villa, which is richly decorated with historical, cultural and artistic pieces. Then take a stroll through the villa’s gardens and appreciate the colorful flowers and impressive sculptures.
The many hotels and resorts on the shores of Lake Como lead guests into a dream of luxury and wellness experiences.
Boasting unparalleled views over Bellagio and the rose-tinted Grigne mountains, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a family-run business for over a century of history, is a symbol of the warmest Italian hospitality. Built in 1910, it combines fabulous period décor characterized by vibrant colors and reflecting the exuberance of times past with contemporary luxuries.
An Art Nouveau Palace sitting adjacent to Villa Carlotta’s famed gardens with its 100 windows overlooking either the lake blue waters or the flowering greenery of the garden, the Hotel features 67 rooms and 17 suites and multifarious array of world-class facilities. The brand-new lakefront sandy lido, fully restyled to immerse you in the glamor of the Italian riviera during the 1950s and 1960s, is a place to live the real dolce vita. Two private Venetian motor launches, Ruy and Batt, await to show you the lake and its borgos. The three breathtaking pools – one of them floating on the lake – along with the fitness center and two-hectare secular park with floodlit clay tennis court allow unlimited ways to while away the hours. The hotel boasts five bars and restaurants: La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi, featuring the Maestro of modern Italian cuisine’s dishes, L’Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar, offering Italian cuisine with a twist in a casual atmosphere, T Pizza, the pizzeria immersed in the greenery of the park, Da Giacomo al Lago, the perfect bond between the breathtaking location of the Palace’s beach and the fish recipes by Giacomo Milano, and the T Bar, for signature cocktails from aperitif to after-dinner.
Following a restyling project under the guidance of world-renowned Italian architect Ruggero Venelli, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo presents Villa Emilia, an 18th-century building of three levels adjacent to the hotel’s historic Palace. Also known as T Spa, the villa offers a wellness space, five elegant treatment rooms, a Hammam suite and a wet area, which includes a Mediterranean steam bath, a Turkish bath and a sauna, with stunning views of Lake Como. The T Spa also offers guests an ice fountain, experience showers and a precious relaxation area decorated with a pre-existing frescoed ceiling, preserved and restored tiled floors and a classic-style fireplace. This is complemented by an exclusive mosaic nail studio, a breathtaking infinity pool, a three-storey gym and a private access suite within the villa, called Suite Emilia. All with panoramic views of Lake Como.
T Spa has partnered with Italian skin care line, Officina Santa Maria Novella Firenze, who has custom-designed a range of anti-stress, anti-ageing and rebalancing treatments for T Spa guests.
The rituals of the unique Hammam of Lake Como take place in a luxurious and spacious room with a vaulted ceiling, decorated with precious white Lasa marble and with the typical marble body scrub slab in the centre. The traditional cleansing ritual of the Hammam, exclusively designed and customised by Officina Santa Maria Novella Firenze, is the perfect way to revitalise both mind and body; a waterfall shower, a couple’s bath and a steam bath complete this unique experience.
The T Spa also houses a scenic infinity pool with spectacular views of the lake. The relaxation area, located at the front of the pool, includes tall retractable windows that create an open-air solarium. For an even more intense wellness experience — at five different spots in the infinity pool — guests can enjoy whirlpool experiences, surrounded by hundreds of air bubbles, water jets and effervescence.
For a more intimate experience, couples can indulge in the elegance and privacy of the exclusive T Spa Suite, surrounded by the hotel gardens. Featuring a couple’s treatment room, private relaxation area, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room with contrasting showers and waterfall jets, the T Spa Suite offers a perfect escape for two.
The other hotel worth a visit is Passalacqua. Created in the 18th century as a place of the heart on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table and the Italian art of dolce far niente, Passalacqua is that same place of wonder today.
Steeped in history, this 18th Century villa once played host to some of the world’s most brilliant minds in music, literature, art and politics from Napoleon Bonaparte to Bellini to Winston Churchill.
Standing above the picturesque village of Moltrasio, Passalacqua has now been transformed by the De Santis family into a unique hotel with 24 characterful guest accommodations spread across three magnificently restored edifices. Passalacqua features seven acres of landscaped gardens that descend to a private jetty. Every single aspect of the property’s interiors including the meticulous restoration of the frescoes, handblown glass chandeliers to mirrored secret mini bars, has been personally overseen and curated, with not one suite being the same.
The main historic residence, the Villa, features 12 sumptuous suites, which celebrate the grand Italian baroque style and original frescoes, including a double height balustraded music room, where Bellini played the piano. The Palazz or ‘ancient stables’, comprises 8 suites with centuries-old, exposed beam work, glossy damask walls and a striking spiral staircase. A Spa will be located in what was the cow’s manager, with two treatment cabins offering Barbara Sturm treatments, a relaxation area with columns and vaulted ceilings. A hidden humid area with sauna and steam bath is situated within the secret tunnels of the villa. Down by the lake, the intimate Casa Al Lago is ideal for exclusive use, with four suites, each appointed with a private garden – all sharing a beautiful dining area and fireplace.
Passalacqua will eschew formal dining areas for a relaxed ‘home away from home’ approach. Guests will be treated to authentic and simple Italian home cooking, using fresh ‘garden to table’ ingredients. House Executive Chef Alessandro Rinaldi is truly a ‘chef di casa’. Guests are encouraged to visit the kitchens and speak to the team to discuss their menu for the day, bearing freshly foraged vegetables to contribute to the meal or partake in an ad hoc pasta making session. All are invited to choose their own location to dine within the property, whether that might be on one of the terraces, in the Rose Garden or down by the lake – staff will be on hand to set up tables accordingly, the idea is to have an extremely personalised dining experience.
During springtime, Lake Como’s microclimate sees its historic gardens begin to blossom with a blaze of exuberant azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, and Passalacqua is no exception. The villa’s majestic, terraced gardens feature private hideaways, more than 15 enchanting water fountains and centuries-old trees, considered to be some of the most well-maintained in all of Italy. The views of Como are arguably at their most impressive during the changing of the season, as alpine peaks frame the view to the north – their white accents contrasting with the green slopes in the middle distance – while the blossoming gardens along the lake paint the waterfront villas in a riot of colour. Passalacqua’s Italian Gardens are located at the highest point of the estate and have the vantage point of spectacular lake views, while the ancient Winter Garden looks out onto a 20-metre swimming pool, surrounded by vibrant parasols and sun loungers, furnished in a vibrant patterned fabric custom made especially for Passalacqua by fashion designer, JJ Martin. A second Winter Garden features a state-of-the-art al fresco gym, which in turn looks out onto the estate’s ancient olive grove, where the oil has been pressed for generations.
There is nothing quite like exploring Lake Como by boat and as the temperature begins to rise, visitors are encouraged to spend time on the water with Boatman, Beppe, setting sail from the hotel’s private dock aboard either Giumello II or Didi. Giumello II is a traditional wooden boat, the perfect choice for gentle voyages of discovery, sunset cruises, and Lake Como’s particular brand of ‘dolce far niente’; whereas Didi is better suited to longer jaunts as she comes complete with a sundeck and swimming platform. Whether touring the lake’s historic towns and gardens, catching glimpses of Hollywood royalty’s Como boltholes, or enjoying a romantic Champagne cruise, a trip aboard either boat will be sure to create lasting memories for guests of Passalacqua.
Thermal Springs in Tuscany
Tuscany, in central Italy, is a land of natural wonders, artistic treasures and culinary delights, and after all, natural thermal waters, with spa centers everywhere that have been attracting people to heal their bodies and minds since ancient times.
Between Lucca and Pistoia, not far from Florence, Montecatini Terme bears witness to the perfect combination of a modern habitat and a spa town. The center of the town is lined with elegant Art Nouveau buildings and is home to many parks, restaurants and stores, while large and small spa centers are scattered throughout, making it a prime location for a relaxing vacation.
The Montecatini hot springs has been known since Roman times, and the water that gushes out from the depths of the soil is very effective in treating diseases of the digestive system, the nervous system, and the skin, and in particular, it improves the functioning of the liver, increases the liver’s purification capacity, treats constipation, and is a diuretic and detoxifying agent.
The representative spa complexes of Tettuccio, Excelsior, Tamerici, Regina and Redi are each situated in a green landscape surrounded by gardens and paths, intertwined with the town park “La Pineta”. These spa centers offer a comprehensive system of treatments supervised by medical professionals. In addition to the traditional therapies associated with thermal waters and mud, innovative health and beauty treatments have been introduced, including a range of massages, body and facial treatments, as well as slimming, relaxation and anti-aging programs. Treatments are updated with the seasons. It is also worth noting that Tamerici Spa regularly hosts a variety of musical events, exhibitions and lectures.
As you are wandering around La Pineta Park, take a sip of the thermal water under the colorful ceramic-decorated porticos. Walk along the pine forest to the historic funicular which takes you upwards all the way to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto. There you will have a panoramic view of the valley below. Step over the narrow stone paths to reach the central Piazza Giusti for a gourmet meal. Don’t forget to try the gelato and the typical Montecatini wafers. Art lovers can’t miss the Mo.C.A. (Montecatini Contemporary Art) museum on Via Viale Verdi, or head to the Verdi Theatre for a musical opera or performance.
Surrounded by scenic Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, the small town of Montecatini Terme is perfect for hiking, biking, or taking a wine and food tour.
In southern Tuscany, Saturnia stands on a hilltop in the heart of the Maremma district. For over 3,000 years, Saturnia’s hot springs have been gushing forth from the natural crater of Mount Amiata at temperatures of up to 37°C, attracting visitors from all over the world with their distinctive sulphurous smells.
The sulfur-rich hot spring water boosts basal metabolism, reduces water retention, reactivates capillary circulation, and enhances liver cell activity. It promotes digestion and improves gastrointestinal problems when consumed in small doses on an empty stomach. Also, it has a natural exfoliating, skin-cleansing and antiseptic effect.
The thermal plankton formed in the spring water is rich in amino acids, sulfur, potassium and magnesium and has extraordinary anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerative properties.
On the road from Scansano to Manciano, just a few kilometers from the center of the town of Saturnia, sulphur springs gush forth to form a stepped thermal pools and small waterfalls, into which you can leap right into for a pleasant relaxation in the beautiful idyllic surroundings. This free open-air hot spring bath is called Cascate del Mulino, named after the very old mill that sits next to it.
In addition, two luxurious spa resorts take the spa healing experience in Saturnia to new heights.
The Terme di Saturnia Spa and Golf Resort is situated at the foot of the village and has been created with the theme of natural regeneration in mind. Carved from an ancient travertine building and designed to look like a traditional Roman bath, the resort is set against a thousand-year-old spring and surrounded by beautiful Tuscan hills.
Personalized wellness journeys are at its core, and the hotel helps guests rebalance their minds and bodies through a range of spa therapies, treatments and massages, and Roman baths. Open-air thermal pools, whirlpools and hot and cold hydrotherapy healing trails are specialties. The hotel also has 124 rooms, 2 restaurants and an 18-hole golf course.
Hotel Saturno Fonte Pura, on the other hand, is built on a hilltop overlooking the valley, with a huge sulphurous thermal pool surrounded by gardens and olive groves. The thermal waters of Fonte Pura have been recognized by the Ministry of Health as being suitable for balneotherapy and for the treatment of rheumatism, gynecological disorders, and skin diseases (such as psoriasis). The hotel spa offers traditional massages, holistic therapies and hot stone massages.
In addition to these two main namesake spa towns, there are many more amazing thermal experiences in Tuscany. The Versilia Thermal Baths in Montignoso offers a beachside club experience. The Beauty Farm near Forte dei Marmi combines innovative techniques with traditional massages. After visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, head to the Bagni di Pisa spa center to experience shaping, slimming, and detoxifying treatments, where the thermal waters are particularly effective for rheumatism and vascular disease. Grotta Giusti in Montsumarno offers a unique experience of mind-body healing, set in a natural environment of green hills and just a stone’s throw from Tuscany’s main artistic attractions.