LIFESTYLE ITALY BULLETIN 2017 –n. 2

 

The aim of “Lifestyle Italy” is to list recent openings of hotels, hotel re-openings, new services in existing hotels, restaurants and shops as well as new flights and transport news. *

Enjoy it!

NEW HOTELS 

HOTEL VIU 5* in Milan

 

The Viu Hotel opened in Spring in the up-and-coming area of Porta Volta in Milan. This new 5 star hotel offers 124 rooms and communal areas equipped with the latest technology, a spa and a gym. The roof top terrace affords 360 degrees views of Milan and it has an open air swimming pool and deckchairs. The hotel Restaurant “Morelli” whose chef is the eponymous Michelin-starred Giancarlo Morelli, offers gourmet dishes in tasteful surroundings. You can also taste Morelli's offering at the chef's table in “The kitchen” or have a superlative cocktail at “Bulk” Bar. www.hotelviumilan.com

 

PINBALL LUXURY SUITES in Viterbo, Lazio

The Pinball Luxury Suites has recently been opened in the Medieval town of Viterbo in northern Lazio. The hotel is housed in a 15th century palazzo in the centre of the town and is an integral part with the Museum of Pinball, result of the enduring passion of the owner for these machines. The Pinball offers three apartments styled with distinctive décor, a wellness area and magnificent views over Viterbo.   

BORGO DEL CABREO RESORT, relais de charme in Tuscany

The Borgo del Cabreo resort is a new boutique hotel resort in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Immerse in the verdant landscape of rolling hills and vineyards, it offers 11 rooms and 4 suites and belongs to the wine making famous Folonari family.

http://www.borgodelcabreo.it/en

PALAZZO GRILLO 4* in Genoa

Palazzo Grillo opened this Spring in Genoa in an historic building dating back to 1545 and it is located in one of the Rolli Palaces (Unesco Heritage). It offers 25 rooms including 5 suites and junior suites. The “Primo Piano” is an exhibition area with a vault ceiling and frescoed walls painted by Bergamasco and it is used for temporary exhibitions. www.hotelpalazzogrillo.it

IL CASTELFALFI HOTEL & RESORT, 5* in Tuscany

The 5* Hotel Il Castelfalfi opened this Spring in the beautiful Tuscan countryside in a “borgo” between Florence and Volterra. This hotel is immersed in 1100 hectares of land with vineyards, olive trees, woods and small lakes, and offers 120 rooms, a panoramic restaurant, two bars, 3 meeting rooms, indoor and outdoor pools and a spa and fitness centre. http://www.castelfalfi.com/en/il-castelfalfi-5-stars-hotel/il-castelfalfi/

43 STATION HOTEL 3* plus in Milan

The 43 Station Hotel, opened in March 2017 is a 3* plus hotel near the Stazione Centrale in Milan which has been carefully restored and modernized to offer the guests maximum comfort. It offers 66 rooms decorated in natural colours, a co-working area, detox drink corner and natural fragrances are diffused in the common areas of the hotel.

RE-OPENINGS AND NEW SERVICES

 

RE-OPENING OF HOTEL LUNGARNO , 5* in Florence

The Hotel Lungarno (Lungarno Hotels by Ferragamo) in Florence has re-opened in June after an extensive period of renovation and upgrading. The hotel maintains its main signature blue, a reflection of the River Arno which it overlooks. The hotel now offers 68 rooms and luxury suites and the art collection of the hotel comprising more than 400 pieces including Picasso, Cocteau, Bueno and many others, can be admired in the Picteau Lounge. Delicious dishes can be tasted overlooking the Ponte Vecchio in the gourmet restaurant Borgo San Jacopo, 1 Michelin star.

https://www.lungarnocollection.com/hotel-lungarno

NEW WELLNESS AREA AT DONNA CORALY RESORT in Syracuse

Donna Coraly Resort, opened last summer in Syracuse, has added “Cocoti” a new wellness area where you can experience personalized treatments using natural products. Donna Coraly is the result of a sympathetic and careful restoration of a 600 year-old villa-fort and offers 5 suites all different in design and equipped with all modern comfort, a large Mediterranean garden with a thermal spring pool. There is also a resident chef that can prepare on order dishes based on local recipes using locally sourced produce. www.donnacoraly.it

RE-OPENING OF ALEPH ROME HOTEL 5* now a Curio Collection by Hilton

The Aleph Hotel in Rome has been re-opened after a period of extensive renovation under the brand Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel is housed in a palazzo dating from the 1930s near Piazza di Spagna and now offers 88 rooms of which 4 suites and 10 junior suites. A great attraction is the rooftop swimming pool and restaurant, a spa and a cigar lounge. http://www.hiltonhotels.it/italia/aleph-rome-hotel-curio-collection-by-hilton/

NEW ADDITIONS AT VILLA LENA in Tuscany

Villa Lena in Tuscany re-opened its San Michele building in July 2017, following an extensive refurbishment. The building is furnished with key mid-century design pieces and the walls adorned with works from previous artists-in-residence. Utilising the Tuscan sunlight and heat, the building has incorporated solar panels and an air heat source pump to create the first fully sustainable building within Villa Lena. Located opposite the historic Villa Lena itself, San Michele is at the heart of the estate and a central hub for activities and workshops throughout the summer. In addition to the restaurant, the San Michele building also includes an outdoor terrace and seven unique bedrooms. Villa Lena is also developing its biodynamic agriculture programme. www.villa-lena.it

NEW RESTAURANTS/SHOPS

RISTORANTE GLAM at the Palazzo Venart in Venice

Acclaimed chef Enrico Bartolini has opened a new restaurant at the Palazzo Venart in Venice open to both guests to the hotel and visitors. Enrico researches local produce ad recipes and mixes them with his innovative approach in this very intimate and cosy veranda-style dining room looking onto the inner courtyard of the hotel, in front of the gardens and overlooking the Grand Canal. https://www.palazzovenart.com/en/restaurant-bar/

COYA MAYFAIR POP-UP in Porto Cervo, Sardinia

You can now taste mouth-watering Peruvian food and experience a lively Pisco bar in Porto Cervo in Sardinia this summer until 15 September. Executive Head Chef Sanjay Dwivedi created a Seafood led menu using local produce to create dishes such as Pargo Trufa (Red snapper cheviche with truffle) and Arroz Nikkei (Chilean sea bass cazuela). COYA is open from 7 to 11pm and it is open to hotel residents and the public. www.coyarestaurant.com

NEW CHEF AT L'ORANGERIE RESTAURANT – CASTA DIVA RESORT on Lake Como

Located in the picturesque setting of Lake Como, the Casta Diva Resort now offers a new culinary experience to its guests at the L'Orangerie Restaurant, chef Enrico Derflingher will share his culinary philosophy with Executive Chef, Massimiliano Mandozzi. Enrico was a Personal Chef to the British Royal Family and the White House and he aims to develop the classic Italian creations that feature on the current menu. http://www.castadivaresort.com/Restaurants-gourmet-experience-Lake-Como.aspx

TORINO OUTLET VILLAGE, near Turin

Fond of designer shopping, but want to get a bargain? Torino Outlet Village, located just outside Turin has opened this spring and offers the ultimate luxury shopping experience with 90 shops including Armani, Gucci, Zegna, Cavalli and Trussardi. A shuttle service links Turin and the outlet at Settimo Torinese. http://www.torinooutletvillage.com/en

TRANSPORT NEWS

NEW FLIGHTS FROM THE U.K. and EIRE TO ITALY

Please consult airline's website for more details

EASYJET

EasyJet will fly from London Luton to Alghero in Sardinia as from end of November 2017, all year round and twice a week. More info on: www.easyjet.com

 

BRITISH AIRWAYS

British Airways will fly from London Heathrow to Palermo throughout the winter, twice a week as from 29 October 2017. More info on: www.ba.com

RYANAIR

Ryanair will come back to Rimini in the Summer 2018 from the UK and other destinations in Europe. More info on:  www.ryanair.com 

JET2

Jet2 Airlines will introduce flights from Belfast International and Birmingham to Naples as from May 2018. More info on: www.jet2.com

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS GOURMET IN ROME

 

City Sightseeing is introducing a new service in Rome, called “Drive me tasting”, it's the first gourmet bus that allows you to visit the Eternal City and taste gourmet dishes created by star chef Marco Bottega. The bus has a transparent roof so that passengers can admire the beauty of Rome while wining and dining with delicious food and wine.

Stefania Gatta,

Press and Communications Executive

Italian National Tourist Board

E-mail: stefania.gatta@enit.it

*NB: The hotels, restaurants and other services mentioned in this Bulletin are listed for information only and this is not meant to be interpreted as a recommendation for any particular establishment. The Italian Tourist Board does not have photos or PR contacts for the establishments featured in this bulletin, please contact the hotel/restaurant directly should you need more information.

Information is correct at date of publication.

July 2017