UNIQ Magazine: Forte Village, Palazzo Fiuggi & Palazzo Doglio

SARDINIA

FORTE VILLAGE | LEISURE | FASHION | HEALTH | SPORT | FAMILY | FOOD

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WELCOME

Interview with the CEO

By Luciano Tancredi

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Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, when everyone was primarily concerned with just getting through, we have built and opened two fantastic luxury hotels

t takes courage and foresight to invest in times of crisis.

“Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, when everyone was primarily concerned with just getting through, we have built and opened two fantastic, luxury hotels — Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari and Palazzo Fiuggi in the heart of Lazio, less than an hour from Rome. In addition, we are constantly working to improve the quality of our flagship resort, Forte Village,” says Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO of the Forte Village Group, who is regarded as a guru of Italian hospitality for his international knowhow, his ability to anticipate trends in high-end hospitality and his flair for creating destinations that are the envy of others in the industry.

The latest addition is Palazzo Fiuggi, the most innovative and spectacular medical spa centre in the world. “It’s unique,” continues Giannuzzi. “Because of its location, it benefits from the quality of the air and water that Fiuggi has been famous for since ancient Roman times. Add in the benefits of new technologies and cutting-edge treatments, plus medical practices that unite Western medicine with ancient holistic traditions and you have a very special healing centre.”

Palazzo Fiuggi is destined to become a temple of health, devoted to wellbeing and regeneration. “Yes, regeneration is the right word,” explains Giannuzzi, “not only metaphorically but, above all, scientifically. Significant cell regeneration is one of the most striking effects of the treatments. This claim is based on scientific evidence gathered from the check-ups that are carried out at the beginning and end of the stay in the facility: from blood analysis through body mass tests, to sleep quality and the elimination of toxins, the improvements after just one week are astounding. But the effect that satisfies us most and that most clients notice, even after just a few days, is the increase in a feeling of wellbeing and happiness.”

Proper nutrition is the basis of every treatment programme.

“We are what we eat,” says Giannuzzi, “It has been scientifically proven that one of the essential elements for living better is proper nutrition, supported by regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Among the strengths of Palazzo Fiuggi are the menus that have been scientifically developed by the three-starred chef Heinz Beck, who also boasts an honorary degree in Natural Bio-Energies and Naturopathy, in collaboration with Professor David Della Morte Canosci, Medical and Scientific Director of the facility. Thanks to them, the menus on offer at the Palazzo Fiuggi are much more than a diet: they combine a balanced calorific intake with a targeted exercise regime, but with the integration of specific nutrients based on individual needs. Thus, molecular pathways are activated that stimulate cellular rejuvenation.

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WELCOME

“In this way,” he continues “the water at Fiuggi plays a fundamental role, because its extraordinary properties purify the toxins that have built up over time, and that our immune system is no longer able to fight off. This toxic build-up can cause premature aging. The waters’ detoxifying power helps to restore balance and support our defense mechanisms.”

But the big surprise for those who decide to put their faith in the skilful teamwork of the staff of Palazzo Fiuggi will be the revolutionary concept of diet. One of the basic precepts from which chef Beck’s work starts is that the etymology of the word is “rule”, from the ancient Greek. So he has done away with the old concept of a “punitive” diet, made up of sacrifices and few flavours.

Instead, the menus designed by Beck and Della Morte — a project that has taken nearly two years — combine the taste and aesthetics of haute cuisine with a controlled calorie intake and ingredients that the body needs to detoxify and optimise both physical and mental wellbeing.

Palazzo Fiuggi’s location couldn’t be better, sitting as it does a few kilometers from Rome’s airport, just minutes from the exit on the Autostrada del Sole, and close to the high-speed train station at Frosinone. Sitting about 700 metres above sea level and surrounded by eight hectares of centuries-old natural parkland, Palazzo Fiuggi

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WELCOME

enjoys a microclimate that is famous for its clear, oxygen-rich air and is a perfect location in which to restore the delicate balance between physical and mental wellbeing.

And lovers of the aesthetic can revel in the architecture: Palazzo Fiuggi has been restored to bring the hotel back to the glories of a time when kings, queens, political heavyweights and showbiz stars graced its corridors and made it their health resort of choice. It has 102 elegant rooms — ­ all of which overlook Fiuggi and the park — in which the Carrara marble and original parquet have been restored and enhanced by sophisticated contemporary furnishings. In the halls, the extraordinary frescoes and trompes d’oeil — unique on four continents — the Liberty windows, the pharaonic Murano chandeliers and the precious floors are all redolent of a different era, inimitable for its atmosphere and style.

For its patron, Giannuzzi, this is the result of a commitment made a long time ago. Palazzo Fiuggi is the result of a vision he had: “From 1988 to 1992, I was General Manager of Palazzo della Fonte, which, today, is the Palazzo Fiuggi,” he says. “I took care of

In an ambitious move, we have had all of our staff at Forte Village vaccinated the renovation and reopening after it was acquired by the Forte Hotel group and even then I sensed its extraordinary potential. As with first love, his bond with the city of Fiuggi and the former Palazzo della Fonte has remained unweakened. Today, his desire is to relaunch Fiuggi as a wellbeing destination. In the past, it made history because of its reputation as a health spa and it is now regarded as one of the most prestigious and sumptuous in Italy with all the credentials for becoming one of the world’s leading medical spas.

This is a story of determination that can only result in the worldwide success of Palazzo Fiuggi.

But Lorenzo Giannuzzi has not eased up in recent months. As always, he has been thinking about the highly anticipated summer in Forte Village. “First of all we must always think about safety,” he explains. “Last year, the introduction of the Covid Protection protocol allowed us to create a bubble, but this year we have initiated an ambitious project that means that all of our staff have been vaccinated. On top of this, we have invested more resources in the upgrading of the Covid Protection protocol, which for the 2022 season provides, at check-in, a highly sensitive nasopharyngeal

antigen test and, if necessary, the molecular test based on RT-PCR (Reverse TranscriptionPolymerase Chain Reaction). Finally, last year the resort was also equipped with an innovative, absolutely non-invasive monitoring instrument that can, in a few minutes, assess the level of protective antibodies in an individual, thus giving additional peace of mind to guests and staff. These measures, put in place for the safety of our guests, have meant that we could host the Italian national football team for the pre-European 2021 retreat.”

Like every year, Forte Village offers new services to its guests. “Yes,” Giannuzzi continues, “starting with the Spa, where we introduced two new programmes to strengthen the immune system.

These are the Immuno Detox and Immuno AntiAge treatments, which started as a collaboration with Barbara Sturm, doctor to the stars and beauty guru of actresses and models. Then, we have new starred chefs, such as Andrea Berton, who join the already large roster led by Heinz Beck, Massimiliano Mascia, Carlo Cracco, Rocco Iannone and many others. We also have a new whisky bar for lovers of spirits, while in our shopping area there is a new Louis Vuitton store, the first in the world in a resort, plus Cavalli and Tod’s. There is news also in the sports academies with the arrival of a fantastic climbing wall, the next Olympic discipline.”

It seems that the post-pandemic reawakening has lit a fire under the group. There are countless innovations, not only for Palazzo Fiuggi, but also for Palazzo Doglio, the Group’s urban resort in the centre of Cagliari. “We are very proud of the Palazzo Doglio,” continues Giannuzzi. “It’s an exclusive concept hotel that has won the Europe’s Leading Hotel 2020 award. In Cagliari, it’s already the most fashionable place to be seen, thanks to its internal courtyard that brings together a traditional Italian square with a Mediterranean garden and exclusive outlets from catering to shopping — a place that has played host to exclusive events such as the Night of the Starred Chefs, Cantine alla Corte dedicated to wine and classical music in Corte.

Lorenzo Giannuzzi never stops. Having realised one dream, he sets to work on the next one. Will the Group be enriched with new jewels in the near future? “We are looking around, of course, so watch this space because, with Forte Village Group, a nice surprise is always just around the corner.

Lorenzo Giannuzzi, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Forte Village

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CONTENTS 26

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9 WELCOME TO FORTE VILLAGE

35 CINEMA FESTIVAL

48 5-STAR MANAGER

16 ALL THE FORTE VILLAGE LATEST NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS

36 BOLT FROM THE BLUES

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Lorenzo Giannuzzi

All the latest news and developments

The Italian football team prepares for victory at Forte Village

22 GREEN AS THE FUTURE

38 PALAZZO DOGLIO

Sustainability is our watchword and protecting the environment our top priority

26 FOREVER YOUNG

Rejuvenate your body at the new Palazzo Fiuggi, a five-star medical spa just a stone’s throw from Rome

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Stand in the spotlight at our festival of film premieres, TV series and celebrity guests

An exclusive hotel set in an elegant courtyard in the heart of Cagliari

42 IRONMAN 70.3 SARDINIA

The famous triathlon race has chosen Forte Village as the location for its new competition

The Hotel Business School inspires the hoteliers of tomorrow who come to learn from the best

50 THE SECRET TO ETERNAL YOUTH

The scientific director at Palazzo Fiuggi explains the secrets of anti-aging

54 SPORTS ACADEMIES

There’s something for everyone to get fit and stay healthy at our sports academies

58 COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE

Discover the magic of the picturesque southern Sardinian coastline with Fabian Cancellara, a legend on two wheels

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60 LITTLE CHAMPIONS ON THE COURT

The first tennis academy school offering scholarships to train tomorrow’s champions arrives at Forte Village

62 THE SECRET’S IN THE BROTH

Michelin starred chef Andrea Berton explains the importance of broth in his cooking philosophy

64 MASTER OF LIGHTNESS

Chef Heinz Beck talks about the food lines he has created for the Palazzo Fiuggi

66 DOING GOOD TO LOOK GOOD

Goooders, the brand that marries fashion with conscious life choices

70 SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Browse the most prestigious brands in the exclusive setting of the Piazza Luisa

72 TIMELESS ICON

Meet Ennio Fontana, new general manager of the Roberto Cavalli brand

Edited by Forte Village Editor Luciano Tancredi CLIK Productions Chief Executive Officer John Chadwick-Jones Creative Director James Stanley, Andrew Beswick Editor Fiona Ferguson While every effort has been made to ensure that the information published in this journal was accurate at the time of going to print, CLIK Productions and Forte Village cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

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NEWS

Dream

Resort!

Forte Village latest news

Your safety is our priority This past year Forte Village has continued to observe all the precautions that were implemented in 2020 to ensure total safety for our guests. Last year Forte Village pioneered the development of a Covid Protection Protocol — which was checked by a medicalscientific committee — that has become accepted as the international standard of excellence. With this in place, Forte Village promises a fabulous holiday in total safety. The staff has been vaccinated and upon arrival all guests are offered a highly sensitive nasopharyngeal antigen test and, if necessary, the molecular test based on RT- PCR (Reverse Transcription- Polimerase Chain Reaction).

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NEWS

A surprise round every corner Forte Village loves to present itself with something new every year, even if it is just a small detail, which makes it more fascinating every time you visit. Look at what we have been up to this past year!

Sea views Our exclusive Waterfront Suites have been newly renovated and offer unparalleled charm and spectacular views of the sea.

The way to the sea

Get fit in luxury

The entrance to the Hotel Castello has been wonderfully enhanced by a new path that leads down to the beautiful sea.

The new gym at Forte Village is a truly special place where you can relax and have fun, or train hard and get back into shape. This is a large, open-plan space housing all the latest equipment, where our personal trainers are on hand to offer you tips and advice.

The first impact The main entrance has also been renovated and now has a beautiful new layout and lots of greenery that immediately gives you a taste of the unique and extraordinary experience you are about to have at Forte Village.

Arrive in style Fly to Forte Village from anywhere in the world on our exclusive private jets. Our fleet has aircraft of various sizes for your family and friends (starting from 4 passengers). All crew and passengers are tested before departure to guarantee your safetyy from the start.

Immuno Experience In addition to the Spa Experience packages and exclusive Weight Loss programmes, the team of specialists at Aquaforte Thalasso & Spa have developed two new solutions to strengthen the immune system and revitalise you: the Immuno Detox and Immuno Anti-Age programmes will help you discover the delicate balance between body and mind, relieve stress and make you stronger than ever.

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NEWS

Doctor to the stars

Bring on the stars

Barbara Sturm, beauty guru of actresses, models and celebs, and the most famous specialist in the field of skincare, arrives at the Acquaforte Spa with an exclusive menu of facial treatments for a renewed and rejuvenated skin, all using the Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics product line.

Forte Village loves starlight so, not satisfied with already having the best restaurants and the best chefs, for next year Forte Village will also be offering a succession of Michelinstarred chefs to delight its guests’ palates.

For relaxation after dinner, enjoy the Tiki Beach and the Bar Piazza.

Calling all chefs

Sport for all

When it comes to culinary innovation, there is no shortage for guests of all ages. The Pineta Restaurant, renowned for its buffets and unforgettable evening menus, has been restyled and a new Asian restaurant has been added. There are already 21 restaurants in Forte Village, but the resort would not be complete without a venue where you can sample the best specialties of Japanese cuisine accompanied by traditional drinks.

The Climbing Academy is a firm favourite, a challenging sport that made its debut at the Olympics this year. With sessions available every day, climbing is a great way for the family to try out a new skill in a safe environment. Also, great news this year was the arrival of Coastal Rowing, a recent sport with ancient roots, which is a wonderful way

to experience the most beautiful sea in the world. Indoor sessions are available to learn the basic techniques and to monitor your progress, but once these have been mastered, you can spend hours of fun on the water with our instructors.

And finally… relax!

After so much exercise, take a well-deserved rest on the beach that has been expanded, and take advantage of the new concierge service that will satisfy your every need. And if you need an instant wake-up after a fun evening out, the morning can be spent in the beautiful and exclusive Oasis swimming pool, the jewel in the crown of the resort. In short, we have been very busy improving the facilities for you: all you need to do is discover them one by one at Forte Village.

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SUSTAINABILITY

Green as the future

Sustainability is our watchword and protecting the environment our top priority.

Together we can show how much we care about our world.

W

hat are we looking for today when we go on a holiday? What do we want from the places we visit so that they will remain as wonderful memories for years to come? We certainly want an elegant and exclusive atmosphere, but not at all cost.

Choosing Forte Village means spoiling yourself without spoiling your future. Environmental protection is right at the top of our priorities and we are very serious about our new claim, “We are green”.

And we want to be more and more so, not just for our benefit, but also for yours and for those who care about you.

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So, for example, all transport within Forte Village is only by bicycle or by electric golf car.

There are more than three thousand species of plants in this area of the Sardinian coast and our team of 80 gardeners are constantly developing the grounds with sustainability at the forefront of any garden plan or design.

At Forte Village we do not just talk about respect for the environment but we back up our words with actions. From energy-saving measures to separate waste collection for recycling and the creation of a dam where we can collect and save water, purify it and then reuse it, all our projects are

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SUSTAINABILITY

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World's Leading

World’sResort Best New Wellness Retreat

FOR A LONGER LIFE, BETTER LIVED

+39 0775 7661 | PALAZZOFIUGGI.COM | VIA DEI VILLINI, 34, 03014 FIUGGI FR, ITALY

SUSTAINABILITY

Dream with us: we dream of the future and that future is green

designed to promote and sustain the wellbeing of mankind.

We continually strive to support the local economy and culture and are constantly looking to develop a quality of life that will safeguard our future. Our colleagues are originally from the island, while our architects and the materials they use are local and reflect the Sardinian style.

Think of Sardinia and you think about food: our top produce, the delicious ingredients we love to share with friends, come from local farms and fishermen. At Forte Village, we have created a vegetable garden just for you, bursting with fresh, top-quality produce. Last but not least, our Piazza Luisa, in the heart of the resort, houses shops where you can buy local arts and crafts. We can honestly say that at Forte Village, the “zero miles” philosophy has become a reality.

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But we are not just thinking about the here and now; we are passionate about investing in tomorrow and the generations to come. Here we believe that beautiful surroundings can enhance learning. To that end we hold the postgraduate university course Five Stars Hotel Management, as well as the Master in Food & Wine Operations Management course that trains professionals in the luxury food and wine sector. In collaboration with the Luiss Business School in Rome, we have created the Hotel Business School where Italian and foreign students can learn to excel in the field of hospitality.

In a few years they will be the ones to welcome you to Forte Village, where we try in every way to promote our dream. Dream with us: we dream of the future and that future is green.

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PALAZZO FIUGGI

Forever

Young Rejuvenate your body at the new Palazzo Fiuggi, a five-star medical spa just a stone’s throw from Rome. By Luciano Tancredi

ICAROS

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HALL

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PALAZZO FIUGGI

Photo credits @tysonsadlo and @herdrepresented

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n the heart of Lazio, within easy reach of at least three international airports and less than an hour from Rome, is a majestic palace oozing history. At the perfect altitude of 700 metres, it sits in a natural park boasting clear air and exceptional thermal waters. In Fiuggi, everything centres on the water, which has been known for its exceptional properties since the Middle Ages: it’s said to have cured the ills of Pope Boniface VIII and Michelangelo. And, it was because of the water, that the Palazzo della Fonte di Fiuggi was born in 1913, the first hotel in Europe to have a swimming pool. It is a majestic Art Nouveau building, a fabulous destination in the 20th century for European aristocracy and, now, the latest acquisition of the Forte Village Group.

“Water is all important at the Palazzo Fiuggi,” explains Ciro Verrocchi, General Manager of the hotel. But everything here

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contributes to making the place a magical and unique health resort, just 45 minutes from Rome.” Leading the medical team is Professor David Della Morte Canosci, the facility’s medical scientific director, who is also Associate Professor of Neurology in the Department of Neurology of the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine in the Department of Systems Medicine of the University of Rome Tor Vegata. Since 2010, he has also collaborated with the IRCCS and the San Raffaele University in Rome as Head of the Research Laboratory and Professor of Internal Medicine.

“Professor Della Morte Canosci,” continues Verrocchi, “is an anti-aging specialist. He deals with basic and clinical science in the fields of senescence, metabolic, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The research he is working on focuses

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FORTE HEADER

YOUR PATH TO WELL BEING

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PALAZZO FIUGGI

One of the most beautiful hotels in the world from an architectural point of view on clarifying the pathological pathways that link metabolic and cognitive diseases with the aging process and to analyse the role of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory enzymes, such as sirtuins, in slowing down the processes of senescence.

He is currently also engaged in genetic studies aimed at identifying the factors that influence the development of vascular aging and cognition.”

But he is not alone in heading up the programmes at Palazzo Fiuggi. The second big signature is a name known all over the world: we are talking about the award-winning chef Heinz Beck, who won his third Michelin star in 2006, who will obviously take care of the kitchen, combining his culinary art with a passion for healthy nutrition, which earned him a degree in natural bioenergy, conferred by the People’s University of Arezzo two years ago.

In short, a pair of top-level specialists who are, Verrocchi explains, “worthy of one of the most beautiful hotels in the world from an architectural point of view. The secret of Palazzo Fiuggi’s success is the ability to bring together the best

FOUR CONTINENTS ROOM

THALASSO THERAPY

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PALAZZO FIUGGI

MOVEMENT LAB

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PALAZZO FIUGGI

of professionals on the market and to respect the place and the building, which deserves to return to its former glory.” This is a five-star hotel that has seen crowned heads pass beneath its friezes for more than 100 years, from Queen Margherita to King Vittorio Emanuele, plus politicians such as Alcide De Gasperi and Giulio Andreotti and, more recently, Silvio Berlusconi, artists such as the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio and the diva Sofia Loren, and sportsmen such as Diego Maradona.

It’s a perfect outcome that the hotel has reopened its 102 rooms — including 26 junior suites, 19 suites and the luxury surroundings of

the Imperial, Presidential and Royal suites — the two swimming pools (one indoor and one panoramic), the gym — a ball room with crystal chandeliers and cutting-edge machinery, thanks to the collaboration with Technogym — plus the benefit of the eight hectares of park on a hill overlooking the thermal area of Fiuggi. ​​ “In Italy there are no equivalent high-level projects,” continues Verrocchi, “and Palazzo Fiuggi will become the absolute gold standard in the international arena.”

Find out more on the website www.palazzofiuggi.com or call +3907757661

MEDICAL SPA TREATMENTS

HIGH DOME THERAPY

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Emotional Pictures

emotions have your

Have fun, relax and enjoy your holiday in the paradise that is Forte Village.

But don’t forget to have the “iGD” photographers take a picture of you.

These professionals are able to transform simple snapshots into lasting memories that you can take home with you.

Photography has the power to move you, make you smile and help you relive your most beautiful moments.

captured

Thanks to the professionalism that distinguishes us, and with over 25 years experience in the best tourist facilities in the world, we are able to cater to every type of photographic need.

You can either receive your photos in digital format and view them directly on your smart phone or take these one-of-a-kind, prestigious pieces home.

FRANCE |GREECE | GUADELOUPE | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC| JAMAICA | INDONESIA | ITALY MALAYSIA| MARTINICA | MAURITIUS | MEXICO| PORTUGAL | SPAIN| ST. LUCIA

CINEMA

Film

festival

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onceived and directed by Tiziana Rocca and produced by Agnus Dei, the Filming Italy Sardinia Festival, with its huge programme of visual arts, TV series, film premieres and stars of the silver screen is bound to be a success.

The Filming Italy Sardinia Festival has been an instant success, but has already developed a large following. In previous years, which attracted large numbers of cinemagoers, this international event in the wonderful natural setting of Forte Village was notable for great film premieres, plus film and TV series reviews, as well the biggest stars of cinema and television.

Expect to rub shoulders with Hollywood stars such as Isabelle Huppert, Matt Dillon, Eva Longoria, Patricia Arquette and William Baldwin, or the protagonists of the Made in USA TV series, and American stars Darren Criss and Jesse Williams.

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Italian actors who have attended the festival include Claudia Gerini, Isabella Ferrari, Paola Cortellesi, Martina Colombari, Marisa Tomei, Maria Sole Tognazzi, Gabriele Muccino, Paola Cortellesi and Michele Placido.

This extraordinary project brings together the most important small and large screen distribution and production companies, with the giants of VOD and television entertainment. In fact, in previous years, all the most important broadcasts from Netflix, Paramount Channel, HBO, Sky UK, Sky Italia, Mediaset, RaiFiction, Rai Cinema Channel, Warner Bros. Disney, FOX Life, Infinity, National Geographic, Eagle Pictures and Notorious were present, plus Vision Distribution, AMBI Pictures, BIM Distribution and Sacher Film.

The great interest in the initiative on the part of professionals and the media, is

shown by the involvement of radio and television broadcasters. But the attendance by specialised national and international media partners, demonstrates how this ground-breaking project constitutes an important showcase for Sardinia, which must surely qualify as the ideal set for filming in markets all around the world.

The winning combination of culture and tourism to promote the region forms the central plank of the strategy behind the event, which has the theme of environmental sustainability as its cardinal principle.

If we add to this virtuous planning, the acknowledged attraction of the event for the stars of stage and screen, we can see why the Filming Italy Sardinia Festival is rapidly becoming so important as an innovative initiative of promotion and entertainment at national and international level.

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FOOTBALL

Bolt from the

blues How Forte Village ensured success for Italy at the European Football Championships

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orte Village is a lucky place! And, not only that, it is the perfect spot to prepare a national football team for a major competition. In fact, the Azzurri’s victory at the European Football Championships was assured right here at Forte Village. And this has been confirmed in several TV interviews by some of the major players including Leonardo Bonucci, captain Giorgio Chiellini and above all manager Roberto Mancini. There’s no doubt then that the historic win at Wembley was born between the beach and the mountains that border the most beautiful resort in the world.

Being here created a strength within the team that enabled it to fight, suffer and win.

From 24-28 May, Forte Village opened its doors to the 33 players selected by Mancini. With them came their families and the staff of the Italian national team. This was the first retreat-

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FOOTBALL

holiday in the history of the national team and, given its success, we are sure it will become a regular fixture before any major international competition.

This was an unprecedented experiment by Mancini, as no resort, not even one as famous, well-equipped and luxurious as Forte Village, has ever been seen as the first stage to approaching such an important competition. The basic idea was to create a situation halfway between work and play for the team members, their families and the staff, with one main goal: to build camaraderie and to create a united team.

Here then was the perfect atmosphere for the first training sessions which culminated in a friendly match with the San Marino national team at the Sardegna Arena in Cagliari. The national team trained every day, honing their levels of fitness and perfecting the set moves required by their coach, but above all, they bonded as a group particularly when relaxing, often singing the songs that became the soundtrack to the summer 2021 competition. So, Forte Village became the birthplace of this band of brothers who resolutely climbed the peaks of the European Championship, one by one, until the final triumph over England.

Between the sea, which seemed bluer than usual (an omen of things to come, perhaps), the state-of-the-art sports facilities, offering both grass and synthetic pitches, the Performance Center, with the latest generation gym equipment

and the green of the resort’s dazzling tropical and Mediterranean gardens, the Italian champions also enjoyed a brief holiday with their families: their wives relaxed on the beach and at the Aquaforte Thalasso & Spa, while their children played in the pools and in Children’s Wonderland. All came together in the evening to enjoy the cuisine of the multi-starred restaurants.

The choice of our resort was no accident. Forte Village had distinguished itself by becoming the first in the world to apply the most advanced health procedures in the field of Covid-19, which made it possible for guests to stay in total freedom, without restrictions and without jeopardising their own or anyone else’s health.

In September 2020, this was put to the test for the ATP 250 tennis. Then, the following May, the anti-Covid protocols were refined down to the smallest detail for the national football teams visit, and have been further strengthened for this season.

“We are extremely proud to have hosted our extraordinary national football team,” declared Lorenzo Giannuzzi, CEO and general manager of Forte Village. “The work undertaken last year has meant we are the first resort to be able to offer guests a safe and peaceful holiday. We are happy that the whole team and their families spent a few days together in absolute safety, tranquility, relaxation and happiness and therefore to have contributed, albeit in an infinitesimal way, to the superb achievement of our Azzurri winning the European Football Championships!”

The choice of our resort was not accidental

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PALAZZO DOGLIO

Winner of Europe’s leading city hotel 2021

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PALAZZO DOGLIO

PALAZZO DOGLIO

Exclusivity and elegance

in the heart of Cagliari The Palazzo Doglio in Cagliari has been reborn in an exciting scheme that has revitalised the whole of the surrounding area. By Luciano Tancredi

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alazzo Doglio’s history is based on a series of gambles. It is difficult to get an accurate date for when it was built, since many contemporary documents have been destroyed, but the best guess puts it around the late 1920s to early 1930s, when Cagliari’s historic centre was extended, having become congested, overcrowded and consequently unhygienic.

The engineer, Silvio Doglio, was a member of the Piedmontese aristocracy, who arrived on the island in the wake of the Savoy family. He was a famous urban planner and, from 1933, commissioner of buildings in Sardinia. In Cagliari, he decided to expand the centre into a previously undeveloped area towards the sea.

Forte Village’s ownership of the Palazzo Doglio was also a bit of a gamble, based on the redevelopment of the

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entire area that has grown up around the Palazzo Doglio in the postwar period. Situated in Villanova, one of the four historic districts of Cagliari, the area has two large squares, the basilica of San Saturnino, the church of San Lucifero, and the Exma, which was formerly the city’s slaughterhouse and which has now become a centre for arts and culture. More than 34,000 square metres of land have been regenerated around this cultural centre, though development has been slow because of last year’s pandemic restrictions. Nevertheless, historic monuments have been restored, the area has been pedestrianised and repaved, new lighting has been installed and a public green constructed.

Everything obviously revolves around the Palazzo Doglio, a concept hotel so exclusive and full of charm

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PALAZZO DOGLIO

that it is has earned its rightful place in the Leading Hotels of the World and in the network of top Virtuoso structures, in addition to winning the award for Europe’s Leading Hotel 2020. It has 72 rooms — choose from Classic, Deluxe or Prestige — and eight Suites. A fully equipped spa with swimming pool and gym are just some of the facilities that Palazzo Doglio offers its international clientele.

But the real jewel in the hotel’s crown is its internal courtyard reminiscent of a traditional Italian square, with all the scents of a Mediterranean garden, plus exclusive retail outlets and high-end restaurants offering a gastronomic journey ranging from the Italian flavours of the Osteria del Forte and the Neapolitan pizzeria, through the cuisines of Brazil and Japan, which all together contributed to Cagliari being voted “City of the Year 2020” in the famous Il Gambero Rosso gastronomic guide.

With the gradual return to normality, and thanks to highprofile events such as the Night of Starred Chefs, the Cantine alla Corte wine festival, and classical music at the Corte, the “square” in the Palazzo Doglio has rightfully earned the accolade of the most fashionable location in Cagliari. Add to that the discovery of an ancient theatre in the building next to the Palazzo, where 1,000 seats are just waiting to be filled.

Thanks to Forte Village Group’s gamble, this complex can now be enjoyed by the whole city, not just the guests at the hotel and those who live in its 40 elegant private apartments, designed to the highest standards of comfort and convenience.

In short, the dream that Silvio Doglio had 100 years ago has finally been realised. The original Art Nouveau friezes are once again bathed in light after years of neglect, the war, the partial restoration in the early 1990s — when the building housed the offices of the Prefecture and the Post Office — and the restrictions of the pandemic. And so the building and the entire area surrounding it is taking on a new lease of life as Doglio’s vision of more than a century ago is finally realised.

But, the real jewel in the hotel’s crown is its internal courtyard, reminiscent of a traditional Italian square with exclusive retail outlets and high-end restuarants

Find out more on the website www.palazzodoglio.com or call +3907064640

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INTERVIEW

®

Ironman

70.3

®

Sardegna

The holidays never end at Forte Village and neither do the surprises. The most recent?

The arrival of a great international event: IRONMAN® 70.3® Sardinia

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INTERVIEW

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he renowned IRONMAN brand, the most famous triathlon race in the world, chose Forte Village to hold its newest competition. The race, held on 24th October, was attended by over 2,070 athletes from all over the world. Participants competed in three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running) over a total distance of 70.3 miles, by swimming 1.9km in the open sea, cycling 90km and running the 21km that constitutes a half marathon.

The starting point, of course, was the resort’s splendid beach where crystal clear waters and white sand challenged each competitor’s stamina to the utmost. Sport has always been an

important focus at Forte Village. Every year, guests have the opportunity not only to compete with Olympic champions in the various Sport Academies, but also to get involved with new disciplines.

Next October 23, 2022, you can go further and really challenge yourself in the IRONMAN race.

Registrations are open until all the bibs run out.

Of course the competitors will be first-class athletes, but the race can also be great fun for spectators as Forte Village transforms into a sports village with lots of music, colour and medals. Andrea Mentasti, who is the race director, eats, sleeps and breathes this event says, “This first edition saw a great desire to

OCTOBER 2021 This is a demanding race in one of the most beautiful settings in the world

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A coffee or an emotion?

You choose.

For those who do not settle for just a simple coffee but wish to enjoy the aroma and the emotion of a coffee for real experts, Caffè Milani created Espresso System, a line that includes refined blends and sophisticated single origin coffees. It is a matter of choice.

www.caffemilani.it

SINCE 1937

INTERVIEW

restart both by the athletes who came from all over the world and by the team involved in organizing every aspect of this complex event. On the technical front, we presented an extraordinary route, full of technical passages and breathtaking scenery. Our exclusive resort, blessed as it is with a favorable climate and breathtaking views, was the perfect setting for this beautiful race.” Certainly it is one way of making Sardinia attractive to tourists even out of season and appeals to those looking for new adventures and challenges, while their non-competing family members can spend relaxing days at Forte Village waiting for their athletes to return from the field. IRONMAN® 70.3® Sardinia and the Forte Village Sports Academies have all the facilities for guests to train and reach peak fitness. We all want to feel a little bit “IRONMAN” and have a good race, but above we want a happy holiday at Forte Village, even out of season.

The best known triathlon in the world has chosen Forte Village as the location for its new competition

OCTOBER 2021

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MASTER IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT

Five star

sucess

The Hotel Business School sets out to inspire the hoteliers of tomorrow by a process of learning from the best

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Francesco Picciau, you have had a long career as a manager. Your last job was as CEO of the European Institute of Design and now you are in charge of Training Center at Forte Village. Tell me about the Hotel Business School you run?

manager of this calibre at work is like being able to train alongside Messi and Ronaldo.

It is a higher education school offering Masters Degrees related to the world of hospitality that will prepare students for market demands. It opened in 2008, in collaboration with the Luiss Business School in Rome.

Forte Village has a managerial team that has been at the top and leading the way for 25 years. CEO and General Manager, Lorenzo Giannuzzi, is a daily example for all of us. He is at the helm of the best resort in the world, which has maintained its position at the top for years, and is also one of the most acclaimed managers internationally.

Here, our courses offer students not only an education, but a constant source of inspiration. Being able to see a

For now we have two courses, the Masters in Five Stars Hotel Management and the Masters in Food & Wine Operation Management. The first aims to train new managers and directors of 5-star luxury establishments in the hospitality industry. The second is a specialised path that trains professionals in the food and wine sector, from wine and beverage to food and the food chain.

Which Masters does the Hotel Business School offer?

Who are the students and how are the courses structured?

Men and women in equal measure come from all over the world. Their ages range from 20 to 30, but we also

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MASTER IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT

have more mature students, around the 45-year-old mark, especially managers who want to reinvent themselves professionally. Many have already graduated. A high percentage of them, funnily enough, come from the faculty of law. Perhaps this shows us that, these days, a classical, 20th-century training is no longer sufficient for the world of work. Both courses last 11 months and the classes usually contain 20-25 students. We have five months in the classroom, with teachers of the highest level, such as teachers from the Luiss Business School and Cornell University, a member of the Ivy League. The lectures follow the learning-by-doing method, so they are very practical and hands-on.

This is followed by six months of work experience in a 5-star luxury facility. Of course, many ask to do this internship at Forte Village.

Why? What are the features of an internship at Forte Village?

We can offer an absolutely unique 5-star experience.

To give an example, Forte Village has more than 20 restaurants, most of them starred, eight hotels, 13 exclusive villas, a very modern Thalasso & Spa and in excess of 15 Sports Academies: this level of variety cannot be rivalled anywhere in the world.

Thanks to these experiences, I can say that our graduates have five years advantage over their

We are not just a school, but a constant source of inspiration

colleagues. Those who aim to become a top manager in a 5-star hotel will get the best training here. I am proud to say that our students often become our employees and colleagues. Plus, having completed training at Forte Village opens the doors of 5-star establishments all over the world: our rate for placements after our Masters is 99 per cent.

When will the next registrations be open to those who want to enrol?

You can register from January and our courses start in November. In the future, I see more and more competitive courses and also new Masters.

To the students, I always say, “Do not save to buy a car, save to study. The car will come, for sure, but by then you will have earned it. Here you can build your future and it will be a 5-star one.”

We also have many scholarships available, plus arrangements with financial providers and credit institutions to ensure students have the funds to complete the course.

You are dedicated to service and training, but what makes the Forte Village ethic so distinct?

Here there is a unique way to cater for our guests.

What we aim for is maximum privacy, but above all we focus on flexibility and creativity. All 5-star establishments will fulfil the visitors’ wishes, but we do it with an extra level of commitment and this is what the students who attend the Masters learn. In our Masters, we teach bespoke hospitality and how to meet needs even before they have been expressed; we put the extra ingredient of “Made in Italy” into it.

I also found great professionalism and, above all, a responsibility towards the future. Looking ahead five years, we have already introduced a module on sustainability, which will be essential in the world of hospitality in years to come. Here, at Forte Village, we have a vision.

Find out more on at www.hotelbusinesschool.com hotelbusinesschool.com

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INTERVIEW

The secret to

eternal youth The scientific director of Palazzo Fiuggi explains the secrets of anti-aging.

By Luciano Tancredi

D

avid Della Morte Canosci is an anti-aging guru, in whose skilled hands we can all become like Benjamin Button. His mission is to slow down the aging clock and every day, thanks to his untiring research, he gets nearer to achieving his goal. Not only is Della Morte the scientific and Medical Director of Palazzo Fiuggi, he is also associate at the Department of Neurology of the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, associate of Internal Medicine at the Department of Systems Medicine of the University of Tor Vergata, Rome and collaborator of the IRCCS and of the San Raffaele University of Rome. He deals with basic and clinical science in the field of senescence, metabolic, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The research he is working on focuses on clarifying the pathological pathways that link metabolic and cognitive diseases with the aging process. He is currently also engaged in genetic studies aimed at identifying the factors that influence vascular and cognitive aging.

Professor, is aging a natural and unstoppable process or a disease to be treated?

Aging should not be considered as an unstoppable process, much less as a disease. Aging is, in fact, a physiological process determined by the reduction or loss of our defense mechanisms against aggressive factors to our body, both

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external and internal. Consequently, by reducing these aggression factors and increasing our defenses, which are lost with increasing age, we may be able to slow down and reverse the aging processes. The main factors on which to concentrate to implement these anti-aging strategies are protection against inflammation and oxidative stress — the main threats to our organs — and the prevention of chronic diseases.

Can we live longer, but also well?

Of course. The goal is precisely this, to live as many years as possible free from chronic disease and therefore to enjoy a good quality of life. These diseases are now most frequent in Western countries and the age at which they manifest themselves, unfortunately, is getting lower and lower. These include cardiovascular, neurological and neurodegenerative metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.

Fundamentally, a correct and accurate prevention can only be achieved by integrating a holistic picture of the whole health of the subject.

What are the protocols you have devised for Palazzo Fiuggi?

In line with my beliefs, that is, with the goal of living a long, healthy life free from chronic diseases, we have created health and wellness protocols at the Palazzo Fiuggi by

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INTERVIEW

developed exclusively for our guests based on the ancient remedies of the Benedictine pharmacies of Ciociaria.

Thanks to these menus and the properties of the Fiuggi water, we are achieving significant benefits for all our guests in terms of weight reduction, water retention, lowering of blood sugar and all lipid values, including triglycerides and total cholesterol.

Any advice, in addition to coming to Fiuggi to follow its protocols, on behaviors and precautions to be taken to live more and better?

combining the best of Western medicine, characterised by the most advanced diagnostic technologies on the market, with the best of Oriental and holistic medicine.

These protocols aim at restoring the body to a state of complete wellbeing through a series of programmes aimed at weight loss, regenerative medicine, detoxification of the body, strengthening the immune system and psychophysical harmonisation.

Our advice, as well as coming to Palazzo Fiuggi, is to try to follow a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure that your biological age is lower than your chronological one. A few fundamental tips would include eating lots of vegetables and fruit rich in polyphenols and few foods with saturated fats, sugars and refined flours. Take daily exercise, even if only for a short time, and drink lots of water, preferably from Fiuggi. Spend time on yourself and replenish what your body needs as you grow older.

You and chef Heinz Beck have developed specific menus for Palazzo Fiuggi. Where did you start?

It was an honour and a pleasure to collaborate with Chef Beck who, in addition to being one of the greatest chefs in the world, is an expert in nutrition and naturopathy. Together, we have developed unique menus that are not simply based on calorie restriction, but are a mix of healthy micronutrients capable of activating protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecular pathways in our body. Chef Beck has combined foods rich in melatonin, vitamin C and D, quercitrin, polyphenols and Omega 3 to create delicious dishes that appeal to all our senses. It should be emphasised that these menus have all been created to harmonise with the healing and purifying herbal teas, made from the famous Fiuggi water, that we have

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TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD PRO RIGHT-BACK LAURA FREIGANG PRO FORWARD

SPORTS

Sports

Academies

Chelsea Foundation Soccer Camp Live the dream and play with the former stars of Chelsea Football Club. If your children live for football, if they are aged 6-16, imagine seeing them attack, defend, dribble, score, or perhaps save if they are in goal, under the watchful eye of the coaches and the most famous former players of Chelsea Foundation Soccer Club.

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SPORTS

Rugby Academy Our Rugby Academy by Legends is high energy stuff. full of passion, tenacity and fun for boys and girls aged 5-16, at all levels of skill. Our teachers? Simply the best, including two famous former British rugby stars. And at the end of the course, there’s a party, a medal and the Legend Star Certificate.

Legends include: Will Greenwood, Austin Healey, Rachel Burford, Martin Johnson

Bike Academy If you too have been overwhelmed by the passion for two wheels, the Forte Village Bike Academy is the right place for you. This corner of Sardinia offers the most scenic and beautiful roads and trails on the island, fun for the novice biker and challenging for the advanced.

Legends include: Fabian Cancellara, Paola Pezzo

Fencing Academy The fencing academy will be held at the Sport Academy Centre, which is equipped with four state-of-the-art professional pistes. Put on a mask, grab an épée, foil and sabre, and learn the fascinating sport of fencing from the best.

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Boxing Academy

Swim Academy

Boxing is a challenge, a lesson in life, respect and courage. Learn this exciting sport, thanks to our special boxing course held by one of the greatest champions of this sport. We are talking about Frank Buglioni, British champion and star of the Frank Buglioni Boxing Academy at Forte Village.

In the splendid 25-metre Baia delle Palme swimming pool, with five dedicated lanes, highly qualified instructors will teach all levels from complete beginners to those wanting to perfect their style in each stroke, and develop their racing starts and turns.

Legends include: Martina Moravcovà, Domenico Fioravanti

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SPORTS

Tennis Academy There are 11 clay courts, one grass court and one concrete court at the Academy where the rush to the net is led by some of the former greats in the world of tennis, coordinated by Rocco Loccisano, former coach to Pat Cash. There are courses for all ages and abilities, junior and senior, specialising in competitive game techniques and single shots, which are analysed by a sophisticated video system.

Legends include: Magnus Larsson, Dominik Hrbaty, Andrei Chesnokov

LOL Dance Academy Calling all dance enthusiasts — lessons at the Forte Village Dance Academy will start again this summer, when together with our teachers you will be able to learn and improve your moves and dance skills.

Basketball Does your passion for basketball give you no peace?

Do you want to challenge your friends to exciting matches full of the sound of baskets and rebounds? Forte Village is the perfect place: take part in the Ettore Messina Basketball Academy by A | X Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano and discover a calendar full of activities and basketball games organised with fellow guests that will keep you in training all summer long.

Legends include: Andrea Cinciarini, Ettore Messina, Luigi Datome

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SPORTS

Freestyle Football Academy Learn the best tricks with Marcel Gurk!

Football Freestyle is a fast growing and increasingly popular sport, which pushes you to perform the most incredible ball stunts and develop ball control beyond the bounds of imagination.

Go-Kart Academy

Netball Academy

Passionate about engines and speed? Then you are ready for the PGK Go-Kart Academy. Drawing on the experience of the racing world, this is designed to encourage new fans of motorsport and improve the performance of experienced drivers both theoretically and practically. The courses are held by professional riders and technicians, and directed by Paolo Gagliardini, former Italian and European champion in the 125 class.

The game taught at the Netball Academy by Legends is fast and exciting.

It’s rules are very similar to basketball, but without the backboard, only the basket, and equally intense and easy to learn. It’s the perfect sport for children, teens and adults taught by the real legends of this sport.

Legends include: Giancarlo Fisichella

Legends include: Pam Cookey, Eboni Beckford-Chambers, Tamsin Greenway, Rachel Dunn

Marvin’s Magic Academy This is the world’s first magic school in a resort and revealing the tricks of the trade, from the easiest to the most surprising and complex, is Michael J Fitch of Marvin’s Magic Academy, the greatest celebrity of illusionism.

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INTERVIEW

Come along for

the ride

Discover the magic of the picturesque southern Sardinian coastline with Fabian Cancellara, a legend on two wheels.

By Luciano Tancredi

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A

new Academy, led by another sporting legend, has come to Forte Village. His name is Fabian Cancellara, but everyone knows him by the two nicknames he won on the field: “Spartacus” or “The Bern Locomotive”.

As a time trial specialist, he has won a great deal in his career: four World Championships and two time trial Olympics, the Milan-Sanremo of 2008, three stages of the Tour of Flanders, three of the Paris-Roubaix, a Tyrrhenian-Adriatic, a Tour de Suisse and finally eight stages of the Tour de France and three of the Vuelta a Espana.

Fabian is of Italian origin, as revealed by his surname: his father Donato, was born in Lucania and moved to Switzerland, aged 18, to become an electrician. Fabian lives in Bern with his wife Stefanie and his daughters Giuliana and Elina. His Italian origins inspired him to compete wearing the colours of Italian cycle teams Mapei and Fassa Bortolo. And now he has arrived at the Forte Academy.

Fabian, what was your most important victory?

All victories are important. They are the culmination of months and months of preparation and effort. I must admit there are many that I remember with pleasure — these are the rewards that an athlete works for and treasures.

It is also a moment we can share with the public and with those we care about.

Certainly, if I had to choose only one I would say my final victory. I ended my career in 2016 at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

I remember every moment of that victory and of course I remember my Gold Medal.

These are occasions I will never forget.

What competitive challenges do you have from day to day?

Sport has been, and still is for me, a real school of life. If I look back, I find a man who has been changed by the competitive spirit and today, when I have finished my career, I feel it even more. The years of training and preparation, plus the years of competitions have forged me as a man, in body and in spirit.

For me, cycling is not a simple thing, it is not just my chosen sport, but it is a philosophy of life. Competitiveness, at its best, is always a part of me in everything I do. Sport has taught me to hold on no matter what life throws at me.

Over the years I have learned both how to fight alone and how to fight in a group.

Certainly, the thing for which I am most grateful is that my competitive spirit has

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made me understand what fair play is and how important it is to the human race.

Sport can make us better human beings.

Did you start cycling at 13? Or is it true that at this stage you thought more about football?

It’s true. This was the first time in my life when I began to be interested in sport. In my pre-adolescence years, my first passion, like many boys, was for football.

We all love to chase a ball. Then, my father introduced me to the bicycle. This memory is very special and the memory still makes me shiver. My dad had a bike in the garage and one day I asked him if I could borrow it for a ride.

By cycling together we come to understand one another. Cycling companions have a way of becoming companions for life That old road bike took me to the woods and lakes every day, where I was alone with nature for hours. My great passion, which became my profession, started here.

How far have I and my bicycle gone? Well, all I can say is that I have cycled a lot in life.

You have always loved to compete on the road. What will this experience bring to the Forte Village?

Pedalling on the road is the most beautiful thing in the world because it allows you to observe nature and the world around you; I believe it allows you to discover yourself too. Doing it in a wonderful and enchanted place like Sardinia is a real privilege.

Cycling around Forte Village is fantastic and I hope to be able to share other new experiences with Forte Village guests.

Everyone who wants to join me and pedal along these roads is welcome.

Together, as a group of friends, we can discover the streets of this beautiful and breathtaking land.

By cycling together we will get to know each other and understand one another, and, in that way, I am sure that each of us will learn something new. Cycling companions have a way of becoming companions for life.

Which routes did you choose in Sardinia? Is it a territory that lends itself to cycling experiences?

Sardinia is a magical and enchanted land wherever you go. However, guests of Forte Village are in a very special place. The nature and landscape around the resort is so beautiful that the senses are almost overwhelmed by the experience. We will cycle together through an enchanted world. I have chosen paths that I hope will result in sights and sounds that will remain with my companions for life.

Here at Forte Village, guests can enjoy long excursions along the most picturesque roads and little known paths of the southern Sardinian coastline. It is certainly one of the most beautiful areas in the whole Mediterranean area.

Tell us about the Bike Experience.

Who is it for? How is it organised?

First of all, I want to say that it is a sporting activity aimed at anyone and that everyone is welcome. I love cycling early in the morning, then coming back and waiting for my family to wake up so that we can have a nice breakfast together.

I think many parents would enjoy the same experience. I would like them to be able to share such an adventure with their families and I can already imagine their smiles. Certainly the experience is aimed at very passionate cyclists, but at Forte Village there are no restrictions even for the little ones. Children can ride safely inside the resort. There are cycle paths in a green atmosphere that is traffic free where the little ones can ride freely without ever having to leave the facility.

Have you any tips for the many who want to participate in the bike experience to get prepared and to savour Sardinia at its best?

The only advice I can give to everyone is to prepare for a wonderful time. This trip will remain forever in their hearts and memories. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I don’t think there is anywhere quite like Sardinia for a cycling holiday.

When you cycle together you are all the same, everyone learns from each other, the differences disappear and, as you push yourself to the limit, you become as one.

Come along for the ride.

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TENNIS FOUNDATION

LITTLE CHAMPIONS

on the court We create a dream to promote the future The first tennis academy offering scholarships to train tomorrow’s champions has opened at Forte Village

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TENNIS FOUNDATION

T

he Tennis Foundation has launched the Little Tennis Champions humanitarian project that will be built at Forte Village Resort. Together with its partners and international sponsors, the Turin-based charity hopes to open the doors to tennis for young talents and to help them in their personal training and development.

Founded by Simone Bongiovanni, a lawyer with a passion for tennis since he was a child, and managed by a team of professionals, the not-forprofit association has its headquarters in Turin and operates internationally.

Little Tennis Champions is a unique project that has never been tried before in the history of tennis: its main objective is giving children who have sporting ability, but come from disadvantaged geo-political, economic and social backgrounds, a chance for growth, development and achievement.

The rationale behind the scheme is to “give those who don’t have the chance an opportunity”. The project provides full-coverage scholarships to finance schooling, learning and the development of tennis skills for 20 children (10 boys and 10 girls) who will start High School in 2022. They will be drawn from various countries, including Moldova, Ukraine, Bosnia

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and Herzegovina, Albania and Macedonia, as well as from Italy, the country of origin of the organising association.

Each scholarship covers all the living expenses for the child attending the Forte Village Resort tennis school for four years of High School. There, the children will receive tennis lessons, under the expert guidance of Emilio Sanchez and his Sanchez-Casal academy, as well as participating in other sporting activities, such as football, swimming, dance, bodyweight gymnastics and engaging in alternative activities such as communications and journalism. At the end of the four-year course, the eight best students will be selected to be included in the professional ATP and WTA circuits.

The 2021 Summer Masters was staged earlier this summer, as a premiere to the Little Tennis Champions scholarship programme. The 20 students selected in June throughout Italy (10 boys and 10 girls) have participated in the tournament that ran from 30 June to 25 July and the best four will be spectators at matches played by the best players in the world. Not only that, the four finalists will have access to the final selections for the 2022-2026 LTC scholarship!

Find out more at www.itennisfoundation.com

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INTERVIEW

BERTON,

The secret’s in

the broth Intent on seducing his customers with his refined cuisine, Michelinstarred chef Andrea Berton explains the importance of broth in his cooking philosophy.

By Luciano Tancredi

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INTERVIEW

A

ndrea Berton started working in the kitchen in the 1990s, first with Gualtiero Marchesi and then under Alain Ducasse. In 2005, he moved to the Trussardi alla Scala restaurant in Milan, where he was awarded his first Michelin star in 2008, rapidly followed by a second in 2009. In December 2013, the Berton restaurant opened in Milan, where broth was the star of a tasting menu. In 2014, Berton obtained a Michelin star and then was awarded another in 2016, just nine months after opening the Berton al Lago restaurant at the Hotel Il Sereno on Lake Como. His is a refined and complex cuisine, a style that he says has been influenced by each of his former mentors.

What does cooking mean to you today. Do you think of it as creative, a challenge or an art?

Chef Berton, you have been at the Forte Bay restaurant at Forte Village. Did you present a special menu for your guests?

Everything I do excites me every day. It’s part of the job, from discovering how to perfect using a new ingredient, to making a completely new dish. Satisfying the customer by looking for new, exciting ideas every day is the greatest feeling. This is the best part of being a chef.

I served to the guests of Forte Village my most typical dishes and hope to demonstrate my cooking philosophy through a menu of revisited recipes from my Berton restaurant. The emphasis was on the broth. It is such an important element, that I have designed a tasting menu for it in my Milan restaurant.

You had the opportunity to experiment with many ingredients: was there a new dish?

For me, cooking means having respect for the raw materials as well as respect for the customer and a commitment to sustainability and the world of food.

Creativity is fundamental; it is the heart and soul of what we do. The challenge is to improve every day, while creating a beautiful plate of food is an art form. All these must be combined in the right amounts to produce a satisfying and memorable experience for the customer.

Is there something that particularly excites you in your daily work?

Cooking is also a form of seduction. Do you try to seduce the guests at Forte Village?

Obviously I hope my dishes seduce all the guests of Forte Village with their taste and flavour. That’s how I want to enhance the pleasures of dining.

I believe that all the ingredients must be given a chance to shine. There was certainly a new dish on the menu at Forte Bay. We used local ingredients, based on fish and typical Sardinian products, and has been created according to my personal cooking philosophy.

You offer a very recognisable cuisine, but what do you think are the hallmarks of a starred chef?

My cuisine is straightforward and comes from the heart and therefore is instantly recognisable. A starred chef should be able to take his guests on a journey that overcomes any kind of prejudice and offers an experience that fully conveys that chef’s philosophy.

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FOOD AS MEDICINE

Master of

Lightness

Chef Beck, holder of three Michelin stars, talks about the food lines he has created for Palazzo Fiuggi.

By Luciano Tancredi

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FOOD AS MEDICINE

T

hree-Michelin starred chef Heinz Beck is first and foremost a professional. He puts passion, dedication and perseverance into everything he does and never settles for second best. Polite and sincere, he is always happy to talk to anyone who is interested in his work. He is also an artist, a painter at heart, the career he would have chosen if he hadn’t become a chef.

He loves Italy, thanks to his wife Teresa and, above all, he loves Rome.

His restaurant La Pergola is the only one in Rome to hold three Michelin stars. Here, for the past 20 years, Beck has been experimenting primarily with the taste and textures that his dishes deliver, but also with the effect they have on our bodies. His philosophy is very clear: “Those who go to restaurants want to enjoy the evening; to have perfect flavours, smells and colours; in short, they are looking for a sensation. When a diner gets up from the table, what he has eaten must be easily digestible and have supplied his body with balanced nutrition.

Otherwise the sensation turns from one of wellbeing to malaise, fatigue and heaviness. I would never deliver a plate that is all show with no health benefits for the diner. Every dish must satisfy my four criteria: smell is the first to

attract; sight is the second, because the dish must be a perfect combination of colours, shapes and shadows, otherwise the brain becomes confused; then the taste, of course, is all important; and finally the digestibility. If, when you get up from the table you have experienced a range of scents, colours and tastes and you don’t feel heavy, the meal was perfect.”

Head Chef Beck says that the Palazzo Fiuggi, is “an incredible place with a history of wellbeing that dates back to the ancient Romans. Because of its altitude, the air is perfect for oxygenating the cells. And then there is the water drawn from natural springs that have been attracting those in search of good health for hundreds of years. It is the perfect place to develop my latest project.”

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Beck has been working tirelessly for two and a half years now, in collaboration with Professor David Della Morte Canosci, a guru of anti-aging research, who has been carrying out genetic studies for some time aimed at identifying the factors that influence vascular aging and cognition.

“In recent months we have created 10 menus together,” he continues, “developed after hours of brainstorming. Some are quite traditional, aimed at detox, weight loss and anti-aging, but there are also very innovative ones: precision diets with epigenetic food that are customised by studying a person’s DNA. In fact, DNA tells us not only exactly what we can and must eat, but also how and when. There are people who don’t get fat if they eat carbohydrates at dinner, while if they eat them for lunch, they do. We have also developed an immune boost line designed specifically for the post-pandemic, and a holistic food line inspired by Oriental medicine that brings mind and body together.

And all have been developed according to strict medical-scientific protocols.”

In short, Chef Beck, will this be the future of cooking? Or rather, haute cuisine?

“Yes, but look, I’m not the only one saying it.

Anyone who really thinks about the direction our world is going in cannot help but come to the same conclusion. The days when the primary object in a restaurant was to put rich and abundant food on the table are over. And it is not just a flash in the pan. I have been doing it for 20 years, but now many other chefs are arriving at the same conclusion and proving me right.”

Menus not diets, right Chef Beck?

“Actually it is wrong to associate the word ‘diet’ with a negative meaning. It is we, society, who associate it with punishment, renunciation, fatigue and disease. In fact the word comes from the Greek and means ‘to give oneself a rule’, which is not a bad thing at all. This is the secret of a diet: put simply it is just improving your life through the right rules.

Diets can be wonderful.”

And the Heinz Beck Food Lines created for Palazzo Fiuggi really are, according to the Chef.

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INTERVIEW

We are reducing our waste, our packaging is plastic-free, and we promote ethical travel

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fortevillage.com

INTERVIEW

Doing good

To look good Meet the force behind Goooders, the brand that marries fashion with conscious lifestyle choices. By Luciano Tancredi

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va Geraldine Fontanelli is a French Italian journalist, trendsetter, creative consultant and ambassador for sustainable consumption and lifestyle. She began her career as a fashion editor for Elle and Glamor in the United States, moved to London for a spell and now lives in Milan, where she works at Vanity Fair as Editor at Large and as a consultant for fashion brands. She is a highly successful influencer and inspires millions of women every day with her original brand of elegance and style.

Her new project is called Goooders: literally, those who do good. The concept is to promote a group of conscious lifestyle brands through an online platform and via pop-up stores in luxury hotels that already have a commitment to promoting sustainability.

Goooders curates a collection of ethical and sustainable brands producing clothing, hand-crafted accessories, travel gear and home goods. It now also has its own collection of organic cotton T-shirts, plastic-free water bottles, ethical jewellery and bamboo toothbrushes, all beautifully designed and gathered together under the Goooders banner.

Every purchase in a Goooders boutique is a positive contribution to the future of our planet and to those generations that will come after us. Each pop-up store has its own style showcasing unique brands often made by local craftsmen and the underprivileged.

By making more conscious ethical choices when shopping, purchasers realise that “if you do good, you look good”.

Tell us about Goooders. How did the idea come about?

Goooders was born from a lucky encounter with Caterina Occhio, our sustainability manager, in Tunisia, where she founded the first Fair Trade brand in the Middle East.

What does it mean to combine fashion and sustainability?

It means combining our human values and concern for the environment with products that also have a significant creative and aesthetic content. When I was advising on United Nations ethical fashion projects, I found that objects of this nature were often not very beautiful.

What is a conscious traveller?

The conscious traveller is someone who adds value to everything they do, no matter where they are in the world, and are always looking for the human story behind the things they buy.

Can we all be conscious travellers?

Absolutely, yes we can. It could be through the smallest gesture or the most insignificant change. Sometimes it takes very little. For example, how about replacing the thousand plastic bottles we consume with one refillable one?

Describe the pop-up store in Sardinia?

It’s colourful, sophisticated and exclusive — a luxurious bazaar where every item has a story to tell.

What will we find to buy there?

It will stock clothing, hand-crafted accessories from around the world, household items and beauty products.

What will the Forte Village sustainable traveller buy?

Probably something to take home as a souvenir of a wonderful holiday. We will promote Italian and local products and holiday clothes from swimming costumes and sports gear to evening wear.

Your slogan is, “If you do good, you look good.”

What does it mean?

Those who adopt an ethical lifestyle and make conscious lifestyle choices — in other words goooders — seem to shine from within.

What do you recommend for an impeccable look on the beach?

One-piece swimsuits in upcycled fabric and large caftans in organic cotton.

Is there a secret to always being elegant? Simplicity or originality?

You claim that Goooders is eco-friendly and sustainable. Can you give us some examples?

I believe that the secret is to be yourself, authenticity brings its own reward.

We are reducing our waste in terms of energy and resources, our packaging is completely plastic-free and we promote an ethical way of travel. All our brands also have to fulfil these criteria.

What’s your advice for a glamorous dinner by the sea?

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Always wear an exclusive accessory that has a fascinating story behind it that will make a good topic of conversation.

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MEET THE FORTE TEAM

Strength of

a smile

These are our smiles. You may not see them behind the masks we have to wear, but they will shine through our eyes. The smile, which represents our dedication to fulfilling the wishes and promoting the wellbeing of all our guests, is the secret behind our team and the success of Forte Village. As we welcome you to every corner of our resort, we are here to make your vacation unforgettable, always with a smile, the smile of strength.

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MEET THE FORTE TEAM

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SHOPPING

Shop till you drop Browse the most prestigious brands in the exclusive setting of Piazza Luisa

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here are some big names in the Piazza Luisa. The Forte Village shopping experience is the height of luxury and awash with prestigious brands. The latest arrival is world-famous Louis Vuitton, which has opened a pop-up store, the first in a luxury resort in Italy. The outlet welcomes customers to its circular building in the luxurious Piazza Luisa, the heart of Forte’s Village’s shopping experience. But that’s not all. The second major opening this year is Tod’s pop-up store where you can find an exclusive selection ranging from the brand’s iconic items to summer musthaves, with a special limited-edition for Forte Village customers. And if two new outlets is not enough, there is a third, again in exclusive La Piazzetta, where the new Roberto Cavalli pop-up store welcomes the resort’s guests into a regular-shaped

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building with large windows. The interior is furnished in a seaside theme and also features zebra prints on a mint background from the new collection by Fausto Puglisi.

Guests will be welcomed by a highly qualified team ready to satisfy the demands of an elegant, international clientele while showcasing the ready-towear collections for women and men, plus accessories and couture.

So, now more than ever you can indulge yourself in the luxury of going on vacation without packing any bags because it’s perfectly possible to buy everything you might need during your stay right here at Forte Village! Here in this superb resort, you can enjoy a unique shopping experience, thanks to the exclusive boutiques that frame the sparkling Piazza Luisa, where you can find collections of the most prestigious Italian and world

brands offering clothes and accessories that are often unavailable in other places.

Think of the exclusive Modes multibrand store, which stocks Amina Muaddi shoes and sandals — unique creations that will make your days and especially your evenings sparkling and elegant. Options for women’s clothing include Richard Quinn, the English designer who turned the head of Amal Clooney in 2018 at the Met Gala when she decided to wear one of his creations at the last moment. For the men’s line, Modes has selected Brett Johnson whose irresistible clothes combine the taste of the American designer with the uniqueness of Made in Italy: craftsmanship and savoir faire can be found in the light-coloured jackets for long days of sun, sea and relaxation. And for the man with a rock ’n’ roll soul who doesn’t like to play by the rules, but who loves

fortevillage.com

SHOPPING

Guests at the resort will be welcomed by a highly qualified team ready to satisfy the needs of an elegant, international clientele

luxury and elegance, look no further than the Department Five line by Marion Cangini and Nicola Silvagni. And for those who prefer the classic with a minimalist style, the splendid collection by Jil Sander, defined by many as the German Armani, is not to be missed.

If you are looking for a little French flair for your holidays, drop in to Jacquemeus, a unique brand renowned for its colourful and joyous style. If, on the other hand, you want to leave the classic European canons behind and prefer a style with faintly Japanese undertones, Modes’ suggestion is the iconic American designer Rick Owens.

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Did you forget your swimsuit? Don’t worry. Sundek, with its simple, youthful style, is right here at Forte Village offering a selection of clothing that, in addition to shorts, also includes colourful T-shirts.

And, guests wanting to take advantage of the countless sports activities available on site, should visit Under Armor, which has a vast selection of exclusive sportswear.

As this is a family resort, the little ones have not been forgotten. In fact, mums and dads can find everything they want in its boutiques, plus in a great development, Brunello Cucinelli is opening a new kids corner. Last, but not least, the highly

anticipated pop-up store Goooders, the brand created by Eva Geraldine Fontanelli, with a “conscious lifestyle brand” has opened at the Central Reception. Focussing on sustainability, the brand’s philosophy is “you are even more beautiful if you are good”.

A unique shopping experience awaits guests at Forte Village, offering everything from Sardinian crafts to clothing and jewellery. Numerous local, Italian and international brands have chosen to open outlets here so guests can enjoy an unparalleled shopping experience.

Come and shop with Forte Village.

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INTERVIEW

Timeless

icon

Ennio Fontana reveals his vision for the iconic Tuscan brand Roberto Cavalli, which this year saw the opening of a new boutique at Forte Village.

By Luciano Tancredi

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fortevillage.com

INTERVIEW

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his is the beginning of a new era for Roberto Cavalli, which was acquired by Dubai tycoon Hussain Sajwani in November 2019. At the helm of the Tuscan brand is General Manager Ennio Fontana, who is masterminding a complete relaunch and has plans to revolutionise all the various sectors: collections, licenses, wholesale and retail. The opening of Roberto Cavalli’s boutique in La Piazzetta del Forte Village is an important part of this new strategy.

You are at the helm of a brand with enormous potential. What are its greatest strengths?

I started with the brand. Cavalli’s overall appeal is still very strong and Fausto Puglisi’s creative drive and modernity have created an immediate interest among the international public and professionals as we embark on this new direction.

The range of products offered by the brand has widened to include casual, men, footwear, bags and home. What is your strategy?

Men are very important for all brands, and are even more fundamental for us. There is plenty of scope for us to cultivate this area. The male clientele perceive the strength of the brand. It will be very important to give them a contemporary product that lives up to their expectations, then the results will follow. Casual woman and sport must be strengthened and integrated into eveningwear, which is already very strong. We must also work to increase accessories in general with a focus on men’s and women’s footwear, to complete the range of core categories.

All over the world, the first word that has come to mind when Cavalli is mentioned is “animalier”.

Is this still the case?

The animalier is the true DNA of the brand and because of t hat we decided to refocus on that iconic element, because recently this aspect has become somewhat diluted.

The animalier is Cavalli, Cavalli is the animalier!

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Cavalli is a world icon that is associated with a strongly characterised and recognisable lifestyle. Is anything changing?

Of course. It is important to extend the language of the brand to many more product categories. It is no longer enough to be recognised solely for couture and eveningwear. And this must be achieved absolutely evenly between the primary and secondary lines; the entire range and all the variations of the brand must be included in the primary offering.

The new director of the creative team, the Sicilian Fausto Puglisi, has won a place of honour among elite international designers and is much loved by the stars.

What is his mission?

To entice the most beautiful women in the world.

How did the adventure at Forte Village start?

As an idea from our Franchise Director, Massimo Simonazzi.

I knew about Forte Village, because I spent a fantastic holiday there in August a few years ago when I developed a real respect for the entire organisation and its management. So for Cavalli, this represented an excellent opportunity to connect with Forte Village’s international clientele.

Determined, pragmatic and clear-thinking as he is, we are sure that Ennio Fontana will realise his dreams at Forte Village.

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