Wonder World Seasonal #15

n° 15 -

Summer 2016 - € 10

ITALIAN STYLE IN DESIGN, FOOD AND LIVING

seasonal

PURE PERFORMANCE, ULTIMATE INVOLVEMENT. NEW ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE S

Explosive performance under absolute road control: 7, as the speeds of its SportShift III automated transmission.

573 PS, as the power emitted by its 6-litre V12 engine.

330 km/h, as its top speed.

3.9 seconds, as its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.

Numbers speak for themselves: V12 Vantage S is the fastest and most extreme car ever produced by Aston Martin.

ASTON MARTIN MILANO Via Monte Rosa, 91 - 20149 Milan - Italy Tel: +39 02 43510988 www.astonmartinmilano.it Fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions: Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): Urban 24,3 - Extra-urban 11,7 - Combined 16,4 - CO 2 Emissions 388 g/km

“Sicily at its best” MASSERIA DELLA VOLPE - NOTO - SICILY www.masseriadellavolpe.com — info@masseriadellavolpe.it — +39 0931 856055

n° 15 -

Summer 2016 - € 10

ITALIAN STYLE IN DESIGN, FOOD AND LIVING

seasonal

editorial

I love your superb seas and your sublime Alps, I love your solemn monuments and immortal memories I love your glory and your beauty

(Edmondo De Amicis)

O Sole mio... summer has finally arrived, and with it comes an increasing desire to travel.

Up and down Italy on a slow tour in search of a thousand marvels. Spend a weekend in Portofino or the Chianti hills, where it’s also possible to play golf on Italy’s oldest greens, or get back in shape in close contact with nature at a spa in Alto Adige or a sundrenched manorial farm in Salento. The summer’s most glitzy possibilities, though, are on the shore of the romantic Lake Como, in a charming hotel where guests can enjoy a grand season of refinement and elegance. Then we climb higher once again to sleep in an Alpine-chic house in the trees on a plateau above Merano - a magical experience to savour as a couple. Lovers of the sea can sample the excitement of a private cruise, sailing around the island of Elba, while fine-food connoisseurs can stay in a historic residence in Tuscany, home of popes and aristocrats, now a hotel de charme with a multi-starred restaurant. Then it’s beyond the frontier to an exotic destination - a return to Zanzibar, before plunging once again into the pleasures of Italy. This time it’s the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, a multi-faceted borderland.

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in this issue n° 15

summer

2016

44

departments 7 Editorial 14

5 questions

16 Arts 20

News in Brief

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Weekend

26 Spa 32

Luxury rental

34 Watches 38

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Being in the world

56 Style

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68 Objects 84 Air 110

Best of Italy

talking about 44

Villa d’Este, Lake Como

62 San Luis, Merano 72 Design Hotel, Venezia 88 Golf 104 Italian chef

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destinations 50 Mozambique 78 Sardinia 92

Tuscan Archipelago

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Fruili Venezia Giulia

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1. Friuli Venezia Giulia 2. Venice 3. Cernobbio 4. Portofino 5. Tuscan Archipelago 6. Florence 7. Mesagne, Brindisi 8. Alberobello 9. Benevento 10. Procida 11. Pula, Cagliari

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Yacht Management

Via Gen. Guisan, 1 CH-6833 Vacallo Switzerland T. +41 (0) 91 6900065 E. info@floatinglife.com

www.floatinglife.com

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5 questions

by Teresa Crespi

to...

Sara Rosso, president of the Planhotel Hospitality Group, looks at today’s travellers and addresses the Group’s immediate future Could you describe the typical luxury traveller, their desires and expectations?

Travelling has become an expression of lifestyle, passions and needs. Luxury travellers are increasingly looking for high-level, personalised service. In order to respond to this demand we have to offer a wide range of services for the traveller to choose from.

The time is dictated by our clients, who want the opportunity to construct their own tailor-made holiday.

How has the way people travel changed?

These days people place a great emphasis on time, being connected 24/7. They expect an efficient, professional service in a setting offering every comfort with the highest levels of technology and security. That’s why although our most recent structure, the Diamonds Mequfi Beach Resort in Mozambique, enjoys untouched, extraordinary natural surroundings, it also offers systems and facilities that have been created and installed with great attention to detail, as well as a high-speed wifi connection.

It’s the perfect combination of unforgettable scenery and cutting edge technology, enabling guests to communicate their experience in real time.

How would you define a hotel, and what makes it a unique?

A luxury hotel should have the warmth of an elegant, comfortable home. No detail should be overlooked, and everything should be designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Staff will be attentive and always ready to anticipate and satisfy guests’ needs.

Why choose Planhotel? How do you differ from your rivals?

The Planhotel philosophy emphasises attention to the details that transform a hotel into a place that communicates positive feelings.

We also set great store on personalised services that help every guest feel unique and special. What makes our resorts different and special is the atmosphere our guests experience there.

What are your strategies for the future, including Italy?

Our strategy is to continue expanding in wonderful places where we can offer our guests unforgettable moments.

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arts

ITA LY

by Fabio Mazzetto

“HELMUT NEWTON. FOTOGRAFIE” Rope and leather twine around the sculptural bodies of his models, inspiring “Sleepless Nights and Big Nudes”. Helmut Neustädter was born in Berlin in 1920, a Scorpio. Individuals under the influence of this sign are known for their intense sexual charge. Born into a respectable upper middle class Jewish family, he acquired his first camera at the age of twelve - even then he knew exactly what he wanted from life. The introduction of the race laws forced him, like many other artists, to leave Germany. This misfortune eventually enriched his character as a poet and artist. He spent a short time in Singapore, then travelled to Australia. In 1946 he adopted the name that would make him famous, and Helmut Neustädter became Helmut Newton. From this point his biography charts the rise of a man who created his own style. His photos appeared in the most important fashion magazines - Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, revealing a sleek eroticism with fetishist overtones. The fragile female icon of the first half of the 20th century was consigned to history, and now a fabulous high-heeled dominatrix strutted arrogantly, challenging the world with a knowing gaze. The Venetian exhibition presents over 200 images with three overarching

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Venice

themes - White Women / Sleepless Nights / Big Nudes, placing commissioned work side by side with Newton’s own photographs. #everywhereyouturnisheartache Casa dei Tre Oci 07 April - 07 August 2016 www.treoci.org

Rome

ITA LY

“ALPHONSE MUCHA. CURATED BY TOMOKO SATO”

Almost a hundred years since the Bohemian artist’s visit to Rome, the large retrospective at the Vittoriano presents over 250 works, including a sumptuous reconstruction of the interiors designed by Muchas for the Fouquet boutique in Paris. The idea for the exhibition came from Tomoko Sato, curator of the Fondazione Mucha, explores the artistic vision and ideals driving this extraordinary artist’s work. #bellepoqueneeded Complesso del Vittoriano - Ala Brasini 15 April - 11 September 2016 www.muchafoundation.org

Verona

“MARIA CALLAS. THE EXHIBITION”

From woman to goddess, the life of Anna Maria Cecilia Sophia Kalogeropoulous, the woman whoo transformed imperfection into beauty, not only as a singer but also as a figure embodying an era and an emotion. The event is a celebration of Callas, who made her debut on 2 August 1947 in Ponchielli’s La Gioconda at the Arena in Verona. #iconlikenoone AMO (Arena Museo Opera) - Palazzo Forti 11 March -18 September 2016 www.mostracallas.it

Naples

“MYTH AND NATURE. FROM GREECE TO POMPEII”

This event is the ideal continuation of the exhibition of the items on display Milan for the Expo, reinterpreted for the new spaces of the Naples Archaeologiocal Museum and the nearby remains of Pompeii, providing a striking and appropriate setting. The nature of the ancient world in close contact with works of humankind is magnificently expressed by an exterior narration. #backtothepast Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli | Pompeii Archaeological Site, Amphitheatre 16 March - 30 September 2016 www.mostramitonatura.it

Milan

“XXI TRIENNALE. 21ST CENTURY. DESIGN AFTER DESIGN”

It may have taken twenty years, but finally the great international exhibition of the Milan Triennale has returned. A potpourri of exhibitions, events, festivals and conventions across the city attempts to decipher the new millennium, identifying the changes that involve the very concept of design. #takealookonmilan Palazzo della Triennale and other venues 2 April -12 September 2016 www.triennale.org

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“ARCHAIC STATUE OF A KORE”

arts

A young woman, a Grecian ambassadress of peace is the splendid masterpiece that for a limited period only graces the ancient art section of the famous Russian museum. Her archaic smile is bound to seduce! #prettygirl The State Hermitage Museum 09 April - 02 October 2016 www.hermitagemuseum.org

by Fabio Mazzetto

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Los Angeles

“ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE. THE PERFECT MEDIUM” A hammer blow to smash the taboos of “respectable” society to show what could not before be seen - that was Robert Mapplethorpe. His works seemed to lift porn to the status of art, but in reality they reflect a more serious approach that lies closer to the depictions in an anatomy handbook, with none of its morbid starkness. This retrospective examines his work from its beginnings to the culture wars fought just a few years before his death. #bodyinevidence J. Paul Getty Museum 15 March - 31 July 2016 www.getty.edu

Liverpool

“LOUISE BOURGEOIS. STRUCTURES OF EXISTENCE: THE CELLS”

www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

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“FRANCIS BACON: INVISIBLE ROOMS” In tandem with the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie, the Francis Bacon exhibition examines some of the artist’s most powerful, iconic paintings, revealing the recurring themes of his work. #theyallwantbacon Tate Liverpool 18 May - 18 September 2016 www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool

Bilbao

The Cells are some of Louise Bourgeois’ most innovative, sophisticated selections from her vast repertoire or work.

Created over a twenty-year period they are presented as self-sufficient microcosms - a frontier separating interior and exterior, delineating the walled garden of the unconscious, violated by fragility of human nature. #innermostbeing Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 18 March - 04 September 2016

g r u b s r e t e P St

“PICASSO. SCULPUTURES” In collaboration with the MoMA New York, the Paris exhibition offers visitors some less well-researched aspects of Picasso’s sculpture, with series and variations of his works that in many cases represent the same subject using different materials. #mostlypicasso Musée national Picasso 08 March - 28 August 2016 www.muséepicassoparis.fr

Paris

Managed by PlanHotel Hospitality Group

Enjoy Real Hospitality Kenya - Maldive - Mozambico - Zanzibar

www.diamondsresorts.com

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1. THE GIANT OF THE SEAS

news in brief

The first section of the MSC Seaside has just been completed.

The vessel’s construction will be a milestone, with the entry into

by Teresa Crespi

the cruise market of the largest ships ever built in Italy, with a gross

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tonnage of 154,000 tonnes. Under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yards, the MSC Seaside makes its debut in 2017, while the official launch is set for the following month, in Miami.

The coin ceremony, where coins are welded into the ship’s hull, an ancient maritime tradition that is said to bring long life to the vessel, took place on 21 April this year.

2.THE ENOTECA PINCHIORRI TAKES FLIGHT WITH ANA From June 1 to 31 August ANA, the Japanese airline company, strengthens its collaboration with the Enoteca Pinchiorri by offering First Class passengers flying from Japan a menu designed exclusively by Florence’s illustrious three-Michelin star restaurant. The selection is a fusion of Tuscan tradition with the Japanese culture of hospitality, and the dishes are accompanied by an expert choice of wines proposed by the Enoteca Pinchiorri, including Bruno Paillard rosé Champagne, the Rosso di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne by Antinori and the Pomino Bianco Riserva Benefizio Frescobaldi. Passengers will travel in the Square cabin with wood-coloured panels, designed to provide total privacy and comfort.

3. WHERE THE FUTURE IS TRADITION

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The Friuli Venezia Giulia region, where the most popular, crowded Regatta in the world - The “ Barcolana” - takes place every year, is home to many traditional boatyards. The Alto Adriatico yard, founded in 1977, is one of them. Specialising in wood construction and the restoration of sail yachts and motorboats, at Alto Adriatico

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craftsmanship evolves with the times, reflecting market trends, new technology and environmental and marine regulations. Just recently Alto Adriatico celebrated the roll-out of a full carbon fibre state-of-the-art semi-displacement 70-foot hybrid yacht, soon to be introduced to the market by its proud owner. Learn more on www.alto-adriatico.it 4. ART AND NATURE IN THE HEART OF FLORENCE Florence does not only mean history and monuments, it also offers magnificent parks like the Boboli garden and the gardens of the Palazzo Pitti, originally reserved exclusively for enjoyment by the palace owners but now open to the public. They stretch as far as Forte Belvedere and host walks, statues and fountains, all inspired by the park at Versailles. There is much to see, and a visit will take at least three hours, taking in the Limonaia (lemonary), which hosts over 500 rare citrus species, the frescoed rooms of the rococo Kaffeehaus, the Palazzina della Meridiana with the Costume Gallery displaying fashion garments and products from the past three hundred years and the Museum of Porcelain in the Palazzina del Cavaliere. Not to be missed, the Isolotto with the Fontana dell’Oceano and the Grotta Grande, decorated with stalactites, shells and statues by Giambologna. A lovely walk leads

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from the Boboli Gardens along the city walls to the Giardino delle Rose, just below Piazzale Michelangelo, from where it is possible to enjoy a unique panorama of the city.

5. MADE TO MEASURE GYMNASTICS The 1980s-style gym-honed musculature is out, and now the latest

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frontier of the fitness culture is “made-to-measure” well-being. Helping you build a perfect personal look is the responsibility of the highlyexperienced Simona Musocchi, who has invented a new profession - an image consultant who combines nutrition, osteopathy and psychology to offer clients, usually from Milan’s political and financial worlds, a stimulating, personalised, all-round programme. It all takes place in a gym in the heart of Milan, A.S. Studio at via Senato 20, a welcoming space in an elegant building where a password provides access to individual, personalised lessons, which can also be given at home. Those who do

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not train there can also receive fitness advice for everyday life or solo sports activities at home, outdoors or at their own gym.

6. MUSIC ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL If you’re on holiday in Trentino and love music, take a trip to Mezzano.

From 26 June to 6 August the ancient village and valley of Valle del Primiero will be hosting around 250 musicians from New York’s Music Academy International. Every summer the programme for the Mezzano Romantica takes on an increasingly international flavour, and this year is no exception, with an intriguing and artistically impressive bill of fare.

The village is transformed for the occasion into an extended and highly-evocative stage, reverberating with music and voices that will be hard to forget. The American and European artists of the Music Academy International will perform a varied programme of superb quality. The young artists will stage around thirty-five concerts, one almost every evening. www.musicacademyinternational.org 7. TRAIN OF THE FUTURE Hyperloop, the “missile” train travelling at over 1,000 km an hour could make its debut at Expo 2020 in Dubai. It will cover the 145 km between the new Dubai airport and Abu Dhabi airport. The train runs inside a tube where resistance to movement will be cut to a minimum by using low-pressure air. Building it in four years will be a race against time, but sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahya wants it ready at all costs (10 to 20

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euro per kilometre, in fact). Hyperloop Transportation Technologies will test a link on an 8km track near the smart city of Quay Valley in California. From here the ultrasonic route could reach other US cities, with the test version arriving in Europe by 2017. If the project is successful it could revolutionise travel - for example, the Milan-Rome route could be covered in twenty-five minutes.

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8. MILAN OFFERS AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS The Michelin-starred Giancarlo Morelli, patron of the Pomiroeu di Seregno, has scored another success. This time it’s in Milan, where he launched his Trattoria Trombetta in Largo Bellintani 1, open from Tuesdays to Sunday evenings. The chef will not be leaving his Pomiroeu, but has overseen all aspects of the new restaurant, from design to team training and researching ingredients. The name “trattoria” says everything about the concept, being both an inspiration and a challenge. It has adopted the most pure, authentic values of a trattoria - the cooking is immediate, the menu is clean and essential, right from the names of the dishes, a daily relationship has been forged with selected producers providing raw materials grown according to the natural cycles and the cooking method focuses on extracting the purest flavours to provide guests with a stimulating and enjoyable experience, rooted in the qualities only time can bring. www.trattoriatrombetta.eu

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weekend

by Antonella Euli

I found my love in Portofino The Splendido, as the hotel is known to locals and regular guests, rejoices in the official name of Belmond Hotel Splendido, OrientExpress Hotels group.

For Portofino, it’s a destination of timeless elegance. A place like this couldn’t really be a home for monks all its life, and sure enough, when Baron Baratta transformed the building into a summer family home in the 19th century he wasn’t the only person to benefit. In the early 20th century Ruggero Valentini, a pioneer of tourism in Portofino, transformed the Villa Baratta into the Grand Hotel Splendido and the Orient-Express Hotels group, the current owners since 1985, have restored it to its former glory. Right from the start the hotel hosted Europe’s noble and most famous, as well as the cream of the international jet-set.

This tradition of welcoming illustrious guests is as strong as ever.

High-end style and services distinguish this unique hotel, with its spectacular view of the bay of Portofino Bay, and surrounded by gardens full of flowers and palms. What exactly does it offer? Sixtyseven rooms and suites, two restaurants - the refined La Terrazza taking in the entire Tigullio bay and the Poolside restaurant - cocktail and piano bar, well-being Centre surrounded by maritime pines and olive trees and the Only@ “menu”, created for VIP guests so they can choose from a series of unforgettable experiences, from a night-time cruise in Portofino bay to underwater photography.

Not forgetting the lovely Belmond Splendido Mare in the heart of Portofino, with a view of the Piazzetta and harbour, and its sixteen rooms and suites. Same class, same sea. www.belmond.com

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weekend

In the land of

Brunello

We’re at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, in the Val d’Orcia Nature Reserve, the region where Brunello di Montalcino wine is produced, at the home of Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo.

Bought by the family in 2003, the estate covers 2,000 hectares and boasts an over eight hundred year history. It includes a ruined castle, a mediaeval church and the Borgo, a historic village that’s been given a new lease on life. All in all it’s one of Italy’s largest private properties.

Excellent wine, exquisite hospitality and a spellbinding landscape combine to create a magical location. Guests stay in one of the ten villas or twenty-three suites in the renovated village, the resort’s beating heart. Here there are two outstanding restaurants, the rustic Osteria La Canonica and the elegant restaurant Campo del Drago, with a cookery school, a boutique full of refined, elegant objects, the organic vegetable garden, eternity pool and fitness centre. Then there’s the Spa at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco Borgo, an oasis of peace offering La Prairie treatments and an authentically Tuscan bodycare line by The Spa, designed to regenerate body and mind with treatments inspired by the natural bounty of south Tuscany. With sauna, Turkish baths, relaxation area and a luxuriant private garden this refuge offers some serious de-stressing. The holistic approach to well-being is completed by idyllic natural surroundings, from fresh local dishes to an exciting range of outdoor activities.

And as if this weren’t enough, there is a cutting edge winery, a centre of excellence for the production of Brunello di Montalcino, and Italy’s only private golf course, eighteen holes in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, designed by Tom Weiskopf. www.castigliondelbosco.com 24

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marine spa

by Valeria Rastrelli

ZERO-KILOMETRE BEAUTY An ancient 18th century farmhouse in Puglia surrounded by a large olive grove is now a centre for indulging body and spirit. The Tenuta Moreno Masseria & Spa di Mesagne (a few kilometres from the sea) exists in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

The eco-friendly philosophy is immediately clear in the 86 rooms nestling among flower-filled gardens, then finds further expression in chef Vincenzo Elia’s green cuisine. His two restaurants - Aranceto

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and Sallentia - transform local zero-kilometre products in an exploration of Mediterranean tastes. The climax is the largest fig orchard in Puglia, with trees bearing seventy varieties from throughout the Mediterranean region. The spa, of course, also reflects this respect for nature - it is built using natural materials, and light floods in through large windows that create a smooth transition from interior to exterior, offering a striking view of the orange grove and the swimming pool carved out of the rock.

All the treatments are strictly green, mostly based on extra-virgin olive oil from the nearby Toree Guaceto Marine Reserve, as well as lavender and rosemary oils. We recommend a massage with “shcantareddi�, small, specially-chilled round stones, a miracle cure for body and mind. The outdoor alternatives include relaxing poolside treatments in the shade of the white gazebos among palms and centuries-old olive trees, plus yoga, tai chi and Pilates sessions. www.tenutamoreno.it

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mountain spa

by Valeria Rastrelli

GREEN LUXURY A building with an extremely small environmental footprint, designed to host a green luxury holiday.

The place is the DolceVita Alpiana Resort hotel, the location is the rolling countryside around Foiana, Alto Adige, on a small plateau with woods surrounding apple, chestnut and other fruit trees. The hotel, built in stone, oak and walnut, has clean, essential lines. Beside it lies the Pool Garden, over 15,000 sqm of gardens, an infinity pool, natural lagoon, saltwater pool, “cocoon” armchairs, small bridges, and the scent of the blossom and herbs set against the blue of the swimming pools. The 2,000 sqm spa is a green idyll, and the “Mountain View” Sky Spa provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding natural beauty. Here, wellness is given a new form of expression, in symbiosis with the exterior world.

Massages are often administered outdoors, with Pilates, yoga, zumba and gymnastics sessions on the arbour-shaded terrace. Gastronomic needs are served by Nutris, the Alto-Adige’s first gourmet vegetarian-vegan restaurant, based on a fourfold philosophy of seasonal-localvegetarian-vegan. Chef Arnold Nussbaumer aims to encourage guests to appreciate a healthy, authentic cuisine that is both delicious and imaginative. And if you really feel like treating yourself, book the recently-opened Sky Luxury Suite. This comprises a dual-level oasis of privacy and relaxation. The final touch enabling guests to enjoy sheer relaxation in space and time is on the upper terrace, the location of the open pavilion where it’s possible to lie back and watch the night sky through the glass roof. Not to mention a relaxation area, personal infra-red sauna and an elegant private bathroom. www.alpiana.com

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© Agence VERTU / Photographies : A. Leblanc – J. Kélagopian

T H E

U L T I M A T E

RENDEZ-VOUS 6-11 SEPT 2016

Boat industry professionals, information and badge order: www.passportnautique.com

OfďŹ cial Partner

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Luxury

rental

by Teresa Crespi

With the sea

as your neighbour We could almost be in Florida, where houses on the beach are the rule. In fact we’re in Castiglione della Pescaia, in the exclusive pine forest of Roccamare. The totally independent villa boasts a selection of elegant furnishings, unusual for a beachside home. This house is surrounded by large gardens, with a path a few dozen metres long down to the private beach, which is covered in beach huts and tables. Now for the villa in numbers - an area of 430 sqm over two floors for twelve guests, six bedrooms, six bathrooms plus a service room and a car port. Light enters the large first-floor lounge through glass doors opening out onto the garden, surrounded by high trees.

On the same floor is an extremely well-equipped kitchen, the dining room and a garden with gazebo, patio and BBQ. There are also two suites and a double room with canopy beds, bathroom and access to the garden. The other three double rooms with three bathrooms and access to the garden are on the ground floor, along with a spacious lounge with TV and laundry.

Privacy and security are provided by the 24h concierge service. www.ville casali.it

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Sport watches

by Paolo De Vecchi

Everyone on the grid From this year practically every team on the Formula 1 circuit will be sponsored by a watchmaking brand

Grand Prix fans are bound to have noticed the presence of Rolex as a sponsor of F1 race circuits, but it’s also true that watches now feature on individual cars, influencing a trend for super-technical production.

Take a look at Richard Mille’s carbon-fibre case, which plays on the dual sponsorship of Team Haas and Honda-McLaren, or Bell & Ross - they’re racing with Renault and now use ceramic materials, titanium and rubber as well as carbon. Hublot with Ferrari and TAG Heuer with Red Bull have created models with “engines” visible through the dial.

Some tip a wink to the past, like Richard Mille RM011

IWC, sponsor of Mercedes AMG Petronas, who have dedicated a model to the legendary Silberpfeil, the “Silver Arrow” from 1937.

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Hublot Ferrari Unico

Bell & Ross BR-X1 RS16

Iwc Ingenieur W 125

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01

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Sport watches

by Paolo De Vecchi

Mechanical chronographs once played a vital role in competitive sports, but they are also the general public’s favourite timepieces

Supremely sporty

Developed for practical purposes measuring tiny time differences in a race - when mechanical watches were the norm, from a professional point of view they have now been superseded by electronic devices. But while they may have dropped out use in racing, they have become increasingly appreciated by the general public, especially men. They love the modern, sporty design above all, but also the element of mechanical complication powering the chronograph’s stopwatch function - displayed on sub-dials - is an additional mechanism, independent of the existing hour and minutes counters.

Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra

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Chopard Mille Miglia Race Edition Eberhard Champion V Targa Florio

Zenith El Primero Classic Cars

Omega Speedmaster CK2998

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BEING IN THE WORLD

He describes himself as an “entrepreneur-manager”.

He graduated in chemistry at the University of Trieste then completed an MBA at Milan’s Bocconi University.

He now has a number of years of experience in the field, helping him forge the heritage of a family with Hungarian origins that has led the brand’s globalisation, so that it is now present in 145 markets

An interview with Andrea Illy.

About the Dream of

by Annalisa Gemmari

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BEING IN THE WORLD

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ENLIGHTENED AND PRACTICAL, ILLY IS A MAN OF CHALLENGES AND NUMBERS, A DREAMER WITH A PASSION FOR WRITING (THE DREAM OF COFFEE AND THE ESPRESSO COFFEE: THE CHOICE OF QUALITY - ED). HE’S ALSO NUMBER ONE IN TWO OF THE GREAT ALL-ITALIAN COMPANIES, AS PRESIDENT OF ILLYCAFFÈ SINCE 2005 AND PRESIDENT OF ALTAGAMMA SINCE 2013

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hat’s holding Italy back from being the real no. 1?

“In reality we are number 1! Our heritage of beauty is reflected in the luxury sector and Italy occupies the leading position in a market. We also cover more high-end sectors than any other country - fashion, design, jewellery, food, hospitality, wellness, cars, yacht and shipbuilding, real estate and so on. We can, though, do even better, but this means becoming more competitive as a country, and above all changing our entrepreneurial mentality. That means trying to become less individualist and more willing to consider how others operate and collaborate at a systemic level”.

Echoes of Hungary and roots in Trieste. His links with land and country.

“Trieste boasts the world’s most beautiful square open to the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia with its unforgettable view towards the sunset. Surrounded by Habsburg architecture, it is the best example of the union of nature and cultural beauty. Trieste, the city of Mitteleuropa taste and home to a thriving artistic and cultural scene inspired by an experience of aesthetics, captured the heart of my Hungarian-born grandfather Francesco who fell in love with coffee in Vienna but decided to settle here and bring his dream to life by founding illycaffè. That’s why Trieste has a dual importance for me as the world capital of coffee and place where the cultural roots of Italy and Mitteleuropa intertwine”. ”The dream of offering the finest coffee in the world”. Illy is inspired by its owner’s dream of the world’s best coffee. illycaffè today and tomorrow.

“My grandfather Francesco was driven by a simple yet revolutionary idea. He drew on all the resources he had available to follow his dream - to provide the best coffee in the world. To do so he had to search for excellence in aroma and a pleasing flavour. He made innovations in the technology of the espresso coffee and was the first to introduce pressure dispensing, making the coffee even more aromatic and creamy. He also invented pressurised storage to maintain the aroma and preserve the fragrance over time. This constant search for excellence also had an influence on future generations, and starting with my father Ernesto our company has kept up this tradition of innovation in the service of enhancing quality, remaining true to its determination to offer the best possible product. This unwavering commitment means that we are now present and respected throughout the world.

The importance of dreams for the man and the entrepreneur.

In life the desire to plan, to make projects, is what drives evolution, because the dream enables you to create a vision for the future, to pursue an ambition, to imagine innovations and project them into the future. Dreams are humanity’s lifeblood and hope”.

The golden rules for continuity, through the generations in a family company.

“The golden rule for generational continuity in addition to the importance of making sure the family serves the company rather than the opposite, is to take a very long-term view when planning the paths to follow, and training for young people bearing in mind

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BEING IN THE WORLD

“ITALIAN BEAUTY LIES IN ITS MULTIFACETED LANDSCAPES. OVER THE CENTURIES THEY, TOO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE HERITAGE OF OUR CULTURAL BEAUTY, MAKING US UNIQUE. ON THESE FOUNDATIONS THE MECHANISMS OF THE HUMAN MIND CONTINUE TO INSPIRE THE BEAUTY OF OUR PRODUCTION, WHICH IS NOW NOURISHED

BY THE AESTHETIC CANONS THAT HAVE BECOME PART OF ITALIAN CULTURE”

each member’s entrepreneurial inclination. It’s also vital to overcome the concept of “family-run”. Although controlling the firm is fundamental, as the company grows in size and complexity it becomes more prudent to hand the day-to-day running over to professional managers”.

Development and sustainability, a possible shared journey. How can this be achieved?

“Sustainable development means satisfying our needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Our era is systemically unsustainable the economy isn’t growing, it’s accumulating debt. We have to develop

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new models, and we have to do it quickly, if we are to slow down the huge amount of public debt we are accumulating. The environment itself cannot be sustained in the context of problems linked to carbon emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels.

We must develop new sources of primary energy and reinvent a model of civilisation for this century by using market dynamics to do so and private sector companies the real players in this scenario, must make choices by using new technology and new corporate models”.

LIVELY YET LAID BACK, IMPRESSIVELY LAVISH, YET EFFORTLESSLY HIP

The Address

Overlooking

the sparkling Dubai Marina and situated in one of Dubai’s most popular lifestyle districts, The Address Dubai Marina offers 200 guest rooms, 442 residences, 5 restaurants and lounges, an impeccably relaxing spa with a modern and expansive fitness facility open 24-hours along with a stunning Infinity pool.

T +971 4 436 7777 DUBAIMARINA@THEADDRESS.COM WWW.THEADDRESS.COM

DUBAI MARINA

DE LUXE HOTEL

A stay at the Villa D’ Este It may be years since your last stay, but every time you return you’re sure to feel at home.

It’s no normal hotel, but somewhere unique, a destination for refined, cultured travellers 44

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w

by Antonella Euli

e’re in Cernobbio, on the shores of the most romantic lake in the world, and the Villa d’Este welcomes its guests in majestic salons decorated with marble and carpets, statues and paintings. Time stands still in this special place, and the atmosphere is, as it has always been, one of discreet luxury that over the centuries has charmed writers and poets, aristocrats and divas. This summer palace was built in the late 16th century for a Cardinal with a passion for art, and then bought by Caroline of Brunswick, wife of King George IV of the United Kingdom, and every corner is imbued with history and beauty. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873, it became a favourite destination for the European aristocracy and an obligatory stop in the Grand Tour. It is still a “home from home” for the rich, who enjoy spending part of their holidays here. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, it is owned by an important Italian family of entrepreneurs, also the proprietors of the Villa La Massa in Florence. Villa d’Este is managed

by Danilo Zucchetti, the “guardian of the spirit of the place”.

Walking in the immense park, a magnificent example of an Italian-style renaissance garden, is a real privilege, as is being able to stay in the rooms and suites, elegantly furnished with period pieces. Most luxurious of all is a sojourn in a villa, a retreat with all the comforts and services of the Villa d’Este. The most recent jewel is the Villa Garrovo, in the hotel’s garden’s, which together with the Villa Cima and Villa Malakoff creates a collection of private villas.

They offer 700 sqm of style comprising six bedrooms with en suite marble bathrooms and dressing room, spacious lounges with glass doors looking out onto the lake, kitchen, relaxation area with gym, veranda facing the interior garden and a large lake-view patio.

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DE LUXE HOTEL

A PLACE WITH A TIMELESS CHARM, OFFERING AN EXCLUSIVE SEASON, FROM THE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE TO THE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS ON 15 AUGUST WITH SPECTACLE AND CLOSING FIREWORK DISPLAY

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The hotel services are worthy of the Villa’s fame, from the gourmet dishes of the La Veranda restaurant to the skilfully orchestrated kitchens at the Sporting Club under chef Michele Zambanini, connected to the Edificio del Cardinale by an internal passage and devoted to guests’ wellbeing. Outdoor sports are also on offer at the Villa d’Este, or guests can recharge body and mind in a unique spa offering a line of speciallycreated products. out onto the lake, kitchen, relaxation area with gym, veranda facing the interior garden and a large lake-view patio. The hotel services are worthy of the Villa’s fame, from the gourmet dishes of the La Veranda restaurant to the skilfully orchestrated kitchens at the Sporting Club under chef Michele Zambanini, connected to the Edificio del Cardinale by an internal passage and devoted to guests’ well-being. Outdoor sports are also on offer at the Villa d’Este, or guests can recharge body and mind in a unique spa offering a line of specially-created products. www.villadeste.com 48

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FROM MARCH TO NOVEMBER, THE DOORS OPEN ON A DREAM THAT HAS ATTRACTED GUESTS HERE FOR MANY YEARS. THE PRIVILEGE OF A STAY THAT CREATES AN UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY, AND A LONGING TO RETURN

MOZAMBIQUE

Diamond Mequfi Beach Resort is an Indian Ocean pearl.

Untouched, intimate and yours to discover

by Valeria Rastrelli

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MOZAMBIQUE

I

t’s true - exotic destinations inspire daydreams, but to make dreams come true you must choose your terrestrial paradises with great care. Too often they are too crowded, and even more frequently they are spoilt by too much “civilisation”. This isn’t the case in Mozambique, the new, exclusive destination for anyone seeking pristine destinations where nature reigns in all her beauty unexplored reserves, timeless archipelagos with sandy beaches lost in the Indian Ocean waters.

One of these lovely beaches in the Pemba region, one of the country’s most undeveloped areas, is the setting for the Diamond Mequfi Beach Resort, the latest initiative by Diamonds Hotel and Resorts, the Planhotel Hospitality Group’s luxury brand. Holidays here are all about privacy and relaxation, plus a choice of energetic activities, from the adrenalin rush of kite surfing to boat trips accompanied by a marine biologist who will reveal the secrets of the

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THE RESORT’S BEATING HEART, THE SALTWATER POOL, AN ALTERNATIVE TO SWIMMING IN OPEN WATERS. AFTER SO MUCH SUN, RELAX “AT HOME” OR IN THE BUNGALOWS ON THE BEACH, WHICH HAVE A PRIVATE VERANDA WITH OCEAN VIEW. WHEN THE SUN STARTS TO SET, RIDE ON HORSEBACK ALONG THE BEACH AND DINE TETE-A-TETE IN AN ELEGANT RESTAURANT

undersea life, to whale watching expeditions to enjoy the sight of these marine giants as they pass near the coast in August and September, and horse rides along the beach in the golden sunset. As if that weren’t enough, guests can enjoy exciting adventures in search of the local natural treasures, joining a safari to see the lions, elephants and giraffes in the Gorongosa National Park, or exploring the Quirimbas Archipelago, with its coastal forests, coral reefs and ocean turtles.

As the day draws to a close Mequfi Beach, the classic picture postcard beach, beckons. The bungalows on the beach offer fifty rooms - forty deluxe bedrooms and ten suites - all furnished in contemporary style with details and materials influenced by local tradition, and all offering a full range of facilities and a private veranda with ocean view.

The heart of the resort is the seawater swimming pool, surrounded by comfy loungers and served by a bar open

until late, a place to experience the magic of the African nights. One of the Mequfi Beach’s main attractions is the cuisine, which will satisfy even the most demanding palates. The mouth-watering American style buffet breakfast is served at the Assinatura restaurant, which also offers à la carte international and local dishes for lunch and dinner. Evenings can be spent at the Sea You Restaurant, whose chef prepares fresh fish in a refined atmosphere. Those seeking a snack or just hankering after a pizza can go to the Brisa do Mar, open non-stop until six in the evening.

All those calories can be burnt off at the Mvua African Rain Spa, a pocket paradise where you can let yourself be pampered with treatments based on natural ingredients like flowers, salt, cereals, spices, wild honey and raw sugar, even carried out on the beach in the shade of a gazebo. mequfibeach.diamondsresorts.com

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MOZAMBIQUE

AFTER THE MYRIAD ACTIVITIES OF THE DAY, WITH WALKS, BIKE RIDES, KAYAK ACROBATICS AND SNORKELLING, WHEN THE SUN SETS THE LIGHT TAKES ON A MAGICAL HUE, TURNING THIS DESTINATION INTO AN UNFORGETTABLE PARADISE

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SKY SERVICES FLIGHT ACADEMY GLOBEAIR CADET PROGRAM 2016

ato@skyservices.it - www.skyservices.it

MILAN BRESSO | CAPUA | NAPLES | BRINDISI

STYLE

Success on THE WATER Herno. A long history, linked to water - the River Erno, which flows next to the factory - and to the raincoats that have made the name famous throughout the world

by Antonella Euli

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racing the origins of its success means taking a leap back in time. World War Two had come to an end and Italy was longing for a renaissance. One man in Lesa, seemingly the same as thousands of others, found work in a raincoat factory. The cotton was waterproofed with castor oil, and just by chance Giuseppe Marenzi had gained a great deal of experience at Siai-Marchetti, so knew where to source the raw material. His support made a decisive contribution to production, but as we said, Marenzi was no ordinary man. He had an entrepreneur’s vision, and some time later, he and his wife Alessandra Diana founded their own company, calling it Herno. Raincoats were the core product of the original production runs, alongside cashmere coats and double-sided products. The time was the 1960s, Italy was enjoying an economic boom and Herno set out to conquer the world. It began in Europe, then moved on to Japan, taking on the USA in the 1980s.

As the company grew, so did Claudio, the last of Giuseppe Marenzi’s three sons. Now the president and CEO of Herno, he joined the company when he was just turned twenty, gaining hands-on experience in every area of sales and production.

He was the driving force behind the company’s change of direction in the 2000s. The business needed as new direction, and it when it came it drew inspiration from the past, with the Herno brand returning to the heart of the strategy. Under his guidance the company, which had always had a close relationship with the region,

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STYLE

began to experience strong growth based on technological innovation, style, marketing and communications. The results were spectacular, with turnover almost doubling in two years and a brand, Herno, that is now an ambassador for Italian luxury products in prestigious shops all over the world, with 70% of income coming from exports. His vision is based on a slogan of “Excellence

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means research and innovation�. It’s not enough to produce a well-made garment in order to make an impression on the market - attention to detail becomes the philosophy and hi-tech the added value behind a sartorial urbanwear concept that does not turn its back on the past. Research and innovation have led to increasingly high-performance fabrics, revolutionary

THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HERNO HAS INTRODUCED FRESH COLLABORATIONS THAT HAVE INSPIRED NEW COLLECTIONS HERNO KIDS MADE ITS DEBUT IN AW 13-14 WITH CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 4 AND 14, AND IN AW 12-13 HERNO LAMINAR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GORE BEGAN TO OFFER GARMENTS IN GORE-TEX AND GORE WINDSTOPPER. THE LATEST PIERRE-LOUIS MASCIA & HERNO CO-BRANDING BRINGS IN THE FRENCH ILLUSTRATOR, FAMOUS FOR HIS SCARVES

STYLE

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CLAUDIO IS NOW THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HERNO, HE JOINED THE COMPANY WHEN HE WAS JUST TURNED TWENTY, GAINING HANDSON EXPERIENCE IN EVERY AREA OF SALES AND PRODUCTION. HE WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE COMPANY’S CHANGE OF DIRECTION IN THE 2000S. CONVINCED OF THE NEED TO SYSTEMATISE AND PROTECT THE VALUE OF THE ITALIAN SUPPLY CHAIN, IN JULY 2013 TOOK ON THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT OF SISTEMA MODA ITALIA, AND IN THESE FIRST FEW YEARS HE HAS BEEN APPOINTED VICE-PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL MEMBER OF PITTI IMMAGINE AND COUNCIL MEMBER OF CFMI

production processes working hand-in-hand with classic methods, highly innovative thermotape machines and ultrasound stitching. The result is ultralight padded jackets, the prestigious double, a hand-made icon, and garments made without the traditional stitched seams. This new approach to manufacture with constantly high quality levels, isn’t simply an objective - it lies at the heart of every Herno garment. Convinced of the need to systematise and protect the value of the Italian supply chain, in July 2013 Claudio Marenzi took on the role of president of Sistema Moda Italia, and in these first few years he has been appointed vice-president and council member of PITTI Immagine and council member of CFMI - Florence Centre for Italian Fashion. www.herno.it

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A house in the WOODS

ALPINE-CHIC RESORT

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Close your eyes and step into the darkness. When you open them again you will feel you’ve been catapulted into a Canadian pine wood or an Alaskan forest. But no, you’re on the high plateau of Avelengo, just above Merano, and what lies in front of you is an alpine-chic resort

T

otally surrounded by the natural landscape and inspired by a deep commitment to eco-sustainability, the San Luis - Private Retreat Hotel & Lodges is built using precious “Mondholz” wood, worked according the phases of the moon so that it retains its resilience and positive energy. The extensive windows provide light and space, as well as a view of the magnificent indoor swimming pool. The many crackling hearths make the atmosphere even more special.

The indoor swimming pool hall also provides access to the heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, “immersed” in the middle of the lake.

Slate, clay walls and natural linen fabrics create an immediate feeling of well-being. Guests stay in romantic, luxurious cabins

by Antonella Euli

that seem to perch in the trees, or in the exclusive chalets hidden among the larch and majestic pine trees surrounding a small natural lake, with social life focusing on the clubhouse, the heart of the resort. The project is the brainchild of the Meister family, which has been involved in the hotel business for four generations. They also own the Irma hotel, a jewel just a few steps from the centre of Merano that would be worth a long article all to itself. We’ll try to summarise its attractions in a few lines - we’re in the middle of an 18,000 sqm park studded with villas and corners for relaxation, gardens and rose bushes, swimming pools and fountains. This is where the first house in the trees was built, a pilot project for the

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ALPINE-CHIC RESORT

A private road through dense woodland leads up to the resort, where the welcome

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awaiting guests is so warm it’s more like arriving at a friend’s house than a hotel GUESTS STAY IN ROMANTIC, LUXURIOUS CABINS THAT SEEM TO HANG FROM THE TREES, OR IN THE EXCLUSIVE CHALETS HIDDEN AMONG THE LARCH AND MAJESTIC PINE TREES SURROUNDING A SMALL NATURAL LAKE

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ALPINE-CHIC RESORT

THE PROJECT IS THE BRAINCHILD OF THE MEISTER FAMILY, WHICH HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE HOTEL BUSINESS FOR FOUR GENERATIONS. THEY ALSO OWN THE IRMA HOTEL, A JEWEL JUST A FEW STEPS FROM THE CENTRE OF MERANO. THIS IS WHERE THE FIRST HOUSE IN THE TREES WAS BUILT, A PILOT PROJECT FOR THE SAN LUIS, SUPPORTED BY FOUR ANCIENT PINE TREES

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San Luis, supported by four ancient pine trees. Guests sleep surrounded by wooden walls, or relax in the lovely bath with a view of the park . If the fancy takes them they can move the bed onto the large outdoor terrace to enjoy a night under the stars.

The Safari Luxus Lodge is equally unique - tents inspired by the luxury camps in African Nature Reserves, here surrounded by the natural loveliness of the Alto Adige region. We could go on but the San Luis is calling!

A private road through dense woodland leads up to the resort, where the welcome awaiting guests is so warm it’s more like arriving at a friend’s house than a hotel. The club house hosts Arturo Spicocchi’s one Michelin-star gourmet restaurant. Its chefs use ancient varieties of local fruit, vegetables and herbs, all strictly organic and grown around the resort, and there is also a large cellar with wines and cheeses, the lobby and a bar. The atmosphere throughout is that of a domestic lounge. The spa, too, is dedicated to nature, and uses materials from its gardens for the treatments, along with products by Gertraud Gruber and Ericson Laboratoires. A small shop sells home-made preserves and jams, cashmere clothing, traditional boiled wool slippers and the same beauty products as used in the beauty area. www.sanluis-hotel.com

OBJECTS

There’s a whole world out there. Outdoor furnishings comfortable, colourful with an emphasis on design - are an irresistible temptation.

So let’s go, everyone outdoors to experience this...

Beautiful season

1

by Marta Bernasconi

1. DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, MBRACE IS AN INNOVATIVE COLLECTION MANUFACTURED BY DEDON, COMBINING FIBRE WITH A SOLID TEAK BASE

2

3 2. THE STOOLS FROM THE BULBIL LINE ARE FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE. THE ROUND SEAT IS IN POLYETHYLENE, THE LEGS IN BEECH TREATED FOR OUTDOOR USE. BY SERRALUNGA 3. EXTENDS IN A FEW SECONDS FROM TWO TO THREE METRES IN LENGTH. THE BIARRITZ TABLE BY FERMOB IS PERFECT FOR OFF-THE-CUFF SOCIAL OCCASIONS

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4

5

4. PAOLA LENTI HAS PRODUCED THE COCCI SERIES OF SMALL TABLES IN COLLABORATION WITH STYLIST MA-RELLA FERRERA, COMBINING THE STEEL BASE WITH A TOP IN MAJOLICA TILES 5. A SEAT THAT’S ALSO A HANGING SCULPTURE AND A SWING THE RING-O IS MADE UP TWO INTERSECTING RINGS. BY DA A

6

6. OTTO IS THE BAMBOO FAN BY STADLER FORM. ITS INDUSTRIAL ROTOR ENABLES AIR FLOW TO BE CONTROLLED

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OBJECTS

1

2

1. EMU’S TERRAMARE SOFA IN TUBULAR ALUMINIUM. ARMS AND BACK ARE IN ECOLEATHER, AND THE CUSHIONS COVERED IN

3. KNIT HIGH ARMCHAIR AND

A WATER-REPELLENT FABRIC

FOOTREST BY ETHIMO, MADE

2. INSPIRED BY THE WATER LILY, LILY BY

OF INTERWOVEN ROPE AND

CASAMANIA IS A SYSTEM OF SURFACES OF

SYNTHETIC FIBRE, NATURAL

DIFFERENT HEIGHTS OFFERING DIFFERENT

TEAK OR BLACK MAHOGANY

FUNCTIONS. IN 2016 THE VERSION WITH MARBLE SURFACES WAS ADDED 4. THE CLASSIC SIDE CHAIR BY KNOLL, DESIGNED BY HARRY BERTOIA IN 1952, NOW ALSO OFFERED IN OUTDOOR VERSIONS IN THREE DIFFERENT COLOURS

4 3

5 5. ROYAL BOTANIA PRESENTS PALMA, THE REVOLUTIONARY AUTOMATIC OUTDOOR PARASOL WITH NO TRADITIONAL SPOKES 6. TOMBOLO IS THE ARMCHAIR FROM LIVING DIVANI WITH A WEAVE THAT REINTERPRETS ANCIENT LACE PATTERNS ON AN EXTRA-LARGE SCALE, IN A VIVID GREEN COLOUR

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7. THE COLOURS IN DICKSON’S IN & OUT COLLECTION ARE CREATED WITH AN EXCLUSIVE VINYL YARN THAT MAKES THEN RESISTANT, EASY TO CLEAN AND FADE RESISTANT 8. THE CHAIR FROM THE BOLD LINE OFFER A GENEROUS THICKNESS, WELCOMING UPHOLSTERY AND SUNBRELLA FABRIC LINING. FROM PLUST COLLECTION

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DESIGN HOTEL

The Venice you weren’t xpecting There’s a side to the lagoon city that’s very different from the busy, crowded place we’re used to seeing. The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is an oasis of calm and nature, a haven for the new

by Marta Bernasconi

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DESIGN HOTEL

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t may be the world’s most unique city and an obligatory destination for international tourism, but it’s still possible to find little-known places where the charm of Venice is even more intense.

One particularly beautiful example is the Isola delle Rose, and here JW Marriott, the luxury brand of the American international luxury hotel group Marriott International has opened a new, exclusive resort with a shuttle service that leaves from the private jetty in St Mark’s Square and crosses the lagoon in just a few minutes.

The project was based on a unique concept – to build a new hotel on an island that is home to a series of historic buildings dating back to the 1930s, standing in a wonderful natural setting. The task was handed over to Matteo Thun & Partners. Matteo tells the story in this way: “The island of Sacca Sessola, now the Isola delle Rose, is an artificial island in the Venetian lagoon we have transformed into a luxury resort with extensive green areas, and it has a long history.

A careful analysis of the environment enabled us to persuade the authorities to accept our plan and rejuvenate a unique location, surrounded by nature and away from the frenetic bustle of Venice, but still somewhere visitors can breathe the city’s unique atmosphere. We’ve been very careful to use local materials for the architectural redevelopment in the interiors, which are in a contemporary Venetian style, while avoiding nostalgia”.

We asked what environmental and construction challenges had been faced. “The island’s limited landscape hosted a number of buildings dating back to the first half of the 20th century, a hospital with associated facilities. It wasn’t just a single plan, but rather a collection of twenty-one projects reflecting the twenty-one buildings, all different and all with their own story to tell. Applying the “Box in the Box” principal – working on the interiors without touching the old exterior - we succeeded in retaining the original

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THE ISLAND OF SACCA SESSOLA, NOW THE ISOLA DELLE ROSE, IS AN ARTIFICIAL ISLAND IN THE VENETIAN LAGOON WE HAVE TRANSFORMED INTO A LUXURY RESORT WITH EXTENSIVE GREEN AREAS, AND IT HAS A LONG HISTORY

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DESIGN HOTEL

brick walls of several of the pavilions, safeguarding their history. It was a wonderful experience!” In this oasis where nature reigns supreme are five buildings offering 266 rooms and suites divided into twelve types, four restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Dopolavoro and the multi-award winning GOCO Spa Venice.

A church for private ceremonies and a rooftop swimming pool with breathtaking view embody the idea of hospitality embodied by the hotel - which itself has won several awards - and architect Matteo Thun, who describes the hotel in three adjectives - “Quiet, authentic and luxurious”. With a view of St Mark’s Square, but existing in a parallel world.

Here the sea, plants and flowers seem to stretch space and time, creating a place to to be pampered in a hotel where luxury and style coexist. www.jwvenice.com

WE’VE BEEN VERY CAREFUL TO USE LOCAL MATERIALS FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL REDEVELOPMENT IN THE INTERIORS, WHICH ARE IN A CONTEMPORARY VENETIAN STYLE, WHILE AVOIDING NOSTALGIA

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SARDINIA

Lived-in Sculptures

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Living in an exclusive villa by starchitect Massimiliano Fuksas, set in a lovely natural landscape on the magical island of Sardinia

by Maria Carolina Giupponi

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SARDINIA

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he exclusive Is Molas Golf Resort lies on one of the most attractive stretches of Sardinia’s southern coastline, and is designed for those who like golf and untouched nature. Fans of the game play on a total of 27 holes, while nature-lovers can enjoy a private 120-hectare Bike Park with dozens of mapped trails, sloping from the mountain to the sea. The new project involves an expansion of the existing resort, with an extra 18 holes by Gary Player, a five-star hotel, private beach club, restaurants and boutiques, a well-equipped spa and a sports area with tennis, five-a-side football, basketball and beach volleyball courts, plus a miniclub for younger kids. It will be further enhanced by a group of exclusive villas by starchitect Massimiliano Fuksas.

There will be four types of accommodation - villa Palas, villa Luxi, villa Nea and villa Arenada – all different in shape, size and fittings. Designed as “Lived-in sculptures”, they will be located down from the hill area, with a panoramic view of the golf course and down to the sea. They are examples of a genuine bio-architecture, created mainly using locally-produced materials of natural origin. A careful study of colours has enabled the villas to integrate sympathetically into the natural setting, and they are oriented to take advantage of the best possible views.

They are inhabited sculptures, climatised with radiant floor panels and wall dehumidifiers that will provide comfort in summer and winter.

The exterior is finished with cocciopesto (crushed brick fragments in plaster) and the interior floors are in natural and glazed earthenware tiles or Mortex. The interior walls have a pastel-coloured Tadelakt finish.

The first 15 villas, which are already being built, reflect the project philosophy by respecting the surrounding nature - Mediterranean maquis,

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THE INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE VILLAS IS BY DORIANA FUKSAS, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTERIOR FURNISHINGS, PRODUCED EXCLUSIVELY BY MOROSO. LIGHTING WILL BE FROM VENINI

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SARDINIA

heather, myrtle, mastic, tree heath, strawberry trees and cork oak.

Interior design is by Doriana Fuksas, who is responsible for the furnishings, exclusively produced by Moroso, while the lighting will be from Venini.

These objects of desire will be sold through Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, an illustrious player in the high-end property market. www.ismolasresort.com www.milan-sothebysrealty.com/ita

“THIS PROJECT ENABLES PEOPLE TO GO BACK TO LIVING IN INHABITED SCULPTURES THAT ARE THE NEW DESIGN SHAPES, SUPERSEDING THE BOX AND THE CAGE, RESTORING A SENSE OF FREEDOM”.

MASSIMILIANO FUKSAS

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L E CHRONOPASSION

Hand-Painted by Alvaro Soler 88 Pieces WorldWide

edelberg.ch

AIR

Excellent a la carte menu and champagne, Shower Spa for a refreshing shower 12.000 metres up. And then suites, private cabins and a five-star restaurant. The world’s most exclusive first class offer for flyers unwilling to compromise on comfort and luxury even ten miles high

by Valeria Rastrelli

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CHAMPAGNE AND SHOWER SPA ON EMIRATES

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verything’s possible on Emirates First Class!

All the A380s, A340-500s and most of the Boeing 777s offer private suites - close the door and the dream begins. That may mean sipping Champagne from the personal minbar, or dimming the lights and watching the latest film on offer. And when sleep comes, simply lower the backrest of the armchair and mattress. Wake up and it’s time to eat, choosing from the excellent a la carte menu or from the list of midnight snacks. The real luxury, though, is the Shower Spa, for a refreshing shower 12,000 metres up with toiletries by Bulgari e Timeless Spa. www.emirates.com

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AIR

SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLYING’S MORE ENJOYABLE IN A SUITE The Airbus A380, the company’s flagship aircraft, offers a striking plus for passengers - suites and private cabins that close with sliding doors and host a 198 cm long bed. Couples, though, can put suites together to form a large double bed. Interiors are by French luxury yacht designer Jean-Jacques Coste, and include Poltrona Frau leather armchairs, linen sheets and nightshirts, plus amenity kits by Ferragamo. Not to mention three ultra-discreet hostesses to pamper the twelve passengers. Then there’s a five-star restaurant (also with Book the Cook service to preselect the main course before setting off). The menus are by some of the world’s most famous chefs, from Alfred Portale, pioneer of the new American cuisine to French chef Georges Blanc, Indian star Sanjeev Kapoor and Italy’s Carlo Cracco, with his veal fillet in hazelnut crust.

The wine list is selected by Master of Wine Michael Hill-Smith, Jeannie Cho Lee and Oz Clarke. Of course, the chefs’ delicacies are served on Chinese porcelain, accompanied by crystal glasses. www.singaporeair.com

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Wonder World seasonal is distributed in the major newsstands and airports in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

WHERE ITALIAN STYLE IN DESIGN, FOOD AND LIVING

seasonal

The updated mailing list for our distribution among Platinum Media Lab’s premium partners can be found on our website platinummedialab.com

GOLF

In the Chianti Hills Italy’s oldest golf club, the magnificent Circolo del Golf dell’Ugolino, lies among the rolling hills of Chantigiana, a few kilometres from Florence

by Cristiano Bevilacqua

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A

riddle - a sport that’s exclusive, but not too much so, especially in recent years. The answer is, of course, golf, which is attracting increasing numbers of enthusiastic players of all ages.

The game was brought to Italy in the late 19th century by the English colony in Florence.

Its members laid out an 18-hole course on land owned by the Demidoff princes to the north of the city. A few decades later, in 1934, a course was opened on the hills of Chiantigiana, 12 km from Florence, and Italy’s oldest golf club, the magnificent Circolo del Golf dell’Ugolino, was inaugurated. These spectacular greens have hosted a number of Open championships, most notably the Italian Open of 1983, the fortieth in the series, the most thrilling tournament ever held Italy. It was won by Bernard Langer after an exciting play-off with Ballesteros and Sandy Lyle. All the golf stars of the time took part - Langer, Ballesteros and Lyle led a field that included Greg Norman, Sam Torrance, Pinero, Canizares, Brown and Italy’s own Costantino Rocca and Baldovino Dassù. In 2009, CONI, Italy’s Olympic organisation, presented the Ugolino Golf Club with its Gold Medal for Merit in Sport in recognition for all it had achieved during its long history, also awarding it the Olympic flag. The eighteen-hole course by Englishman Cecil Blandford and Irishman

IN 1934, A COURSE WAS OPENED ON THE HILLS OF CHIANTIGIANA, 12 KM FROM FLORENCE, AND ITALY’S OLDEST GOLF CLUB, THE MAGNIFICENT CIRCOLO DEL GOLF DELL’UGOLINO, WAS INAUGURATED

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Peter Gannon blends perfectly into the landscape of the Chianti hills. Here, the gentle slopes are cloaked in vineyards and olive groves, and the air is filled with the scent of maritime pines and broom. The course is not excessively long, but it is highly technical, and players soon realise that its natural features, the small greens well-shielded by bunkers and sloping fairways, make it an enjoyable yet demanding proposition. Playing at the Ugolino is not just about a game of golf - it’s an unforgettable experience where players are immersed in hillside scenery of rare beauty. The clubhouse is an excellent example of the 1930s Rationalist style, and is the work of Gherardo Bosio, a famous architect of the time. The first floor comprises a single large space that hosts the bar, restaurant and the lounge area with fireplace. The building, under the protection of the regional department responsible for cultural heritage and the environment in Florence, stands in a strategic position on the summit of a small hill surrounded by pine and cypress, with the eighteen hole course laid out all around. www.golfugolino.it 90

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PLAYING AT THE UGOLINO IS NOT JUST ABOUT A GAME OF GOLF - IT’S AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WHERE PLAYERS ARE IMMERSED IN HILLSIDE SCENERY OF RARE BEAUTY

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THE TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO My family’s Tuscan origins played a role in the choice of our next sailing holiday destination. After some discussion, we were all set - it was the Tuscan archipelago

by Andrea Pezzini

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orgona, Capraia, Pianosa, the Island of Elba, Montecristo and the Island of Giglio are the ideal places for anyone wanting to sail among untouched nature while still being able to enjoy fun and shopping at places like Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio. Winter flew past and by spring we were organised and ready to go - flight to Pisa, private minivan ready and waiting to whisk us off to La Spezia and then the start of the cruise. We were on the stern in a flash, admiring the uniformed crew welcoming us with a smile. Finally we were on board, and set course immediately for Capraia, passing in front of Gorgona, the first island in the north of the archipelago.

Dusk fell and the skipper advised us to dine on board and remain at anchor until morning, taking a trip among the fortifications to the lake called “Stagnone” to one side of Monte Castello, which dominates the island. We took his advice and in the morning we used the tender we were towing to reach the harbour. We discovered 16th fortifications built by the Genoese as a defence against the Dragut raiders.

The kids were fascinated, and I have to say I also felt drawn by this story-like atmosphere. We ate in a typical restaurant offering a wide selection of seafood delicacies, a simple style of cooking but definitely authentic.

On our return on board we relaxed in the sun while the kids

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played in the water until evening, which culminated in a memorable dinner put together by the on-board chef. The following day we had to meet some friends to celebrate a birthday, so I arranged with the skipper to head back north and then towards Viareggio to get to the party at Forte dei Marmi.

The next morning the agency had organised a minivan to the Forte, where we met our friends. We spent a few days together, dividing our time between the villa swimming pool, beach bathing and shopping. But the sea was calling us and returning to the port of Viareggio, we resumed our voyage. We upped anchor in the early morning and after a peaceful sail we arrived at the Island of Elba, and in a sheltered bay skipper took us to a safe anchorage. The next day we would visit the island of Montecristo, also known as the Island of Fires. In the morning we reached Montecristo after a short sail, and we landed with the permission of the authorities. Someone told us the legend of the Devil’s Ditch, crystal clear yet deadly, and the beacon fires lit to signal the

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arrival of the Barbary corsairs who frequently raided the islands and coastal settlements. We had fun exploring the inhabited parts of the island, and in the evening we returned on board for dinner. By morning we were already well out from the coast, heading for Giglio, the last island on our voyage. After our arrival we stopped for a swim in the clear waters. It was a perfect day for snorkelling - organised by the crew - and messing about on the seabob. In the evening, with the outline of the island backlit by a lovely sunset I took the opportunity to have a chat with the skipper. As we’d reached the last two days of our charter, we decided to spend another day among the island’s bays, playing on the tender and windsurfing and making the most of the onboard water toys. The final day, the final swim, and then in the afternoon we entered Porto Ercole on the Argentario headland.

From here we travelled to Rome and then returned to Paris, with travel expertly organised by our charter agency and its concierge.

Until the next time!

OUR YACHT BROKERS (FLOATING LIFE) SETTLED ON A LOVELY FAMILY-FRIENDLY 33 M BENETTI WITH ROUNDED STERN, OFFERING VERY LOW CONSUMPTION AND WITH AN 11 M SUPPORT DINGHY FOR MESSING ABOUT ON THE WATER

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FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

THE WORLD

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LIVES HERE

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FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA

While an enlarged Europe is aiming for unity in diversity, Friuli Venezia Giulia has already achieved it. Over the centuries Celts, Romans, Huns, Lombards, Venetians and AustroHungarians have all passed through this area, and all have left a strong impression

by Antonella Euli e Marina Tagliaferri

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he region, set between Alpine peaks, the Adriatic coast, the Dolomite mountains and the hills of Collio is a crossroads of Italian, Slavic and Germanic cultures, creating a sort of kaleidoscope of traditions, languages and faiths.

At a little less than eight kilometres from blue seas, pristine mountain landscapes and gentle hills lies one of the focal points of Europe’s geography, a historic crucible of destinies and peoples, offering tourists the richness of a land that is a constant series of surprises.

We’ll start from cities that have made the world turn, heard many languages spoken and known cultures and religions from far away.

Over the centuries Celts, Romans, Huns, Lombards, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians have all passed through this area, and all have left a strong impression, influences that have gradually

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coalesced with local traditions. Trieste put on Habsburg clothes, Udine became the city of Tiepolo, Gorizia was given the description of “The Austrian Nice” and Pordenone assimilated Roman, baroque and Gothic influences, hosting the town of Sacile, “The Garden of La Serenissima”. Sun and sea live in harmony in the homeland of the bora wind, welcoming dozens of maritime events.

Visitors can enjoy the golden sand dunes of Lignano and Grado, with their deep, sandy sea bed, and the rocky coves of the Duino Nature Reserve, where the cliffs plunge sheer into the sea.

Then there are the towns and villages, a world ripe for exploration that will fire the imagination - fine food and wine tours, ancient crafts, archaeological sites, mediaeval fortresses and hidden castles, trails among rivers and ancient mills, historical recreations and timeless rituals.

CARNIA, AN AUTHENTIC MOUNTAIN Carnia is said to resemble a giant hand. Its palm is formed by the valley carved out by the languid flow of the River Tagliamento and its fingers by the valleys formed by its tributaries. From the Val Tagliamento with its capital, Tolmezzo, and Forni di Sopra to the Val Lumiei, famous for the enchanting village of Sauris, overlooking a deep lake and stronghold of the local prosciutto ham. After Forni Avoltri the Val Degano leads to Cadore, while the Val Pesarina hosts jewel-like villages like Prato Carnico and Pesariis, and the Valle del Bût Arta Terme, the land of well-being, Sutrio, known for its inhabitants’ woodworking skills and its traditional festivals and Paluzza, base camp for climbs and cross-country skiing. Then there is Valcalda, with Ravascletto, home of the most traditional food and a popular destination for winter tourists in Carnia and Le Selvagge, Val Pontaiba with Treppo Carnico and Ligosullo, the valley of the Chiarsò with the lovely Paularo basin, one of Carnia’s most ancient settlements. Here visitors will find the Mozartina, an extraordinary museum of antique musical instruments.

A land of mountains and water, woods and valleys, over the centuries this region has retained its dialects and traditions, architecture, craft skills, food and customs, elements that combine with a nature that in parts remains untouched to generate the intense attraction exerted by these locations. Nature plays the most significant role in holidays enriched with folklore, fine food and sport.

TOURISM HERE IS THE SLOW KIND, APPEALING TO VISITORS SEEKING THE MOST AUTHENTIC MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES INTACT VALLEYS, HISTORIC CENTRES IN STONE AND WOOD, CHURCH ART, GENUINE FOOD AND ANCIENT SKILLS

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FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA SLEEPING IN A CASTLE The Castello di Strassoldo di Sopra and the nearby Castello di Sotto are located in the Bassa Friulana region. The Castello di Strassoldo di Sopra forms the heart of the picturesque mediaeval town to which it gave its name. Bordered by tumbling millstreams, watercourses, towers and walls, the village has a truly unique charm. The two castles (built by the Strassoldo–Graffemberg family, and still owned by them) nestle in a lovely park, and retain countless traces of the past. To take just one interesting example, the family chapel opposite the entrance the entrance to the Castello di Sopra was the setting for the wedding of Field Marshal Radetzky to Francesca Romana Strassoldo.

Visitors can also stay in the charming La Pileria B&B in the rustic building where once rice was milled, its grindstones powered by a huge waterwheel. La Pileria offers four bedrooms with hand-painted furniture and antique decor, but its heart lies in the large ground floor drawing room with its imposing ceramic stove, hand-decorated with rural scenes. The room opens out onto the ancient gardens with lovely nooks and corners for guests to relax in. The castles are open to the public in April and October for two enchanting events when their rooms and gardens host an elegant selection of decorative objects, antiques and plants. www.castellodistrassoldo.it

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THE TWO CASTLES (BUILT BY THE STRASSOLDOGRAFFEMBERG FAMILY, AND STILL OWNES BY THEM)NESTLE IN A LOVELY PARK, AND RETAIN COUNTLESS TRACES OF THE PAST. THE CASTLES ARE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN APRIL AND OCTOBER

THE CUISINE OF FVG IS A MULTI-FACETED JOY, A MELTING POT OF FLAVOURS ENCOMPASSING TRADITION AND CREATIVITY. DISCOVER THE EXCELLENCE OF THE REGION’S FOOD AND WINE WITH THE TASTYBUS. THERE IS A DETAILED ITINERARY OF THE TOURS ON WWW. CIVADOITALY.COM

FINE FOOD AND RESTAURANTS In this land of borders, if you travel just 100 km you will pass from the warmth of the Adriatic coast to the chill of the Alpine slopes, via hills carpeted with vines producing top-quality wines - small wonder that its food reflects and reinterprets influences from the three great culinary traditions that have been interwoven here for centuries - the cooking of Middle Europe, the Veneto and the Slavic countries. They are joined by the robust, flavoursome dishes of the Friuli region, simple, authentic domestic dishes that the local people would prepare using the ingredients available to them. Their food is the product of the landscape - sea, mountains, plains and hills - and their culture, and it is now given its finest interpretation by the group of twenty restaurants in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Via dei Sapori. Inspired by the motto “Don’t transform tradition into something banal and don’t reject innovation”, they use high-quality products and traditional methods, offering the best of the cuisine to be found in this region, narrating its background and helping guests realise just how much history lies behind every dish they are enjoying. These “Magnificent 20” all offer different types of food, acting as standard bearers for the region’s diverse culinary traditions, created and restyled in line with their personal, highly distinctive ideas. In the words of Walter Filiputti, the organisation president, it is “A gastronomic crucible”. The consortium works with twenty winemakers and fifteen top quality agricultural concerns, all sharing a philosophy and a search for quality. www.friuliviadeisapori.it

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ABOVE ALL IT IS THE BUILDINGS OF PESARIIS, UNUSUAL FOR AN ALPINE VILLAGE, THAT REFLECT A PERIOD OF WEALTH, AND ALL THANKS TO THE CLOCKS, WHOSE STORY IS DEPICTED IN THE CHARMING MUSEUM OF CLOCKMAKING, THE START OF THE MONUMENTAL CLOCK TRAIL

VAL PESARINA, THE VALLEY OF TIME The Valley of Clocks - that’s what the Val Pesarina, in Carnia, is known as, because clocks have been produced here since the 17th century. Now this timehonoured tradition is given a spectacular interpretation by an extraordinary series of monumental timepieces produced in Pesariis, its most charming village. With its ancient settlements and their tall, narrow stone buildings dominated by the rocky cliffs of the Pesarine Dolomites, it provided a link with the Cadore. Men and goods would pass through, and as early as the 18th century tower clocks were made here and admired throughout Europe, as well as bronzìns, the traditional bronze pans that stand on three feet, used for the slow cooking of fogolâr over an open flame. Above all it is the buildings of Pesariis, unusual for an Alpine village, that reflect a period of wealth, and all thanks to the clocks, whose story is depicted in the charming Museum of Clockmaking, the start of the Monumental Clock Trail.

Visitors taking this path will discover an analemmatic horizontal sundial, carillon clock, planetary clock, world map and map of the night sky, a giant clock with a perpetual calendar, a clock with giant paddles or the chessboard clock and a water clock - all highly accurate mechanical devices, fired with a creative ingenuity, forming an unusual open-air museum that will grow over the years through the addition of new timepieces.

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NATURE & SPECIAL WINES Here, 1,500 estates cover almost 20,000 hectares, producing eighty million bottles a year, bearing labels that are famous throughout the world - not forgetting the two jewels of Ramandolo and il Picolit, plus, of course, Friulano, the region’s flagship wine. Winemaking here traditionally focuses on quality production, and has ancient roots. Vines have been grown here, especially in the Aquileia area, since Roman times. Embracing interesting native varieties and important international wines, the choice ranges from scented whites ( Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Chardonnay, Pinot bianco and grigio, Sauvignon) to robust reds (Terrano, Refosco, Schioppettino, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot nero). The region’s most spectacular winery includes the mediaeval cellars carved out beneath the Castello di Spessa di Capriva del Friuli - now open for visits and tasting.

The Wine Store is dedicated to Casanova, who was a guest at the castle, and offers wines from the estate and a selection of mouth-watering regional products. The Tiare di Dolegna del Collio winery, however, is ultra-modern, with lilac-painted interiors, and here Roberto Snidarcig

welcomes visitors and guides them through a tasting journey of his uniquely distinctive wines, reaching a peak in the latest blend he has created, the Tiare. This fine wine is based on Sauvignon, with the addition of the two native varieties that are most typical of the Friuli area, Ribolla Gialla and Friulano - Roberto Snidarcig’s homage to the region of his birth.

COVERED WITH A DENSE BLANKET OF VINES, FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA IS A LAND OF FINE WHITE AND INTERESTING ROSÉ WINES, WITH EIGHT DOC, THREE DOCG AND TWO INTER-REGIONAL DOC ZONES

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Palatial Dining The refined, elegant setting of the “Atman� restaurant, the Villa Rospigliosi, is one of the marvels of Tuscan architecture, built for Pope Clement IX and designed by the most important architect of the Italian Baroque, Bernini

by Antonella Euli

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illa Rospigliosi, a masterpiece that amply deserves its place among the most beautiful, elegant 17thcentury residences, takes its name from Cardinal Giulio Rospigliosi, pontiff from 1667 to 1669 under the name Clement IX. His papacy was brief, but he did have time to commission a sumptuous villa from the most important architect of the Italian Baroque, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Pope Clement died before his new home was built, but the project was completed and the Villa, sober and sympathetically integrated into the Tuscan countryside, was used by the Rospigliosi family as a summer residence until the early nineteen hundreds.

It has now regained its original splendour among the hills of Lamporecchio, in a triangle formed by Pistoia,

THE MERE SIGHT OF SOME LOCATIONS PROVIDES AN EXPERIENCE BURSTING WITH INTENSE SENSATIONS, AND THE VILLA ROSPIGLIOSI IS ONE OF THESE. A SMALL MUSEUM, FULL OF WORKS OF ART AND FRESCOES, COMBINING ANCIENT AND MODERN MASTERPIECES OF ART AND FLAVOURS

Florence and Lucca, following the large-scale restoration carried out by its owner, an enlightened entrepreneur. It has now been transformed into an ideal venue for a peaceful, relaxing holiday, a place where guests can let themselves be spoilt and pampered. The exclusive suites, of which there is only a small number, are on the mezzanine floor, and are designed for travellers in search of great beauty.

The most representative of the sumptuous lounges is the Zodiaco, with frescoes by Ludovico Gimignani, while the Salone Reale on the first floor, with a high ceiling that pushes through the floor above, hosted the ceremonies

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IGLES CORELLI AND HIS BRIGADE OFFER GUESTS A HIGH-PROFILE CUISINE, A MENU PERSONALISED WITH PASSION AND CREATIVITY, WHETHER FOR A GRAND EVENT OR A MORE INTIMATE OCCASION

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held in the palace. Through the wide windows the view takes in the Italianate gardens and chapel on one side and the valley sloping down to the Tuscan countryside of Lamporecchio on the other.

In the sunken drawing room, however, the ancient kitchen is now the home of Igles Corelli’s Atman restaurant, after the chef abandoned Pescia for this wonderful location. In the Sanskrit language, “Atman” means essence, breath or soul, the focal point of a search for the ultimate essence of the individual. It is the foundation for the work of this multi-starred chef, originator of the “Garibaldina cuisine”, so-called because it reflects the excellence of Italian cooking as a whole. His

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dishes also reflect the motto of French chemist and philosopher Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier, who believed that “Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed.” So in the chef’s words, “You should waste nothing in the kitchen, but everything should be transformed.

The aim is to cut through complexity to the heart of the material then investigate its potential forms through the possible transformations”.

As a result his high-profile menus are characterised by creativity, taste, talent and a gastronomic emphasis on the basic products and their seasonal nature. www.villarospigliosi.it

FRAMED IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL SETTINGS, THE HILLS OF TUSCANY, A TRULY UNIQUE MEETING-PLACE OF NATURE, ART AND HISTORY. IN THE TRIANGLE FORMED

BY PISTOIA, FLORENCE AND LUCCA, NEAR VINCI, THE BIRTHPLACE OF LEONARDO. A MASTERPIECE THAT AMPLY DESERVES ITS PLACE AMONG TUSCANY’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS COUNTRY HOMES

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THINGS TO The Palio in Siena and the Trulli of Alberobello, the Pink Mountains, the

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SEE IN ITALY

by Maria Carolina Giupponi

thousand colours of Procida and more. Just some of the beauties of Italy. Come and see them!

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BEST OF ITALY

THE PALIO IN SIENA A city with a wealth of tradition and a beautiful network of ancient streets and alleyways where the unsuspecting visitor, especially if they have chosen to explore the fascinating labyrinth of the historic centre - a UNESCO World Heritage site - will frequently be met by enchanting surprises. The shops and studios eventually lead to the magnificent, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Since 1644 this open space has been the arena for the Palio, the most authentic expression of the Sienese spirit. The seventeen Contrade (city districts) compete on 2 July and 16 August, with horse riders thundering bareback three times around the square. You can watch the trial races and the Palio itself from the bleachers set up around the square, from the windows and balconies overlooking it or by standing inside the centre of the square itself. The race is preceded by a procession in costume, with six hundred citizens representing their district and the institutions of the ancient Republic of Siena. The parade starts from the Piazza del Duomo in the early hours of the afternoon, passing through some of the city centre streets before entering the Piazza del Campo.

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THE VILLAGE ON THE TUFF Sant’Agata dei Goti, a small jewel in the province of Benevento, stands high on a spur of tuff rock in the Valle Caudina, on the slopes of Monte Taburno. What makes this village unique its location, in such a beautiful position that in 2012 it was chosen to join the list of the “Italy’s beautiful villages” circuit. The narrow streets of the centre are lined with artisanal workshops and restaurants, as well as churches and monuments in a variety of architectural styles. The most interesting is the Palazzo Parisi, a former monastery that also hosts, in the underground caverns hewn out of the tuff, an exhibition about instruments of torture used at the time of the Inquisition. Many festivals and events are held here in summer, including the Corpus Christi flower festival in June, when the streets are filled with colourful designs made of flower petals.

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BEST OF ITALY

A TOWN IN NEED OF RESCUE We are now in Lazio in the province of Viterbo, and Civita di Bagnoregio is a town that demands to be visited soon - before it collapses. This magnificent setting comprises a cluster of mediaeval houses perched on a hilltop, and is home to a few dozen citizens. It is now under threat from the gradual erosion of the hillside and surrounding valley. The town’s “Museum of Geology and Landslides” is the focal point of the initiative dedicated to the study of this extraordinary settlement. Civita is in peril of collapsing because the clay it is built on is subject to constant erosion. Meanwhile, however, it attracts thousands of tourists who reach the historic centre across a narrow, 300 metre-long bridge for pedestrians only. Its pitiless destiny makes this place unique, and the panorama of the historic centre, perched on clay badlands, only enhances its spiritual appeal and mysterious appearance.

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A BELLTOWER IN THE MIDDLE OF A LAKE The tip, and the tip alone, emerges from the lake of Resia in the Val Venosta. And when the lake freezes in winter, it’s possible to walk over to it. This architectural curiosity is the result of the completion of a dam in 1950. The valley gradually filled with 120 million cubic metres of surface submerging the old settlement of Curon Venosta, which now lies beneath the lake’s surface. The belltower rising from the water is all that remains visible of the 14th-century church that was engulfed by the rising waters. According to local legend, on some winter days that bell can still be heard tolling - although in fact, it was removed before the flood.

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THE PINK MOUNTAINS The Dolomites form one of Italy’s fifty UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

They are named after the French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, as it was he who discovered the properties of this calcareous rock, rich in the mineral dolomite, that forms this mountain chain. This dolomite gives the mountains a distinctive white colour, the reason they are also called “The pale mountains”. However, at dawn and especially at sunset their colour turns through pink to fiery red, a phenomenon called the enrosadira. Le Corbusier, one of the most famous 20th century architects, described them as “the most beautiful architectural work in the world”. The Dolomites create a magnificent panorama - mountains made up of sheer rock cliffs, glaciers, karst systems and towering pinnacles. These weather-worn mountains are a crossroads for three cultures - Italian, German and the native Ladin.

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THE THOUSAND COLOURS OF PROCIDA The island of Procida is a pocket paradise filled with vivid colour. Covering an area of less than 4 square kilometres, it lies in the Bay of Naples. In ancient times it entranced artists and poets, and now it is a refined, discreet tourist destination. Elsa Morante described it in her famous novel “Arturo’s Island”, and for a number of years now a literary prize named after her has been awarded on the island in summer. The island has also featured in several movies - Massimo Troisi’s masterpiece Il postino, and The Talented Mr Ripley with Matt Damon, to name but two - attracting film makers with its with its scenic charm and typical Mediterranean architecture. Maybe that’s why, as you stroll through its streets looking up at its buildings, you are often struck by a feeling of déjà vu! The start of summer is celebrated on 5 July, and the Graziella is chosen during the days that follow. The Graziella is a young island girl who dons typical folk costume to take on the role inspired by the novel of the same name by Alphonse De Lamartine. A number of rural festivals are also held during the summer, enabling visitors to enjoy local food and wine.

A TOWN OF ARTISTS In the 1960s the Turin-based potter Mario Giani, who works under the pseudonym Clizia, moved his workshop to the mediaeval town of Bussana Vecchia, near Sanremo. In doing so he founded an artistic colony with like-minded souls from all over Europe, drawn by this lovely place where time seems to have stood still. The village lay in ruins after being destroyed by an earthquake, but thanks to him its buildings were rebuilt and it became a homeland for artists. A few hours spent exploring the alleyways clinging to the hillsides and olive groves rising from the sea will remain in the memory for ever. Now, although the town’s character has been transformed, Bussana Vecchia remains a magical place, an open-air art laboratory with shops and studios in the lovely stone structures. And while you’re there, remember that the region around Imperia is full of beautiful mediaeval villages, often ignored by the tourists who flock to the coast. Take a relaxing break in Taggia, Apricale or Dolceacqua - the sight of the bridge of Dolceacqua, with the castle standing in the high part of the village, is alone worth the visit.

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THE HISTORIC REGATTA This event enjoys one of the most beautiful settings imaginable - St Mark’s Square and its canals, traditional gondolas, noble palaces and lagoon make Venice one of the world’s most magnificent cities. It’s also famous for its magnificent carnival and the Historic Regatta that takes place on 4 September, the biggest event if the year in the calendar of Venetian rowing competitions, showcasing a unique sport that’s been practised for hundreds of years in the Venetian lagoon.

Nowadays it’s even more spectacular, thanks mainly to the famous traditional review preceding the races, when dozens of typical 16th-century craft parade in front of the crowds watching from dry land. All resplendently colourful and with costumed gondoliers, they carry the doge, his consort and all the important officials of the Venetian magistrature, in a faithful reconstruction of the city’s glorious past. The four events are divided into groups according to the age and type of the boats - the most exciting is the race of champions on small gondolas that dart along the Grand Canal to the finish line in front of the famous “machina”, the sumptuouslydecorated floating stand in front of the Ca’ Foscari palace.

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THE IDEAL CITY If you find yourself in Umbria, make a quick visit to La Scarzuola, a miniature masterpiece hidden among the woods, concealing an artistic heritage that’s well worth investigating. It’s in Montegiove, part of the municipality of Montegabbione in the province of Terni. As well as being the home of St. Francis of Assisi, it’s also famous for its wonderful buildings. It was, in fact, architect Tomaso Buzzi’s ideal town. What came to be called the anthology in stone comprises seven theatres with seven representations of seven monuments - the Coliseum, Parthenon, Pantheon, Arc de Triomphe, Pyramid, Bell Towers and Temple of Vesta. The result is a surreal construction that combines the tradition of the sacred with the innovation of the profane. Every year this magical place hosts important events and meetings attracting visitors intrigued by this wonderful city, a microcosm of all the scenic beauty Italy has to offer.

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THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO If you are on holiday in Salento, take a break from the beach and discover one of the region’s jewels. Alberobello, a town inland from Bari, is the capital of Trulli. The historic centre is entirely made up of this distinctive type of building, whose conical shape makes the Trulli unique. Generally the Trulli are modular buildings with the interior spaces laid out around a central area. The thick walls and limited window area creates an excellent thermal balance, providing heat in winter and remaining cool in summer. The keystone is a crucial structural element, often decorated with esoteric, spiritual or propitiatory symbols. They also feature an ingenious ledge jutting out from the roof, used to collect rainwater that is then stored in underground cisterns. The Trulli are a unique example of an ancient style of construction that survives today, and Alberobello is a truly timeless destination.

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All rights reserved for Italy and abroad - Wonder World Seasonal - Registered at Milan Law Court n°447 to 30/11/2012

n° 15 SUMMER 2016

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Piero Mezzanzanica pieromezzanzanica@platinummedialab.com

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Our gue sts a re 65 % rep ea t ers Wh y?

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MASERATI GHIBLI. THE ABSOLUTE OPPOSITE OF ORDINARY THE ALL NEW MASERATI GHIBLI IS POWERED BY A RANGE OF ADVANCED 3.0 LITRE V6 ENGINES WITH 8-SPEED ZF AUTO, INCLUDING A V6 TURBODIESEL ENGINE, AND IS AVAILABLE WITH MASERATI’S Q4 INTELLIGENT ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. ENGINE (GHIBLI DIESEL): V6 60° 2987 CC - MAX POWER: 275 HP AT 4000 RPM - MAX TORQUE: 600 NM AT 2600 RPM - MAX SPEED: 250 KM/H 0-100 KM/H ACCELERATION: 6.3 SECS - FUEL CONSUMPTION (COMBINED CYCLE): 5.9 L/100 KM - CO2 EMISSIONS (COMBINED CYCLE): 158 G/KM The data may not refer to the model represented.

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Maserati