UniQ Winter 2015/16 (ENG) by Forte Village

UNIQ

F O R T E V I L L A G E W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 • L E I S U R E • FA S H I O N • B E A U T Y • FA M I LY • F O O D

BLACK RUN CHAMPION.

MASERATI GHIBLI RANGE THREE YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY 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 SQ4): V6 60° 2979 CC – MAX POWER: 410 HP AT 5000 RPM – MAX TORQUE: 550 NM AT 5000 RPM – MAX SPEED: 284 KM/H – 0/100 KM/H ACCELERATION: 4.8 SECS. FUEL CONSUMTPION (COMBINED CYCLE): 9.7 L/100 KM – CO2 EMISSIONS (COMBINED CYCLE): 226 G/KM. The data may not refer to the model represented.

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Maserati

WELCOME

Letter from the Manager Thank you for your loyalty and for choosing the Forte Village. We aim to provide you with a truly exceptional holiday experience which is unique in the global hotel industry. The many prestigious awards which we continue to receive provide proof of our innovative and trendsetting style. This winter, we will continue our transformative refurbishment programme, launched last year, to improve our standards of luxury and hospitality. So what do we have in store for you next summer? First and foremost, the completion of our hotel bedroom refurbishment programme. We will also inaugurate a new arena – a platform for international artists, events and world-class sports fixtures. New, award-winning chefs and restaurants will join the already bursting line-up of world cookery stars to tempt the palettes of guests who enjoy the best in fine dining! We are also upgrading the Aquaforte spa with the opening of a new medical centre that will offer thorough sports check-ups and aesthetic treatments, a paradise for guests who wish to combine a relaxing holiday with health and beauty treatments. Finally, building on the tremendous success of our existing sports academies, next summer we will open even more. Watch this space! In short, Forte Village never stops. While you are busy at home, getting ready for Christmas, we are hard at work here in Sardinia, preparing to give you an even better holiday next summer. As you know, we are never satisfied. We will never tire of creating, extraordinary new holiday experiences to make your dreams even more beautiful. Warmest, heartfelt good wishes from all of us at Forte Village.

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We will never tire of creating, extraordinary new holiday experiences to make your dreams even more beautiful

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Lorenzo Giannuzzi CEO & General Manager

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

C ONTENTS It’s the end of 2015 and what a fabulous year it’s been at Forte Village. Explore even more resort successes in this edition of UniQ. Editor Luciano Tancredi

The best just got better We proudly present three new luxurious villas... say hello to Sofia, Yasmine and Aurora

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We are the champions At our sports academies everyone can fulfil their true potential. Just take a look at the legends you could be training with...

Simply foolish UniQ interviews Pietro Biscu, CEO of ADS.

Fifty shades of Bianca The trendiest styles of the season in red, white and gold. Head-turning, jaw-dropping stuff!

Perfect presents Showcasing our favourite Christmas gift ideas. Your only problem will be deciding what not to get!

Impress your guests this Christmas Our chefs give you their most cherished recipes so that you can feast in style – even away from Forte!

What happened in 2015... From happy days to fun-filled nights, we take a look at some of the incredible events that made Forte Village the only place to be.

A spa for all seasons We know our guests want the best in wellness all year round, and that’s why the Aquaforte spa will embrace a winter opening Comeback king Cyclist Ivan Basso talks to UniQ about life after surgery, and the importance of family in making every day beautiful

Santo’s story The Versace dynamo explains his family’s fashion rise and spills the secret to business success across the globe

The king of desserts The Bonfissuto brothers will delight you with their irresistible masterpieces of haute pâtisserie Capturing your imagination What wonderful family workshops we had when the Institute of Imagination held a pop-up residence at Forte Village this summer

The Gunslinger Alberto Contador, AKA ‘El Pistolero’, gives the lowdown on his competition goals and the philosophy of cycling

Perfect Presents

36 We are the Champions

Impress your guests this Christmas

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WR AITH Wraith is the most powerful and technologically advanced Rolls-Royce we have ever built. It is the boldest statement of individuality you can make. Contact us to discover more.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Roma Via Salaria, 1268, 00138 Roma Tel. 06/88282319 www.rolls-roycemotorcars-roma.it ÂŠ Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2015. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.

SLUG

THE BEST just got better

Looking for privacy, space and style? Want to enjoy a relaxing time in a villa with family or friends, but serviced by the best resort in the world? Sounds just like Forte Village. Our new luxurious amenities appeal to visitors who expect only the best while they are on holiday. Three brandnew villas, commissioned from three great contemporary architects, take the excellence of Forte Village to new heights

VILLA SOFIA Standing graciously on the rise above Forte Village, Villa Sofia offers broad views of the sparkling blue sea. The villa is the brainchild of architect Sandro Sergi, author of much of the overall restyling here at Forte Village. “We’ve built Villa Sofia entirely of wood,” reports Sergi. “Our criteria were environmental compatibility and sustainability. The interior and exterior

areas are laid out around a ‘court’. In fact, the building consists of three wings, all facing the central courtyard with an outdoor swimming pool. “True to the original idea, we deliberately chose natural, local materials. These include white Orosei marble and red basalt from Abbasanta. The wood used is bare oak and pine, including the timber beams and boarded ceiling. The ceramics

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SUMPTUOUS STAYS

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The furnishings range from contemporary designer-ware to the finest Sardinian craftsmanship

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Sergi continues, “The interiors are a blend of exclusivity and pure natural materials. Mainly we’ve used Mediterranean materials, such as the white ‘Biancone’ marble from Orosei. Likewise, the classic parquet floor is in brown, planed oak matching the shades of the juniper bushes. “The bathroom floors are paved in light Biancone and dark brown Travertine marble, while the walls are faced in resin, multicoloured glass mosaics, and some

and other specific products all comply with sustainability principles.” The architect adds, “The aim we tenaciously pursued was to strike a balance between both the structure and the natural environments.” The light, which spills gently through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, brings all the charm of the lush, wildscented garden into the luxurious interior.

of the finest locally-sourced marble available.” The furnishings range from contemporary designer-ware to the finest Sardinian craftsmanship. Examples of the latter are the Samugheo and Domusnovas carpets in typical beige, enlivened with shades obtained from the natural colours of the wool. So Villa Sofia is the epitome of the inherited wisdom and spacious volume of Italy’s great country houses.

ABOVE AND RIGHT: VILLA SOFIA

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SUMPTUOUS STAYS

VILLA AURORA

A very private space...

In the past, Forte Village has delegated the design of several communal areas to engineer Mario Dal Molin, the owner of Dal Molin architectural studio. Villa Aurora represents the culmination of his characteristic, stylish creations. “It was quite a challenging task,” Dal Molin says. “We had to combine Mediterranean villa style with a more contemporary touch and finish everything to an extremely high standard. “Our mission was to attract a high-end clientele. We have accomplished this by drawing inspiration from the timber used in the decking of mega-yachts from Italian shipyards, another of our country’s ‘fortes’. We’ve also used and adapted the materials from Sardinia. “Finally, we have instilled an element of bioarchitecture into the design, using an all-wood shell from the foundations to the roof, and naturally grained surfaces for a restful effect.”

On the outside, the classic lines of Mediterranean architecture, white walls and barrel-tiled roofing, give way to the teak of the swimming pool, an open-air lounge that joins on to the interior living room, a continuum of light pouring through the sliding windows. All around are beautiful plants, the glory of the thousand square metres of private garden. Inside, the natural grain of the nautical-style white oak is left visible. Dal Molin adds: “It combines with highly sophisticated decor, ranging from walls clad in alabaster or contrasting pale and dark oak, while the bathrooms feature marble slabs and Sardinian stone.” Positioned at the top of the resort, Villa Aurora enjoys panoramic views. It is an exclusive realm of light, elegance and relaxation. Everywhere, the limpid Mediterranean light reigns supreme, giving the wonderful sensation that here and only here, dawn continues to break at every hour of the day.

V ILLA YASMINE The coarse, aged timber looks hewn from the sea. Coloured in every shade of blue, from the palest tint through to grey-tones to ultramarine, these distinctive features of the new Villa Yasmine confer an aura of elegance and sophistication. The style is the stock in trade of Lorenzo Bellini, the creator of some of the most famous emblems of Italian style in the world. He explains: “The idea was to start from natural materials. All the spaces are floored in untreated timber, with surfaces that look rough, all in a near-blue colour. The walls are wood-clad, with a sanded, pale blue-grey weatherbeaten effect. “For the facings, we’ve used local stones such as granite, black basalt and white Orosei marble. We’ve painted them in a white halfgloss with a hint of grey, leaving the natural effect enhanced by the paintwork. “Fabrics differentiate the spaces

and add a splash of colour. One of the bedrooms is embellished with features in every shade of red, drawing on a local craft tradition.” This ongoing dialogue with the elements of nature makes Villa Yasmine a chef d’oeuvre of sustainability. A haven of peace, it dominates Forte Village and offers the utmost comfort, style and privacy – perfect for guests who want to get away from it all. Seven hundred square metres of private garden surround it – a cornucopia of typical Mediterranean plants and more exotic, oriental scents. There is also a magnificent veranda and a swimming pool with Jacuzzi corner. “Continuity between interior and exterior is fundamental to the balance of the villa,” concludes Bellini. “The large windows admit a diffuse natural light. Guests can supplement this with the soft, restful, room lighting, which also lends depth to the whole interior.”

Wake up in luxury....

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BRAVE OR FOOLISH? Passionate, determined, tireless. These are the adjectives that best reflect the personality of Pietro Biscu, ADS Assembly Data System S.p.A. CEO, an important ICT Solution Provider operating in the field of technological innovation. Over the past 5 years, under the leadership of Biscu, the 100% Italian company based in Pomezia, has experienced a real boom - growing from 40 employees to almost 1500, spread throughout the nation. The key of this success? An adolescence deeply rooted in his local context, tackling everyday problems with a spark of ‘madness’. Pietro Biscu, your history and the success of ADS are strongly linked by the courage of going all-in to shape a vision. Was it a hazard or a conscious choice to take the leap and go from large corporation to a smaller company of 40 employees? “A conscious and risky decision at the same time. I pondered the risk of leaving a safe and sound company for a smaller enterprise, with no other business but in Rome, because I was so confident of my own skills and those of the people who joined me in this new experience. You know, opportunities always involve some risks. The strangest thing for me was to pass from a highly structured company where everyone had a specific role, to one like ADS, where everyone was willing to immediately adapt their responsibilities to the needs of the company. That was revolutionary to me”. So that vision became real. ADS’s revenue has grown from 5m€ to the 110m€ expected in 2015, in just five years. At the end of 2014, ADS was included in Deloitte’s ranking of the 500 hi-tech companies with the best growth rate in the EMEA area, alongside only 6 other Italian companies and more importantly, first in the field of telecommunications. Moreover it’s a solid, young and full-blooded Italian company. “It was so important to build a strong team that put passion first, a team that matched the quality of what we delivered with the huge effort they put in. The idea began with a small group of friends that followed me in this ‘jump into the dark’, without asking for guarantees, but trusting the commitment of Arnaldo Emiliani, a brave businessman and the founding partner of ADS. But the Pietro Biscu’s ace in the hole is his background. “My teen-age years were critical to me. A manager’s life can be very alienating. The only thing that allowed me to keep my feet on the ground was my strong connection to the territory

Therefore, change everyday. So what are the next ADS challenges? “After years of organic growth and the acquisition of NextiraOne Italy in May 2015, by the end of the year, we will announce two important acquisitions that are going to increase the value of the company and its market position. We also aim for internationalization: that is another important issue that will allow us to sign in 2016 the first significant contracts with international stakeholders in the field of Telecommunications. Meanwhile, we continue to invest in innovation and the IT world: we hired 200 engineers in our factory and we plan to launch an IoT project on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter”. Let’s talk about you, Biscu. The frantic pace of a manager’s life makes it sometimes necessary to unplug. So what do you love doing most to recharge? “My spare time, the little that I have, is dedicated entirely to my family. But I also love to crossing the Sahara desert with my motorbike, backpacking and pitching a tent, or travelling across the North Pole with sleighs. These kinds of trips give inspiration and help me to find myself again”.

I grew up in. My past wasn’t wealthy, which turned out to be the best school of management ever. I am grateful to those who helped me and believed in me. I try to invest in the district I am in, generate employment, and give opportunities to young people. That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s the reason why we created ADSLab - an innovative project, a sort of academy, where every year we form young talents and then insert them directly into the company.” The dynamism of young people, the senior expertise, the ability to moving fast, all enable us, like a ship in the rough sea, to compete effectively in the world of innovation technology. Not by chance ADS’s payoff is: “Nothing is permanent except change”. “This payoff is my mantra. I really wanted it, because for me the ability to take on a new challenge every day creates enormous competitive advantages. This not only means knowing how to model the company according to the needs of the market, but also changing ourselves according to the needs of the company.”

Luxury and technology seem to be worlds apart, instead they are the driving force behind the economic growth of Italy. This was the topic of the workshop you held at Forte Village a few months ago, with the General Manager of the resort, Lorenzo Giannuzzi. Did you like Forte Village? “Technology transcends all facets of the market, particularly in tourism there is a strong convergence between excellence and innovation. The relaunch of the ‘Made in Italy’ brand begins with tourism, wine, food, fashion and innovation. Personally, I think Forte Village and ADS are deeply linked. Forte Village is set in an exclusive location, a real tropical garden in the Mediterranean. But that alone was not the key to their success, because there are lots of wonderful places all over the world. Like ADS, what makes Forte Village unique are the people involved. The management of Lorenzo Giannuzzi and his team surprised me” So, the message comes through loud and clear: today more than ever, the key to success is not the brand, but the power and the passion of the team.

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GIFT IDEAS ‘GRACE BOSS’ CLUTCH Les Petit Joueurs

BRIEF CASE Brunello Cucinelli

MONKSTRAP SHOES

G IFT G UID E

NECKLACE Brunello Cucinelli

Santoni

Perfect presents Looking for the some fashionable gifts ideas this Christmas? Here are our favourites, there’s a special something for everyone! ‘A UGUSTO’ WATCH Wintex for Forte Village

“TECHNOS” SUNGLASSES Dior

IPAD SLEEVE

‘KIM’ HAT

“BIBI” CLUTCH

Brunello Cucinelli

Loro Piana

Gedebe

LIMITED EDITION SPEAKERS Vibe-Tribe

PUMPS

GLOVES

Gedebe

Brunello Cucinelli

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We create emotion Art in Italy

Passion for wood

Quality excellence and a deep knowledge of wood, allow us to interpret today the best styles of the past, make a new vision without forgetting the culture of living. The experience made us acquire new values over time, as the wood with years and use acquires beauty and charm without ever losing its functionality. From drying polishing of essences such as larch, oak and walnut, we entrust our image to the nuances of a product entirely created by the skilled hands of master craftsmen who, in the era of the industry, to rediscover the value of experience and tradition.

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LOOKING BACK

FOR THE KIDS

Fantastic fun for the whole family

Fun for all the family is always on the agenda at Forte Village and 2015 was no different. This summer, the kids were treated to magical evenings at Mario’s Village, where the little ones were given the chance to dance and sing the night away under the twinkling Sardinian sky. There were also fantastic parties themed differently each week, from heroes through to pirates – as well as the clown caper-filled Circus Party. Forte Village celebrated the grand opening of children’s hairdresser ‘Tati Kids’ where the youngsters enjoyed a spot of pampering. Last but not least, children also had the opportunity to enjoy the unforgettable Barbie™, Thomas the tank engine™ and Hot wheels ™ experiences.

What happened in 2015… As 2015 comes to an end and Forte Village gets ready for an exciting 2016, we look back on some of the events that stood out throughout the year…

SPORT ACADEMIES Star line-ups and exclusive training As ever, Forte Village was graced by some of the biggest names in professional sport throughout 2015. Our guests were treated to specialist training by world-leading sporting stars! Ettore Messina, coach of the San Antonio Spurs, and Giorgio Valli, coach of the Italian team Virtus, slam-dunked into the Basketball Academy to offer up their expertise and shoot rings. Bike enthusiasts were given cycling tips and taken on wonderful tours across the stunning Sardinian countryside by Mario Cipollini, Max Lelli and the fantastic Tinkoff-Saxo team. Aspiring boxers learnt all the best duck-and-dive techniques in the ring from Johnny Nelson and Frank Buglioni, while Paulo Ferreira and Tore André Flo represented one of the finest football teams in the world, offering up their professional advice at the Chelsea Soccer Academy. The Rugby Academy residents included legends Paul Grayson, Ben Kay, Tom May, Martin Castrogiovanni, Conor O’Shea, Austin Healey and Will Greenwood, all on hand to help rugby-lovers master their skills on the pitch. The Killerspin Table Tennis Academy

hosted the likes of champions Biba Golic and Max Mondello who demonstrated their techniques, while the Tennis Academy’s star cast featured no fewer than six professionals: Mark Woodforde, Karel Nováček, Jonas Bjorkman, Paul Haarhuis, Claudio Mezzadri and Annabel Croft. A huge thank you to all our sporting heroes for helping to make 2015 another fantastic year to visit Forte Village. Look out for 2016, the line up is sure to be just as spectacular...

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LOOKING BACK

NEW RESTAURANTS New culinary experiences at Forte Village Forte Village was very proud in 2015 to welcome Emanuele Scarello’s new restaurant, La Trattoria Italiana, to the resort. This new partnership between Forte Village and the two Michelinstarred chef serves up traditional yet refined Italian dishes set in a breathtaking location right next to the beach. Meanwhile, Michelin-starred Alfons Schuhbeck’s innovative spice-based cuisine is available for guests to enjoy in a splendid new sea view restaurant as well as in the resort’s Spa. Schuhbeck’s gourmet philosophy, ‘Spice for Life’, developed from his extensive travel around the globe during which time he studied and experienced the extraordinary health benefits of spices.

PIAZZA

FASHION

FOOD

Fabulous live entertainment

Showcasing beautiful collections

Delectable dishes served up daily

Beneath the star-studded sky, Piazza Maria Luigia’s equally star-studded stage offered guests a range of entertainment covering the whole spectrum. A host of Forte Village favourites made a welcome return to the square where music rings out on the warm summer nights. We saw Riccardo Fogli, whose easy listening ballads have established him as one of the most enduring and wellloved singers in Italy; Ricchi e Poveri, who are renowned for their catchy rhythms and timeless themes; Al Bano, whose soaring melodies and passionate renditions have led him to become one of Italy’s best known singers; and Annalisa Minetti, famed for her rich, soulful voice. Other shows throughout the year included musicals, the Glamour Show ballet and resident Forte Village band Six in the City. Guests also got the chance to show off their unique talents at the Forte’s Got Talent show.

This summer we hosted a series of fashion shows with iconic luxury brands such as Loro Piana, Zegna, Cucinelli and RED V. Loro Piana is an Italian clothing company specialising in luxury cashmere and wool products. Zegna is an Italian luxury fashion house that creates men’s clothing and accessories. Brunello Cucinelli is an Italian fashion designer who uses opulent natural materials such as luxurious cashmere for his creations and RED V is the sister line of fashion powerhouse Valentino and fuses the main line’s signature sophistication with RED V’s playful and contemporary aesthetic. Throughout the summer, guests were treated to beautiful shows highlighting the standout pieces of these labels’ new collections.

Every summer, exclusively for guests at the Forte Village, the resort presents the world’s greatest Michelin-starred chefs and the most famous exponents of international cuisine from France, the UK, Spain, Germany and the food capitals of Italy. The Forte Village calendars are always packed to bursting with brilliant culinary events. In 2015 the 4 Hands Evening, hosted by the resort’s chef Rocco Iannone, saw a selection of two chefs prepare a menu with ‘four hands’, offering guests the opportunity to taste delectable dishes created by not one, but two of the experts. Meanwhile, during Celebrity Chef Evenings, the stars of haute cuisine demonstrated their skills beneath the stunning starry sky of the Forte Bay Terrace. 2015 also saw an extra-special ice creamthemed dinner as well as customised cooking classes that allowed guests to hone their kitchen skills and learn from the experts.

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AQUAFORTE SPA

A SPA for all seasons

Even during the darkest days of winter, you can enjoy the pleasures of the very best spa treatments as if it were summer, at the new Aquaforte Spa fortevillage.com 21

AQUAFORTE SPA

t’s winter in the city. There’s traffic and noise. The nights are drawing in. Your work schedule is hectic. As far as your body is concerned the summer, with all its healing powers, is long gone and you are now running on reserve battery power. But what if instead of this grim winter picture you could indulge in a wonderful spa experience? Your skin would once again enjoy the benefits of a unique thalassotherapy treatment with your muscles becoming more toned as you contemplate the pure sunlight and beautiful colours of an exotic garden; the peace, silence and beauty around you nourishing your mind and body. Just a wonderful dream? No. This is the Christmas gift on offer to guests at Forte Village. At last the Aquaforte Spa will open during winter, starting from November 2016. More than ever, this is a must-see for anyone who is looking for the very best in wellness around the world. As the rays of the sun shine through the elegant,

ultra-modern Plexiglass roof of the Aquaforte Spa, you’ll see six thalassotherapy pools and an array of treatments using Aloe Vera oil, mineral salts and compounds from the sea, as well as high-salt-density revitalising whirlpools. Overall, there’s a feeling of warmth and relaxation flowing throughout. As you bring all this to mind you’ll almost feel that you can reach out and touch the lush vegetation that surrounds the Spa.

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More than ever, the Aquaforte Spa is a must-see for anyone looking for the very best in wellness

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AQUAFORTE SPA

CLOCKWISE FROM THIS IMAGE: MARINE MUD TREATMENT; GUESTS FIND ULTIMATE WELLBEING AT AQUAFORTE SPA; ONE OF THE SIX THALASSOTHERAPY POOLS. CENTRE: PIER FRANCESCO PARRA

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Back pain, neck pain, sciatica – they all can be relieved and most probably cured It’s what you’d naturally expect from a hotel and spa that are part of the Leading Hotels of the World. But wait, there’s more… “This extension of the Spa season is the result of a major investment in a range of new high-quality services at the Spa,” says Dino Mitidieri, director of the Aquaforte Spa. “In 2016 we’ll welcome some very important new wellbeing experts to the team. Dr Amira Bodareva will look after aesthetic treatments while the doctors at the Forte Lab will provide detailed analysis for our guests before they undergo the most innovative detox, weight loss and beauty treatments. “But we’ve not forgotten sport of course. Here we’ll provide the most accurate screening with electrocardiogram technology to evaluate body mass and resistance index so that we can assess the level of training you’ll need so that

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you’ll be in top shape when you’re on the starting blocks.” To quote Fiorello, one of Italy’s best loved TV personalities: “Who will be their next spa expert?” A superhero to rival such names as Spiderman, the Fantastic Four and the legendary Thor? Near enough – Pier Francesco Parra is known as Doctor Laser. Are we exaggerating his greatness? Absolutely not. Just look at his roll call of patients including big names from the worlds of entertainment, politics and sport such as skiing, basketball, football and fencing. For those suffering conditions such as tendinitis, muscle injuries or meniscus and disc problems, Dr Parra has been working together with Dr Cerina, head of the medical team at Aquaforte, to provide a revolutionary treatment for the spinal column (including the cervical

and lumbar regions). “They’ve added to the menu of options available at the Spa a range of two- to three-day treatment cycles that combine the extraordinary effectiveness of thalassotherapy with state-of-the-art laser treatments,” continues Mr Mitidieri. “Back pain, neck pain, sciatica – all can be relieved and most probably cured.” Completing the new services is the expansion of the gym – which includes the most advanced Technogym equipment. This confirms the sporting excellence of the resort. Added to this are menus in the Spa restaurant that provide more balanced diets. These new menus are the work of the Michelin-starred, German chef Alfons Schubeck, the famous originator of the ‘Spice for Life’ culinary philosophy, who is already responsible for another very successful restaurant at Forte Village. “Finally, in our two stores, we’re proud to offer an even wider selection of the best cosmetic products in the world, alongside our exclusive line of items inspired by the benefits of thalassotherapy,” concludes Mr Mitidieri. “You might be wondering at this stage whether we’re talking about winter or summer at Forte Village. No, it really is the amazing new ‘warm winter’ of Aquaforte Spa. Thanks to the invention of this – a fifth season during the year – you can enjoy the most authentic wellbeing treatments at any time.”

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INTERVIEW

C OM EBACK

K ING Ivan Basso, two-time winner of the Giro d’Italia, was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the 2015 Tour de France. Although he made a full recovery, in October he announced his retirement from professional cycling, stating that he wanted to dedicate more time to his family and to ‘new adventures’. UniQ talks to the world-leading cyclist about surgery, the recovery process and cycling now On leaving the hospital you were greeted by kind words from your many fans and colleagues. Were you pleased to discover that you were so loved? For an athlete it’s always nice to feel the love of the fans, and not just when you win a race. During difficult moments their affection is worth double. It really helped me to heal and has also made me want to give something back. I now want to promote the culture of prevention, because this kind of cancer, if caught early, can be successfully treated.

moped as you cycled through the roads of Cassano Magnago... It’s true. When I was young I was forever riding my bike. I never wanted or appreciated any other games or toys. My mother used to chase me when I escaped on two wheels. Initially she did it by foot and then later on a scooter. You have four children – do you have to follow any of them by scooter? Well, the first is nine years old and passionate about football. The second is only four years old but already seems to have caught the cycling bug from me. In my family and in our town, bikes are as much a means of daily transport as a sport. Cycling not only makes you feel good but also lets you see beautiful things and learn more about the world around you. This is what I try to teach my children every day.

Alberto Contador, your captain, shed a few tears at the press conference. Is that because you’re friends as well as colleagues? Of course, we’re very good friends. I was surprised to see how moved he was, but I understood. Seeing your teammate leaving the Tour de France, and for a reason like that, must have been really hard. I would have been the same. Only 32 days after the operation you were back riding a bicycle and you said you’d never been away from the sport as long as that. Did you miss it? At that precise moment my thoughts were very much consumed by the disease. However, returning to cycling was my goal, my obsession, because I knew that would signify the end of my recovery. And so it did. ‘I almost lost everything, I saw with my own eyes what hell looks like, but I managed to escape and cling to my existence.’ These beautiful words are the opening to your autobiography In Salita Controvento (Uphill against the Wind) in which you describe your life as a climb. Would you say you’ve had more good times or bad? I’ve had more good ones. I believe the greatest moments in life are when you get out of bed in the

morning and see your family, so for me every day is beautiful. Beauty is made up of special moments, but above all, beauty is about everyday life. Is it true that on 5 June 1984 as you waited for the arrival of Francesco Moser at the Arena di Verona you decided, as a child, that you would one day win a Giro d’Italia just like him? All children have an idol and dream of becoming like that person. I grew up wanting to be like Francesco Moser and 26 years later, at the Arena di Verona where he had won in 1984, I was fortunate enough to win myself. It was an incredibly emotional experience, something that was intensified by this amazing coincidence. Legend has it that, when you were a child, your mother used to have to follow you on a

Last summer you spent a few days with your family at Forte Village – where your team, Tinkoff-Saxo, held an academy. How was it? What did you enjoy? It’s hard to choose... Forte Village is like a bubble of happiness, a world apart where you have everything: fun and wellbeing, mental and physical balance. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about Forte Village is that you can share all this with your family, whatever the age. We also know that during your stay you cycled the southern Sardinian routes surrounding the resort. What paths would you recommend to Forte Village guests? I particularly love the route called ‘giro della cantoniera’. Leaving Forte Village you go to Teulada and then back to the coast. I really recommend it, it’s truly an unforgettable experience!

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INTERVIEW

The gunslinger As he enters his final year as ‘El Pistolero’ gunslinger, UniQ talks to Alberto Contador, one of only six of the world’s riders to have won all three Grand Tours of road cycling Alberto Contador, will 2016 be your last year as El Pistolero? Yes, 2016 will be my last season. If I was to have an accident like the crash I had at the 2014 Tour de France, I would change my mind and continue as I wouldn’t want to retire that way. Your focus this year will be the tour and therefore you have decided not to compete in the Giro d’Italia. Why? After trying the double this year, I want to focus on the Tour de France this season to try to win it, although I must admit it has been difficult to give up running the Giro d’Italia because it’s where I feel at home. Oleg Tinkov tweeted that he wishes you a double win of La Vuelta. It would be a nice way to finish… It’s too early to talk about the Spanish Tour. My goal is the Tour de France and if I finish well, I would also like to try the Olympic Games in Rio, because the course seems to suit me and it’s always very rewarding to represent my country. This year you will be competing against Fabio Aru, the Sardinian cyclist, winner of this year’s Vuelta. In the past you have spoken highly of him… We have a very good relationship and I’ve always said he reminds me of myself as a rider. He has become a great champion and it will be interesting to be rivals again! Forte Village shares the same passion for cycling as Fabio Aru, which is reflected in the opening of the Forte Village Tinkoff Sport Academy… It’s a great idea that we all work together in such a fantastic and scenic location as Sardinia and it’s great pleasure for me to be working on this project. Your team mate, Ivan Basso, is also Italian and last September you were both at Forte Village for the first edition of the Tinkoff Academy. You were very saddened by the news of Ivan’s withdrawal from the tour last summer… Ivan is not only a teammate, but also a great friend. This year we have experienced hard times after the discovery of his disease in the Tour de France, but it all ended well and I think we both have many projects together ahead of us.

TINKOFFSAXO 2015

UPDATED TEAM LOGO 2015

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Cycling is not only a sport but also a philosophy of life. Do you have any advice for the cycling enthusiasts who have signed up for the Forte Village Tinkoff Sport Academy? Cycling is a tough sport when practiced professionally, as the Tinkoff-Saxo riders do. However, it also provides great satisfaction to all those who practice it and I believe that this collaboration between Tinkoff-Saxo and Forte Village is a great idea. Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy it a lot!

FORTE VILLAGE TINKOFF SAXO PRO TEAM

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Learn how to train and ride like a professional rider of the WHITE Tinkoff-Saxo team. Guests will live like professionals and train using the same methods as the Tinkoff-Saxo team while having the opportunity to relax and enjoy a fantastic holiday with friends and family in between training sessions. For more information contact holiday@fortevillage.com

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SLUG SPORTS

S PO RT ACA D E M I ES

We are the champions At Forte Village’s Sports Academies there’s no limit to your potential. Train with the best, be the best!

hat greater thrill could there be for fans of a sport, than practising with a champion – watching his or her every move and picking up secret skills. Football crazy? Swapping a few passes with Chelsea stars Tore André Flo and Paulo Ferreira might be your dream. Tennis mad? Imagine the joy of a few rallies with Karel Nováček, Mark Woodforde, Paul Haarhuis or Claudio Mezzadri. Do the physical contact and subtle geometry of rugby appeal to you? In that case, how fantastic would it be to scrum down with Martin Castrogiovanni

or get tackled by Austin Healey, Martin Johnson or Will Greenwood! Maybe you could even enjoy extended time with them – in the form of a few beers. Or would you rather try your strength and measure your endurance on a bicycle? If so, your dream might be to challenge Mario ‘Lion King’ Cipollini to a hill climb on some of Sardinia’s most beautiful roads, or train with Team Tinkoff alongside Ivan Basso or Alberto Contador. And the list isn’t finished: how about learning some boxing tips from Johnny Nelson and Frank Buglioni? Why not explore the winning strategies of basketball with NBA coach Ettore Messina, and maybe try them out on court

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SPORTS SLUG

with Sergei Tarakanov and Giorgio Valli? Challenge Italian champion Max Mondello to a game of table tennis? Now that would really be a dream come true, wouldn’t it? Sweet dreams are made of this. But there is only one place where they can become reality. And that place is Forte Village: the paradise for anyone looking to combine passion for sport with a holiday at the world’s finest resort. Here at Forte we like to remember a famous quotation: “There’s a virtuous circle in sport: the more you enjoy it, the more you train; the more you train, the better you get.” That was the philosophy of Pancho Gonzales, one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Amateur or professional, it makes no difference. You don’t even have to been bitten by a particular sports bug. The Forte Village Sport Academies are simply here to fulfil all your wishes. We’ve made sure that there’s a slot here for every sport and its mentor: from football to cricket, basketball and netball, cycling, boxing, swimming and rugby – not forgetting our Killerspin table tennis sessions. The academies are a dynamic, stimulating experience. No two courses

are the same, but there is always a chance to match your skills with real champions and make friends with people who share your passion. This ideal setting draws out hidden talents, gauges physical reserves and – if possible – kindles an even greater love of sport. Our experts make sure you meet the sporting challenge head-on. They consult the starred chefs of the resort’s 21 restaurants to find out which diet is best for improving your performance. The professional staff of the Aquaforte Spa, our medical health centre, offer unrivalled support, including a unique seawater therapy course to get you to peak fitness. In short, legends from the worlds of sports-medicine, nutrition and pro-sport will be at your disposal. They will guide you towards the right methods of training, update you on the very latest techniques and share tales and experiences from their successful, prize-winning careers. If, like us, you believe in the old saying “Train like an athlete, eat like a nutritionist, sleep like a child, win like a champion,” then don’t delay. The Forte Village Resort is the place for you!

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Forte Village: the paradise for anyone looking to combine passion for sport with a holiday at the world’s finest resort

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ACADEMY CONTACTS To book or for further information please visit fortevillageresort.com/ academies, call call +39 07092171 or email holiday@fortevillage.com

PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PAULO FERREIRA, AUSTIN HEALEY AND KAREL NOVÁČEK

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Gold & Silver Collections Gioielli Toscani

Tuscan Jewelry

Жемчужины Тосканы

Località Capannelle, Gaiole in Chianti (Siena) www.capannelle.com www.capannellewineresort.com

FASHION

FIFTY SHADES OF BIANCA When Bianca Jagger entered Studio54 riding a white horse she enchanted the eyes of those present. Jagger is our inspired icon of style riding the trends for this winter. Under the strobe lights, her silhouette is enhanced by sinuous dresses. Photographer:Â Margherita Angeli, Fashion Editor: Alessia Caliendo, Make Up & Hair: Nina Tatavitto, Photography Assistant: Ilaria Cuccaro

Nervures body, La Perla Crystal star brooch and metal cuffs, Sharra Pagano

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FASHION

This page: Patchwork fur coat, Simonetta Ravizza Stretch brassiere, La Perla Chain chocker, Ellen Conde Opposite: Paillette long gown, Roberto Cavalli Pendant earrings, Sharra Pagano

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FASHION

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This page: Double breasted mansuit, Ermanno Scervino Lapin fur felt hat, SuperDuper Hats Opposite: Long mink coat, Vladimiro Gioia Crystal star brooch, Sharra Pagano Sequin turban, SineModus Lipstick heel pumps, Alberto Guardiani

FASHION

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FASHION

This page: Striped paillettes dress Roberto Cavalli Fringed and stars earrings Iosselliani Opposite: Foxy Fur jacket Simonetta Ravizza Knot headband SuperDuper Hats Sylvie multicolor clutch Paula Cademartori

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FASHION

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FOOD

Impress your guests this Christmas Amazing tastes and exotic flavour combinations, these culinary delights will astound your friends. Our UNIQ recipes have been created by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs for you to explore and enjoy at home this Christmas. Buon appetito!

Marinated king prawns with Campari and beetroot mayonnaise By Carlo Cracco

Beetroot and seafood Ravioli in a white sauce By Rocco Iannone

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

12 king prawns 500g Campari 20g anchovy sauce 1 cooked beetroot 2 eggs 300g sunflower oil 2g white wine vinegar 3g fine salt 8 leaves of beet 40g beet shoots 12g extra-virgin olive oil

200gr fresh pasta dough 190 gr beetroot, cooked and cooled 300 gr ewe’s milk ricotta 50 gr dried tomato Julienne 1 teaspoon wild oregano 10 courgette flowers 400 gr mussels 400 gr clams 150 gr small, tender squid 100 gr white prawns 1dl extra-virgin olive oil 30 gr taggiasca olives

PREPARATION

salt

Add the anchovy sauce to the Campari and leave to marinate. Shell the king prawns, remove the heads, then place in a large bowl and cover with the ready marinade. Leave in the fridge for about five hours. Drain the prawns, dry carefully and leave to one side.

pepper

PREPARATION Finely chop the cooked, cold beetroot. Add the creamed ewe’s ricotta, salt, pepper and Julienne of dried tomatoes.

Liquidise the beetroot and the sunflower oil, then pour through a fine strainer. Add the eggs, white wine vinegar and the salt to create a mayonnaise.

Roll out the fresh pasta dough and place rounded teaspoonfuls of filling 3 cm apart over half of the pasta sheet. Brush around the filling

Lay out the marinated prawns on a serving plate. Add a few spoonfuls of the mayonnaise, the beet leaves and the shoots, pre-seasoned with a little salt and extra-virgin olive oil.

with water to moisten. Fold sheet over; press down to seal and cut out circle shaped ravioli. For the sauce, lightly brown the courgette flowers with diced Taggiasca olives. Add the shelled mussels and clams, plus a little water. Mix the ravioli into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Finally add the chopped squid and prawns and allow the mix to stand long enough for the flavours to blend. Serve with a few basil leaves and extra-virgin olive oil.

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FOOD

Tiger prawns with milk, horseradish & polenta meringues By Emanuele Scarello

Tiramisù… my way! With mascarpone, coffee and lemon By Gianluca Fusto

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6)

350 g tiger prawns

sponge fingers

4 g salt

candied lemon slices

Pepper to taste

cocoa

Extra-virgin olive oil Dill shoots

Tiramisù cream:

Chervil to taste

360 g organic egg 50 g still mineral water

For the horseradish sauce:

40 g and 70 g sugar

500 g cream

550 g fresh mascarpone

300 g milk

2 g fresh organic lemon zest

2 horseradish roots

226 g espresso coffee or mocha 23 g granulated sugar

For the polenta meringues:

1 g leaf gelatine

100 g maize flour 500 g water

Coffee granita

4 g salt

226 g espresso coffee or mocha 23 g granulated sugar

PREPARATION

1 g leaf gelatine

Boil the water with the salt ready to make the polenta meringues. Add the maize flour and

For coffee mixture

boil for just 2 minutes. Immediately cover with

300 g espresso coffee

cling film to prevent crust forming. When the

4 g instant coffee

mix has cooled, put it in a piping bag with a 6

2 g vanilla stem

mm nozzle and squeeze into little balls onto a baking tray. Then bake in a non-fan oven at 150°

PREPARATION

for 50 minutes until dried out. Keep in a tightly

For the Tiramisù cream: Separate the egg yolks from

sealed tin until needed.

the whites. In a bowl, mix the 70 g sugar with the egg whites and cook in a bain marie at 65°C. Then whisk

Shell the tiger prawns and sear on one side only

the mix. In the same way, mix the yolks with the 40

on a high gas. This should leave part of the flesh

g sugar, water and cook in a bain marie at 82°C, then

still raw. Cool in iced water. Chop the prawns

add the mascarpone and whisk. Combine the two

and season with oil, salt and pepper.

whisked mixes and add the fresh lemon zest.

Peel the horseradish, finely grate and boil in the

For the coffee granita & coffee mixture: Soak the

cream. Strain; add the milk and bring back to the

gelatine in cold water. Stir the granulated sugar into

boil, adding salt to taste.

the espresso coffee while still hot. Add the gelatine, pour into a dish and freeze. Break up into an ice

ASSEMBLY OF THE DISH

crush using a mixer. Keep in the freezer. To prepare

Place the tiger prawns in the middle of the plate

the coffee mixture, weigh out all the ingredients

with some polenta meringues, the horseradish

separately, then mix them all together.

sauce and a few drops of extra-virgin olive oil. Finish with dill shoots, chervil and milk foam.

ASSEMBLY OF THE DISH Quickly dip the sponge fingers into the coffee mixture and leave them on a grid to drip. Place a small portion of tiramisu cream into each beaker, and add candied lemon slice. Add a first layer of sponge fingers and again cover with cream. Repeat one more time. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before eating. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with cocoa and finish with the coffee granita.

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SLUG

SANTO’S

STORY Santo Versace says there’s only one ingredient in the recipe of success – work. The Italian dynamo talks family, politics and global plans by LUCIANO TANCREDI

et’s play word association. If we say “made in Italy,” the first word that comes to mind is: fashion. And, if we say fashion, it’s Versace, with Gianni and Donatella as the creative spirit, and Santo the firm foundation and lynchpin of the brand on whom everything has hinged since its foundation in 1978. A divorced father of two, and now a grandfather, after long cohabitation he has married Francesca De Stefano. She is an attorney-at-law and, like him, originates from Calabria – Santo used to play

basketball at a good level for Viola, the team of his home city, Reggio Calabria. In politics, he was a deputy for the Freedom Party, but says he has always been a socialist. And he served as President of the National Chamber for Italian Fashion. Santo is also the founder and President of Altagamma, the foundation which brings together all major Italian high-end companies, from fashion to design, navigation to jewellery. But the presidency dearest to him is that of Operation Smile, the NGO which treats children with facial deformities in many countries around the world.

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MADE IN ITALY

Q A

Santo Versace, that “child always black with coal” has come a long way. Can you tell us how it all began? I was always “black with coal” because my father had a shop which sold coal. But it was when Mum opened the dressmaking business that the story began…

Q A

Is that the one where - legend has it - the young Gianni used to hide among the lace garments? That’s right. That’s the one. My mother wanted to study to become a doctor. But she was born in 1920, and was forced into dressmaking. When she opened the shop in 1940, it became our home. Gianni, Donatella and I grew up there.

But you were different. You were graduating in economics and business at Messina University. Immediately afterwards, you started work in a bank in your home city. Then the encounter with fashion. How did that happen? I graduated in 1968 and immediately after that I started working at a bank. That was the practice at the time: they would offer jobs to the brightest new graduates from the university. But I didn’t enjoy it, so I quit… Then, when I returned to Reggio after serving in the Italian military as a cavalry officer - the year was 1972 - I found Gianni thrilled because he had been offered the chance to design a collection. The fashion house was Florentine Flower. ‘‘My dream is to be a fashion designer,’’ he confessed to me, in the greatest excitement. Some time later, Gianni moved to Milan as a consultant to various companies, and I began to manage his contracts. That was my real encounter with the world of fashion.

Q A Q

Gianni and Donatella: two generations of Italian style, and you made it an inseparable threesome. How did you get on with your siblings? Exceptionally well. We were always close, united, with a strong sense of family. And you were at their elbow, reliable, pragmatic and enlightened. Your mind was full of very clear ideas, and you had a work ethic which can be summed up in your father’s motto, which you are fond of quoting: “life’s problems are easily resolved in three words: work, work, work.” We live our lives by emulation. My father and mother set us an example: they were always working. They would take no more than seven or eight days off per year. They used to work from early morning to late evening, even on Sundays. Another phrase of my father’s, which I like to remember, is: “there’s no such thing as problems only solutions.”

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In a recent interview, you said that Italy can be divided into three categories: producers, takers and profiteers. Can you explain what you meant? The producers are those who keep our marketing going through manufacturing. The takers are those who live off public contracts, while the profiteers are those people – I believe about one million, living parasitically in political circles.

there’s no such thing as problems – only solutions

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Although unemployment levels are falling, there are still a great number of young people in Italy who cannot find jobs. And we are very slowly recovering from recession. But you are telling young people not to be afraid. Why? In 2002 I was in Berlin for a conference and dinner in a starred restaurant of a splendid hotel, eating super-refined food and drinking excellent wine, and there was talk of recession. At a certain point I said to my fellow diners: look where we are. How can we complain? Imagine where our parents were, and what they were eating in the immediate post-war years. But they never complained. They rolled their sleeves up and got us where we are now. There: that’s my message to young people.

Fashion, tourism, art, culture and fine cuisine. The way to excellence is hard work. Many seem keen to follow it, but few succeed. Many have fluctuating profits or make losses. Do you have a blueprint for them? Companies are founded on the talent of one man. Versace would not have existed without Gianni, just as Armani would not have existed without Giorgio, nor Apple without Steve Jobs or Facebook without Zuckerberg. It takes application and organisation, but the base is talent. If it’s there, the blueprint is simple. You have lent your name to a very important law, which governs goods made in Italy and introduces mandatory traceability of textile products. How much damage is the fake market doing to Italian industry and exports?

The fake market causes damage worth tens of billions of euros. Altagamma is fighting an all-out battle to educate consumers. Our message is that fake means tax evasion, child exploitation and aid to organised crime. Many people would stop buying counterfeit products if they knew this.

Q A

You founded Altagamma: do you believe that style, creativity and excellence are the only way to kick-start the Italian economy and restore our Country to its leading role in the world? I am certain of it. In fact the term ‘alta gamma’ [high-end] which we invented has now become part of everyday language. We have even written a book entitled ‘Beautiful is Possible’, on how our Country should communicate its message.

A Q A

After all these years, have the Italian politics understood this? Well, Matteo Renzi marks a change of approach. It must be because he’s from Florence, but he’s understood these things, as I expected he would. I knew he was capable when I saw him on the TV news, leaving for the Chamber of Deputies in Rome….. carrying a Versace suitcase…[a laugh from Santo at this].

You are a global entrepreneur. How is Italy perceived outside our country? There is a growing love, and a bit of envy, for Italy. Remember the cover of Der Spiegel in 1977? A plate of spaghetti and a gun… Then the fashion designers changed our country’s image, and now the world’s most beautiful and elegant streets display hundreds of our flags or Italian fashion labels.

That’s true. Fashion designers have changed the image of Italy in the world. Can they do so again? They’re doing it all the time. In the 1980s, the world opened out and new markets emerged. The Italian labels, Italian excellence, were right there, every time. We designers keep pace with world growth and carry the Italian flag everywhere.

Q A

About excellence, you are a regular visitor to Forte Village… Yes, Forte Village is another fantastic ambassador for everything made in Italy. It flies our flag all over the world, where it is celebrated, sought after, used as a model and often poorly imitated. Unfortunately for the others, it is inimitable. For me, going to Forte is what holidays are all about. Its seawater therapy pools are marvellous. I can’t wait to get back there.

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It embodies the thousand-year artistic tradition of Sicilian confectionery

THE K IN G O F DESSE RTS “La Boutique Del Dessert” proves sensational with Forte Village guests It was one of 2015’s most eagerly awaited novelties and has lived up to all expectations. Catering to every conceivable taste, the Bonfissuto brothers have demonstrated immense flair in their irresistible masterpieces of haute pâtisserie at “La Boutique Del Dessert’. A cheerful assortment of delights graces the windows of the boutique, which, with its outside terrace, fronts on a central point of the Resort between Piazza Maria Luigia and Forte Bay. In this prime location, the boutique has proved sensational as the rendezvous of choice for guests on the lookout for extra

pampering titbits during their stay. Many well-known faces from the Italian and international scene have fallen for the granitas, the cannoli and even a slice of summertime panettone, to enjoy laced with pistachio cream. Headed by Giulio and Vincenzo Bonfissuto, the newly launched project embodies the thousand-year artistic tradition of Sicilian confectionery, which seems written into the DNA of all those who - like the Bonfissutos have years of restaurant and catering experience to draw on. Of the fraternal duo, it has been

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friend of celebrities Vincenzo who has introduced guests to the Boutique’s products day by day, wooing them with “sweetness” and winning a place in their hearts. His passion has been requited in his visitors: many of which are international celebrities and athletes. Alongside the various gourmet restaurants of this exclusive Resort, “La Boutique del Dessert” rounds off the gastronomic provision of Forte Village by appealing directly to the hearts of its guests. This Mediterranean pastry corner and its masterpieces offer an unrivalled experience for all the senses.

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KIDS

Capturing your imagination

This August the Institute of Imagination – a charity based in London – launched a week-long residency of its Imagination Lab at Forte Village for its first pop-up outside the UK. UniQ talks to the charity to find out how it went…

he Institute of Imagination’s Imagination Lab at Forte Village offered families the chance to get hands-on with a range of innovative and creative workshops combining the arts, sciences and technology. It was a space where children and families could let their imaginations run free. “It was exciting to test the Imagination Lab outside the UK for the first time and to develop new, locationspecific activities – such as the water experiments” says Jennifer Coleman, the Institute of Imagination’s director of development. “We were delighted with the response from children, parents and staff who all showed enormous imagination and curiosity. We look forward to building our relationship with Forte Village and to hopefully seeing some of our imagineers at the resort again next year!” Between 2nd-7th August 2015, the Imagination Lab hosted two daily bespoke two-hour workshops featuring different activities that combined elements of problem-solving, collaboration and creativity, including:

T HE M OV IN G IMAGE Families explored the earliest forms of animation by creating their own zoetrope – a machine that produces the illusion of motion. They then discovered how the moving image is used today with augmented reality as they used Google Cardboard to explore our solar system.

SO UND, EX PLOR ATION A ND M A K IN G S PAC ES Together, children and families created unique immersive spaces using collected sounds, images and objects from around the resort. They experimented

with an underwater camera – a first for the Imagination Lab - and took a closer look at their environment through a digital microscope. Families had a fantastic time using their imaginations and spending time together. One family worked together on an underwaterthemed project, tailor-made for the beautiful seaside setting of the resort. They made and refined puppets and then created a story around them against a projected backdrop. The Imagination Lab practitioners bumped into the family at the airport at the end of the week and the children were still holding on to their puppets! The parents asked when the next Imagination Lab day would be and said it was one of the best activities they had tried at the resort as it made their children think and learn in a new way.

ROBOTICS Families were invited to create their own Drawbot – a drawing robot powered by a motor, a paper cup and some felt-tip pens. Children experimented with engineering their Drawbot’s propeller and changing its structure to create different patterns as it rotated and moved across a large paper canvas.

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KIDS

Create a short digital animation at home The Imagination Lab will be returning to Forte Village in Summer 2016, but in the meantime here’s an activity you might like to try with your children at home At Imagination Lab we like using digital tools to enliven playful and imaginative activities. We have been using the Vine app to create short animations. Vine is used to capture short six-second videos using a smartphone or tablet, but you can also create what we call ‘stop-frame animations’ (the method used for making the Wallace and Gromit films). Why not give it a go? Here’s how:

What you will need • Access to a smartphone or tablet with a video camera. • The Vine app, which is free. More information can be found at vine.co • You will need to sign up for a free vine.co account, which you can keep private just for you and your family (make sure you check the settings). • It’s good to have a white backdrop and a table to work on. Use white paper or card to create a clean background – A3 size is best. • Some material to help you animate an object: play dough is ideal, but a toy or object with moving parts is also good.

How to get started • In the Vine app click on the green camera at the bottom of the screen to open up the video screen on your smartphone or tablet. • Each time you tap or press on the screen, the Vine app will record video. What you want to do is tap the screen and then let go as if you were taking a picture. You will see a green bar along the top of the screen – this indicates the progress of your animation. • Keeping the camera in the same position, make small movements with your object and tap the screen after each small movement. This creates the animation. • You can take lots of pictures or just a few, it depends how long you hold your finger down. Once the green bar

FOUNDING A LEGACY

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We use digital tools to enliven playful and imaginative activities

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reaches the end of the screen your animation is complete. • Your six-second film will play on a loop. Does it show your character or object moving? • It might take a few goes to get it right so keep trying! • Check out an example video for inspiration on the Institute of Imagination’s YouTube channel.

Imagination is the cornerstone of creativity, problem-solving and innovation. It’s an essential skill for life. The Institute of Imagination was established in London to help understand the power of imagination and realise its potential. It is creating a new world-class cultural destination in the capital that will put children at its heart. A much needed space where children and families can let their imaginations run free and explore, experiment, make and play. Once built, the Institute of Imagination campus will be one-of-a-kind — a hybrid between a museum, gallery, community centre, science centre and laboratory – a dedicated space for people to follow their interests and trigger new ideas. It will be for everyone, whatever their background and age. It will welcome over 600,000 visitors each year and many thousands more off-site and online. To make the vision a reality the charity needs your help. They are seeking funds to help maintain its outreach, curate programmes, develop its research hub and ultimately help with the development of the campus building. If you have been inspired to support founding this marvellous legacy for our children, or would like more information on the development, visit the website – www.ioi.london – or contact director of development Jennifer Coleman at jennifer.coleman@ioi.london

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www.lisecharmel.com

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