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Venezia Verona Locarno Siena Fiesole Alba Pisa Crans Lecce
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà
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La Loggia (Belmond Villa San Michele, Fiesole)
EDITORIAL Ovidio Guaita, International Editor-in-Chief
T
oday we are experiencing a strange feeling of insecurity that is not related to anything in our recent past and that arises from “not knowing� - a curious expression in a society where information is so abundant. It could be precisely because of this media bulimia, this avalanche of often conflicting news - often non-news, sometimes alarming other times reassuring - that in the end we understand nothing. From this inadequate information comes the insecurity that pushes us to stay at home. It is difficult to make predictions - having already heard so many - and, perhaps, those who choose to wait and see, taking advantage of this moment to discover Italy, perhaps by car, are right. Ultimately, the real lesson covid-19 is teaching us is the one concerning vulnerability. Pompous with our technology, with the infinite possibilities of medicine and omnipresent connectivity as never before, we have suddenly discovered this uncomfortable vulnerability - not only relative to our bodies but also to our minds. The virus does not just affect the lungs, it affects the brain in the sense that it robs us of security. A vaccine would be welcome, but let’s use it to vaccinate our brains as well. We must take advantage of all that the millennium is giving us but with the humility of someone who realizes that they are just an atom within an infinite space. An infinitely small particle, yes, yet infinitely significant at the same time. Go beyond your expectations with Resorts Magazine!
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Byblos Art Hotel Villa AmistĂ Verona, Italia
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San Clemente Palace Kempinki Venice Venezia, Italia
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Bagni di Pisa San Giuliano Terme, Italia
Castello di Spessa Capriva del Friuli, Italia
CONTENTS
Top Restaurants
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La Loggia (Belmond Villa San Michele) Fiesole, Italia
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La Tinaia (Borgo Scopeto Relais) Vagliagli di Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italia
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Locanda del Pilone Alba, Italia
CONTENTS
Special Crans-Montana
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For all seasons Crans-Montana
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Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours Crans-Montana
Southern Puglia
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Palazzo de Noha Lifestyle Design Hotel Lecce, Italia
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T op I t a lia n Top Italian Hotels & Resorts
The best properties among hotels and resorts have been chosen - all of them visited and evaluated. Go beyond your expectations. Let yourself be led by your emotions for a stay that will never be more memorable.
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XV, n. 91 2020 International Editor-in-Chief Ovidio Guaita Senior Editor Lawrence Taylor Contributors Elsa Bozzaotra, Riccardo Casano, Maria Coscarelli, Paola Di Girolamo, Paolo Gerbaldo, Alessandra Jovinelli, Pamela McCourt Francescone Trabslations Lawrence Taylor, Agnese Frullatori Photo Ovidio Guaita, Lawrence Taylor, Paolo Gerbaldo, Riccardo Casano, Gianni Basso Vegamg, Luciano Miglionico, Olivier Maire, Louis Dasselborne e hotel e resort pubblicati Video for iPad and iPhone app Roberto Sessoli Graphic Design Niccolò Angeli www.nican.me Layout Graphic Department Palidano Press Public Relations Daniela Libero Subscription Europe 300 € Rest of the World 350 € Publisher PalidanoPress Kemp House, 152 - 160 City Road London EC1V 2NX (UK) Palidano Press is a Trade Mark of Palidano LLC
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ART HOTEL | VERONA
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà
T
Verona
he original plant of Villa Amistà was built in the fifteenth century in Venetian style restoring an ancient Roman fort house. The current building dates back to 1700 and the careful philological restorations have preserved the original soul of both eras with original finds and frescoes. This would already be enough to make the building a lovely pearl, but the passion for modern art of the owners of the Byblos brand and their friendship with the interior designer Alessandro Mendini went much further in setting up this unique luxury art hotel which is a real permanent art museum The Hotel has 58 rooms furnished in a blaze of colours with design furniture, lamps and unique pieces. Even in the cellar there are two terracotta sculptures by Mimmo Paladino inspired by the primordial peoples, modern totems keepers of over 400 precious wine labels. The Amistà Restaurant with its three rooms, each one with its own artistic peculiarities, combines an elegant environment with a cuisine linked to local products and at the same time with an international opening aimed at satisfying the variegated customers of the Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà.
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Agnese Frullatori
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ART HOTEL | VERONA
The gourmet tasting menu is designed for those who want to explore the territory from a culinary point of view, combined with an interesting wine list for an emotional breath that joins the pleasure of the unique artistic context. The splendid park of 20 thousand square metres houses marble fountains of Verona, water games and an elegant infinity pool of classic shape. Inside the Italian garden, as it was in vogue in 1700, there are centuries-old plants of incomparable beauty. To complete the path of beauty and harmony of the senses, in the basement of the Villa there is the SPA Espace Byblos. In the centre, as in the ancient patrician dwellings, there is an impluvium, now redesigned as a large whirlpool tub.
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INFO
BYBLOS ART HOTEL VILLA AMISTA’ Verona, Italia www.byblosarthotel.com Rooms & Suites 61 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa Espace Byblos Children yes Chain Starhotels Affiliation SLH Activities art exploring, sightseeing Score 78 Environment 75 Design & Art 100 Service 73 Cuisine 86 Health 62 Spa 77 Rooms 75
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LAKE HOTEL | LOCARNO
Hotel Belvedere Locarno
T
he H o tel B el vedere in Lo car n o inter t win es th e hi s tor y of gre at Sw iss ho sp it al it y w it h t h e measures required by m od e r n a n d co mfo r t ab l e el eg ance. Loc ated in a beautiful nat u ra l s e t t i n g b et ween Lake M ag gio re an d th e S an c tuar y of th e M a d on n a d el S asso, t he B el vedere, built as a six teenth ce nt u r y p a l a ce, chang ed it s designat io n in 1 8 9 2 wh en th e Fra n zon i f a m i l y t ransfo r med it into a ho tel an d subsequently ex p a n d e d i t. Th e c h a r m o f histo r y, st ar t ing fro m th e frescoed h all, com b i n e d wi t h t he needs o f hig h-l evel h ospitalit y, h as been we l l e n h a n ce d by t he cu r rent ow ner, t he L issi family from Ti c i n o, i n s u c h a way as to give l ife to an o ffer th at c an expan d, fo r t h e gu e s t, i nto a rang e o f exp er iences. Th e n at u ra l c h ar m o f t he B el vedere p ro je c ts in th e rooms an d s u i te s wh i c h , f u r nished acco rding to t he dic tates of moder n ta s te, of fe r a p ano ramic view o f Lake M aggiore. I n stead, th e br i ght a n d p leasant sp a area p rovides t h e r ight attention to we l l - b e i n g.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
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LAKE HOTEL | LOCARNO
H owe ve r, t h e B el vedere al so k nows how to fasc in ate its g u e s t s wi t h i t s cuisine and cel l ar, b o t h at th e h igh est level an d ava i la b l e i n t he fresh and co ntemp o rar y settin g of th e L a Font a n a re s t a urant and b ar. I n fac t, che f Car lo Ponti Greppi prop os e s a m e nu w hich, at tent ive to season alit y an d different ne e d s, i s d e s i gned using regio nal and M e diter ran ean flavor s, do s i n g t h e b e s t creat ivit y and raw mater ials to give sh ape to s oli d a n d ve r y co nvincing dishes. At t h e H ote l B el vedere in Lo car no, t he result of th e excellent c h oi ce s m a d e to ensure p er fec t p l easu re th us tran slates, for g u e s t s, i nto a to uch o f invig o rat ing b l iss. 32
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HOTEL BELVEDERE Locarno, Switzerland www.belvedere-locarno.com Rooms & Suites 90 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa yes Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities excursions Score 82 Environment 85 Design 80 Service 80 Cuisine 86 Health 80 Spa 75 Rooms 85
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THERMAE HOTEL | PISA
Bagni di Pisa San Giuliano Terme
E
nhanced by an excellent location , th e B a gn i d i Pi s a is a sp l endid envel o p e full of referen ces to th e p a s t wh i c h, however, sp eak t he l an guage of a moder n s p a re s or t. Th e architec t u ral imp r int is in fac t th at of th e eighte e nt h ce nt ur y, w hen t he co mp l ex of th e Gran d D uchy o f Tu s c a ny b u il t by t he Lo r raine famil y refin ed th e an cient th e r m a l s p r i n gs, a few k il o meters fro m Pisa an d Lucca, mak in g th e m a d e s t i n at io n fo r t ravel ers o n t he Gran d Tour. Th e gu e s t i s immediatel y int ro du ced to th e grammar of l u x u r y a n d we l l -b eing, w hich here t akes on an or igin al an d enve lop i n g m e aning. The cl assic st yl e, embellish ed by th e p a s te l - col ore d eig hteent h- cent u r y frescoes of th e vaults, c h a ra c te r i ze s b o t h t he el eg ant l y fur nished suites as well as s om e of t h e commo n areas. Th e p at h of wel l -b eing w inds t hro u gh th e wide spaces - c a re f u l l y re s to red - dedicated to regen eration . Th e t wo B at h s, Pon e nte and Levante, have, in f ac t, preser ved th eir
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THERMAE HOTEL | PISA
or i gi n a l f u n c t i o n up to t he p resent day an d are en r ic h ed by th e a re a s d e d icated to t reat ment s. The itin erar ies are th ose c h a ra c te r i ze d by a var ied rang e o f p ro posals, ran gin g from th e m os t c la s s ic t her mal t herap ies, su ch as mud th erapy, to we l l n e s s - a ll to give a senso r y exp er ience th at can fully satisfy th e b od y a n d the sp ir it. Th e re i s ce r t ainl y no sho r t ag e o f at t rac tion s at th e Bagn i di Pis a for c u i s i n e l overs. I n fac t, chef Umb er to Tosc an o proposes, i n t h e D e i Lorena rest aurant, a menu ca pable of en h an c in g th e s p e c i a l t i e s o f Tuscany w it ho u t neg l ec tin g well-bein g with s p e c i a ll y d e s i gned l ow- cal o r ie p ro p o sal s. Th e B a gn i d i Pisa sp a reso r t is t he ideal place to immer se on e s e l f i n t ra n q u il it y w hil e simu l t aneo u sly regen eratin g min d an d b od y. 36
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BAGNI DI PISA San Giuliano Terme, Italia www.bagnidipisa.com Rooms & Suites 61 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa yes Children yes Chain IHC Affiliation LHW Activities thermal baths Score 85 Environment 90 Design 85 Service 80 Cuisine 84 Health 82 Spa 87 Rooms 86
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WINE RESORT | CAPRIVA DEL FRIULI
S
Castello di Spessa Capriva del Friuli
u r ro unded by a magnificent I talian garden , th e Ca s t l e of S pessa r ises el eg ant l y in t he h ear t of th e G or iz ia Co ll i o. S i n ce t h e 13t h cent u r y it has b een h ome to th e lords of th e Fr i u l i a n n obil it y, incl uding t he D el l a Tor re Valsàssin a family, wh o own e d i t fo r mo re t han 300 years. D ur in g th e centur ies th e re h a s b e en a su ccessio n o f ow ners an d distin guish ed g ue s t s - a m on g o t hers Giaco mo Casanova - wh o h ave mar k ed th e h i s tor y a n d t he vo cat io n to ho sp it al it y of th e Castle, n ow Wi n e R e s or t wit h 15 ro o ms and suites. B esides th e Castle th e m u l t i - b u i l d i n g reso r t o ffers ro o ms amo n g th e vin eyards, on th e h i l l s or n e a r t he green o f t he g o l f co ur ses. Th e gre e n of t he vineyards and o l ive trees of th e Collio is th e s e t t i n g for an 18-ho l e p ar 71 g o l f cour se, ch arac ter ized by s e ve ra l f a i r ways in w hich each ho l e has th e n ame of a win e prod u ce d i n t he est ate. Th e re s t a u ra nt La Taver net t a o ffers a so ph isticated cuisin e in a re f i n e d at m osp here t hat is su it ab l e fo r both intimate din n er s an d e l e ga nt b a nqu et s. The chef ’s dishes suggest imagin ative pat h s t h at ex p l o re t radit io ns, seaso ns and in gredients. I n th e Ca s a n ova m e n u yo u can t aste t he excel l ent R isotto Acquerello wi t h s m ok e d to mato, b u r rat a cream a n d mussel powder, accom p a n i e d by a g l ass o f R ib o l l a Gial l a Per tè an d, to con clude th e ex p e r i e n ce, t he su r p r ising M o jto to e at. At t h e B i s t rot, t hey ser ve raw and co l d d ish es in an intimate and pr i vate l o c at io n . The territory strongly dedicated to viticulture offers fine DOC wines. In the basement of the Castle you can visit the cellars, where the aging of wines has taken place since the thirteenth century.
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Riccardo Casano
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WINE RESORT | CAPRIVA DEL FRIULI
Th e s e a re t h e o l dest and mo st scenic cellar s of th e Collio. Th e y i n c lu d e t wo l evel s: t he u p p er o ne, datin g bac k to th e m e d i e va l p e r i o d, w hil e t he l ower o ne is a militar y bun ker built i n 1 9 3 9 . I t i s lo cated 18m deep and has t he ideal temperature an d h u m i d i t y fo r sto r ing t he b ar r iques. L i k e a l l c a s t l es, al so Castel l o di Spessa h as a stron g f a s c i n at i on e ven fo r t he mo st dist rac ted visitor, n ot on ly for i t s h i s tor y or fo r t he o p ul ence o f t he b u ildin g but, above all, fo r t h e at m os phere t hat yo u can b reat he in a sober balan ce b e t we e n p a s t a nd p resent.
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INFO HOTEL CASTELLO DI SPESSA Capriva del Friuli, Italia www.castellodispessa.it Rooms & Suites 7 Villas 0 - Restaurants 3 Spa Vinum Children yes Chain none Affiliation Residenze d’Epoca Activities golf, wine tasting, excursions
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TOP RESTAURANT | FIESOLE
F
Ristorante La Loggia Belmond Villa San Michele, Fiesole
rom the hairpin bends that go up to Fiesole it is not easy to see the villa but once you enter the driveway, the Italian garden is the setting for its beautiful Renaissance façade. Tonight at the end of summer I am here to try the La Loggia restaurant, which has been in the hands of the young and dynamic executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino for a year. After an aperitif in the garden, I reach the large loggia where the tables are lined up so as to allow guests to enjoy one of the best views of the city of Florence. The equipment is simple, I imagine to enhance the view and the creations of the chef whose cuisine incorporates the Tuscan tradition and local products filtered through his international experience. In fact, Chef Cozzolino spent five years in Hong Kong at the helm of the Italian Grissini restaurant at the Grand Hyatt. From the menu I choose the Tentazioni Toscane tasting menu, which turns out to be balanced, satisfying without weighing it down, but above all a crescendo of flavors. It is no coincidence that the chef emphasizes how taste guides him in his creations. It must be said that aesthetics are not sacrificed - on the contrary. Among the five courses, the Ode to Chianina is worth mentioning ... Il Fagottino!, consisting of egg tortelli stuffed with the classic Florentine “Peposo”, Pistoiese ricotta, Chianina IGP beef tartare, fresh seasonal truffle. The tartare di Chianina, which is the base, magically connects the peposo of the tortello with the white truffle, preparing the palate for the paired Chianti Classico. Another dish to remember is Maremma che agnello ... (Peperonata “sfritta”, olives, pine nuts, sweet and sour “Diavola” sauce), where the surprisingly delicate taste of the meat weds the sweet and sour of the sauce slightly contrasted by the peperonata (right page, bottom). I am advised to pair it with a 2009 Barolo which was perfect. To finish, Fiorentino al bacio (main picture): a 64% chocolate and caramel mousse enclosed in a golden sphere with hazelnut sweet breadcrumbs and a barley cream. A variation of chocolate but where the hazelnut bread seems to recall the skillful Tuscan cuisine of reuse, obviously in an ultra-chic key. Sated but not satiated, I get up when the city lights are now fading. Silence accompanies a view that will remain with me for a long time - as well as the quiet of the garden.
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Ovidio Guaita
INFO RESTAURANT Ristorante La Loggia BELMOND VILLA SAN MICHELE Fiesole, Italia www.belmond.com
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TOP RESTAURANT | SIENA
Ristorante La Tinaia Borgo Scopeto Relais
W
e went back to Borgo Scopeto to try its La Tinaia restaurant. 1887 is the date that appears engraved on a pillar that supports the cross vaults of the room full of charm. However, it is true that during the summer all guests take advantage of the tables in the garden with a view of Siena. It is truly remarkable. The city appears to be somewhat lower than its monuments. Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to behold as we enjoy this oasis of peace. The menu recently revisited by the new chef is contained: a few welldesigned dishes that pay homage to tradition but also enhance the local products and their seasonality. Among the starters we would like to point out with pleasure the “Roasted aubergine, burrata, confit tomatoes and basil” (opposite page above) and the delicious “Potato and basil pie with pea and leek cream”. A first course that surprised us was the Spaghetti “Martelli” Butter and Lemon with Shrimps Tartare, Marjoram and Pistachio (opposite page center). “Tagliatelle al ragout di Chianina IGP and cream of leeks” received our acclaim as did the “Risotto Mascherpa, Zucchini in fiore and squid”. The meats of the main courses are outstanding. And to conclude, “Cremino alla Senese, wild fruit sauce and hazelnut crumble”. The combinations all come from the production of the family companies. Among these we find Altesino, known for its excellent Brunello labels. In summary, this is an excellent stop that easily turns into a pleasant stay with pampering and attentive service.
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Lawrence Taylor
INFO RESTAURANT RISTORANTE LA TINAIA Borgo Scoperto Relais Vagliagli (Siena), Italia www.borgoscopetorelais.it
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TOP RESTAURANT | ALBA
Locanda del Pilone Alba
T
he Lo canda del Pil o ne in M adon n a di Como, n ot f a r f rom Al b a , ow ned by t he B o ro l i and K r ug Ambassade family, e n h a n ce s t h e b eaut y o f t he hil l s o f B arolo an d Bar baresco wi t h t h e Al p s as a b ackgro u nd canvas. Th e c areful restoration h a s i n f a c t t ransfo r med, w hil e p reser vin g its or igin al spir it, a f a r m h ou s e i n t he Lang he into a wel co min g refuge. Th e elegant s e t t i n g i m m ediatel y disp enses intense feelin gs of tran quilit y a n d i nt i m a c y to t he g uest. Th e s t a r re d rest au rant ent rusted to c h ef Feder ico G allo is ex t re m e l y e nt icing. The menu co mp o sed by th e Ch ef, wh ich e vol ve s s t a r t ing fro m at tent io n to t he ter r itor y, retraces th e gre at c la s s i c s o f t he Piedmo ntese t ra dition , updatin g an d re i nte r p re t i n g t hem in a decidedl y convin cin g way, alon g wi t h i nt r i gu i n g innovat ive p ro p o sal s. Th e dish es are c arefully p re s e nte d a n d ser ved in a p recise way, accompan ied by th e p rop os a ls of t he r ich w ine l ist. Feder ico G allo’s c ulin ar y p rod u c t i on moves in a co nst ant b al ancin g ac t bet ween avantg a rd e a n d p a ssio n fo r raw mater ial s.
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Paolo Gerbaldo
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TOP RESTAURANT | ALBA
B e i n g gu e s t s immersed in t he sil ence of a h illside covered by t h e c a r p e t of sp l endid vineyards o f t he L an gh e is th e magic o f fe re d by t h e Lo canda del Pil o ne, al l ow in g you to enter into s ym b i os i s wi t h t he l andscap e and it s exception al flavor s. All a rou n d, a s far as t he eye can see, are th e c rests of th e L a n gh e re ceding into t he dist ance, sy n ony mous with v in e ya rd s, m e d ieval towers and great fo od an d win e. All th at re m a i n s i s to const ant l y t ake advant ag e of th e many sen sor ial p le a s u re s d i s p e nsed by t he Lo canda del Pilon e.
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INFO HOTEL LOCANDA DEL PILONE Alba, Italia www.locandadelpilone.com Rooms & Suites 9 Villas 0 - Restaurants 1 Spa no Children yes Chain none Affiliation none Activities relax, excursions, wine tasting
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
CRANS-M
Riccardo Casano
Crans Montana is a prime location. The view extends from the Dom to the Mont Blanc, passing through the Weisshom and the Matterhorn, from the Rhone valley, 500 meters above sea level, to the Plaine Morte glacier, at 3000 meters.
ONTANA
DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
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The variety of unique landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, forests and vineyards is the ideal setting to immerse yourself in nature and experience the mountains at 360ยบ and, above all, 365 days a year, with all the comforts of a town. One finds its restaurants - from chalet to the starry ones -, exclusive boutiques, wellness options, lively nightlife and golf. The sports activities offered by the region are innumerable and can be practiced in every season of the year. In addition to enjoying the 4 golf courses, which have made Crans-Montana a world-famous destination among green enthusiasts, in summer you can walk along the paths, on foot or by bike, sunbathe on the real beach of the La Plage Club, or do paragliding.
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
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During the winter the region changes face. It is the time of year for winter sports. Here you will find 140 km of ski runs, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering, crosscountry ski runs, a large ice-skating rink, a curling centre and one of the most beautiful snowparks in Switzerland. The golf course at the Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre - right in the centre - becomes a cross-country ski course and a destination for families. Many cultural events mark the calendar of the city and allow visitors to discover the various attractions of the region. Among others, we find the outstanding event the Etoile Bella Lui Festival, scheduled this year from the the 4th of December 2020 to the 3rd of January 2021, which is the ideal moment to breathe all the magic of winter in the light of the lantern trail, with fragrances, music and legends typical of this Alpine region.
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
Hostellerie du Pas de Lours
T
Crans-Montana
he warm and intimate atmosphere of a mountain chalet surrounds the guests from their entrance to the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours. The main element of the building is the wood, from the traditional façade to the interior, where you can also find natural stone walls, exposed wooden beams, fireplaces and design elements that make the rooms comfortable and at the same time very chic and intimate. The original structure dates back to 1912 and it was one of the first luxury resorts in the Crans-Montana region. Fascinated by its history, the owner Armand Bestenheider and his family have contributed to the development of the resort for almost 50 years. The family tradition and the hospitality vocation of the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours in the last 25 years have been carried on by the daughter Sèverine who, together with her husband, the starred Chef Franck Reynaud, helped to make the Hostellerie one of the most exclusive facilities in Crans-Montana, since 1997 member of Relais & Chateaux. The 15 rooms and suites, finely furnished and equipped with all modern comforts, offer a privileged view of the valley and the Swiss Alps. Chef Franck Reynaud, with his gastronomic proposal, is able to enhance raw materials, creating sensations and emotions through a refined cuisine, which combines a wise choice of colours, cooking, aromas and flavours. His dishes, matched with excellent Valais wines, are a sublime experience. In the menu Walking through my universe, we find the flowers and the herbs that we picked together with the
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Riccardo Casano
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
Chef in our morning walk. You should not miss the Gnocchetti di spinacio selvatico, goringo, chanterelles and achillea or the Gambero rosso di Sicilia, celery, smoked tomato powder and vinagrette di gambero, accompanied by a glass of Amigne Roh 2018 with its pleasant hint of cotton candy. The Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours is a family-run chalet designed to make guests feel at home and where the combination of luxury, mountain hospitality, landscape and the starry kitchen are the ingredients of a unique stay.
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INFO HOTEL HOSTELLERIE DU PAS DE L’OURS Crans-Montana, Switzerland https://pasdelours.ch Rooms & Suites 19 Villas 0 - Restaurants 2 Spa Alpage Spa Children yes Chain none Affiliation Relais & Chateaux Activities excursions, golf, skiing Score 78 Environment 73 Design 89 Service 80 Cuisine 91 Health 60 Spa 77 Rooms 78
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
Arrival at the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours We arrive at our mountain chalet after encountering unique views, among mountains, valleys, lakes and vineyards. The chic and intimate atmosphere surrounds us and, after a few minutes of waiting at the reception, we are in the room. The view from our terrace is breathtaking.
Dinner at Tout un Art’s Chef Marco Ferraris, with his gastronomic proposal, takes us back to Italy. At Tout un Art, in addition to the atmosphere, the service also makes us feel at home. Here even fish & chips becomes a gourmet dish with breaded Valais perch fillets at Panko, lemon mayonnaise, vegetable chips and spherification of peas. 62
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CransMontana day one
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
Climb to Plaine Morte at 3000 meters Starting from Barzettes, the cable car hovers in the air, revealing glimpses of incredible beauty. At an altitude of 3000 meters the air is clear and pushes us to breathe fully. The view is worth the trip and we walk to the summit, admiring the Rhine and the Valais valleys and the high Alps that surround us.
Lunch at Restaurant La Plage Back from Plaine Morte, we stop at Restaurant La Plage, on the shores of Lake Moubra. Here you can enjoy traditional Valais dishes with a modern and international twist. This location is also a privileged starting point for a walk along the Rue du Prado to discover the Golf Club and the Beach Club.
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Afternoon Tea at the Guarda Golf At Guarda Golf, a 5-minute walk from the city centre of Crans, we treat ourselves to an afternoon tea in perfect English style. The location is that of a 5 star resort that combines modern design and characteristic alpine charm overlooking the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
CransMontana day two
Wine tasting at LeCrans Hotel & Spa Valais is the most important Swiss region in terms of viticulture. In the steep slopes kissed by the sun, vineyards produce wines with a unique character and identity. In the warm and welcoming setting of the LeCrans Hotel & Spa, the sommelier Antoine Lejeune accompanies us to the discovery of Valais labels. The whites Le Perches, Heida and the reds Diolinoir, Les Pyramides, surprise and conquer us.
Dinner at the Chetzeron We climb again to 2000 meters for a romantic dinner at Chetzeron’s. The view from the restaurant is really special: we are surrounded by peaks, a step away from the starry sky. The location is perfect to enjoy the typical dishes of the Valais tradition. The Chetzeron is an example of the requalification of an old cable car station, abandoned for a long time, in a modern and exclusive design hotel.
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DESTINATION | CRANS-MONTANA
High altitude walk with Chef Franck Reynaud Soon after breakfast, we meet the Michelin-starred Chef Franck Reynaud in the lobby of the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours, which he owns with his wife. Then we leave for an excursion to discover the favourite corners of the chef in search of mountain herbs. It is an opportunity to exchange recipes and stories of life that make us understand how the chef, of French origins, is linked to this territory and its uniqueness. The route winds through paths, trees and streams and, from time to time, we stop to contemplate the beauty of the landscape or to collect some flowers and herbs that the chef will use in his kitchen. We spend a pleasant morning together with Franck Reynaud and we meet again at high altitude for a traditional Valais lunch with raclette and excellent wine.
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Chef Franck Reynaud
CransMontana day three
Gourmet dinner at L’Ours Restaurant Chef Franck Reynaud proposes an exciting gourmet starred dinner. In his dishes we find the stories shared during the morning walk. The ingredients follow the seasons and its gastronomic proposal conveys all the passion he has for the Valais cuisine and territory.
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DESTINATION | PUGLIA DEL SUD
SOUTHERN
Paolo Gerbaldo
Nourished by the image of the sea, the countryside dotted with olive trees and history, the modern traveler who visits the southernmost part of Apulia, from Santa Maria di Leuca to Gallipoli, can discover the strong identity of a fascinating territory.
APULIA
DESTINATION | SOUTHERN APULIA
Gateway to the East rich in artistic jewels, Apulia is in fact the quintessence of the magic of the Mediterranean. Strong traditions. Art de vivre. The infinite sea. A lucky mix capable of nourishing all desires by enhancing the value of slowness. In this attractive context, a concept of young hospitality is offered by Caroli Hotels. In our journey we thus opt for the more informal offer proposed by three hotels of the group, characterized by three different settings
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In the enchanting village of Santa Maria di Leuca dominated by the Leuca lighthouse and the Basilica-sanctuary of the Finibus Terrae, the Terminal hotel welcomes guests with its well-kept restaurant and direct beach access . Going up the Salento, after having admired numerous historical and artistic testimonies - often built with Lecce stone - we finally come out into the Gulf of Gallipoli. The experience of the sea at 360 degrees is given by Ecoresort Le Sirenè, immersed in the greenery of a lush private pine forest. Conceived for those who want to experience the crystal clear sea while enjoying a wide range of good quality services, the Ecoresort is hence synonymous with a seaside holiday. Gallipoli, with its maze of narrow paved streets that make up the plot of the historic village, is clearly visible from the Bellavista Club spread out over the fourteen floors of the skyscraper that dominates the island with the oldest part of the city. With an interior dÊcor that echoes the motifs of cruise ships, the Bellavista Club offers a good compromise between centrality, being a few steps from the seventeenth-century bridge that connects the island to the mainland, and the possibility of getting away from the intense life of Gallipoli, thanks to its vertical dimension that offers natural insulation. From the higher floors the gaze thus sweeps out, from sunrise to sunset, over the infinity of the Ionian Sea. Meanwhile, the sun disappearing behind the historic village offers unique and beautiful sensations imbued with the Mediterranean spirit of Salento.
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DESTINATION | SOUTHERN APULIA
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Paolo Gerbaldo
Palazzo de Noha Lifestyle Design Hotel Lecce
P a la z zo de No ha i s a p l a c e of d rea ms guarded by a h i st or i c bu ild in g i n the heart of L e c c e .
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I
t i s a n i n cub ato r o f ar t ist ic creat ivit y declin ed accordin g to t h e r u le s o f hig h-l evel ho sp it al it y wh ich immediately d e l i g ht t h e t ravel er at t rac ted to Pu g l ia an d S alento. Th e a n c i e nt s t ate l y ho me has, in fac t, insp ire d th e own er s, Paola a n d G i orgi o, who, w it h p assio n, have t ran sfor med it into an ele ga nt L i fe s t yl e D esign H o tel. Pa la z zo d e No ha is a t reasure t rove of life an d settin gs, i nt i m ate a n d wel co ming, w here no t h in g is super fluous. Th i s va lu e i s immediatel y real ized by stay in g in th e var ious envi ron m e nt s w hich disp ense wel l, albeit optin g for an i n for m a l way, t he grammar o f l uxu r y. The ser vice is attentive a n d p e r s on a li zed. Th e room s and suites o ffer a co ntemporar y inter pretation c a re f u ll y d e s i gned to make t he mo st o f it s refin ed arch itec tural enve l op e, t h a nks to t he many p l u ses p re sent: th e sobr iet y of t h e e le ga nt f u r nishing s t hat g o wel l w it h th e Lecce ston e walls a n d va u lte d ce il ing s, co ntemp o rar y design , qualit y mater ials, a r t ob j e c t s, c a refu l u se o f l ig ht ing. The ter race is an intr iguin g exc l u s i ve cor n er t hat smel l s o f b o u g ainv illea. From h ere you c a n e n j oy i nterest ing views over t he c it y an d relax in th e sol a r i u m a re a wit h an infinit y p o o l. I m m e r s i on i n t he magic o f Lecce’s b aro q ue, with its buildin gs a n d vi e ws, i s tot al. St aying at t he Pal azzo de N oh a is a per fec t c h oi ce to m a k e ho sp it al it y a sweet adventure wh ile savor in g t h e p le a s u re of to t al disco nnec t io n.
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INFO HOTEL PALAZZO DE NOHA Lecce, Italia www.palazzodenoha.it
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