Set in typical Mediterranean countryside - a rural setting where you can go along flower paths, in the fragrance of the kitchen garden or the olive oil mill – is Masseria Torre Coccaro , a ‘relais’ surrounded by a vast estate in the Apulia countryside. This is a 5-star luxury Hotel Resort which manages to blend elegance with all comforts, luxurious surroundings together with the simplicity of rustic life and respect for nature. As in a painting, the defence towers...

If you want to choose really beautiful places for your holidays, you can opt for the Lakes region which includes Lake Maggiore, Lake Como , Lake Varese and many others.  In this picturesque area, you will be astonished by the extraordinary glimpses in the stillness of the lakes, relish typical local dishes including fish such as rock bass, common bleak, trout, char, tench, carp, northern pike and vendace, whilst sipping good wine and enjoying magnificent views of the lakes. Along...

Among the beaches and the majestic Puglia rock formations, near the ‘ trulli ’ (cylindrical homes with cone roofs) of Alberobello , the countryside around the Itria Valley , the art city of Conversano , the Castellana grottoes, the white city of Ostuni , Castel del Monte , the stone formations of Matera , Salento , the little rock churches – a stay in one of the many hospitable ‘masserie’ manor farms in Puglia is ideal for those who wish to explore...

Few areas offer as much as that of Lake Garda : “The Lake is an intense azure colour, reddening and as clear as a jewel” were the words of Lawrence and like him, many other artists and writers have been enchanted by its beauty, the most well-known being Gabriele d’ Annunzio who settled at Gardone Riviera in 1921, in the then “Villa Cargnacco”, transformed later by the same prophetic poet into the Vittoriale monumental complex.  The temperate climate of...

Extending for 365 acres in the Cotswolds park and adjoining the beautiful village  of Castle Combe , the 18 - hole golf course (par 72), is The Manor House Hotel and Mews Cottages .  This is one of the most fascinating places in the South of England which continually attracts VIPs , indomitable golfers and lovers of relaxation and beauty. You can sip tea accompanied by tasty desserts or quietly read a book, after sport, in the peace and calm of this corner of...

An “ irregular ” pearl  or a syllogism of inconsistent logic; the origins of the word “ Baroque ” are uncertain yet could come either from the French “ baroque ” or from the philosophic terminology used in medieval schooling.  However, it is the outstanding fruit of human genius, something creative which arouses amazement, such as we can pleasantly admire if we go to the Val di Noto , in south - eastern Sicily .  The most fascinating...

Situated in the fantastic places of the Homer legend of Scylla and Charybdis , and in a favourable position for its closeness to Sicily and Reggio Calabria - characterized by the splendid imagery of the Viola coast , is the Atlafiumara Castle ; unique for its art and the natural scenery in which it is surrounded. The castle is a Bourbon fortress /stronghold of the late 18th century , surrounded by Oak trees , Scots Pine and Maritime or Cluster pine trees, Olive...

For those who want to give themselves a truly exclusive holiday , for those who do not want to miss the flavours, the fragrances, or the panoramic views of the best Sicilian and Mediterranean places , we advise you to choose a stay at Eremo della Giubiliana , the only five - star luxury hotel in this wonderful part of the island: Baroque Sicily .  Thanks to its Airpark , with two landing strips – one 500-metre grass strip, and one 700-metre tarmac strip, with radio...

Less than an hour from the majestic Montignano Castle Relais & Spa , to reach Todi , Terni , Spoleto , Perugia , Foligno , Assisi and Rome . A really favourable position in the heart of green Umbria , surrounded by the evocative atmosphere of places that are rich in history and that have seen an interweaving of tumultuous political events together with peaceful and sanctifying events. As a matter of fact, these date back to the Late Middle Ages , even before the...

If you love golf, then you should not miss the Kintyre championship in Scotland , at one of the most exclusive golf clubs – The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayr , the 138th Open Championship is being played from 16 th -19 th July 2009. At this hotel, situated on the Atlantic coast with a view over the legendary island of Ailsa Craig , you can have fun playing your favourite sport surrounded by the picturesque Scottish countryside.  Between one hole and another, you can also...

In the same vein as the great cultural event entitled Futurismolocanda 100 by Ester Coen and supported by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Activity, for the cenenary of the Futurist manifestation by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti , we propose the visiting of another 3 exhibitions with the same theme.  Today, we want to tell you about the one in Venice after the preceding article about the exhibition at the Mart in Trento and Roveretto.  100 years after its...

After “The Revolution continues:  New Art from China” which was a success with 400,000 visitors and “New Art from the Middle East” , the SAATCHI GALLERY of London is focusing its attention on new American artists.  The exhibition goes on until the 13th September, bringing to international attention the new works of 32 American artists, characterized by originality and ingenuity of technique, and which recalls retro styles and abstract expressionism in...

You will not lack anything if you decide to spend your holidays at Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa , in a wonderful natural environment, a luxury castle surrounded by vineyards and olive groves on the rolling hills of Florence with enchanting sunsets and the delicate fragrances of the Tuscany countryside .  In a favourable position just a few kilometers from Florence, Siena and San Gimignano, you can explore the riches of these timeless cities and visit their attractions which...

At the foot of the majestic Sicilian volcano, Shalai Resort , is a hotel which blends the richness of the nature of the place with the richness of its style and furnishing. Surrounded by a warm and intimate atmosphere , you can dream in an eighteenth - century building , filled with all comforts and rendered suitable to renew your wellbeing in relaxation and in enjoyment. The regal façade of the early 19th century emphasizes the origin of the building as an aristocratic...

Situated in a real corner of paradise , one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean , with a breathtaking panoramic view , because it is surrounded by a secular pinewood, and facing towards “Isola Bella” of Taormina, Hotel La Plage Resort is in a privileged position which has enchanted the greatest artists and writers of all time.  To Johann Wolfgang Goethe , Taormina appeared as “A strip of paradise on Earth” , and is still preferred by...