NEW HOTELS, RE-OPENINGS, NEW SERVICES
NEW I-SUITE DESIGN HOTEL (5*) IN RIMINI
Rimini’s first all-suite hotel has recently been opened. The capital of the Adriatic Riviera is now hosts to 6 floors of pure relaxation and luxury. The hotels has 54 suites and junior suites all equipped with the latest comforts and facilities, a ground floor restaurant, indoor and outdoor bars and outdoor heated pool. On the 6th floor the guest can make use of the well equipped gym and spa areas comprising infinity pool, sea-view sauna, ice room and Turkish bath.www.i-suite.it
NEW ABITALIA TOWER PLAZA (5*) IN PISA
The 5 star Abitalia Tower Plaza was opened in Pisa in January 2010. It stands very close to the Natural Reserve of San Rossore and offers amazing view on the Leaning Tower. The Abitalia Tower Plaza offers 82 rooms, 9 junior suites, 3 suites and 27 apartments. From most of the rooms guests can enjoy the breath-taking view of the Leaning Tower, which is within walking distance from the hotel: Piazza dei Miracoli and the city centre are just a hundreds metres away. The hotel also offers 6 meeting rooms, a Wellness area with Turkish Bath, Emotional Shower, massage room and fitness facilities. There is also an open-air a swimming-pool (seasonal) with whirlpool and sun terrace where in summer it is possible to have lunch or dinner. www.abitaliatowerplaza.com
NEW GRAND HOTEL PIAZZA BORSA (4*) IN PALERMO, Sicily
The new Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa is the result of the extensive restoration of three ancient “palazzi” in the historic centre of Palermo, in Piazza Borsa. The central nucleus of the hotel consists of an old convent and the majestic church of the Mercede Fathers, the cloister of which remains intact in the new structure as well as the monumental staircase. The building also comprises the old bank Cassa di Risparmio. The hotel offers 127 rooms and suites, all individually designed, a wellness centre, bar and lounges in the Old Cloister, a winter garden conservatory and the refined restaurant “Kemonia” with its intact Art Nouveau design. www.piazzaborsa.it
NEW HOTEL CORTE VALIER (4*) in LAZISE, Lake Garda
The new Hotel Corte Valier in the town of Lazise on the south-eastern shores of Lake Garda, has opened on 14 May 2010. The Hotel main structure was originally a Franciscan monastery, then belonged to many aristocratic families until its recent restoration. This new resort extends over an area of 11.500 sqm and has 84 bedrooms (6 of which suites) equipped with the latest facilities. The hotel also offers a wellness area equipped with sauna, Turkish bath, Kneipp route, inside and outside pools, fitness area and solarium. The Dome is the hotel’s panoramic restaurant with lovely views over the lake and gardens, while the Hall Bar offers drinks on a large terrace overlooking the lake. www.cortevalier.com
NEW HOTEL PARCHI DEL GARDA (4*) in LAZISE, Lake Garda
Another new hotel opened in Lazise on the south-eastern shores of Lake Garda on 30 April 2010, the Hotel Parchi del Garda. The hotel is situated at the centre of the best theme parks in the area: Gardaland, Parco Natura Viva, Parco Giardino Sigurtà, Canevaworld Resort, Aquaparadise, Movieland, Rock Star, Park Jungle Adventure, Medieval Times, Museo Nicolis e Navigarda. The hotel offers 2 restaurants, 2 bars and pool bar, outdoor pool and extensive garden. A novelty of this hotel is the 4D rooms, some of which themed on the amusement parks nearby. The nature of Sigurtà Park and Gardens, animals of Parco Natura Viva, adventure of Canevaworld Resort and exciting exploits of Indiana Jones in Jungle Adventure Park right in your room for the delight of the children, who will find these rooms an endless source of fun. www.hotelparchidelgarda.it
NEW NH CAPO DEI GRECI (4*), Taormina in Sicily
The NH Capo dei Greci is a premier resort and spa overlooking the majestic Taormina Bay. Each turn reveals dazzling waters and blue skies as far as the eye can see. The 200 guest rooms provide the ultimate in comfort and style, while affording spectacular panoramic views of the striking landscape. The swimming pool is an architectural marvel, it is accessed via two elevators built into the side of a mountain. Four world-class restaurants and three cafes provide plenty of options for dining and nightlife. There is also a fitness centre, tennis court and soccer field and the exclusive Magna Grecia Spa offers the guest the latest treatments and facilities.www.nh-hoteles.com
CASTA DIVA RESORT (5*), in Blevio, Lake Como
CastaDiva Resort is a five-star luxury resort located on the east side of the western branch ofLake Como, in the lovely village of Blevio, only 5 km from Como. The resort was opened on 1st May 2010. It is composed of nine villas, surrounded by a huge luxuriant botanic park that boasts age-old trees of different species. The villas are connected to one another through roads, walkways and steps amidst enchanting vegetation. Villa Roccabruna is the heart and soul of the resort and owes its name to its history. The villa was not only the favourite destination of many 18th century aristocrats, but also the home of the famed lyric diva Giuditta Pasta. She was the first soprano to play Norma, Vincenzo Bellini’s opera, and thus became also the first “Casta Diva” of the Hymn to the Moon, written by Bellini especially for her – the “moon” of Lake Como. The old villa is at the core of the resort and provides the main services and facilities, such as the hall, period salons, a concierge desk, an American Bar, a 1,300 sqm Spa and ten suites – seven of which are duplex – on the first and third floor. From the villa, the access to the marina is allowed through pontoons and landing wharfs. Of the two docks, located on the basement floor of the villa, one is used for reaching the lake, whilst the other is part of the spa and connects it to the floating pool outside, with a whirlpool and a sun-deck directly on the lake. The restaurants L’Orangerie and Le Jardin, connected to the main villa through a glass lemon-house, offer Italian and Mediterranean dishes, prepared with a particular focus on local traditions. From the terrace, guests can enjoy a unique view of the lake and the surrounding. www.castadivaresort.com
HOTEL MILANO SCALA (4*), in Milan
The Hotel Milano Scala opened its door on 24 May 2010. The Milano Scala is a sophisticated boutique hotel featuring 62 rooms distributed on seven floors; 23 rooms have a view on Via dell’Orso, while the others face the inner courtyard and preserve the style and the charm of the old Milan terraced houses. The 4 Suites and the 7 Junior Suites are themed and bear the names of the some of the most famous operas and have been decorated with stage photos and objects. On the ground floor, an elegant Lounge Bar and an excellent Restaurant welcome the guests, while a relaxing living room with multi-media library and crystal ceiling offers a view on the vertical garden. On the eighth floor, there is an impressive terrace overlooking the historical centre of Milan, the profile of the Lombardy Alps and the new city skyline. The Hotel Milano Scala is 100% eco-sustainable producing energy by itself without polluting the environment. www.hotelmilanoscala.it
BORGO EGNAZIA (5*) in Puglia
The owners of the renowned Masseria San Domenico Hotel inaugurated the new Borgo Egnazia the region of Puglia on 12 May. Borgo Egnazia will comprise of a 5* hotel, a typical Apulian Village and 28 private villas across 20 hectares of land on the coast. The main hotel will have 63 guest rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, one indoor swimming pool and a ballroom. There will also be a Roman bath inspired spa, tennis courts, a 18-hole championship San Domenico Golf course, private beach club and a restaurant/bar on the beach. The Village will comprise of 72 Apulian style townhouses around a central piazza hosting 91 one and two bedroom suites, private Arab gardens, balconies and roof terraces. www.borgoegnazia.com
RADISSON BLU (4*)OPENS IN MILAN
Formerly known as the Chedi Milan this contemporary and stylish hotel is situated in Milan’s Bovisa district and it is a blend of Italian sophistication and Indonesian elegance. It comprises 250 guest rooms and suites decorated in earth tones and white touches with wood, bronze and mosaic furniture and ornaments. The restaurant of the hotel, Filini, opens out onto a courtyard for al fresco dining. The hotel also has a lounge bar, fitness and heath club and indoor swimming pool.
www.radissonblu.com/hotel-milan
RE-OPENING OF THE HOTEL SPORTING (4*) IN TERAMO, Abruzzo
The Hotel Sporting re-opens on 11 June 2010 in Teramo in Abruzzo after an extensive restoration and restyling. Teramo is an ideal base to visit the region being near to both the National Parks and the Adriatic coast. The hotel has 62 rooms all equipped with the latest facilities and furnished in modern, minimalist yet engaging style. The theme of the hotel is that of a “cultural space” , real works of art are dotted around the hotel for guests to admire. The Oxygen Bar and Restaurant also offer relaxation and culinary delights. The hotel also hosts an independent restaurant on its 7th floor, “Il Corsaro Nero” already a well know restaurant in its own right, specializing in fish and seafood, formerly located in the centre of Teramo. www.hotelsportingteramo.it
NEW CASTELLO LA ROCCHETTA holiday apartments in Sandigliano near Biella in Piedmont
The “Castello La Rocchetta” is located in Sandigliano in the province of Biella, and its origins date back to the 14th century. After remaining closed to the public for many years, the castle underwent extensive restoration work in order to revamp this splendid residence. On 10 March it opened its doors to the public for the first time as a provider of tourist accommodation facilities, with 16 apartments suitable for both short breaks and longer stays: relaxation, courtesy and service. www.castellolarocchetta.it
UPGRADE AT THE LE FONTANELLE HOTEL (5*) near Siena
The Hotel Fontanelle in Castenuovo Berardenga has recently added new services to their already excellent offering: a new botanic garden is now open to the guests, internet connection in each room is now available free and there is a new shuttle service to the beautiful town of Siena. The Hotel Fontanelle is the result of the careful restoration of an ancient house on the hills surrounding Siena. The hotel offers a spa, a gourmet restaurant, la Colonna, offering local and international cuisine, it is also possible to dine in the open air terrace with magnificent views over the hills.
www.hotelfontanelle.com
RE-OPENING OF THE GRAND HOTEL TIMEO AND VILLA SANT’ANDREA (5*) IN TAORMINA, SICILY
The Grand Hotel Timeo and the Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea re-opened on 27 May after an extensive upgrade by their new owner, Orient Express Hotels. The Grand Hotel Timeo is set high in the rocky hills overlooking the bay of Naxos and the Greek Theatre and now offers 72 rooms and suites, outdoor heated pool, wellness centre in the extensive gardens, panoramic restaurant and bar.
www.grandhoteltimeo.com
The Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea is situated directly on the beach on the Bay of Mazzaro’. It was originally a private villa owned by an English aristocrat. Now a luxury hotel it consists of 63 rooms and suites, gourmet restaurant and a bar located on the terrace overlooking the sea. A new spa is also now open. The hotel has its own private beach. www.hotelvillasantandrea.com
NEW SPA AT THE PARK HYATT MILAN (5*)
The luxury Park Hyatt Milan, situated in the centre of the city just facing the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele has just opened a new Spa decorated with travertine marble and pastel Venetian stucco. There are two treatment rooms with private shower facilities, men’s and women’s steam rooms, aromatherapy showers, relaxation area and a whirlpool adorned with gold mosaic tiles and smoky glass to guarantee total privacy. The spa holistic treatments are unique to the hotel and they are all specifically created for the individual guest. www.milan.park.hyatt.com
FUTURE OPENINGS
DONNAFUGATA GOLF RESORT & SPA (5*), near Ragusa, Sicily
Opening 1st July 2010, part of the NH Hotel Group.
The five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort and Spa is situated on the sprawling Donnafugata Manor, conveniently located just 17 kilometers from Comiso Airport and within a one-hour drive from Catania International Airport. Set amid pristine beaches and natural and historic conservation areas, the resort offers the possibility of visiting many historical and artistic cities such as Ragusa, Modica, Ibla, Noto and Scicli, famous for their Sicilian Baroque buildings. The resort itself is a model of historic preservation, with original details remaining intact through recent renovations and facility upgrades. Each of the spacious guest rooms comes equipped with wireless internet access, satellite TV and a personal refreshment centre. Three restaurants and two bars provide the gastronomic delights, while a state-of-the-art fitness centre and swimming pool allows guests to continue their usual fitness regime in style. The Donnafugata is a golf enthusiast’s dream, offering two championship courses (the Parkland Signature Course and an 18 Hole Championship Course) and a golf academy complete with 70 driving tees and putting/pitching greens. www.nh-hotels.com
VAL DI LUCE SPA RESORT (5*), Abetone Mountains in Tuscany
Opening December 2010
The Val di Luce Spa resort will be a brand new resort in the beautiful Appennine Mountain range area of Abetone in northern Tuscany. The resort will be ideal for skiers in winter and nature lovers in the summer and will offer 32 rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, a lounge bar, panoramic terrace and billiard room. The spa area will be one of the main features of the resort with alpine sauna, steam bath, frigidarium, swimming pool and relaxing treatment area. www.valdilucesparesort.it
RESTAURANTS
RE-OPENING OF THE ANTICA OSTARIA PACETTI IN GENOA
The historic Antica Osteria Pacetti was re-opened on 23 March 2010 after a long period of closure on its centenary. The Osteria was in fact originally opened at the beginning of last century by the Pacetti family, it had its heydays in the 50s and 60s and closed in 1984. Among its famous patrons we find Rudolf Nureyev, Jacques Custeau, Carla Fracci. Now completely renovated and upgraded offers delicious dishes from Liguria and Friuli (the chef Stefano Di Bert is from Friuli) regions. The restaurant offers 45 seats and specializes in fish and seafood dishes, faithfully recreated according to the tradition and using locally sourced ingredients. www.ostariapacetti.com
TRANSPORT NEWS
MORE RYANAIR FLIGHTS FROM LONDON TO ANCONA
From 3 July to 25 September 2010 Ryanair will up its offer from London Stansted to Ancona to 9 weekly flights, with 2 daily flights offered on Thursdays and Saturdays.
www.ryanair.com
NOTE: The hotels, restaurants and other services mentioned in this newsletter are listed for information only and this newsletter is not meant to be interpreted as a recommendation for any particular establishment.
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu
Unravel Travel TV, Italy Section http://www.unraveltravel.eu/?cat=7
