Luxury Resort: Belmond Castello di Casole, Tuscany, Italy

Surrounded by rolling hills, sweeping valleys, vineyards and olive groves, Belmond Castello di Casole is set in a beautifully restored castle originally owned by the noble Bargagli family of Siena.

Belmond Castello di Casole is alive with history. The site is deeply rooted in its agricultural past stretching back to the Bronze Age; artefacts from Etruscan farmers have been found across the grounds and are now on display at the hotel. The castle itself dates back to the 10th century.

Belmond Castello di Casole is one of the largest private landholdings in all of Italy. Two grand cypress-lined lanes ascend to the enchanting historic main building, with restored farmhouses dotted among the 4,200-acre estate. It’s a world of sensational food, world-class wine and laidback luxury.

The 39 luxurious rooms and suites embrace a range of styles. Choose from classic Tuscan suites within the castle to contemporary Italian accommodation overlooking the olive grove. Enjoy the outdoor heated infinity pool, three exceptional dining spaces, a spa and fitness centre
and an array of activities around the estate, including hiking, biking, wildlife walks, ceramic classes and wine tasting tours and experiences.

Head out from Belmond Castello di Casole and find endless things to do in Siena, Italy, and the surrounding hill towns. Spring and summer in Tuscany are full of green grass and flowers in bloom, perfect for biking or Vespa rides to the hill towns. Autumn is just as magical thanks to olive and grape harvests. Hunt for truffles and mushrooms, set off on winter winery tours, and uncover the region’s history. Every season promises magical memories.

Luxury Resort: Palazzo Avino, Ravello, Italy

Located in the charming town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast south of Naples, Palazzo Avino offers spectacular views from its vantage point on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean.

The glorious surroundings of brilliant blue sea, a profusion of flowers, and pastel-painted houses create a peaceful haven from a busy world for its sophisticated visitors. Originally a 12th-century villa built for an esteemed Italian noble family, this multi-award-winning property has been tastefully refurbished to the highest standards while retaining its evocative medieval and baroque features.

The hotel has been recognized internationally for its commitment to the very best in service and hospitality, and has been acclaimed as one of the best hotels in the world.

Lake Como Escape at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano

This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Milano will welcome travellers to a luxury hideaway on the shores of Lake Como. Exclusively available to guests of Four Seasons Hotel Milano, this experience will begin at Italy’s fashion capital before continuing with a customisable romantic or family getaway on Lake Como.

Soaring over the mountains of Italy from Milano to the western shore of Lake Como, guests will travel by helicopter from Milan’s Linate airport – a 15-minute flight from Lake Como – landing in the midst of a private garden on Lake Como. What follows will be a luxurious, personalised experience fit for the traveller looking to elevate their Italian getaway.

Beginning with a private boat cruise with aperitifs, canapés and champagne prepared by the Hotel’s chef on the lake, guests will privately enjoy the best of Italian cuisine. Following this private cruise, guests will indulge in a four-course gourmet meal with pairing wines served alfresco on the terrace of the villa, prepared on site by the Hotel's kitchen team and Executive Pastry chef Daniele Bonzi.

Menu items include: seared prawns with panzanella bread salad, creamed beans, home-made ravioli with vegetables, veal and Castelmagno cheese fondue, roasted croaker fish filet with creamed sweet peppers, loin of veal in hazelnut crust with potato mousse, and matcha tea beignet with passion fruit and ginger. This extravagant experience will be set amid a table designed by Artistic Director Vincenzo Dascanio featuring cascades of flowers and dimly lit candles. 

Throughout their evening at the private villa, guests can enjoy the service of full Four Seasons Hotel Milano staff, including a private butler and private chefs. In true Four Seasons fashion, this exclusive getaway can be completely customisable based on guest preferences. 

Villa Giuseppina recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. The space offers a private dock and helipad on villa grounds all set amid an expansive private garden. Guests will also enjoy access to a private wine cellar, an infinity swimming pool with spectacular lake views, a private spa, and a full gym.

The exclusive Lake Como escape is offered solely to hotel guests for daytime and evening visits from July to October of 2018.

Belvedere Suite at the Palazzo Avino Hotel, Italy

The Belvedere Suite is situated in the gardens of the Palazzo Avino hotel. It features a large living area and a master bedroom with round Jacuzzi bath, separate wardrobe, and a large terrace overlooking the Mediterranean sea. On the terrace there is a relaxing area with an amazing view over the Amalfi Coast with a hydro-pool and a large dining area.

Natural Wonder: Lago di Braies, Italy

Lago di Braies (Lake Braies, Pragser Wildsee, Lake Prags) is a beautiful mountain lake in the Prags Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy.

Lago di Braies is often called the Pearl among Dolomite lakes and considered to be the most beautiful lake in South Tyrol. In summer, lake Lago di Braies reflects colours in all shades from green to blue. In winter Lago di Braies is covered with ice and snow.

You can walk round the lake (approx. 4 km) or go for a romantic rowing boat trip. In winter and summer this jewel is the starting point for hikes, ski tours, snowshoe hikes and walks. But only the very brave dive into the ice cold crystal clear water of Lago di Braies...

• Altitude: 1,469 m
• Surface: 31 hectares
• Depth: max. 36 m