Unconventional hospitality in the sign of artistic valorization – Miramare Hotel Museum

Miramare Hotel Museum in Cagliari is an innovative concept that captures the heart of all guests who stay at least once in their life. 



The small and extravagant hotel de Charme is located on the noble floor of Palazzo Marini Devoto, a majestic building built between 1870 and the end of the 19th century in the main street in Cagliari. The 24 rooms are actually ateliers where several artists created their works, getting in touch with the hotel, its builders, and guests. 

“Art as an investment for the future” are the words of the visionary host Giuliano Guida Bardi, already well-known by the public for his activism in the revolutionary hotel industry. 



It was Miramare Hotel that designed and created the Playable in art, a formula that allows artists around the world to stay in Cagliari and discover its culture and passion and pay the hotel bill with their artworks: a return to barter and patronage that enhance the humanity of artists and hosts, which is often depressed by the money value of their passions. This process led to designing an Arcimboldian and multiform hotel: a melting-pot of styles and cultures, chronicles and stories that give it a unique charm.



The staff of young and enthusiastic collaborators, who animate the reception, the bar, the kitchen, and the dining rooms, is the icing on the cake. They are all very young and cheerful and help provide a pleasant stay. They organize tours by tuk-tuk around the Marina and Castello alleys in the historic center, amazing boat trips in Golfo degli Angeli , or rides on the Piper PA28 to admire the pearls of South Sardinia from above. A unique experience, in front of the tourist port in the suggestive neighborhood of LapPola (or Martina), a kind of souk with an extraordinary gastronomic offer, from starred restaurant to taverns with charm. 



Miramare Hotel Museum

Via Roma, 59, 09124 Cagliari

Website 

Instagram page

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

A window overlooking Rome, the Eternal City

Imagine waking up in the morning, opening the windows, and glimpsing the majesty of Rome, the Eternal City that is ready to welcome you.

A few minutes from Terme di Diocleziano and Villa Borghese, Marcella Royal Hotel welcomes you in an oasis of peace in the beating heart of the city. The elegance and warmth of the hall combine with modern rooms, from the most luxurious to the classic one, without neglecting the care for the guests. 



The crown jewel, recently renovated, is without a doubt “Terrazza Flavia” from where it is possible to admire the breathtaking view from the city of Rome to Castelli Romani, From St. Peter’s Dome to Monte Mario and beyond. What better way to start your day tasting an Italian and American breakfast with a breathtaking view? 

The Roof Garden “Flavia” welcomes you also for an aperitif, a dinner accompanied by music, or even a business meeting (that must go well with such a view!)



This authentic jewel of the capital owes its beauty and name to Marcella Angelini, a hotel owner for over 50 years who represents the archetype of our country’s hotel culture: meticulous attention to cleanliness and the guest in the spotlight. 

Style, elegance, attention to detail, choice of prestigious materials and luxury finishes have always belonged to Mrs. Marcella.

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

Springtime in New York – a sign of rebirth

Crowded restaurants and parks, bars and coffee shops full of people, musicians playing outside, in the streets. If it weren’t for the masks, which are still mandatory to wear even outdoors, walking around Soho on any weekend of April, it would be difficult to believe we still are in the middle of a pandemic. 

 In New York, a fresh wind has been blowing for the past few weeks. Thanks to the impressive vaccination plan, around 40% of New Yorkers have already received at least one dose of vaccine. 

The restaurants are full of people, while they serve mainly outside like the new formula adopted in Europe: a novelty introduced last spring as an experiment, then extended to the whole winter, despite the frigid temperatures that characterize the Big Apple during cold months. It was eventually confirmed indefinitely by NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio. 



Today NYC restaurant owners, who resisted the months of the lockdown, are ready to take their revenge. They can offset the reduction of the internal capacity with large external structures that have nothing to envy to the typical ones in the main European squares, for lunch and dinner “en plen air”. 

And so, in this New York spring 2021, one of the most affected sectors during the pandemic is now becoming the most evident and concrete sign of restart post-Covid. 



Even the real estate business hints that a turning point seems to be close. As confirmed by Andrea Pedicini, a real estate broker who has been living in New York for over eleven years: “In the first quarter of the year, in Manhattan 3,700 new sale contracts were signed, this has been the highest number since 2007, growing by 58% compared to the same quarter in 2020.” The combined effect of three factors has been impactful, “Prices are on average 10-15% lower, interest rates are low, there is a spread optimism that derives from a concrete and efficient vaccination plan”, he explained. 

Data related to the rental market are also positive, with an increase of 90% of new leases registered in March compared to the same month in 2020: a growth consistent with what already happened back in early 2021 between January and February. “It is the most evident sign that people are coming back to the city, attracted by convenient rents, with prices falling by 15-20% compared to before the pandemic”. 



These data challenge the thesis of the detractors of New York, who claimed that the emptying of the city recorded during the lockdown would be definitive. Moreover, at the moment only 10% of the employees who used to crowd the city from Monday to Friday have gone back to the office, and international tourists are absent because of the closing of borders still in force. 

In this context, despite the temporary impossibility to move there, even Italian investors’ interest in Manhattan and its surroundings is growing. “Since last summer, our compatriots’ interest in the real estate business in New York has increased significantly, as often happens in these circumstances”, said Pedicini, whose clients are mainly from Italy and are entrepreneurs, managers, but also actors and professional athletes. 

“Some people are just waiting for the borders to reopen and, in the meantime, they request to be kept updated about market trends. Others have invested remotely from Italy without even seeing face-to-face the acquired property.”



And so, within sight of the total reopening expected on July 1st, New York seems to be ready to welcome tourists with open arms, considering also the impressive budget approved by the New York Tourist Board, which has assigned the record amount of 30 million dollars for the “NYC Reawaken” campaign whose slogan is “Wish You Were Here in New York City”. 

Photo Credits: Federica Carlet

Attractive destinations for your spring break

It is already late spring and the desire to escape is getting urgent. The season is perfect for a short break: temperatures are rising, the sun is shining, prices are cheap. Do you prefer an exotic destination? Do you want to get away but not too far? Or do you prefer to visit a city? If you haven’t decided yet, here are some destinations for you: 

Egypt

It offers a variety of activities related to the sea, the sun, and a beautiful coral reef. It is ideal to book in one of the luxurious resorts in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada to enjoy the shades of the ocean, tasting a cocktail by the swimming pool while sunbathing. Do you want to go on a trip that combines adventure and history? Well, you have the chance to visit the wonderful city of Alessandria or El Cairo. 



London

Spring is definitely the best season to visit the beautiful UK capital that brings together nightlife, shopping, and culture, all in the same city. In this period, temperatures are high and the weather is less rainy than usual. What else? 



Turkey

An ideal place for a holiday with your partner, but also with your family or friends. The amazing city of Istanbul has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday depending on your travel companions: you can choose different attractions, museums, restaurants, and much more. And if you want to go to the seaside, Turkey also gives this possibility: it is enough to move to cities such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Kemer. 



Malaysia

If you choose this destination, a backpack and free spirit cannot miss. Malaysia is a place dedicated to adventure. Visit the fascinating city of Kaula Lumpur and then make a stop in Shah Alam. Between one excursion and another, take your time to meditate, purifying your mind and spirit, admiring landscapes of unspoiled nature. 



Tunisia

It is one of the most popular destinations for families but also for couples looking for a romantic location. Here you can find mild and sun-drenched beaches and large expanses of sand where to enjoy the warm spring weather. You can visit Hammamet and go to the suggestive beach of Mahida. Then you can make a stop in Sousse for a city break steeped in history and admire the natural beauty that this wonderful African setting offers. Do you prefer a more touristy location to enjoy the nightlife? Well, you can’t miss the well-known city of Djerba. 



Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

5 charming hotels where we can’t wait to check-in

Our wishlists have got longer over these months, from Italian destinations to exotic paradises. The choice of the hotel will play a fundamental role in the organization of the perfect post-pandemic escape. 

These are the proposals of the 5 new Marriott International Hotels, where to spend at least one day. From retreats of charm in Italy and Europe to Oriental resorts from the Arabian Nights: destinations that will surprise you! 

Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection



Located in the heart of Tuscany, on the foothills of the Alps and built inside a 16th-century palace, Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection overlooks the two most iconic squares of the city: Piazza del Giglio and Piazza Napoleone. Thanks to its central position, the boutique hotel with 55 rooms, inaugurated last November, represents a perfect starting point to discover the splendid Tuscan city, also known as “the city of one hundred and one churches”. Within walking distance of the hotel, there are masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Church of Santi Giovanni and Reparata and the historical Teatro del Giglio.

Music, one of the pillars of the hotel’s philosophy, is reflected in the name of every room, from the “Sala Piccolo” to the “Suite Puccini”, dedicated to the homonymous composer who was born in Lucca and was a regular visitor to the property. Tuscany’s land and cultural heritage are recalled in red, green and yellow silk and velvet fabrics that celebrate the renowned silk production in the city, and they are matched with modern wooden floors and golden details. 

The peculiarity of the building is the precious souvenir created purposely for every guest who, visiting the Symphony Lounge, can choose to listen to a personalized musical prelude composed by the pianist and inspired by his/her personality and taste.

W Ibiza



W Ibiza dominates the scene on the boho-chic seafront of Santa Eulalia, combining the multiple nuances of Isla Blanca’s two souls: the contemporary and the rural one. The hotel, inaugurated in July 2020, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the brand’s mood: here you can breathe a holiday atmosphere made of relax, Mediterranean sounds and scents, chill music, and bright colors. The interior design reflects the hotel’s character: curated by the study of Baranowitz and Kroneberg from the Netherlands, the furniture in eclectic style reflects the contemporary travelers’ tastes, they recall the colors of the island and embody local materials. The 162 rooms and suites and all the environments have been designed so that the light is ever-present and an integral part of the building, from the sunrise to the sunset. The Chiringuito Blue is a restaurant on the beach where the Israeli chef Haim Cohen proposes his best Mediterranean dishes. A visit to the beautiful AWAY Spa is a must for a relaxing holiday. 

Thanks to the W insider, an expert on the island and surroundings, it will be fantastic to organize activities around Isla Blanca or trips to discover the city with its art galleries and boutiques. Moreover, thanks to whatever/whenever® program, which allows you to ask any questions at any time, travelers can see all their desires satisfied, from a piece of cake at night in their room to a sailboat ride. 

The St. Regis Cairo 



St. Regis Cairo, on the banks of the Nile, is the new landmark of the city thanks to its architecture. It was inaugurated in January 2021 and it is located at the northeastern end of the Corniche, in the heart of the lively Egyptian metropolis. The hotel offers easy access to the beautiful monuments of the city, which is rich in history. The suggestive architecture, designed by the famous architect Michael Graves, is characterized by geometric lines, whereas dark wood and elaborated textures combine with intricate embroidery, jeweled woodwork, bronze and wooden sculptures embellished with gold, mother-of-pearl inlays, and majestic crystal chandeliers that create a modern Egyptian aesthetic. It is a symbol of modern Egyptian glamour. The guests are surrounded by a refined design and can enjoy high-quality service, excellent culinary proposals, and a selection of bars and lounges. The building, with 39 floors, has 286 rooms, which are sumptuously furnished, three Royal Suites with a panoramic view on the Nile, and 80 luxury apartments for a unique experience in the Egyptian capital. 

Here, guests can pamper themselves surrounded by the opulence of the marvelous rooms inspired by the ancient Egyptian heritage. The polite and personalized service culminates with the signature St. Regis Butler service, to anticipate any customer’s need and satisfy their preferences thanks to exclusive attention for the entire stay. 

Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort, Abu Dhabi



The building, which last August 2020 marked the debut of the Luxury Collection in the capital of the Emirates, is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Inspired by local architecture and the rich history of the country, the resort has 103 rooms and villas decorated with traditional Arabian patterns, the mashrabiya (ventilation elements, typical of Arabian architecture), and accessories in typical bedouin style. Sober interiors and neutral tones are in harmony with the landscape surrounding this extraordinary retreat in the desert. In this far-off paradise, you can also enjoy some culinary pleasures: from the Lebanese menu proposed by the restaurant Bait Al Hanine to the elegant rooftop bar Al Mesayan, guests will not be spoiled for choice. The hotel offers many activities such as trips to the desert, encounters with local tribes to discover the medicinal uses of local plants, and tours to discover the beautiful natural landscape, for example, the sabkhas – large expanses of salt – and ponds with flamingos. 

This intimate and elegant shelter allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature in peace. The Spa is the distinctive sign of the experience in this hotel, where guests can find their interior balances and go on a journey to individual wellness. The gastronomic proposals are interesting with restaurants that offer a majestic view of the desert dunes. 

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest



 Built during the Belle Époque in 1902, the Matild Palace was erected under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Maria Clotilde of Sassonia-Coburgo and it boasts the premises to become the social hub of the capital.

The iconic palace, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is preparing to host a new hotel of the Luxury Collection, whose opening is expected in the second quarter of 2021. The design, curated by the English study MKV Design, combines the historical heritage and the liveliness of the modern city, which is constantly evolving. Located in the heart of the city and close to the Danube, the hotel is a spectacular starting point to discover the magic of Budapest or to simply taste the atmosphere staying inside the hotel, thanks to its restaurants and bars, such as the terrace with garden The Duchess, which hosts a liquor library, and the Matild Cafe and Cabaret, which brings you virtually to the beginning of 1900. Finally, the heart of the hotel: a luxury Spa inspired by the Hungarian thermal baths and decorated with marble elements and design furniture. 

The building combines a modern and sophisticated design and sumptuous elements of the Belle Époque. It is easy to travel with your imagination to that period thanks to the history of the building, conceived by Her Highness to welcome in the city those who enter from the Elisabeth Bridge. 

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

Brasserie in Paris: 3 famous and historical Parisian bistros

Paris is a charming city that deserves to be visited at least once in life. Everyone is entranced by the romantic and retro atmosphere of this city and by its beautiful districts such as Montmartre. If you go on a trip to the French capital, you cannot miss out to sit in a traditional Parisian brasserie. 

Here are three historical and famous Brasserie where to taste local dishes and experience the Parisian atmosphere:

Au Pied de Cochon  



Near the old Parisian market Les Halles, we can find Au Pied de Cochon, which holds the record of having never closed since the Liberation Day after the war. This brasserie was originally opened for those who worked at the market, that’s why it is still open 24 hours a day. It is the ideal place to eat a good meal late at night. Even at night, you will find tourists and celebrities keeping its atmosphere warm and cozy at any time. 

Brasserie Flo




This place is in a hidden courtyard that in the past hosted the stables of the adjoining palace. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Known as the actress Sarah Bernhardt’s favorite restaurant, Brasserie Flo was initially called Chez Hans. It kept that name until, shortly before the First World War, it was plundered by the crowd of Parisians who were protesting against the Germans. Then, Monsieur Floderer furnished the place in Liberty style and gave it the splendor and finery of a real Parisian tavern. The menù is never the same, it changes every day and offers one of the 500 dishes that Flo proposes every year in rotation. The most popular dishes are the tartare steak, oysters in champagne sauce, and salty pork with lentils. 

Bofinger


It seems this is the oldest brasserie in Paris. True or not, the atmosphere of this place evokes the Belle Époque, with its wonderful glass vault. While tasting excellent seafood, you will enjoy interludes with waiters bumping into each other and making the dishes fall, or with femme fatale who seem to be right out of the Opéra Bastille. These funny scenes will make you feel like you were in a Disney cartoon set in the Ville Lumiere. 

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

Chef in Town: International food – traveling through flavors

We live in a globalized world where goods and people move freely on the whole Earth’s surface and make countries’ economies and cultures travel.

In a country like Italy that cares about food and is naturally exposed to cultural influences from different parts of the world, it is natural that the most compelling aspect about other cultures is their food and cuisine. We have to admit that some traditional dishes of various countries have stood out globally owing to factors such as the great representation of their nations and the high quality that they embody. 

It is no coincidence that Italians – especially young people interested in broadening their cultural horizons – have gradually turned to cuisines from the rest of the world. Trying their hand at cooking some specialties has become a fashion, particularly for dinners with friends. Moreover, the distribution network has boosted this wave of culinary adventures: given this growing interest in foreign countries, supermarkets have been equipped with specific products to cook international food. 

But which are the cultures that we love most? Let’s see two of them. 

JAPAN 


It was pretty obvious that Japan would be the first to be mentioned. Nowadays, Japanese cuisine is the most widespread in the world. The extraordinary variety of dishes, the incredible quality of products – mainly fishery products owing to the waters surrounding the country, rich in marvelous species of shellfish, and innumerable species of fish- have made Japanese cuisine the most appreciated worldwide (even more than the Italian one). Over time, restaurants that offer the best food of this tradition have been opened, where sushi reigns supreme. 

As a matter of fact, in Europe and the USA, people don’t often distinguish sushi from sashimi. The first one consists of rice balls with raw fish, avocado, and other variable ingredients. On the contrary, sashimi is the typical raw fish slice to eat without other condiments (except the soy sauce and, for the bravest, wasabi, a typical Japanese plant whose chopped root tastes extremely spicy). 

Besides the well-known sushi and sashimi, Japanese cuisine offers a series of soups such as Ramen, and many meat cuts, also appreciated by our supermarkets. 




INDIA 



The Indian tradition took more time than the Japanese one to establish itself in our market, probably because of widespread skepticism about the quality and hygiene of those parts of the world. However, a series of restaurants have led the way to this cuisine for a few years, making us realize that it is actually very good. 

What reigns in Indian culinary culture are spices, which give a unique touch to every dish. The most popular is curry, used in many ways but made famous by the typical curry chicken with Basmati rice. These exotic flavors and scents inevitably make your mind travel to those typical Indian landscapes and magical atmosphere emphasized by the beauty and peculiarity of the Mughal architecture, thus making Indian cuisine fascinating and increasingly widespread. 



Chef in Town- a food and beverage column curated by

Intl Editor Francesca Romana Riggio

The seven most vibrant resorts in Central America

The current pandemic forces us to travel only with our imagination, but nothing forbids us to fly overseas with our thoughts and start planning our next trips. 


Costa Rica, Santa Barbara. November 30, 2016. The atrium in the main building of the Hotel Finca Rosa Blanca. © Teake Zuidema

Among the must-see destinations, Central America and the Dominican Republic are the ideal places to find the right spirit and rekindle the desire to travel. Colorful, rare, and breathtaking landscapes reflect the energy, the culture, and the local tradition: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. 

We have selected some of the most quaint hotels where to stay at least once in life: 

Los Almendros de San Lorenzo – El Salvador

In Suchito, you can find an elegant boutique hotel in the historic center of the colonial city, which comes from an ancient house of great cultural value. Behind the amazing mural, designed by the Salvadoran great master Luiz Lazo, a piece of Eden is hidden. Patios full of plants, fountains, and aisles with wood columns are the real protagonists. 



W Panamà – Panamà

Inspired by art, fashion, culture, and local gastronomy, the hotel embodies the spirit of the country with a unique style and design that pay homage to the region’s history and present. The building is located close to Calle Uruguay, a prestigious location in the financial district of the Panamanian capital. An outdoor swimming pool cannot miss, ready to catapult the guests into a relaxing atmosphere. 



Finca Rosa Blanca – Costa Rica

Once there was only mud, today there is a luxury paradise. Amongst exceptional coffee and 7,000 trees, this hotel is located on land that tells us local cultures and traditions. If you love art in all its forms, Finca Rosa Blanca is the place for you: you will be welcomed between extravagant sculptures and colorful murals; with its distinctly Costa Rican spirit, it will offer you a natural and ecological paradise. 



Hamanasi Resort – Belize

Located between the Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, it is an intimate boutique hotel that offers the possibility to discover the biggest Maya sites immersed in the rainforest. The more adventurous can go as far as the unspoiled coral reef. Ecotourism is the basic philosophy of this resort, which works every day to preserve that piece of paradise for future generations with attention to the environment and the animals. 



Eden Roc at Cap Cana – Dominican Republice

Elegant suites by the sea and wonderful villas surrounded by nature for guests’ complete privacy: Relais & Châteaux Eden Roc at Cap is a unique and exclusive resort located in the beautiful setting of Cap Cana beach, a scenery of lively architecture and rooms with bright and vibrant colors. 



Jade Seahorse – Honduras 

It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, share emotions, and appreciate monumental creations. Here “green attitude” is the real protagonist: recycled materials, such as pieces of pottery, glass, disks, and bottles, decorate this oasis giving shape to mosaics, walls, tables, and floors. You can book exclusive bungalows built by the best craftsmen and taste dishes of local organic products.



Tribal Hotel – Nicaragua

Located in the heart of the colonial city, the luxury hotel has the perfect position to fully experience the charm of history, culture, and the local restaurants. The guests are welcomed in an elegant lobby and enter a tropical oasis with a swimming pool made of bizarre tiles, which recall the pavements in Copacabana. The roofed terrace surrounding the patio offers a modern common area, while the dining room is decorated with handmade pieces designed by the owners and produced by local craftsmen from the countryside. 



Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

Chef in Town: Monna Caterina Wine Resort, the perfect place for unique relaxing moments.

Located in a medieval village, Monna Caterina Wine Resort is a place in which to immerse yourself completely and where it is possible to enjoy the beauty of nature, art, and good food. This ancient cottage, close to Vinci, offers a unique view, thanks to its position on the hill that allows you to admire a breathtaking landscape. In the fifteenth century, it was the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s mother, Caterina, and it was surrounded by a landscape of vineyards and olive groves: that same breathtaking scenery which we can see in the background of the famous “Gioconda”. The resort is in Vinci, in the heart of Tuscany, between Florence and Pisa, between the Montalbano hills and the Arno river. 



The rooms have furnishings between design and country style: on the one hand, characteristic features of the rural building, on the other hand, the integration of more contemporary “Leonardesque” furniture, with floating beds, colored and transparent elements, glass windows lighting up spaces, and attention to detail. 



But there’s more: the old resort produces its range of wines on-site in the Monna Caterina winery. The red wine has fruit notes of cherry and violets with a balsamic aftertaste; the white one has a lively taste with citrus notes. For wine lovers, the resort is perfect for walks to discover the flavors of the vineyards. Moreover, there is a tour to discover the olive groves: Monna Caterina also produces its olive oil 100% Made in Italy. 



It is a journey through Italian beauty in a magical place full of history, art, and culture, where it is possible to enjoy a unique experience discovering flavors and scents. 

Chef in Town- a food and beverage column curated by

Intl Editor Francesca Romana Riggio

We will travel again: 5 destinations to rediscover

Which are the five words that will characterize our next trips? Safety, quiet, light-heartedness, adventure, and sustainability. We have been deprived of the possibility to take a flight for a year now. We have forgotten that feeling when you check-in, run at the airport, and land on the other side of the world. Since, at the moment, we can only fly with our imagination, let’s rediscover (at least virtually) 5 destinations, very different from each other, to reach as soon as it is possible. 


Related to the topic of light-heartedness, in fifth place, we find Dubai, where leisure and fun are on the agenda. Hot-air balloon flights, horse rides, quad in the desert, breathtaking sunsets, paragliding: these are some activities you can do in the Emirates. The Hot Air Balloons paint the sky with emotions: it will be possible to fly over the desert at 400 meters high to enjoy a view as never seen before, including the Burj Khalifa, famous worldwide for its majesty. 


Fourth place goes to Turkey, with an unusual destination: Erzurum. For winter sports lovers, it will be possible to ski at 3000 meters high, on the Palandoken mountains. Ice climbing, horse riding, and visiting the ancient castles of the town: all activities that you will do in complete safety. 


Credits: @newmediasoup

For the more adventurous, Tulum is a must: travels to Mexico are the ideal way to combine history and the beauty of nature with the charm of discovering. Among lands, which ancient civilizations such as the Maya enriched with relics, and unusual sea landscapes, Tulum allows you to visit ruins preserved for a long time on the coast and explore the wonderful underwater caves. The more romantic can enjoy the suggestive dawn on the beach. 


Credits: @julija_makani

South Tyrol wins second place. It is a scene of peace and serenity, characterized by a land of contrasts that blend, giving rise to a unique atmosphere to live in complete freedom in its fascinating open spaces. The Dolomites‘ peaks are the background of lawns, and the country life unites with modernity, where Alpine traditions and Mediterranean features live in perfect harmony. 


Credits: @fsseychelles

The gold medal goes to Seychelles, the eco-sustainable paradise. Natural reserves, botanic gardens, rare and protected flora and fauna, coral plantations, dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks: these islands are a model of balance between preserved biodiversity and sustainable tourism.  In the heart of the Indian Ocean, a Code of Ethics has been drawn up to respect the environment, urging the tourists to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide using local buses and bicycles for tours, to support eco-friendly accommodations, and to protect the marine ecosystem avoiding touching and collecting corals and seashells. 

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

3 Destinations for a weekend in South Tyrol

The Dolomites are the mountains that everyone in the world admires. They offer breathtaking skylines and atmospheres in every season. Over the years, they become increasingly a trendy destination that should not be missing from our summer plans. In South Tyrol, the famous names and the new Alpine hotels have every comfort. They are close to the ski lifts for an immediate start to the day of exploration, or far away from it all to hear only the silence of the trees: they have sensational spas and pools with forest views, and finally they certainly feature gourmet or starred restaurants. Here are three addresses for a weekend dedicated to nature and Bien Vivre.


Hotel Tyrol

Selva di Valgardena, a refined summer and winter resort, is famous for being part of the <<Sellaronda ski area>>, in the largest Dolomites.

The uniqueness of this “house” (the typical and most suitable term to define the place) lies in making guests feel at “home,” in a familiar place with an alpine mood where there are touches of contemporaneity, such as the refined gourmet cuisine and the latest generation spa, followed by the staff always ready to pamper.

After all, tradition is a timeless strength, according to the owners Bibiana Dirler, and Maurizio Micheli, who have managed to keep it alive, enriching and improving it with contemporary comforts. There is a spa made with typical materials of the territory. At the gourmet restaurant Suinsom (a typical South Tyrolean stube), which is also open to the public, you can enjoy traditional dishes reinterpreted in a modern way by chef Alessandro Martellini in a romantic yet convivial atmosphere.



Hotel Lamm

The Hotel Lamm in Castelrotto has returned to its former glory after a careful restyling that has managed to combine the charm of tradition, slightly revised, with a modern and elegant design. It locates on the slopes of the Alpe di Siusi, in the center of a medieval village. The restaurant Zum Lampl is the temple of chef Marc Oberhofer, who every day offers traditional South Tyrolean specialties reinterpreted and created using only local, seasonal, high-quality ingredients from South Tyrol. The adjoining bar, on the other hand, is the focal point for guests and locals alike. With its large windows looking out onto Castelrotto’s main square, it is a vantage point for observing village life. The spa on the top floor of the hotel is spectacular: a spacious and elegant wellness area.


Alpina Dolomites Health Lodge & Spa

Buildings made of wood, stone, and glass, perfectly integrated into the environment, combine attractive design and eco vocation of the Alpina Dolomites Health Lodge & Spa, a 5-star hotel of the Leading Hotels of the World chain, whose structure is all-around sustainable. The Lodge locates in Compatsch (1860 m), at the western end of the plateau. It is near the mountain station of the gondola from Siusi to Alpe di Siusi. If, in addition to hiking, you are looking for wellness, this is the right choice, thanks to the holistic Alpina SPA, the hotel’s flagship, which was awarded at the Spa Traveller Awards as Best Spa Hotel / Resort and for the best Detox Program.

Cover: Hotel Tyrol

Travel with Manintown curated by Francesca Riggio

Text by: Massimiliano Benetazzo

Style and travel tips: Cape Town

Are you looking for groundbreaking things to do in Cape Town? Take a break from your metropolis. Few cities offer museums and beaches and different types of shops such as the capital of South Africa.

A fusion of African and Western Aesthetics, fabrics, leather and other materials, gems and precious stones, tributes to the incomparable local cultures. Shopping in Cape Town is an interesting selection in the form of fabrics, leather and other materials. The capital also hosts large international brands and convenient malls where you can enjoy the view of breathtaking bays behind large windows in colorful or minimal stores of both emerging and international brands, boutiques in iconic neighborhoods such as Long, Bree and Kloof.

The V&A Waterfront is the most visited shop that combines a five-segment design, a port opposite the Table mountain. Various activities in and outdoor. What is it? Market, book a trip by helicopter. For shopping (which never hurts on vacation) purchased from “Millionaire’s Mile”. Kat van Duinen is a luxury spot with a vast selection of exquisitely manufactured exotic hint dresses. Quintessential is the production of ethical feathers (such as ostrich and materials such as python) that we find on the bamboo handbag handles.

In other words, cheaper versions of Gucci’s Bamboo. 2Bop is a streetwear brand inspired by arcade video game machines that marked the Nineties in South Africa. The name comes from the slang used to insert the coin needed to start the game. Do not miss the surprises in this metropolis with a wild soul. Exorbitant ticket apart, don’t you already feel like going on an adventure?

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