Tuscany is a part of the world that’s rich in natural beauty and impressive history. Unlike much of modern Italy, there’s a great deal of Tuscany that exists in much the same way that it has for hundreds of years. Thus, it’s a great destination for holidaymakers who want to experience a slice of the authentic, without compromising on modern conveniences. Let’s take a look at some of the parts of Tuscany that travelers in search of history should make a point of visiting. Lucignano For a few centuries, between 1200 and 1500, Lucignano served an important strategic purpose, as a buffer between ..read more

In the 1950s and 60s, Hollywood and Italian filmmakers depicted Rome as the epitome of luxury European travel along with post-war Paris and London. Although different Italian cities and destinations got their moment as “it” lifestyle destinations in the decades that followed, the pendulum is swinging back, thanks to the emergence of boutique design hotels. The one-of-a-kind Singer Palace Hotel, along with the upgraded Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese and Sina Bernini Bristol Palace hotels prove Rome’s best days as a destination lie ahead. Although the idea of staying in the thick of Rome’s busiest ..read more

Italy, a land of enchanting landscapes, rich history, and culinary excellence, has long been a magnet for travellers seeking the epitome of luxury and culture. Its iconic cities, each with its own unique charm, beckon visitors to experience ‘the sweet life’. To find out what the sweet life is and all that these stunning Italian cities have to offer, read on. We’ll delve into the timeless beauty of each city destination and give insights into these cultural gems. Living the sweet life The phrase of ‘la dolce vita’, or the sweet life, became iconic thanks to Federico Fellini’s 1960 masterpiece ..read more

Memory of a Mortadella Sandwich. A Potato that wants to become a Truffle. An Eel swimming up the Po river. These are all menu items found in a three Michelin-star restaurant. In Modena, Italy, Osteria Francescana stares down the barrel of reformed Italian cuisine. From an upside-down ice-cream to cherry spaghetti and foie-gras macarons, such a daring explosion of ingredients is hard to find in a fine-dining experience. This restaurant not only manages to do it with traditional Italian cuisine in mind, but does it with elegance and innovation at the forefront.  Osteria Francescana is loca ..read more

It is an adventure of a particular kind. Searching for treasures with a determined canine as a guide amidst a thick Tuscan forest in a humid morning mist. The catch on the radar is a persistently aromatic and flavourful subterranean fungus called Tartufo Bianco – White Truffle. Ancient Romans called the truffles “the food of the gods” and the “miracle of the earth,” attributing them, among others, strong aphrodisiac powers. Thanks to this reputation, the truffles were deemed “devilish” by the church in the Middle Ages, only to emerge in the 21st century as one of the most wanted ingredients on ..read more

The bone is cut in half vertically and at first glance, one can only imagine it coming from a dinosaur. Yet as guests scrape off the bone marrow with their spoon and taste the dish, they quickly come back to reality. They are at Le Calandre, a three Michelin star restaurant in the North of Italy. All the tasting menus consist of an extraordinary pairing of ingredients, creating an affair which the finicky gourmand is surely seeking to add their gastronomic bucket list. As the restaurant’s chef says: “Like a needle pulling thread through a series of successive holes to create a delicate but stu ..read more

‘Where I come from, there are fast cars and slow food. It’s where Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, Lamborghini are all built. But also it’s a place where they grow balsamic vinegar, parmigiano reggiano, ham and mortadella. It’s an incredible place, and I have a big responsibility to the region’, says Massimo Bottura, the renowned owner of Osteria Francescana—an epicurean haven that transcends the boundaries of mere dining. Here, the time-honoured traditions and avant-garde innovation intertwine, guided by the visionary mind of the chef. The Michelin starred Osteria Francescana has become a pilgrimag ..read more

What can be better than Italian food? Taking Italian cuisine and adding it to one of the most lavish settings in the world is a nirvana for a gastronomic explorer. In this ambiance, one could envision themselves dining as if they were guests of the Medici family 500 years ago. A medieval sala is bathed in candlelight, the tables are artfully set, and a flutist serenades the room. This secret Renaissance palazzo, owned by one of Florence’s most influential families, opens its doors to outsiders only on rare occasions. When it happens, the gourmet experience there becomes nothing short of magic ..read more

Vagus is the Latin word for wanderer. It is appropriately used to name the vagus nerve, the longest in our body. From the head to the colon, it connects the vital organs like the heart, lungs and stomach, to the brain. It regulates the body’s emotional responses through heart rate, breathing and digestive function and is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s what creates those ‘butterflies’ in your stomach. Increasing vagal activity or ‘tone’ improves mood and means your body can relax faster after stress. This concept is the backbone of the new ‘active and balance’ pr ..read more

An iconic figure from the Golden Age of Film is without question, Sophia Loren. Renowned for her beauty, style, and acting prowess, one envisions her riding in an Alfa Romeo with the top down and her long locks waving in the wind as she navigates winding roads along the Amalfi Coast. Loren was known for her love of classic cars. Nowadays, modern cars come with optimized comfort, advanced technology, and ease of use, but often at the cost of the driver feeling disconnected and numb from the driving experience. Driving in the pared back technology of classic cars creates a feeling of nostalgia a ..read more