Spread the love
Post Views: 9

LIDO VILLEGGIATURA, A VILLA SANT’ANDREA BEACH CLUB, TAORMINA OFFICIALLY OPENS FOR THE SUMMER 

Officially launched on 10 June on the idyllic Bay of Mazzarò, Lido Villeggiatura, A Villa Sant’Andrea Beach Club, Taormina Mare is Belmond’s first destination beach club. The new design is inspired by the hotel’s original 1950s Mediterranean decor, with moorish influences, antique tiles and ceramics highlighting Sicily’s rich craftmanship. Blue and white striped sun loungers and chic beach umbrellas in azure shades inject a fun, mid-century aesthetic. Bookable for guests and visitors alike, the exclusive Lido Villeggiatura offers direct access to the beach, a dedicated concierge service, sun loungers as well as six pristine cabanas with plush sofas, private loungers and tented verandas where alfresco lunches can be served by dedicated butlers. As well as the wide variety of water sports, groups of friends and families can book the Lido’s new private Apreamare Gozzo 35, to explore the surrounding nature reserve and Sicilian coast through a personally curated itinerary. Wellness rituals including sunrise yoga on the shore and relaxing massages. In the evening, DJ sets and live music will create the perfect backdrop to enjoy sunset aperitifs and freshly grilled fish at the Lido’s beach bar. In the spirit of Sicilian conviviality, every Sunday Villa Sant’Andrea will host traditional games in true “villeggiatura” style. This is the spot to enjoy an endless Italian summer, curated by Belmond.

  • DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF LA DIETA MEDITERRANEA WITH CARUSO, A BELMOND HOTEL, AMALFI COAST  

At Caruso, A Belmond Hotel guests will experience a journey through the Amalfi Coast discovering its most authentic traditions that pay homage to the concept of la Dieta Mediterranea, as curated by Executive Chef Armando Aristarco. Here, Villeggiatura represents a celebration of life – the joys of gathering at a table with friends and family, the art of honouring Mediterranean gastronomy and an immersion into local culture. The hotel has worked on reimagining the Agora or Ditirambo, a celebratory marketplace gathering traditional to ancient Greece, with live music, themed dinners, and a showcase by local farmers to uncover rare local produce such as the white fig of Cilento. These will be hosted by Chef Aristarco on 3 July and 10 August. La Dieta Mediterranea philosophy also embraces the great outdoors: Caruso has organised guided walks along Le Formichelle trail from Ravello to Amalfi. Finally, the experience is not complete without the magic of a tour aboard an Aprea Gozzo boat for a picturesque journey through the enchanting protected Bay of Leranto.

  • BELMOND’S NEWEST ITALIAN HOTSPOT: ROMAZZINO, A BELMOND HOTEL, COSTA SMERALDA

Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda evokes all the touchpoints of Villeggiatura’s carefree spirit, offering iconic Michele Busiri Vici architecture and newly renovated outdoor areas by Palomba Serafini Associati; emerald waters as far as the eye can see, complimented by a variety of coastal experiences. At the hotel, Executive Chef Dario Parascandolo takes guests on a gastronomic journey through local flavours, from La Terrasse  for fine dining with panoramic views over the bay to Éntu e Mari, a seaside trattoria grill. Its rich programme of experiences offer water and land activities such as paddle-boarding, water skiing, hikes in Pevero among the wind-sculpted rocks of Gallura, or tennis and paddle with sea views. To further explore Sardinia, private boat tours can be organised to the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera for snorkelling adventures among the marine life. As well as visits to charming villages such as San Pantaleo or Porto Rafael, unveiling artisanal shops preserving ancient crafts such as baskets weaving.

  • AN INDULGENT VILLEGGIATURA EXPERIENCE AT THE SPLENDIDO GRILL, PORTOFINO

Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, masterfully interprets the Italian concept of Villeggiatura, offering a retreat that perfectly combines local charm and unparalleled service. Central to this experience is the hotel’s culinary excellence. Building on the esteemed tradition of La Terrazza restaurant, led by Chef Corrado Corti, the new Splendido Grill, under the direction of Chef Luca Orini, enhances the gastronomic offerings. The Splendido Grill offers a lunch menu that highlights vegetable-centric dishes and features live-fire cooking for guests to spectate. The restaurant will also host guest chefs renowned for their grilling expertise, focusing on quality and innovation. The first of these events, on 11  July, will showcase Chef Jacopo Ticchi from Trattoria da Lucio in Rimini, known for his meticulous selection of raw materials. Additionally, the new Pool Bar will provide an enchanting atmosphere with live background music and DJ sets. The newest addition to the Belmond portfolio in Portofino is the iconic Gelateria San Giorgio, where guests can taste the famous “paciugo” gelato, celebrating 100 years with a brand-new look for summer 2024.

  • DISCOVER SLOW VILLEGGIATURA IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AT CASTELLO DI CASOLE, A BELMOND HOTEL, TUSCANY 

Set amidst Tuscan rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel embraces the concept of ‘dolce far niente’ – the art of doing nothing. Whether strolling through picturesque landscapes, lounging by the infinity pool, relaxing in one of the two newly refurbished Villas or embarking on a bike tour, every moment promises to be a slow and indulgent escape. Executive Chef Daniele Sera invites guests to the Orti del Castello vegetable gardens to savour freshly harvested ingredients and learn about cultivation. Every Sunday throughout Autumn, La Domenica del Villaggio welcomes guests and visitors to indulge in a traditional Tuscan sagra, complete with live cooking, music, and local producers showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and traditions. Expert-led truffle hunts across the surrounding 3,200 acres take place throughout September and October. Finally, recognised as residing under “one of Italy’s most beautiful skies” by Astronomitaly, the astronomical tourism network, the hotel hosts weekly  stargazing dinners and cinema nights, embodying the essence of Italian summer.

  • MONOPOLY LA VILLEGGIATURA BY BELMOND, THE BRAND’S FIRST CUSTOM-MADE GAME FOR SUMMER  

The special edition of MONOPOLY La Villeggiatura celebrates journeying through Italy with Belmond. Players can visit Sicily where Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina watches over Mount Etna or uncover Florence with an aperitivo at Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel.  Central to Belmond’s philosophy, Villeggiatura is the embodiment of Italian summers, the epitome of luxury travel from learning, to lounging. Guests can find a special secluded spot at one of Belmond’s nine Italian hotels for a game of MONOPOLY La Villeggiatura. Special features include Vespa tours along the Amalfi Coast; a special experience with Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel exploring the surrounding on Edipo Re,  Pierpaolo Pasolini and Maria Callas’ boat; or dance to live music on the most glamorous terrace overlooking Portofino at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel. The MONOPOLY Villeggiatura is available to play at all Belmond Italian properties, and available to purchase in the Italian hotel boutiques.

The MONOPOLY is available for purchase in Belmond’s Italian hotel boutiques.

For more information, please visit https://www.belmond.com/stories/villeggiatura.