ASA Luxury

We have lift off! ❄️✈️

We couldn’t be more thrilled that the new .bz route took off today from London Stansted to Bolzano airport. As the slopes are covered in fresh snow we are just in time for the ski season. The Dolomites have never been closer!

We are delighted for who has made the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List this year! ✨

Fringed by dramatic peaks and tucked away in the picturesque southern German region of Bavaria, the award-winning five-star hotel and cultural hideaway, Schloss Elmau, is the ultimate off-grid paradise.

Schloss Elmau features two 5-star hotels with a total of 162 rooms and suites, eight restaurants and six spas. Schloss Elmau is the perfect environment for guests to re-energise and re-engage in the mountains. For over 100 years Schloss Elmau have hosted the who’s who of classical and jazz musicians. Their unique cultural programme has celebrated these internationally acclaimed musicians and authors and their legendary concert hall, which has 7 Steinway pianos has fast become one of the preferred locations for recording venues and musical residencies.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! ✨🎄

Until 28th of December, experience a magical Christmas market in the Piazza del Borgo and savour the warmth and togetherness of holidays at 💫

A winter holiday to the mountains shouldn’t just be about skiing… at , instead of heading up the mountain, guests can enjoy an endless selection of wintry lakeside activities…

🧊Ice Bathing: An adrenaline kick with real health benefits, at Carlton Hotel experts are on hand to help guests make the most of their ice bathing experience.

❄️Snowkiting: Capture the power of the Molaja wind and glide across Lake Silvaplana with this ultimate extreme sport, reaching speeds of over 70 kilometres per hour.

Enjoy the Red & Black Football Experience with A.C. Milan and ⚽️

Immerse yourself in the authentic and vibrant atmosphere of a football match in A.C. Milan’s San Siro stadium. As part of the two night package, guests can enjoy two seats at the San Siro stadium on an A.C. Milan home game date, as well as pre-match and halftime VIP access to the A.C. Milan Honour Lounge with direct view of the pitch, buffet service and cocktail bar.🏟️

Congratulations to who has won the New Member of the Year award in the 2023 Leading Hotels of the World Members Awards 🎉

Located in an idyllic bay, along one of the most enchanting stretches of the Sicilian coast, Mazzarò Sea Palace offers five- star luxury with a private beach. The proximity to the town of Taormina makes the property the ideal place for a trip filled with history, nature and relaxation. For upmost luxury, the exclusive Pool Suites offer heated swimming pools and whirlpools on their huge private terraces. The enchanting backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea is the crown jewel of the Armònia Restaurant and Almarè Bar lounge area.

🎃Did you know about Halloween’s Calabrian folk origin?🎃

According to professor Luigi Maria Lombardi Satriani at Rome’s Sapienza University, the origins of Halloween are rooted in Calabrian folk tradition, specifically Serra San Bruno, a town in Calabria. The custom of pumpkin carving dates back centuries for the village. This tradition, known as ‘Coccalu di muortu’ in local dialect, perhaps saw the beginnings of trick-or-treating. San Fili, Calabria is also known as the village of magare, which are creatures identified in Southern Italy as witches, but in reality were women who were skilled herbalists and naturopaths.

Inspired by the Calabrian history associated with Halloween, have created two offers for guests to participate in an authentic Halloween experience 💫

We know what we are having for lunch today… whether you are a fusilli fan or a linguini lover don’t miss these inspiring dishes from the length and breadth of Italy.
Happy World Pasta Day!

🌨️Guaranteed Snow Ski Holidays 🌨️

With snow levels as unpredictable as ever, book your holiday in confidence knowing that these resorts will have snow coverage throughout the winter season...

❄️ Das Central, Sölden, Austria
Sölden lies 3,248m above sea level and sits on two connecting glaciers, offering 145km of wonderfully groomed slopes and three 3,000m mountains so the season starts before most other resorts in Europe are even open. Stay at , Sölden’s only 5* hotel. Guests can enjoy a modern Alpine escape and free use of the world’s fastest gondola to dine at Ice Q, the highest gourmet restaurant in the Alps.

❄️Cervino, Cervinia, located on the Italian side of the Matterhorn and offers 150km of pistes to explore and one of the longest ski seasons possible for around nine months of the year. Cervinia guarantees fantastic snow coverage with most pistes lying well above 3,000m, but also gives access to the Swiss resort of Zermatt, with all these resorts combined there is a total ski area of 360km for guests to explore. Stay at Cervino Hotel, new to the UK market this ski season, an elegant retreat with refined design, perfectly integrated with local surroundings.

❄️Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland
The Swiss Alpine resort town of St Moritz has just received its first snowfall and sits 1,800m above sea level with direct access to 350km of downhill skiing, making St Moritz one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland. Stay at ’s , a 5* sanctuary offering panoramic views of Lake St Moritz whilst enjoying their spectacular sun terrace. The Carlton Hotel offers the largest Penthouse Suite in St Moritz amongst 60 suites designed by Carlo Rampazzi and a three-floor spa that boasts an indoor and outdoor pool.

☀️The Best Island in Europe☀️

The sunny Mediterranean island of Sardinia has been recognised in the Condé Nast Traveller 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards as the best island in Europe and has also scored first place in Forbes’ ‘The 24 Best Places to Travel in 2024.’ This attention is well deserved with Sardinia’s golden coastlines and glorious scenery with more than 300 sunny days a year.

In Southern Sardinia, stay at , a family paradise including eight luxury hotels, 13 outstanding villas and 40 suites with unparalleled views of the pristine white coastline and neighbouring mountains. Forte Village is widely regarded as a sport resort, as it boasts an extensive catalogue of facilities and academies where guests can receive professional training from experts. Forte Village are dedicated to conserving the beauty of the island through their project involving local fisherman in a shared goal of removing 1,000kg of marine litter from the sea.

Head north to explore the famous Costa Smeralda with a stay at . Abi d’Oru boasts stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the beautiful golden sandy beaches of Marinella. It is the only hotel in this area with direct access to the beach, and it’s own private beach club offering a range of water sports activities and boat trips to local bays. Guests can visit and learn about the Abi Bees project, where the hotel adopted ten families of bees, guided by an experienced beekeeper. Honey from these hives is used for treatments in the Abi spa.

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Portrait Milano’s 2,800sqm Piazza del Quadrilatero has been transformed into one of the largest open-air museums – the first event of this kind that won’t be the last…

Running until November 5, Portrait Milano welcomes the art of .nelson.official with 18 maxi images set in its majestic square, 11 of which are displayed here exclusively and never published before, to complement the artist’s current exhibition in Milan.

Born in England in 1967, Jimmy Nelson has dedicated his life to numerous trips around the world to photograph some of the most endangered indigenous cultures telling their stories, their emotions, and traditional customs. Since portraits are one of the typical expressive features of the photographer, Portrait Milano seemed the perfect location to welcome some of his masterpieces.

It is the first time that these images have been printed in such an impressive format - 6m high x 2.5m – and are installed over the large 6m windows in-between the 16th Century columns of the Loggia of the former Seminary – a magnificent combination of art and history.

“Portrait of Humanity” is a spin-off project of “Humanity”, Jimmy Nelson’s retrospective already exhibiting at Palazzo Reale, promoted by the – Cultural Department, produced by and , in collaboration with the

🎨🍁The Best Italian Cities for Art Exhibitons this Autumn🍁🎨

📍In Florence, Palazzo Strozzi presents ‘Anish Kapoor. Untrue Unreal,’ running until 4 February 2024. The show will feature installations, intimate environments and thought-provoking forms creating a dialogue between the traditional architecture of Palazzo Strozzi and the art of Anish Kapoor. Stay at Hotel Gallery Art, part of the .

📍In Rome, running until 18 February 2024, Galleria Borghese presents ‘Rubens. The Birth of a European Painting’ in honour of the famous Flemish painter whose work became the archetype of the Baroque. Stay at ,
located atop of the Spanish Steps.

📍In Milan, Palazzo Reale will pay homage to Spanish Master, Francisco Goya with their exhibition titled ‘Goya. The Rebellion of Reason.’ The exhibition narrates Goya’s artistic evolution and runs from 31 October 2023. Stay at , with a striking 3,000sqm piazza in the heart of Milan.

📍In Venice, art enthusiasts can catch the ‘Marcel Duchamp and the Lure of the Copy’ exhibition at the iconic Peggy Guggenheim Collection running until 18 March 2024. The exhibition includes 80 works, many of which have never been exhibited before. Stay at , located at the entrance to the Arsenale in the Contemporary Art District of Venice.

Introducing ‘A Burning Fire,’ an exhibition at Gallery Hotel Art, Florence, part of the Lungarno Collection🔥

Opening today and running until February 2024, ‘A Burning Fire’ arises from the desire to stimulate the viewer into having a direct and active participation in the artistic experience, offering a new model of perceiving art. The exhibition is curated by Valentina Ciarallo 💫

We are thrilled to announce that have been listed at number 15 in ’s Readers Choice Awards 2023 in the Best Destination Spas in Europe category! 🎊

Schloss Elmau is a unique Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway in the Elmau Valley, a magical sanctuary, high in the Bavarian Alps, surrounded by crystal clear lakes and lofty mountains, just 100km south of Munich. With six individual spas for adults & families, a TCM Health Spa and a state-of-the-art Yoga Centre, the options are endless at Schloss Elmau.

Another amazing reason to celebrate for 🎉

Borgo Egnazia have been listed number 15 in the Best Hotels in Italy in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023!

The Readers Choice Awards are entirely selected by Condé Nast Traveller readers. Borgo Egnazia is located a five minute drive from the local fishing village of Savelletri and is built in the style of a traditional Apulian village. At Borgo Egnazia guests can immerse themselves in the local Mediterranean culture and the pure beauty of the surrounding landscape. There truly is no where else.

Congratulations 🎉! Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria have been listed number 11 in the Best Hotels in Italy in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.

Celebrating its 190th anniversary next year, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria sits on the cliff tops of the Amalfi coastline, placed on a perch high above the Mediterranean, with views that extend from the island of Procida across the Gulf to Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

Congratulations to Portrait Firenze of the ! 👏 They have been awarded the best hotel in Florence by Condé Nast Traveller readers in their 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

With its understated palette of neutral greys, the hotel is a glamorous throwback to Italian couture in the 1950s. The hotel tells the story of Italian fashion and reflects ‘Made in Italy’ and the heritage of Italian designers, including Salvatore Ferragamo, who helped define true craftsmanship in Florence.

Congratulations to ✨ who has been recognised as the favourite hotel in Rome by Condé Nast Traveller readers in their 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Hotel Hassler Roma, located at the top of the Spanish steps, features unparalleled views of Piazza di Spagna and many of the domes and churches of the Eternal City and boasts an iconic guest book including Audrey Hepburn, who visited just after winning her Oscar for ‘Roman Holiday’, Princess Diana, the Kennedy Family and many Hollywood stars.

Explore the benefits of “Floating” - the unique experience of sensory deprivation at .merano!

Immerse yourself in an environment devoid of sound, light, and external stimuli and experience a deep sense of calm. The sensory deprivation tank creates the ideal conditions for physical recovery and mental serenity.

During the state of deep relaxation experienced while floating, the body is freed from the constant burden of monitoring temperature and gravitational alignment, which consume 90% of the body’s resources. Simultaneously, the body begins to produce endorphins, and after an hour in the tank all physical tensions are released. Its effect on the mental state can be compared to a deep meditation, as it induces the production of theta brain waves, which are typical of the sleepy state, generating a feeling of deep relaxation.

Book a stay to try it for yourself!

Introducing Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s new Mountain Lofts! 🏔️

New for this winter season, commencing 24 November 2023, have launched four new Mountain Lofts. The Lofts offer panoramic views of the Arosa Mountains as well as total comfort and privacy without having to forgo the 5* service of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel.

The Mountain Lofts are complete with chic modern alpine interiors and range from one to three bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, saunas and balconies.

For the perfect time to experience a stay at a Mountain Loft, skiers should book for the annual Private Mountain Event on Friday 1 December, when guests of the Tschuggen Grand Hotel will have the opportunity to ski the first snow of the season before the official opening of the ski resort.

According to YouGov, one in eight people in the UK only manage five hours of sleep a night.

At sleep is a number one priority, so they are offering guests a contemporary and regenerative sleep experience, deeply rooted in the nature surrounding the property 💤🛏️

Guests will be sure to rest easy as the property’s 22 rooms are decorated with wood, specifically pine, known for improving the quality of sleep, and old fir first patina, whose natural properties contribute to enhancing the balance of body and mind. State of the art technology also promotes relaxation, such as Magma13, a sleep radiance panel, Orpheus, a radiation filter and Astreo, a tool used to reduce high-frequency disturbances.

The regenerative package also includes outdoor fitness activities in the fresh air of the Dolomites and targeted spa treatments in the rooftop spa.

What a week for ! 🤩

Congratulations are in order after being listed number 21 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023!

Hear from : “It is an honour to be recognized alongside these iconic properties all over the world. Our goal has always been and will always be to preserve the nature of Italian hospitality, strongly connected with the territory and tied to traditions. This recognition encourages us to continue the path we took more than 13 years ago, always seeking new ways to combine innovation and tradition, guided by a sincere passion for what we do.”

Did you miss on BBC Two’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby on Sunday?

Don’t worry, catch up with the episode on to see the life behind the lobby

Looking forward to this evening…

…as opens its doors to co-hosts Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder of BBC Two’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby at 8pm!

Make sure to tune in!

The news is out! 👀 We are thrilled to see Borgo Egnazia featuring on BBC Two’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby at 8pm on Sunday, 17th September!

Co-hosts Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder will explore life beyond the lobby and discover what makes this Puglian paradise so special. Don’t miss it!

We have lift off with Sky Alps’ new flight route from London to Bolzano! ✈️
bz has announced a new direct flight route from London Stansted to Bolzano in South Tyrol, taking you directly into one of Europe’s most challenging, varied and dramatic ski regions ✈️🏔️⛷️

Travel in comfort with the included extensive in-flight menu made up of regional delicacies for passengers, and a wine list consisting of four awarded quality wines every month.

The 2 hour 35 minute flight will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the winter season from 13th December until 14th April.

Make Pompeii your next destination as a new Frecciarossa High Speed direct train route from Rome to Pompeii has been introduced every Sunday. In just under two hours tourists can arrive at Pompeii and gain an invaluable insight into Ancient Roman everyday life. For day trippers, a return train is available in the evening. 🇮🇹 🚂

In Pompeii visit the ‘House of the Vettii,’ newly opened after 20 years of extensive restoration, to view its richly painted frescoes in the home of two freed slaves who made their fortune selling wine. 🏺

If returning to Rome, why not stay a luxurious 17th century palazzo in the heart of the historical city of Rome, with the most unforgettable views over the Colosseum. Take a day trip to Pompeii and arrive back to sample the Michelin-starred dining at Aroma Restaurant. 🏛️

Or, extend your stay on the Amalfi Coast and sleep just 50 minutes from Pompeii, situated on the clifftops with views across to Mount Vesuvius. The hotel was built upon the ancient foundations of a villa designed for Emperor Augustus and their Terrazza is a hotspot where celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Kennedy and Julia Roberts have enjoyed la dolce vita! 🌋

There is something for everyone in Calabria…

Explore the metaphorical toe of the Italian boot; where locals go on holiday, where the onions are as sweet as apples and the home of the country’s most beautiful beaches. From family holidays to off-season getaways, and spa-breaks to romantic moments, Calabria’s rugged coastline, rich history and sunny weather is sure to have you coming back again and again….

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For family fun choose
Located on the Tyrrhenian coast, Baia del Sole Resort is just steps from a private sandy beach with spectacular views of Stromboli Island. Families can take advantage of the resort’s kids club, enjoy hiking and cycling in the unspoiled countryside, visits ancient archaeological sites and go on foodie discovery tours of the region.
 
🌊 For Sea, Spa and Sports choose
Enjoy uninterrupted views of azure blue sea and expansive white sandy beaches at Capovaticano. Guests can pamper at the 2,000sqm Thalasso spa, play at the hotels’ football pitch, tennis court and swimming pools and dine on Mediterranean flavours.
 
❤️ For a romantic, adults only break choose
Dating back to the 16th century, Villa Paola is a charming and romantic adults only escape with just twelve bedrooms. With mesmerizing views at every turn, it offers an unbeatable setting for aperitivo in the evening.
 

Gen Z and Millennials are keeping fit like never before, with both in-gym and out-of-gym workouts. Hotels.com found that 80% of millennials think that exercise is an important part of their holiday experience, meaning those hotel standard gyms simply aren’t cutting it.

Take a look at some amazing hotels who are reshaping the fitness industry, making sure staying active is easy for everyone.

🧜‍♀️
Channel your inner Ariel and try out the trend of the summer, Mermaiding. At Hotel Abi d’Oru guests can don a swimmable mermaid tail and explore the exact locations of Disney’s newest live action movie, The Little Mermaid.

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The sky’s the limit at Hotel Sassongher. Together with an expert mountain guide, guests can enjoy skyrunning along mountain trails at more than 6,600ft above sea level.

🤸‍♀️
Experience the High Performance Method at Forte Village Resort. Using state of the art data software guests can evaluate their mobility, flexibility and core strength, to better understand one’s athletic potential.

🧖‍♀️ .merano
Revitalise with Palace Merano’s six day Detox Revital and Sport Programme. From PT sessions to photo-mud therapies and energy massages to dietary examinations, their tailored programme targets mental and physical well-being and promotes better sleep, weight loss and improved health.

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Guests of Schloss Elmau can brush up on their ballroom with their Dancing Retreat. Perfect for all abilities, each day will focus on a different style of dance, from Waltz to Latin all with the help of a professional dance teacher.

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Borgo Pignano are prioritising health and wellness with the help of major renovations to their sports facilities including a five a side football pitch, tennis court and half basketball court. Put down your phone and reconnect with the world around you using Borgo Pignano’s new facilities.

☀️💧🍋 Enjoy a taste of summer at 🍋💧☀️

With temperatures rising, where better to cool down than ‘s terrace overlooking the breathtaking Wetterstein massif, with a glass of refreshing ice-cold homemade lemonade in hand! Perfect after a walk in the Elmau Valley or early morning run to Lake Ferchensee with Sports Director Johannes Mikenda.

If you can’t make it to the Bavarian hills this summer, why not try the refreshing drink at home. Their recipe couldn’t be easier, just mix these ingredients:

4cl (1.35oz) Lemonade flavour - choose from Passion Fruit, Peach, Hibiscus, Lavender, Strawberry, Elderberry
3cl (1oz) lemon juice
Sparkling soda water
Ice cubes
Mint

Prost! 🍹🧊🎉

It’s Wimble-on!

Wimbledon 2023 has officially arrived, and if you’ve got tennis fever, here are some smashing suggestions for an ace holiday!

🎾 , Germany
🎾 , Sardinia
🎾 , Puglia
🎾 , Sicily
🎾 , UK
🎾 , Sardinia

It’s Wimble-on!

Wimbledon 2023 has officially arrived, and if you’ve got tennis fever, here are some smashing suggestions for an ace holiday!

🎾 , Germany
🎾 , Sardinia
🎾 , Puglia
🎾 , Sicily
🎾 , UK
🎾 , Sardinia

Looking for a summer holiday with a difference, why not head for a lake escape! Here are two of our ultimate lakeside getaways sure to make splash this summer… ☀️💦🚤

Discover the glamorous Lake Maggiore, from . Perched on the shores of the Lake Maggiore, set against a backdrop of the majestic Alps, Hotel Eden Roc offers guests their own private beach and marina. Guests can explore Lake Maggiore via boat and feast their eyes on its idyllic isles. There is also a plethora of water sports on offer, swim-in and swim-out facilities and the chance to try your hand at sailing. Lake Maggiore benefits from afternoon thermal winds making it the perfect location for first time sailors. After a day spent on the water, guests can enjoy long balmy evenings out on the veranda overlooking the calming waters of the Lake and the undulating luscious hills of both Switzerland and Italy. 🇨🇭

Discover the lesser-known Lake Iseo from ,?a beautiful ivy-masked villa set in the rose-bowered vineyards and Alpine foothills between the Po Valley and Lake Iseo. Lake Iseo is a quiet and tranquil heaven pretty much undiscovered by British travellers. Guests can enjoy excellent hiking routes with breath-taking scenery as well as a chance to explore the magical, Montisola, a lake island sprinkled with sleepy fishing villages and mesmerising views at every turn. Back at L’Albereta guests can enjoy traditional Italian fare at the hotel’s main restaurant overlooking Lake Iseo, whilst sipping on a glass of Franciacorta, Italy’s finest sparkling wine. 🇮🇹

are delighted to launch the new Great Western Grill. Immerse yourself in a truly unique dining experience while relaxing in opulent surroundings.

Head Chef Mark Budd’s carefully curated menu takes some of our favourite classic dishes and reinvents them using the best of British produce. Ingredients include locally reared beef and game, fresh seafood, and vibrant seasonal vegetables, lovingly prepared to order. Produce is sourced from the Bovey Castle estate and the local area to remain as sustainable as possible. Try timeless dishes as you have never had them before!

• Champagne and Oyster Bar
• Elegant setting with incredible views
• Quality locally sourced ingredients
• Vegetarian and vegan options
• Traditional Sunday lunch

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Bovey Castle is made up of 60 rooms and suites and 22 self-catering country lodges scattered within the estate’s stunning grounds. As well as long walks in the National Park, there is a whole host of activities and country pursuits to choose from whilst staying at Bovey Castle.