We spent one night at Villa La Madonna, an elegant boutique hotel in the marvellous Piedmont nature surrounded by vineyards and an unique environment of food experiences and relaxing atmospheres.
WHAT: Exclusive Boutique Hotel
WHERE: Regione Madonna, 21, Monastero Bormida (Asti)
WHY: the Italian countryside meets a touch of Nordic Style thanks to the owner’s origins. The Villa promises a relaxing retreat, to relish between pool dips, vineyards sunsets, one or two glasses of autochthon wine and truffle linguine. Recommended.
Just until the 7th of June, the 7th floor of La Rinascente Milano will host the temporary bar Fendi Café. The eponymous Roman fashion House customized all food-breaks for the launch of its Summer Capsule 2021 FF Vertigo.
A colorful and comics-inspired design with a direct view to the majestic piers of the Duomo Cathedral: here you can enjoy exclusive monogrammed burgers, pizzas, sweets, soft drinks and cocktails. All in the name of Silvia Venturini Fendi aesthetic.
Located on the hills of Varese, one hour drive from Milano, Villa Panza is a 18th century mansion surrounded by a magnificent Italian garden. Inside, large rooms with period ceilings and furnishings house one of the most complete collections of contemporary American art, as well as international exhibitions – both permanent and temporary. One of the most engaging attractions are the James Turrell and Robert Irwin continuously exhibited pieces: a long corridor illuminated by neon lights and architectural interventions that alter the physical, sensory and temporal experience of space.
WHAT: Villa Panza, 18th century mansion
WHERE: Piazza Litti, 1, Varese
WHY: It is the ideal place to spend a day surrounded by art, nature and architecture. Morever, at the end of the tour you can also enjoy a meal or a coffee at the sophisticated on site restaurant “Luce”.
Hosted in an old Lombard cascina in the southern area of Milano, Shambala is an intimate Asian restaurant where to appreciate the true colors of the Far East. An environment with soft lights and ethnic flavors that overlooks an internal courtyard with tall trees, bamboos and Buddhist statues. In between suggestive corners and typical seats — such as the inlaid wooden canopy and warm-toned cushions as seats —, the menu stands out for its variety, with autoctone entrée and dishes of meat, fish and vegetables. As a privacy-oriented place, Shambala is the right destination to organize rendez-vous and events with friends, family or your sweet half.
WHAT: Shambala, Asian Restaurant
WHERE: Via Giuseppe Ripamonti, 337, Milano
WHY: Utterly romantic, soft lights and candles make the place cozy yet somehow sophisticated, interesting location both inside and in its outside garden, wide selection of delicious dishes for all tastes.
With the pandemic restrictions still cutting off many social opportunities while summer is approaching, to organize outdoor picnics with friends can be a funny, sun-proof solution.
The rules to set up the perfect picnic are few but important, like picking the right spot, somewhere scenic and bucolic but plenty of natural shade, just in case the temperatures get too hot during the idyllic meal. Ça va sans dire, food has to be easy to cut, share and eat. For us delivery pizzas and a couple of soft drinks is a handy option, but if you have in mind to bring fresh food from home, don’t forget to portion and transport it in different jars. Not of less importance are the picnic looks and since it’s a nature party you can choose a casual dress code and play matchy matchy.
On the weekend we took advantage of the sunny spring weather to stroll around the city. To please our sweet tooth the first stop was the newly opened Scandinavian-inspired bakery Loste Café, close to the Porta Venezia district. Our goal was La Danese but as we arrived late we ended up going for a classic buttery coated cinnamon roll and a cruffin, a laminated dough with chocolate ganache and hazelnuts from Piedmont. Both extra-recommended despite not being our first choice. The bakery’s interiors are clean and minimal, the staff is friendly, so that gives the place a welcoming atmosphere.
Right after the tasty merenda, we kept wandering around, enjoying Milano’s different corners and details wearing different moods yet both transitional looks perfectly thought for the volatile April sky. And that’s it. Ready to entertain you on the next chapter.
Far from the continental frenzy, islands are synonymous with a perennial summer. Glimpses where the wind and the sea affect the visitors energy, transforming their lands and coasts into magical places where to refuge. For the serial holiday planners, here is the three less traveled islands to explore in 2021.
FOLEGANDROS, Greece
Alongside the more elitist Mykonos, Santorini and Hydra, Folegandros is one of the many pearls of the Cyclades. The Greek island is characterized by the region’s typical panorama of labyrinthine alleys, white perched houses, local shops and taverns serving tzatzíki, moussaka and all kinds of indigenous delicacies at any time. An evocative land for those who love to aim high. High and away, as the main Folegandros’ landmark – the Panagia church – you will reach by zigzagging the numerous steps that lead to the top.
Where to stay.Anemomilos Boutique Hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea with its bright and refined suites, where the white of the furnishings creates a breathtaking contrast with the deep blue that can be admired from the overhanging balconies.
ISLE OF MAN, British Crown dependency
Floating in the Irish Sea halfway between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a unique destination for the travelers who prefer a trip of nature and sporting activities, like walking, hiking and cycling. In fact, moving with your own legs is the best way to discover its pristine territory of emerald waters, rocky coastlines and clear skies full of stars. The Isle of Man attraction to mark in your logbook? Surely the lighthouse.
Where to stay. Once on the island, there are many places to stay. Among the different hotels and accommodations, we recommend to spend the nights at BrightLife, Learning Center and SPA, a charming cottage surrounded by nature and fully equipped to accommodate all your needs. The indoor whirlpool is one of them.
ALICUDI, Italy
With 105 inhabitants only, Alicudi is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands — the breathtaking Sicilian archipelago. A picturesque land full of colors, dreamy balconies and sea dishes, where the only mean of transport capable of crossing Alicudi’s narrow streets is a donkey.
Where to stay. As small as it is, the best way to find accommodation on the island is to ask the locals. Many of them will open their houses, which will suddenly become your B&B for the stay. On our list Casa di pescatori, Airbnb.
Freezing February days call for warm cuddles. For this week destination PLACESOFOURS takes you through the doors of Pasticceria Gattullo — historic Milanese pastry shop. Here begins a culinary journey made of hospitality and elegance, among crystal chandeliers, warm lights and exquisite marble shelves. Often decorated with delicate pink tablecloths.
A bar suitable for breakfast and aperitifs, but also for a quick spuntino with salatini, pizzette, pastries of all shapes and kinds and a pocketful of chocolates. To be interspersed with a sip of cappuccino or a glass of red hot Campari.
WHAT: Pasticerria Gattullo, a typical Milanese pâtisserie.
WHERE: Piazzale di Porta Lodovica, 2, Milan
WHY: From breakfast to aperitif, Pasticceria Gattullo promises you the classic atmosphere of the most historical bars of the city. Between crystal chandeliers, wooden upholstery and pink tablecloths Pasticceria Gattullo will serve you coffee with a hint of the Wes Anderson-y fantasy.
In the midst of everything going on in the world right now, mind-traveling has the power to keep our vagabond souls alive, while waiting for that cathartic moment we will be allowed to get back on the road again.
For this week destination, PLACESOFOURS takes you to Marrakech, Morocco. A multi-faceted city — intriguing and fairy —, with its desert surrounding, the labyrinthine souks, the lively mosaics, the precious Persian carpets and the spices inebriating each corner.
Just a 10 minutes drive from the city walls, the Beldi Country Club hides among palm trees and pristine fields, with its green armor of bougainvillea and succulent plants, where to enjoy a luxury refreshment between tradition and modernity. In addition to Beldi’s hotel and restaurant services, guests have at their disposal a SPA, an outdoor swimming pool and a series of custom-made activities, including golf and tennis courts, cooking classes, horseback riding and ceramic courses.
A mesmerizing retreat to experience the one thousand and one wonders of the Arabian nights.
Where would Emily look for Paris in Milano? We bet sit at one of the Égalité outdoor yellow tables, while biting a fragrant freshly baked pain au chocolat.
Égalité is a French boulangerie, located in the heart of Porta Venezia district since spring 2018. A trop bon universe of baguettes, croissants and viennoiserie of all kinds you can eat with your eyes as soon as you step through its doors. For a 100% French-flavored breakfast, light lunch or aperitif far from the Seine.
WHAT: Égalité, a boulangerie and bistrot right in the heart of Milano.
WHERE: Via Melzo 22, Milano
WHY: The ideal place where to taste the classic french pastries without having to be right in the French capital, the interiors are clean yet cozy and welcoming, a bonus goes to the patriotic wall paper, the baguesttes are to die for.
PLACES OF OURS 