Italy

It’s a huge luxury to do something for yourself. But it’s an even bigger luxury to recognise that. It can be difficult to do in our hectic daily lives, but there are places that make it easier. It might be strange at first that there are no distractions at the Eremito of the type that we usually like to hold onto. But soon the solitude brings healing.

How do you capture the essence of a place? One way to do it is through language. Learning basic words and phrases doesn’t just show respect, it also helps you to understand the people and their region a little better. It’s particularly interesting in South Tyrol, where melodic Italian meets rustic Tyrolean, resulting in as many dialects as there are valleys. At the OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal, you’ll encounter the language as soon as you read the name of the Eco Aparthotel. You’ll have to "waitamochn" (move on) to find out what “Olm” means and which other South Tyrolean terms are used here.

Törggelen is one of the oldest and most authentic traditions in South Tyrol, still cherished by locals and visitors alike. This autumn custom combines convivial evenings with good food, wine, and the picturesque landscapes of South Tyrol's vineyards. But what exactly is Törggelen, where does the term come from, and how can this special tradition be experienced in connection with modern Lifestylehotels?

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany lies the charming Follonico Hotel in Montefollonico, a small, hidden village known for its authentic atmosphere and picturesque landscape. Follonico is more than just a hotel – it’s a place that captures the soul of the region, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in true Tuscan life.

In the heart of Umbria, surrounded by the untouched nature of central Italy, stands the Eremito Hotel – a place that redefines peace and relaxation in a truly unique way. Marcello Murzilli, the creative mind behind this extraordinary hotel project, speaks with Lifestylehotels about his motivations, his philosophy, and why Eremito is a one-of-a-kind retreat for the modern traveler.

It feels like a warm embrace when autumn lovingly welcomes us. As the leaves glide off the trees, it is also easier to let go. The Eco-Aparthotel Olm in South Tyrol's Ahrntal Valley is a great place to unwind. The wellness offer is harmonious and characterised by freedom, individuality and naturalness.

The Amalfi Coast, one of Italy's most picturesque regions, has always attracted artists, writers and bon vivants from all over the world. The breathtaking landscape, where steep cliffs alternate with crystal-clear waters, lush lemon groves and charming villages clinging to the mountainsides, provide a backdrop that has inspired for centuries. As early as the 19th century, the Romantics found a source of inexhaustible inspiration here, and since then the Amalfi Coast has been a magnet for people seeking beauty in life.

The Ionian coast of Calabria is a true paradise for travellers looking for unspoilt nature, crystal clear waters and authentic Italian experiences off the beaten tourist track. This lesser-known coastal region in southern Italy stretches along the Ionian Sea and offers breathtaking scenery characterised by picturesque beaches, charming villages and historic sites.

Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, is an enchanting region in south-east Italy, known for its picturesque coastlines, historic towns and culinary delights. The region stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and offers a rich variety of landscapes and cultural treasures. One of the most fascinating cities in Puglia is Ostuni, often referred to as "the white city".

Riccardo’s Locanda al Colle in Tuscany is a Wunderkammer. The host has lovingly placed numerous furnishing treasures in his guest house, a historic farmhouse, and brought them together to create a harmonious whole. The chairs, tables and lamps come from antique markets and earlier times, from contemporary artists and old design icons, from Italy or London.

It's not quite a hotel, but neither is it a simple house with holiday flats. So how should we describe the Hofergut with its suites and flats in Reischach in South Tyrol? How about a holiday home.

Hotel Heureka, tucked away in the picturesque Cannaregio neighbourhood of Venice, is not only a luxurious accommodation, but also an artfully designed retreat that captures the soul of the lagoon city. This boutique hotel combines historical charm with contemporary design and offers its guests a unique experience that goes far beyond that of a normal stay.

Laid-back hotel with art and design, slow food cuisine and abundant surrounding nature in the Merano region.

Even as a child, she was welcomed by the guests at her parents’ establishment with a glass of schnapps in their hands. As a born and bred “Puschtrerin” [someone from Pustertal] and with experience in hospitality, Gudrun Huber now runs the Hofergut in her South Tyrolean homeland. With a great deal of passion and enthusiasm, she looks after both her guests and the almost 1,000-year-old property. She’s like the Fairy Godmother of the building. We asked her about where the walls express their historic charm, which collector’s items are hidden here and what she takes out of the smokehouse at night, plus much more.

The Küglerhof in South Tyrol is surrounded by vineyards, meadows, forests and panoramic views. Owner Karoline Dilitz affectionately calls the surrounding 3.5 hectares of her hotel the Green Island. What is there to experience in the garden oasis? Lots of greenery, plus this and that, but above all peace and dolce vita.

All good things come in threes, so the saying goes. Among these good things is the trio of hosts at the Pfösl nature hotel. Brigitte, Eva and Daniel have created an oasis of well-being with a holistic concept in South Tyrol, near Bolzano. The complex is located on a high plateau and surrounded by meadows and forests. It is framed by the three Dolomite peaks Schlern, Rosengarten and Latemar. Nature, mindfulness and indulgence are the main priorities at the Pfösl. How fitting that the number three also represents perfection.

In the heart of Umbria, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies a unique place of peace and contemplation: the Hotel Eremito. This extraordinary hotel offers its guests an unrivalled opportunity to relax from everyday life and immerse themselves in a world of tranquillity and contemplation.

Locanda al Colle, a boutique guesthouse renowned for its art collection, serene ambiance and breathtaking views, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the coveted Michelin Key. This recognition is awarded to hotels that offer guests a truly unique and memorable experience.

Zash, Bsss, Mhh, Ahh… at the boutique hotel between the sea and Mount Etna, you can hear many sounds. We spoke to owner Carla Maugeri to discover where they are coming from and what other sounds can be heard at the Sicilian country house.

Between the forest and the orchard is the perfect place at the Apfelhotel to unwind, and there’s now a new Yoga– and movement room to do the same. The natural shades in the light-filled space ground you, the wood provides strength and the floaty curtains allow negative thoughts to be carried away on the wind. In addition to yoga or tabata sessions, meditation is another opular option with chanting, singing bowls and harmonium. Would you like a taster of what to expect? Yoga teacher Silvia takes us on an enlightening voyage through our bodies.

The circle closes at OLM, the round Eco Aparthotel in the South Tyrolean Taufer Valley. It all began with a millstone - now guests can expect a refined "Olm" character in harmony with nature. Harmonious architecture, a forward-looking catering concept and a hotel that is energy self-sufficient and certified for its sustainability characterise the OLM. Everything runs smoothly here:

It splashes, gurgles and rushes in the Tauferer Ahrntal: the circular Eco-Aparthotel is built very close to the water and, like its South Tyrolean surroundings, is strongly connected to the elixir of life.

Tuscany is known for its rolling hills. Locanda al Colle, a charming boutique hotel with art, heart and personality, is located on one of them. The activities that host Riccardo has organised for guests in cooperation with local providers are just as varied and creative as the furnishings. The white marble, Tuscan wine, medieval villages or how to become a sculpture yourself – there is plenty to experience. Andiamo!

Italy, the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, focuses on preserving the culture of eating and drinking. High-quality, locally produced foods and their traditional methods of production are always at the forefront. Sicily is a mecca for Slow Food enthusiasts.

OLM Nature Escape will opened its doors in December 2023. The eco aparthotel isn’t just an architectural eye-catcher, the kitchen also offers a truly special culinary concept. We invited Berni Aichner (Head of Cuisine) and Theodor Falser (Michelin-star chef) to join us at the table so we could find out more about the ideas behind PRENN°.

In the heart of Paragon700, an exquisite culinary sanctuary, Chef Pasquale Palermo orchestrates a symphony of flavors that pay homage to his Southern Italian roots. In this exclusive interview, he shares his inspirations, commitment to using local ingredients, and the philosophy that defines the gastronomic experience at Restaurant700.

The OLM-Nature Escape, embedded in the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites, embodies not only an outstanding technological concept, but also an architectural masterpiece in line with the highest sustainability standards.

Apulia – the Adriatic to the north, the Ionian Sea to the south, an 800-kilometer-long coastline, gnarled olive trees, vineyards. A place of longing for travelers in search of the sweet life.

Venezia! The mere mention of the name evokes images of a city steeped in history, romance and artistic grandeur. It is a place where the past seamlessly blends with the present, offering a unique experience to those who are fortunate enough to visit.

From December 2023, OLM Nature Escape, an extraordinary eco aparthotel, will set innovative trends in the South Tyrolean holiday hotel industry in three ways: with bold architecture in a circular shape, a pioneering culinary concept and, for the first time in the Alps, as a completely energy self-sufficient holiday home.

As the age-old adage goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In South Tyrol, Saltaus, Apfelhotel’s young new generation of owners are breaking new ground while staying true to their traditional roots. noa*’s novel design and architecture evokes the vintage charm of this historical hotel...

High up on a hill, overlooking Camaiore in the province of Versalia, you will find Locanda al Colle – an ancient farmhouse that has been restored into a contemporary guest house...

Merano: for many, it’s love at first sight. That’s exactly how it was for Milan native and designer Roger Botti who, many years ago, fell in love with what was then a run down Merano townhouse. What became of it? It was transformed...

Right on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, you’ll find the historic estate of Monaci delle Terre Nere and its own vineyards. Full of extraordinary charm and natural beauty, this spot was originally chosen by the monks of St Anne’s order in the 17th century ...

South Tyrol is characterised by the fusion of Alpine tradition and Mediterranean flair, which may seem like contrasts at first, but actually result in a harmonious blend of architecture, cuisine and natural highlights. A true gem in this area of northern Italy is Merano, just the tonic you need to celebrate lighter, warmer days after the lethargic winter months.

Perched atop a sunny hill just outside Camaiore in Tuscany, the Locanda al Colle guesthouse is a renovated farmhouse that now boasts 12 tastefully designed rooms and suites. But that’s not all: it also has its very own art collection. We spoke to owner Riccardo Barsottelli about the importance of sharing these pieces with his guests.

The Praia Art Resort in Calabria in the south of Italy is a real gem. Wood carvings, painted terracotta tiles in the Crotonese Marquisate style and wrought iron create an elegant, harmonious ambience ...

The recently renovated Steinach Townhouse Meran is a hidden gem in the historic streets of Merano in Italy’s South Tyrol ...

A designer couple from Milan tells about their love for South Tyrol - and especially for their new B&B Steinach Townhouse Meran ...

Hotel Heureka combines the comfort of a modern boutique hotel, the charm of a private residence and the magical beauty of a 16th Century Venetian palazzo. It is situated in the authentic heart of Venice, in the Cannaregio district, where the original Venetian life pulsates. For design and style lovers, and all the guest that are looking for a Home feeling, privacy and a quite place with high level service and accommodation ...

A volcano, a vision and an incredible idyll. The Monaci delle Terre Nere in Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in Italy ...

Travel Tuscany and experience nature in all its diversity: sea breeze, mountain air and the scent of pines; brunello, olio extra vergine and bruschetta. And even more so in terms of culture, you couldn't ask for more ...

Between a garden and olive grove on a sunny hill just outside Camaiore, Tuscany nestles the Locanda al Colle a very special retreat for the bon vivant...