The Italian region of Tuscany is a feast for all senses. A creative incubator that has cultivated art and architecture for eras including Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance and modern times. Timeworn churches, once stops on nineteenth-century Grand Tours, stand tall in the towns' piazzas. Rolling hills of wheat and colorful olive groves, that inspire authentic Tuscan cuisine, are dotted with villas built by the prestigious Medici family. The Tyrrhenian Sea extends off its coast, lapping the shore of Elba, the island where the emperor Napoleon was exiled. Quaint villages, historic towns and bustling cities are scattered across its landscape, which is almost as varied as the communities themselves. From annual horse races at Piazza del Campo, and the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Chianti region to the city of Pisa, an ancient Maritime Republic known for the youthful spirit of its Scuola Normale Superiore and Leaning Tower alike, Tuscany is the place of dreams, where thousands come to relive its history and take in the beauty of a region.
Experience the Dolce Vita lifestyle - a blend of beauty, style, and charm, inspired by Federico Fellini's iconic 1960 film. This Italian way of life transcends time and still graces Italy today. Immerse yourself in its irresistible allure, captured by renowned photographers Ferdinando Scianna and Bruno Barbey, from Emilia-Romagna to Sicily. Meet unforgettable figures like Maria Callas, Sophia Loren, and Marcello Mastroianni. With an enchanting introduction by Cesare Cunaccia and a curated collection of images, this book takes you on a journey through Italy, unveiling the origins of Dolce Vita.
Everyone dreams of living La Dolce Vita: delicious cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, legendary scenes, and cultural treasures. An immersion in a destination in its purest form, a way of life perfectly encapsulated by Belmond's Italian properties, where time spent leisurely understanding the local rhythms is of utmost importance. Whether in a state of reverie with sweeping views of the Italian Riviera or wandering the endless rolling hills of Tuscany, this is the intrinsically Italian concept of Villeggiatura - a term defined as a prolonged stay in a single place. An expression at the heart of the Belmond experience, with a deeper meaning, embodying the ability to feel a sense of belonging in a foreign city, an environment for mental and physical regeneration.
Journey with Belmond to the most-beloved Italian destinations, from Portofino to Florence, from Venice to Taormina, with Villeggiatura: Italian Summer Vacation. Plan for the upcoming summer season at exceptional hotels - Cipriani, Splendido, Splendido Mare, Villa San Michele, Castello di Casole, Caruso, Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa Sant'Andrea.
Mount Vesuvius looms in the distance, imbuing the Italian city of Naples with an electric charge just beneath the surface. Perhaps this proximity is why the Neapolitan people have an indescribable gusto that seeps into all corners of their lives, from cuisine to sport.
And the waters of the Mediterranean balance the scales with a charming seaside spirit. The historic city has become synonymous with creative output such as Paolo Sorrentino's film The Hand of God and Elena Ferrante's beloved Neapolitan Novels. Through the pages of Napoli Amore, Cesare Cunaccia-a frequent Assouline contributor-guides the reader on an unforgettable journey of this one-of-a-kind destination.
The Neapolitan identity is so formidable that Naples is often considered as distinct from Italy. This dynamic character, experienced in the streets, the craftsmanship, and the Mediterranean spirit, is on full display in Napoli Amore.
An architect and interior designer, Michele Bonan translates and transmits the Italian lifestyle in a very specific way, with strong cosmopolitan connotations. His ability to create refined, timeless environments using exquisite materials-always treated and often transformed in an unconventional way-makes him unique both in Italy and on the international scene. Designed to showcase the architect's latest projects, Michele Bonan: Signature Details features an array of exclusive interiors, from Milan to Paris and from London to Forte Dei Marmi, highlighting Bonan's signature interior-design concepts based on a passion for heritage, innovation and his beloved, native Florence.
Renowned Italian architect and interior designer Michele Bonan likens each of his ventures to a film script, composed of dynamic narrative, wit, and irony. An aspiring architect from the age of five, Bonan attended Florence's Accademia di Belle Arti, which he credits with compelling his freedom of expression. Bonan's first great success came at twenty, when a magazine published his work for the home of famous tennis player friend Adriano Panatta and other high-profile clients immediately took notice. Whether for private clients or public buildings, Bonan's designs-ranging among hotels, restaurants, estates, and even yachts-each possess a distinctive virtuosic excellence. His aesthetic incorporates modern elements and luxuries; but historical architecture, particularly that of his native Florence, always informs his style choices. "Truth before all things" is the inspiration behind all Michele Bonan's work, a mantra he manifests by carefully arranging the desires of his clients into their ideal environment, "translated with pure Italian flair." Notable projects highlighted in this beautifully illustrated edition include the J. K. Place Hotels in Capri, Rome, and Florence; the Hôtel Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris; Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence; Jagdgut Wachtelhof Hotel in Austria; and many more.
