Inspired by the Italian pleasure of dolce far niente, Belmond has launched ‘The Sweet Art of Doing ‘Nothing’ – a new series of travel temptations across Italy especially designed to help guests slow down and savour the sublime.
From lazy afternoons cocooned in Tuscan forests to intimate parties at dusk on magical Venetian rooftop, sit back and soak up the Italian ambience with one of these relaxing new getaways.
1 Enjoy an enchanted dinner at Belmond Castello di Casole
Nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills, Belmond Castello di Casole invites gourmands to connect with nature and the magic of its ancient forest with special dinners served at its Enchanted Table.
Suspended from a towering oak tree, atmospherically lit by candelabra and twinkling lights; the scene is set for a Tuscan feast of traditional fare, including pane al pomodoro and local farmhouse cheeses.
2 Take on a bike and wine tour at Belmond Hotel Splendido
From secret nooks to wide open vistas, Belmond Hotel Splendido is launching a Tastes Of The Lands bike and wine tour.
It starts with a ride along one of Portofino’s prettiest trails; past the mount of Portofino, through the Mills valley and protected parks to an eco-farm held by La Portofinese.
Here guests are treated to vineyard tastings as they sample specialties grown on the sustainable farm and enjoy views of the glittering gulf of Liguria.
For those wishing to dig a little deeper, a visit to the farm’s family-run “secret caves” and underground tunnels back towards Portofino is a fascinating insight into the heritage of locally produced sparkling wines.
3 Picnic in style with Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Belmond Hotel Cipriani elevates its glamorous party credentials with the opening of its own exclusive Altana (wooden rooftop) bar – inspired by Venice’s authentic 13th Century rooftops and the city’s love of enjoying life up on high.
Private parties of up to 10 can picnic at dusk as they sip Bellinis on a twinkling terrace – all the while gazing at sensational panoramic views of San Marco and the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore.
4 Celebrate Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea’s 100th birthday
Across the seas, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea marks its 100th birthday with a Tales of the Sicilian Sea celebratory boat ride that immerses guests in the island’s storied past and family traditions.
From the hotel’s private beach, the cruise takes in the small island gems, Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos and introduces guests to working life on the sea with stops at a traditional picturesque fishing village and lively fish market on Catania.
An enriching day on Taormina Mare concludes with a lunch served at the baroque aristocratic house of Rosalba Cutore and her family.
5 Hike mythical trails at Belmond Hotel Caruso
At Belmond Hotel Caruso, on the Amalfi Coast, it’s back to dry land to experience the Path Of The Gods where guests can hike this mythical coastal trail – where legend claims the gods used it to reach the sea and meet the Sirens, who attempted to bewitch Ulysses with their singing.
Along the way from Agerola to Nocelle, a picnic of local delicacies is served as the jaw-dropping vistas emerge and tumble down to the sea.
6 Embrace your artistic streak with Belmond Villa San Michele and Belmond Castello di Casole
Belmond Villa San Michele and Belmond Castello di Casole unveil Art On The Move – their boldest ever artwork project: a 1930s Fiat Musone customised by Rome-based street artist Lucamaleonte.
As well as being able to explore both hotels’ beautiful surroundings and transfer between properties, art lovers can visit the exceptional Tuscan sculpture parks like the Pazzagli and secluded Garden of Sounds, or take a sunset drive to the Florentine hills for a sparkling sundowner.
7 Experience a magnificent dinner at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Enlivening its culinary offering is Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, presenting season two of its popular Otto Geleng Pop-up Restaurant, this year welcoming diners from May through until October.
Named after the German painter who resided in Taormina, the intimate restaurant designed to reflect the style of a classical Sicilian villa, invites just 16 guests to dine alfresco on an Otto (eight) course seafood menu prepared by chef Roberto Toro; whilst taking in views of the majestic Mount Etna and Ionian Sea.
Ready to start your Italian escape?
Find out more via www.belmond.com/italy