MARCO TORTORETO

by IsHotel | Lifestyle

“Life in Blue” Marco is the head of the diving centre of the island of Cavallo and has collaborated for many years with the Hotel & SPA des Pecheurs.  His life is split between two continents but united by one constant passion: the sea and its depths.   Your life is split between Thailand and the Island of Cavallo: what does each of these enchanting but very different places give you? Looking back at the time I’ve spent in each of them, I can honestly say that my experience has been wonderful in both cases. The places where I spend my time are characterized by a special relationship with nature and the sea. Cavallo is unique in the world, for its ecosystem is completely different to that of any other place I’ve had the chance to visit. Life on that island is controlled by the wind, everything there depends on sea conditions. The granite you find there – with its massive solidity – certainly plays a role, influencing the mood and state of mind of inhabitants and visitors. The feeling of peace and harmony with nature you get is truly unique. On the other hand, Thailand is dominated by the sea and by the rain forest, which is almost entirely unexplored. The centuries-old culture of Thai people is among the most hospitable and tolerant ones in the world, it makes you feel at home anywhere. The Thai are a proud and resolute people, and they have made hospitality the defining characteristic of their relationships with other people. In both cases, the climate is optimal: Cavallo in the summer and...

COSTANZA BARLONDI

by IsHotel | Lifestyle

“In the Heart of the City of the Lily” A collaborator of IsHotel, Costanza Barlondi is a tourist guide in her hometown of Firenze. Together with Emiliano Cribari, she skilfully and meticulously researches the most picturesque and less known parts of the city. An exciting interdisciplinary journey that offers a novel viewpoint on the city that never stops surprising you. Hi Costanza, if we had to meet in Florence, what place would you choose? The Chiostro dello Scalzo, a wonderful cloister housing 16th-century frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, and often unknown to Florentines themselves. I’d choose it for two reasons. First, because it is a peaceful and beautiful oasis in the midst of the city centre; and second, because people often forget that Florence offers way more than just the Galleria degli Uffizi and David di Michelangelo There’s so much more to discover: hidden art treasures, culinary traditions, local handicrafts… Several cities in the world are nicknamed “The Magic City”. How magic is your hometown of Florence, and why? Florence is a magic place to me because, even though I’ve always lived here, there are so many things that keep surprising me, such as the light at sunset, something in the window of an artisan workshop, or finding some new detail in a work of art that I have seen many times… And I find myself taking photos, like a tourist (but I will never join the selfie stick craze!) Your profession as a “guide” and art historian entails an extensive and detailed knowledge of the city. Have you concluded your research or do you still have a lot...

VIK – VERY IMPORTANT KIDS

by IsHotel | Lifestyle

“A Journey of Wonderful Discoveries” Gaining knowledge through play and having fun with culture, art, science and gastronomy. This is the main focus of VIK (Very Important Kids), a company that provides its services to families who come on holiday in Italy, organizing activities that are suitable for children and enable them to learn through fun. The concept behind VIK is that of edutainment (education and entertainment), that is, educating and entertaining children and young adults aged 4-16 during their travels: a super enjoyable journey through history and art! Besides being the name of a Florentine company providing a comprehensive range of services for “young travellers”, VIK is also the name of a lovely character: a happy, bespectacled child ready to jump in a balloon and travel the world. VIK features in a series of environmentally friendly gadgets created with recycled materials to ensure maximum quality and environmental sustainability. Curious and attentive, VIK looks at the world like only a kid can do: with wonder. For each age group, the cultural tours on offer are written in a suitable language. Tales and stories are built around important historical figures that will one day become a part of the memories treasured by our young adventurers, adding to their store of knowledge. Activities include treasure hunts whose aim is to help kids experience cities through play,  looking for secrets and hidden details that are part of the territory and its history. Art, pottery and science workshops led by a skilled professional graduated in astrophysics will help children discover the secrets of energy and the mysteries of the cosmos; culinary experiences and...

THE STRAIT OF BONIFACIO

by IsHotel | Travel in Corsica

“The Far South of Corsica” Located in the south of Corsica the commune of Bonifacio, is only 12 km away by ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura and lies in a small bay – now a touristic port – that has always provided a natural link between Corsica and Sardinia through the “strait” of the Bouches de Bonifacio which connects the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Sea of Sardinia. Named after Bonifacio II of Tuscany, the urbanized area is currently a natural reserve and niche tourist destination, popular internationally as a diving location. The old town rises high up above the sea, just as it did when it was turned into an invincible fortress by the Genoese. The overall appearance is unusual and striking: an indented, fjord-like inlet surrounded by dazzling-white limestone cliffs. With a centuries-old history, this famous destination and its landscape bear the layered marks of the later presence of Tuscan and then Ligurian settlements, a presence that lasted until 1768 when, with the Treaty of Versailles, the Genoese ceded Corsica to France. Once a strategic military outpost to protect the neighbouring coasts, which were guarded by the Maritime Republic of Pisa for two centuries and then by the Republic of Genoa, Bonifacio has found new life in modern times, becoming an important tourist attraction. Discovering this enchanting place means heading to the city, with its charming harbour, and walking through its winding, narrow streets filled with local bars and restaurants. Notable sights include the church of St. Marie Majeure and its Bell Tower, commissioned by Bonifacio in the 12th century, as well as the Chapel of St...

IL CONVENTINO A MARIGNOLLE

by IsHotel | Dining Experiences, The Collection

“Heavenly Tastes” Florence is undoubtedly one of the most important capitals of Italian cuisine. As in other  art cities, hospitality and food services are at the heart of an economy that employs its people in the tourism industry. That of Tuscan cuisine is a tradition that, thanks to a long experience, has become famous all over the world as a synonym for eating well and healthy. Despite being a popular destination for mass tourism, the centre of Florence still offers high-quality food services and it is almost impossible not to eat well in the city. Quality is found also and especially outside the city walls and in the surrounding countryside, most notably in the famous Chianti area, where the wine of the same name is produced. This important reality has been fully embraced by “Il Conventino a Marignolle” located in a 16th-century monastic refectory within the estate of  Villa Tolomei. Like the villa, the “Conventino” has benefited from the magnificent redevelopment works began in 2007. Here, too, attention to detail is in line with the philosophy of the five-star resort and every room has been tastefully furnished and decorated. The “Conventino” boasts a wonderful colonnade overlooking Florence, an area where you can have dinner, or an aperitif in the evening – a gentle foretaste adding even more value to the venue and its culinary expertise. Surrounded by nature, the “Conventino” offers a charming, unique setting and a refined atmosphere that are suitable for important events such as receptions and weddings. An oasis of taste and elegance, it is a pleasant surprise for the guests of the resort, as well as a wonderful...