Tuscany conjures many images. Florence. Siena. Pisa. The glory of the Renaissance still pulses there today, in architecture, art, and landscape. Tuscany’s craftsmen have utilized its natural gifts for centuries, from the paintings of Alessandro Botticelli and the sculptures of Michelangelo Buonarotti Simoni, to the politics of Lorenzo de’ Medici and the writings of Dante Alighieri. It is among these storied men, in this timeless place, that Benjamin Babadi carves his name. Launched in February 2024, Babadi’s namesake brand dropped its first collection, La Dolce Vita. Crafted by leather experts in Tuscany using premium Italian leather, Babadi’s handbags specialize in material that shines like a mirror and is buttery to the touch. “My approach was to have a design that is unique, timeless, and versatile,” said Babadi about his debut collection. “The bag geometry is large enough to fit a phone and other small belongings and is well suited for a night out. The bag is crafted to truly stand out with its unique shape, shiny leather, and polished accessories.” Available in a range of Tuscan silk leather—Silk Black, Passion Red, Light Blue, and Volcanic Orange—each bag features a hand-sculpted bamboo handle, a signature element of Tuscan design, along with a gold chain strap that doubles the piece as a shoulder bag or crossbody. Gold-plated hardware flashes on each front, crafted in the shape of the Benjamin Babadi logo, Bote-Jeghe, a Persian symbol of royalty that honors Babadi’s Persian heritage. Lined with smooth Clarino Suede and propped upright by four gold studs at the base, La Dolce Vita’s bags shine Tuscan excellence in every flash of light, occasion, or outfit. Some hardware even sparkles with Swarovski crystal, elevating the design down to every stitch, accessory, and shade. “I love working with metallic accessories because they offer pure shine, especially around the rounded surfaces,” said Babadi. “Each bag is all about creating unique and timeless designs, using premium quality materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship in production.” The Benjamin Babadi masterpiece does not materialize overnight, however. Babadi studied at Stanford University for Electrical Engineering, which he merged with his artistic endeavors to produce clean, geometric designs in fashion. “I believe that art and engineering are intertwined,” he said. “A good artist knows how to use engineering tools to be creative and craft beautiful artifacts.” Seven years ago, the Benjamin Babadi handbag started as a passion project that skyrocketed into a luxury lifestyle product, thanks to the attention it received from family, friends, and Instagram followers all clamoring for a Babadi original of their own. Babadi paired with Italian designer Lorella Ceccanti, vice president of Associazione Bagartus, who designs, sources, and manufactures original handbags and accessories for Made in Italy brands. Like the Tuscan leather craftsmen that came centuries before him, Babadi approaches his collection with a meticulous process that prioritizes hand-craftsmanship, Italian-sourced leather that undergoes six rounds of finish, and luxurious haute couture. “All designs simply start as an idea in my mind,” explained Babadi. “I sleep on them and conceptualize them in my mind, merging both aesthetics and functionality. The next step is to sketch each feature’s details, then turn that sketch into a 3D rendition to assemble accessories, draft the wood forms, and create the pattern.” From there, Babadi hops on a plane to Italy, where he works hands-on with his vendors to create a microfiber prototype. From an authentic family-owned pelletteria , Babadi’s prototype is honed to final perfection with Tuscan leather, hardware, and hand-crafted accessories. “My relationship with my accessory designer is special because he is a true craftsman, and the parts are created in a small shop that is truly artisanal,” added Babadi. La Dolce Vita captures the craftsmanship of the past while offering modern luxury’s chic edge. For all of the 18-ct gold, Swarovski crystal, and silky, shiny leather, La Dolce Vita honors traditionalism. The legacy of Tuscany’s leather-makers, both past and present, breathe with a Benjamin Babadi handbag. With each purchase, the customer becomes part of Florence, Siena, or Pisa’s storied past—one that is rooted in inimitable Italian excellence. Shop the La Dolce Vita collection online at benjaminbabadi.com and follow him on Instagram at @benjaminbabadi . Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping A Sip Through Time: The Historical Roots of Torre Zambra Wines Go Travel All Aboard the Italian Polar Express Go Travel Visit 1970s Italy: Winter at Aquazzura Go Gallery Go Côte Cares: Sustainable Beauty for All Bodies Go Del Toro Shoes Go Villa San Michele Shopping Luxury Leather: Benjamin Babadi's La Dolce Vita Written By Laurie Melchionne Benjamin Babadi 15 September 2025 8 Min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Enveloped by the undulating hills of Siena, where the rhythm of the land still moves in time with the seasons, lies Castello di Casole a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany, a Tuscan estate so rich in history that it feels as though it has absorbed the very soul of Italy. Here, 5,000 years of life are layered within the stone: Bronze Age traces beneath the soil, Etruscan relics unearthed from the fields, medieval echoes within the castle’s ancient walls. Today, those same walls cradle a sanctuary of contemporary refinement, a place where time stands still and beauty, in all its forms, reigns. Once a noble estate that welcomed royalty, film stars, and statesmen, Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany now opens its gates to a gentler kind of grandeur: the quiet, timeless luxury of feeling utterly at home. Lovingly restored using original materials found on the estate, the castle’s honey-hued stones and wood-beamed ceilings whisper of centuries past, while soft modern comforts bring the story into the present. To stay here is not merely to visit Tuscany, but to belong to it. A Home Among the Hills Each suite at Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany is a love letter to Tuscan craftsmanship. Reclaimed stone walls, burnished metalwork, and hand-plastered finishes frame spaces where Dedar fabrics and Loro Piana textiles lend a soft modern rhythm. The balance between rustic beauty and contemporary design is effortless, as if the land itself had chosen the palette. Beyond the main castle, the estate unfurls into a tapestry of spaces, intimate suites, sun-warmed villas, and secluded terraces that open to the horizon. Each offers a distinctive experience of Tuscan life: Castello di Casole Suites: Elegant and timeless, filled with Tuscan hues and black-and-white marble bathrooms. Tinaia Suites: Terracotta and sage tones meet bespoke Dedar and Loro Piana textiles for a warm, modern reimagining of classic style. Etruria Suites: Inspired by 1950s Italian design, each suite features De Chirico paintings, Gio Ponti-inspired carpets, and a private terrace overlooking the valley. Tuscanica Suites: Refined and romantic, with beamed ceilings, local antiques, and views of the courtyard or countryside. Limonaia Suite: A two-level retreat with soaring windows and a private garden terrace, light, air, and intimacy in perfect harmony. Signature Villas – Thesan & Usil: Named for Etruscan deities of dawn and sun, these villas offer private sanctuaries furnished with local antiques and surrounded by olive groves. Every room feels deeply personal, a story in wood, stone, and sunlight. The Taste of the Land Dining at Castello di Casole is a tribute to the rhythm of the Tuscan table, where every dish is a dialogue between tradition and imagination. Ingredients come from the estate’s gardens, local farms, and vineyards; recipes are born of the soil, shaped by the seasons. At Tosca Ristorante , a fine ding restaurant, candlelight glows against ancient stone walls. With two menus curated by Chef Daniele Sera, the dishes simple, honest, and deeply refined, with fresh pasta, estate olive oil, and local produce, all transformed into dishes that speak of home and history. In summer, tables spill into the courtyard for dinners beneath the stars. For a more casual indulgence, Emporio del Castello celebrates long Tuscan afternoons. Guests gather around the open Gullo charcoal grill as the chef prepares meats, vegetables, and pastas with effortless grace. Nearby, the Emporio Terrace offers sweeping views of the Tuscan hills and a menu of baked pastas, rustic secondi, and wood-fired delights, convivial, family-style dining at its best. Bar Visconti, named after the illustrious Visconti family, former owners of the castello, captures the effortless glamour of Italian evenings. Overlooking the serene pool area, it’s among the most enchanting lounge bars in Italy, a place where the light softens over the hills and the sky blushes into twilight. Inside, classic marble details, a frescoed wall, and curved banquette seating invite quiet conversation and lingering glances. Outside, the terrace opens to the stars, the perfect setting for an elegant aperitivo as the sun sets over Tuscany’s rolling countryside. Culinary Highlights: Dinner Under the Stars — a sagra-style feast with live music and guided stargazing in the amphitheatre. Sunday at the Village — traditional Tuscan fare served in the hotels courtyard. Cooking Classes — hands-on lessons in handmade pasta, bread, and tiramisu using ingredients from the estate gardens. Every meal is an experience, every flavor a conversation with the land. The Rhythm of Tuscan Life Days at Castello di Casole unfold with a graceful sense of ease, mornings bathed in light, afternoons of gentle adventure, evenings that stretch into laughter and starlight. Here, luxury is defined not by excess, but by connection: to place, to people, to time itself. Experiences for Every Season: Truffle Hunting: Follow expert guides and Lagotto Romagnolo dogs through the forest, then return for a four-course truffle-inspired dinner. Foraging: Wander the hills collecting wild herbs before transforming them into tea and pastries with Chef Daniele Sera. Hiking & Cycling: Explore vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hamlets on foot or by bike, guided or self-led. Wildlife Safari: Join Head Gamekeeper Paolo for a dawn or dusk drive through the forest to spot boar, deer, and pheasants. Cinema Under the Stars: Classic Italian films projected in the amphitheatre following a Tuscan courtyard dinner. Etruscan Heritage Tours: Journey with local historians to ancient tombs and museums, tracing the region’s first civilization. First Light Walks: Early-morning nature walks with Leica binoculars, led by photographers and naturalists. Each experience is an invitation to slow down and rediscover the pleasure of presence, the scent of earth after rain, the hum of cicadas, the stillness between the hills. Indulge in Wellness in the Heart of Tuscany At the Essere Spa , ancient stone vaults cradle a sanctuary of calm. Treatments here draw from the land, wine, honey, olive oil, and herbs from the estate gardens, in rituals that echo the healing traditions of the Etruscans. Signature Treatments: Vineyard Scrub & Massage: A blend of grapeseed oil, honey, and brown sugar for radiant renewal. Royal Jelly Facial: A nourishing anti-aging treatment that restores the skin’s natural glow. Luminance Facial: A brightening ritual designed to smooth and balance tone using Tuscan botanicals. Guests can complement their spa experience with yoga sessions in the hills, guided meditation, or workouts in the state-of-the-art TechnoGym fitness center. Wellness here is not simply a pause; it’s a return to harmony with the world around you. Seasons of Discovery Every season brings its own poetry to Castello di Casole. In spring , the land bursts into color, perfect for hikes, wildflower foraging, and picnics beneath olive trees. Summer invites open-air cinema and alfresco dining; autumn brings grape and olive harvests, truffle hunts, and golden sunsets over Siena. Even winter has its quiet magic, a time for fireside tastings, spa indulgence, and candlelit feasts within the castle walls. Each moment is shaped by the landscape, and every season tells a new story. The Art of Belonging At Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, Tuscany centuries have left their mark not as weight, but as grace. Life here flows unhurriedly, through the vineyards, across the fields, and into the hearts of all who visit. It is a place that teaches you to linger, to listen, and to fall in love with life’s simplest luxuries: a glass of wine at sunset, a walk through the olive groves at dawn, the stillness of night beneath a Tuscan sky. In the end, Tuscany isn’t just a landscape. It’s a way of being, and at Castello di Casole, it feels like home. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping Acqualina Resort: Miami Beach's Opulent Oasis Go Travel Beyond the Eras Go Travel 77 Diamonds Unveils Fall Jewelry Edit Go Gallery Go Capittana at the Helm Go Villa San Michele Go Juan de Dios Travel Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Written By Gerri Melchionne Castello di Casole 19 November 2025 8 Min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

If you ever find yourself strolling down Avienda del Doctor Arce in Madrid, you’ll pass an unimposing, sky blue building. Then, you’ll do a double-take, retrace your steps, and discover what snagged your attention in the first place. Shoes float in the front window. Not literally, but they dangle from ribbons that blur away as color saturates your world: crimson red, velvet royal blue, sunflower yellow, and pastel linen. The never-ending display flaunts rainbow shades, Mary Jane silhouettes, and material options for days. Welcome to Cayumas, the Italian footwear gem in the heart of the Spanish capital. Here, the Italian friulane finds a home. Flat, rubber-based, and with 19th-century Venetian origins, the friulane has been revolutionized by Borja and Ana Cerrato, the husband-and-wife design team helming it all. Why rubber? Why Venice? Well, if you know anything about Italy in the 1800s, it is that times were unstable. Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Red Shirt movement transformed the country into a unified republic in 1861. Previously a disjointed peninsula of city-states, Italy was a portrait of economic strife, political rebellion, and, by contrast, innovation from the country’s poorest regions to stay competitive with a rapidly modernizing era. This is where Venice comes in. Sailing through its turquoise canals, the gondoliers needed a comfortable, slip-resistant shoe for their balance-required, water-related jobs. There was only one problem: no one could afford shoes, let alone get their hands on a cobbler to make their own. So the Venetians and their neighbors in Friuli-Venezia Giulia scraped together what they could recycle. Bicycle tires, old dishrags, rope, twine. Typically trashcan finds, these materials became footwear treasures. Born out of desperation, the friulane is an early example of sustainable fashion with an emphasis on reusability. It is this same sustainable approach that Cayumas stitches into its craftsmanship today. Rubber soles derived from bicycle tires are cut in one piece so the stitching is never broken. The result? A flexible, light-as-air flat that is surprisingly durable and elegantly adaptable for any season, summer or winter, and every aesthetic in between. “Our artisan is the fourth generation of shoemakers, and is one of the last [traditional] artisans still in business in Europe,” said Co-founder Ana Cerrato. “We did not choose the region, either. The friulanes are made in Friuli. Of course, similar models are mass-produced in China, India, Vietnam, and even here in Spain. But to compare it, you can’t produce a Bordeaux or Rioja wine anywhere else but in Bordeaux and Rioja, or else they can’t be wines from these regions. The same goes for our friulanes; they must be produced and handmade in Friuli to maintain the essence of the shoe: tradition and authenticity.” Men’s, women’s, and children’s styles are available for both on-location shoppers and the digital client taking advantage of Cayumas’ worldwide shipping. But for the Italophile, it’s impossible to ignore some of the women’s highlights, such as the Pagliacci collection. A traditional, strapless friulane, the Pagliacci shoe is available in an array of colors. Blu Notte, Menu Zucchero, Nero, Cioccolato, Rosa Arancione, and Bruciato Sole are just a sprinkling of the shades found on Cayumas’ Italian rainbow. The popular Boheme collection features a friulane-like shape, complete with a feminine strap that secures the top of the foot. Bordeaux, the collection’s best selling color, elevates a casual, comfortable flat with a dark shade’s sophistication. Organic velvet, recycled soles, and nickel-free buckles on this model merge the brand’s signature eco-friendliness with the dainty timelessness of a Mary Jane silhouette. Cayumas further honors the friulane’s sustainable heritage by avoiding glue of any kind, which means zero toxin waste gets discarded during production. Aida, Traviata, and Rule are other silhouette options that, in different shapes and cuts, maintain the slip-on, slip-off convenience of the classic friulane. Stretchy cotton socks accompany your Cayumas package when it arrives, in earthy, cozy tones perfect for the fall and winter. The accessories category only flourishes from there. Shady, wide-brimmed hats, knitted balaclavas, woolen caps, edgy berets, mittens, and shawls complement your winter or summer layers with Cayumas. Each delivery, like the Madrid flagship, also comes fragranced. Yes, even from Madrid. Famed perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin cultivated four, one-of-a-kind scents straight from Grasse, France. Not only is the brand a footwear statement-maker, but a sensory experience that makes floral, citrus, forest, and fruity aromas synonymous with the Italian friulane, Cayumas style. “At Cayumas, we always had the idea that although the friulanes were the beginning, they would never be the end,” continued Cerrato. “We never saw ourselves as shoe sellers, but rather people who wanted to share a certain kind of lifestyle. At home, one of our teenagers is a fragrance enthusiast, and despite his age, insisted we delve into this category. So we managed to meet Fabrice Pellegrin in Grasse, only with an idea and a dream, nothing more. Thank God we had chemistry; he treated us so wonderfully and decided to collaborate. Four months later, we received a parcel from Fabrice with the four fragrances he’d created just for us. We were stunned; he really understood what we’d wanted.” It is this niche for being different and seizing the unexpected that drives Cayumas today. With collaborations with influencers such as Amanda Brooks and Leandra Cohen, brands like Skall and Aerin NY, and even a presence at glittering invite-only events like Dior’s Fall/Winter 2024 show, Cayumas has solidified itself as a haute couture brand delivering Italian tradition to the fashion elites. “We’ve never addressed a brand for our collabs,” explained Cerrato. “They’ve always contacted us, which is such a compliment. Dior invited us to their Fall/Winter 2024 show, which was unbelievable, and now we are developing a partnership with Jo Malone. There are so many exciting things to come, and we’ve only been growing while we still stay loyal to our traditionalism and Italian authenticity.” What’s next in the world of Cayumas? Some developing partnerships of note are with Jo Malone and French fabrics designer Casa Lopez. Cerrato also has a presence at The Ritz Hotel in her home city of Madrid, which has paved the way for beauty and fragrance brands to take note of Cayumas’ lifestyle aesthetic. “We are now working on a beauty line, which will include not only eau de parfum but also candles with the same smell,” teased Cerrato. “We are also about to launch a new version of our website, and hope that everyone will enjoy it." Enter Cayumas’ world at cayumas.com and shop wherever you are in the world. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping Desmalter: The Art of the Aristocrat Go Beauty Côte Cares: Sustainable Beauty for All Bodies Go Shopping Canfora Capri Sandals: Timeless Craftsmanship on Italy’s Most Iconic Island Go Gallery Go Daniella Ortiz: La Dama de Las Carteras Go Silk's Sustainable Secret Go The Return of Palm House, A Luxury Hotel Shopping Italy, Born in Spain, Worn by the World Written By Laurie Melchionne Cayumas 19 August 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Milano is a city with sidewalks that double as runways; street style is as head turning as the Duomo di Milano. Quality craftsmanship threads the city’s fashion aesthetic with an understated elegance—captured by Sophique Milano. This Italian footwear brand embodies the best of Milan street style, from the seamless blend of comfort and elevated haute couture to vibrant colors and eye-catching silhouettes. Simply, Sophique Milano’s shoes are designed to conform to the wearer, no matter the personal style, no matter where they travel. Where Milan Fashion Meets Everyday Life Founded in 2020 by Milan-born designer Sofia Papadimitriou, Sophique Milano is a modern love letter to Italy’s shoemaking tradition. Inspired by the distinctly Milanese blend of high fashion with versatile streetwear, the brand redefines Italian footwear as shoes that transition between the city’s chic fashion district and casual aperitivo nights in Brera. Buttery-soft Italian leather is at the heart of each design; from the classic Essenziale Loafers to the Operetta Mary Janes. Both in mens and womens sizes, the Riviera Mules and Essenziale Gomma Loafers come in a rainbow’s array of shades from Baby Blue to muted Stone. Elegant femininity breathes in the Trevi Tassel Loafer, with its low, understated heel and sophisticated color palettes of Blue Ink, Taupe, Sand, and Black. The Essenziale Heel Loafers, a rare blend of square platform heels and casual loafer silhouettes, adds a high-end flair for a fancier aesthetic that maintains the comfort of regular loafers. Italian Craftsmanship, Reimagined for Today At the core of every pair of Sophique Milano shoes is traditional craftsmanship. Alongside family-run workshops surrounding Milan, the brand crafts its shoes with techniques that involve honor generations of Lombardia’s cobblers. From the first cut of leather to the final application of Sophique’s signature suede exterior, the artisans utilize handmade expertise that is impossible to replicate by mass-produced footwear labels. While tradition sets Sophique Milano apart from its Quadrilatero della Moda neighbors, it also weaves modern consumption values into its products. Sustainable materials that have a low-impact on the environment form each shoe, which are shipped and sold in recyclable packaging. Italian Footwear, Worn Around the World Though rooted in Milan, Sophique Milano has already earned a place on the international stage. Stocked by leading retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Stanley Korshak, the brand is quietly building a global following. Its appeal is clear: Italian footwear that channels the spirit of Milan fashion—elegant, effortless, and made to last. Sophique Milano reflects a timeless Italian principle: quality matters more than designing something loud or non-traditional for the sake of turning heads. Sophique’s Italian footwear offers something rare in today’s market: authenticity. Each pair lets you step into Milan’s storied fashion legacy, strutting with the fashion capital’s street style wherever you go. Discover more at sophiquemilano.com . Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping Check-in at The White Lotus Go Lifestyle Giorgio Armani Dies at 91: What's Next for the Future of Fashion? Go Travel Visit 1970s Italy: Winter at Aquazzura Go Gallery Go Mare Blu Swimwear Go Dive into La Piscina at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel Go Silk's Sustainable Secret Shopping Sophique Milano: Italian Footwear Born from Milan Street Style Written By La Peninsula Staff Vittoria Dorizza 12 May 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Some places seem less built than imagined, whispered into being by dreamers who understood beauty not as luxury, but as poetry made visible. Hotel Cipriani, perched at the tip of Giudecca Island, is one such dream. Across the lagoon, the Doge’s Palace gleams in the morning light. Beyond it, the dome of San Giorgio rises like a silver shell. From this vantage point, Venice feels close enough to touch. Yet, Cipriani remains suspended in its own rarefied calm, a sanctuary for those who crave proximity to grandeur but prefer to observe it from a place of stillness. The Birth of an Icon The story began in 1956, when Giuseppe Cipriani, famed founder of Harry’s Bar and inventor of the Bellini, envisioned a retreat for the world’s discerning travelers. This hotel would capture the romance of Venice without the chaos of its calli. Within two years, his vision had drawn a constellation of the glamorous and the titled: American socialites, French nobles, English aristocrats, and European royals all arrived by private launch, stepping into a world of polished parquet, gilded mirrors, and unfaltering discretion. More than sixty years later, that discreet charm endures. Here, a stay is not merely a visit to Venice, it is a conversation with its spirit. A House on the Lagoon The architecture, graceful, sunlit, and serenely proportioned, frames a series of intimate discoveries. Through one archway, an antique Murano chandelier catches the afternoon light; through another, the scent of hydrangeas drifts in from the legendary Casanova Gardens, where the amorous poet once strolled. Every corner tells a story: the marbled corridors whisper of old Europe, while the terraces unfold like theatre balconies over the lagoon. Even the pool, famously oversized due to an architect’s early metric miscalculation, has become part of the hotel’s mythology. On this shimmering stage, guests float beneath cypress trees and the soft hush of bells from across the water. Dining as a Venetian Art Form At Hotel Cipriani, gastronomy feels like an act of storytelling. In the Michelin-starred Oro , golden light glows against lacquered surfaces as Chef Vania Ghedini, under the creative direction of Massimo Bottura, translates Venetian tradition into modern art. Standout dishes include fried oyster with egg zabaglione, seaweed risotto, and fresh sea bass. Outside, Cip’s Club hums with laughter and candlelight, its terrace perfectly poised to catch the reflection of Saint Mark’s across the canal. Bites include the Veneto-style Artichoke Bottom with chickpea cream, carrots, crispy leek, and paprika; Risotto with Amarone Wine and Early Treviso Radicchio and aged Asiago cheese; and the Hotel Cipriani Carpaccio Signature Dish. Meanwhile, Il Porticciolo offers delicate seafood under linen-draped pergolas by the pool, and Bacaro Dior, the hotel’s most recent addition, reimagines the Venetian bacaro tradition with a touch of couture flair. It was, of course, at Cipriani that the Bellini found its spiritual home; to sip one here, rosy, effervescent, glinting with Venetian sunlight, is to participate in a ritual of pure Italian invention. The Spirit of Place Step into the Palazzo Vendramin , the adjoining 15th-century residence now home to a selection of Cipriani’s most exquisite suites, and the mood shifts from refined glamour to aristocratic intimacy. Venetian terrazzo floors gleam beneath Murano chandeliers, while private balconies invite quiet contemplation of the lagoon. Each suite, redesigned by American architect Peter Marino, pays homage to the city’s artistic heritage, balancing Renaissance grandeur with contemporary grace. His touch is subtle but transformative: a dialogue between silk and stone, reflection and restraint. The lagoon-facing pool at Hotel Cipriani. Moments of Stillness, Spa, and Wellness The hotel’s Casanova Spa, set within the gardens that bear the poet’s name, offers therapies as lyrical as the landscape itself. Treatments include the 120-minute Bellini Ritual, a peach Bellini-themed rejuvenation with scalp and body massage, hand and feet exfoliation and mask, and dry brush exfoliation. End the treatment by sipping a peach Bellini mocktail. The Pinda Sweda Aromatic Herb ritual is 90 minutes of circulation-restorative bliss, with a full-body massage that targets swelling and muscle tension. Enhancements include warm herbal compresses that calm both muscle and senses. Between treatments, guests wander past hydrangea blooms and pomegranate trees, or pause on a shaded bench where time seems to loosen its hold. The lagoon breeze carries the scent of salt and jasmine; gondolas drift by like slow-moving brushstrokes. Elsewhere, the hotel’s private launch shuttles guests across the water to St. Mark’s Square, only five minutes away—yet returning to Giudecca feels like crossing from spectacle back into serenity. An Unwritten Chapter To stay at Cipriani is to inhabit a living legend, one that continues to evolve without ever surrendering its essence. The staff, whose quiet choreography defines the rhythm of each day, uphold a standard of service that feels instinctive, almost familial. There are gestures here that belong to another age: linen sheets pressed to perfection, flowers refreshed twice daily, a gentle knock before breakfast trays appear on the terrace. Each act, however small, contributes to the atmosphere of effortless grace that defines the hotel. Eternal Venice, Eternal Cipriani From the mirrored ripples of the lagoon to the golden shimmer of Oro’s dining room, Hotel Cipriani remains more than a destination; it is Venice distilled to its purest form. For decades, it has offered artists, lovers, and dreamers alike not simply accommodation, but belonging. As twilight falls over the water and the Saint Mark’s bells echo from across the canal, one truth becomes clear: the most beautiful view of Venice is not from within it, but from the Cipriani terrace, where time itself seems content to pause. To learn more about Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, please visit belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/venice/belmond-hotel-cipriani/ Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Lifestyle Luna Fashion House: Where European Craftsmanship Meets the American Dream Go Shopping Italy, Born in Spain, Worn by the World Go Shopping The Sicilian Secret Diet According to Drs. Giovanni Campanile & Sandra Cammarata Go Gallery Go Juan de Dios Go The Scent of Style: Antica Farmacista Go Bouquet Italiano Travel Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel: A Venetian Dream Written By Geraldine Melchionne Belmond 15 October 2025 8 Min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Just beyond the gentle curve of a country road, past fields brushed with sunlight and the hum of cicadas, lies Blossom & Brie, an 86-acre farmstead in North Fort Myers where time seems to slow with purpose. Part restaurant (hello, “farmside dining”), part event venue, and part caterer for corporate and social gatherings, Blossom & Brie delivers homegrown dishes for all food-first happenings. It’s a place where the scent of fresh hay mingles with the aroma of bread baking in the kitchen, and where the rhythms of the land inspire every gathering, meal, and moment. Founded by Stacey and Rodney Poole, Blossom & Brie is much more than a dining destination; it’s a living tribute to the agrarian roots that shaped them both. Rodney grew up on a farm seven miles from the nearest town, his childhood rooted in soil, seed, and sunrise. He began working alongside local farmers at the age of twelve, eventually earning a degree in Agriculture, a path that now feels as inevitable as the turning of the seasons. Stacey, too, comes from a lineage of farmers; her grandparents, aunts, and uncles cultivate the kind of family traditions that leave a lifelong imprint: hard work, open hearts, and a deep reverence for the land. Those memories, of early mornings in the fields, of laughter shared around kitchen tables, still live in every corner of Blossom & Brie. “As the current owners of the farm, we know this property has come to represent a heartfelt passion for agriculture, community, quality ingredients and exceptional service in the local community. Blossom & Brie will continue the legacy of farmside dining, special events and warm hospitality that has always attracted guests to this special property. When you drive through our gate at Blossom & Brie, we want you to forget the stresses of your day, take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of the farm.”— Stacey & Rodney Poole A Farm with Heart Every person on the Blossom & Brie team shares that same devotion to land and hospitality. At the center of it all is Chef Wesley Robbins, whose approach to food mirrors the farm’s philosophy: respect what the earth provides and let it shine. With nearly three decades of fine dining and event experience, Robbins brings sophistication to simplicity. His menus, whether for a farm-to-table dinner, a wedding celebration, or an intimate brunch, are grounded in what’s local, seasonal, and lovingly grown. What makes his work at Blossom & Brie extraordinary is not only his culinary expertise but also his connection to the source. Guests can savor standout dishes like tender grass-fed beef in a rustic Beef Bourguignon or seared American red snapper served with roasted eggplant and tomato-caper salsa. Vegetarians will find beauty in balance, a hot vegan sandwich layered with artichokes, spinach, and roasted peppers, or the Spinach Salad brightened by apples and candied pecans. Dessert might arrive as a house-made pie or a light pumpkin tiramisu, best enjoyed with the backdrop of a Fort Myers sunset. For Leslie, director of culinary expertise and who also oversees hospitality and events, the farm represents both a return to her roots and a continuation of her lifelong passion for welcoming others. Raised on a 42-acre farm in western New York, she began her journey in hospitality at age ten when her family opened an ice cream shop. Decades later, after years of managing restaurants and country clubs in Florida, she has found a place that feels like home once again. Every detail at Blossom & Brie is a reflection of care, from the handmade tables in the barn to the soft bray of donkeys across the pasture. Seliney Jacsaint, who has tended the farm for over a decade, ensures that each animal, cow, pig, sheep, chicken, and duck, is lovingly cared for. Guests often find him in quiet conversation with the animals, or guiding visitors on how to meet the farm’s friendliest residents safely. Jacsaint’s knowledge stretches beyond animal care; he maintains the farm machinery, assists with births, and keeps the grounds running smoothly. For guests, his calm presence often becomes part of their memory of Blossom & Brie. The Spirit of Gathering It’s no wonder Blossom & Brie has become a sought-after setting for weddings, corporate retreats, and family celebrations. Beneath towering oaks, amid the hum of nature, guests find beauty in authenticity. The rustic pole barn, adorned with soft string lights, transforms effortlessly from an elegant dining space to a lively celebration hall. Everywhere, the farm provides natural backdrops for photographs that tell their own stories, moments framed in green, gold, and the glow of shared joy. Blossom & Brie currently hosts gatherings of up to 150 guests, with menus designed by Chef Wesley and his team. The mission, says Stacey, is simple yet profound: to offer superior service and exceptional food in a naturally beautiful setting, so every guest leaves feeling a little more grounded, a little more connected. Innovation Meets Tradition While deeply rooted in heritage, the farm is also forward-looking. The Pooles have introduced Freight Farming, an innovative, sustainable approach that allows year-round cultivation inside repurposed 40-foot shipping containers. These vertical farms use hydroponic systems and controlled environments to produce the equivalent of several acres’ yield annually. For Blossom & Brie, it’s a way to honor the past while embracing the future. “We’re preserving what’s timeless about farming,” Rodney explains, “but we’re also ensuring it thrives in a changing world.” The farm’s produce, grown with precision and care, makes its way into Chef Wesley’s kitchen, bridging innovation and tradition with every dish. It’s a perfect metaphor for what Blossom & Brie stands for: continuity, creativity, and community. An Invitation to Slow Down Visitors are encouraged to wander, to meet the animals, to feel the grass underfoot. Children light up at the sight of newborn lambs or ducklings by the pond. The only rule, say the Pooles, is to approach the farm with respect, for the animals, the land, and one another. Guests are reminded to wear closed-toed shoes and leave their pets at home to ensure the comfort and safety of all creatures, both resident and wild. After all, this is a working farm, one alive with motion, purpose, and care. And yet, amidst the activity, Blossom & Brie remains a place of deep calm. Here, people gather not just to eat or celebrate, but to reconnect, with food, with nature, and with themselves. Whether seated at a long wooden table beneath the stars or sharing stories beside the barn, visitors often find what they didn’t know they were missing: a sense of peace that lingers long after they’ve gone. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping The Scent of Love: Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her Go Travel Rome's Jubilee Renovation Run-Down Go Beauty Canfora Capri Sandals: Timeless Craftsmanship on Italy’s Most Iconic Island Go Gallery Go Daniella Ortiz: La Dama de Las Carteras Go Profumo di Firenze Go Silk's Sustainable Secret IL Menu Blossom & Brie: A Return to the Rhythm of the Land Written By La Peninsula Staff Markus Winkler on Unsplash 23 October 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? 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Perched above Gstaad, the legendary Gstaad Palace blends Alpine heritage, cinematic glamor, five-star spa rituals, and panoramic mountain views into one timeless escape. Rising above the village of Gstaad from its privileged position in Oberbort, Switzerland, the Gstaad Palace is more than a playground for the high echelon; it is a living legacy. Since opening its doors in 1913, the five-star superior hotel has stood as a beacon of Alpine elegance, remaining in the Scherz family's hands for three generations. In a century of rapid change, it is one of Europe’s last great family-run luxury hotels, where heritage is not curated but lived. Its story begins even before its doors first opened. The arrival of the Montreux–Gstaad railway in December 1904 marked the dawn of tourism in the region, transforming a remote alpine village into an accessible destination. Just months later, local schoolteacher Robert Steffen recognised the potential of the Oberbort hillside and quietly began acquiring land, planting the seeds for what would become one of Europe’s most iconic grand hotels. By 1912, construction was underway on an ambitious project by architects Adrien van Dorsser and Charles-François Bonjour, at a then-whopping cost of 2.5 million Swiss francs. A historic grand opening on December 8, 1913, set the standard of global hospitality: 165 rooms, central heating (unheard of in 1913!), private bathrooms, and even its own telegrapher. The Penthouse room. Photo courtesy of Melanie Uhkötter. Copyright Gstaad Palace. The seasonal Palace welcomes guests in winter and summer, offering uninterrupted views across the Bernese Oberland and Valais Alps. Its 90 rooms and suites reflect a refined balance of contemporary glamor and Alpine comfort, renovated regularly to ensure modernity while preserving the hotel’s unmistakable character. Accommodations range from elegant double rooms and junior suites to Alpine, Corner, and Deluxe Suites, two Tower Suites with private salons, and a spectacular Penthouse Suite crowning the top floor. For those seeking a more intense escape, the Palace’s historic Walig Hut offers a singular experience. Dating back to 1783 and located at 1,700 metres above sea level, the alpine refuge can be reserved in summer for private lunches, intimate dinners, or overnight stays for up to four guests, a rare immersion into the peace, authenticity, and understated luxury of the Saanenland. Summertime views at the Gstaad Palace. Photo courtesy of Melanie Uhkötter. Copyright Gstaad Palace. Enduring the Wartime World The Palace’s early success was tested by the turbulence of the 20th century. Two world wars, economic crises, and shifting travel habits threatened Gstaad Palace’s future. During World War II, a fortified vault and emergency shelter were constructed beneath the Palace terrace for Switzerland’s banking sector, a space that today houses the warmly atmospheric La Fromagerie restaurant. Its armoured doors and 1.5-metre-thick concrete walls remain a tangible reminder of the history that breathes through the Palace’s walls. Post-war, the Palace re-emerged as a cultural and social center. International congresses were held within its walls, including the 1947 Congress of the European Parliamentary Union, a precursor to today’s European Council . By the 1950s and 1960s, Gstaad Palace had become synonymous with glamor. Gala dinners attracted entertainment legends like Marlene Dietrich, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Maurice Chevalier, Dionne Warwick, and Petula Clark, cementing its reputation as an alpine stage for the world’s cultural elite. Michael Jackson once dreamed not simply of staying at the Palace, but of owning it, captivated after seeing the hotel featured on the cover of a book dedicated to the world’s most beautiful palaces. The dream never materialized, but the story endures, part of the Palace’s living mythology. To the Screens That cinematic allure would translate to film and television. From 1991 through 2024, the Gstaad Palace has served as a backdrop for international films and TV shows, drawn by its instantly recognizable façade, storied interiors, and rare blend of discretion and drama. Major productions, such as T he Return of the Pink Panther , starring Peter Sellers, premiered in Gstaad in 1975. Globally celebrated actors have used the hotel as both a setting and a character, reinforcing its status as a symbol of old-world glamor in modern storytelling. The Art of Leisure, Alpine-Style Well-being unfolds across the 1,800-square-metre Palace Spa, opened in 2007 and designed in an exclusive Alpine style that mirrors the hotel’s timeless aesthetic. Open daily, the spa features nine treatment rooms, private hammams, separate sauna areas for men and women, shared relaxation spaces, a private spa suite, an indoor pool heated to 29°C, and a Jacuzzi maintained at 36.5°C. The indoor pool. Photo courtesy of Stefano Scata . Copyright Gstaad Palace. Signature treatments include a traditional Hammam Experience, a two-hour ritual spanning six rooms, and the Jardin des Monts Energizing Massage, which incorporates a handcrafted beechwood massage stick and alpine herbs sourced from the Pays-d’Enhaut region. In summer, life gravitates outdoors to the Palace’s legendary PISCINE. Designed in 1928 by ETH architect Beda Hefti, the Olympic-sized outdoor pool evokes the glamor of the Côte d’Azur with an Alpine sensibility. Heated to 74°F and open to both hotel guests and visitors, it transforms on weekends into a lively beach-club atmosphere curated by resident DJ Jim LeBlanc, the creative force behind the Palace’s iconic nightclub. The iconic PISCINE. Photo courtesy of Melanie Uhkötter. Copyright Gstaad Palace. Sports and activities span all seasons and include a gym, yoga and Pilates studios, personal training, squash, indoor swimming, and four outdoor sand tennis courts in summer, famed for their annual training camps led by Grand Slam champion Roy Emerson. A Culinary Destination Dining has long been central to life at the Gstaad Palace. Under Culinary Director Franz W. Faeh, Le Grill Rôtisserie has earned 16 GaultMillau points and international acclaim, while the hotel’s five restaurants span refined international cuisine, Gildo’s, the Palace’s beloved Italian restaurant, and convivial Alpine tradition at La Fromagerie. Le Grand Restaurant and La Grande Terrasse hold 15 GaultMillau points and serve refined international fare. Photo courtesy of Melanie Uhkötter. Copyright Gstaad Palace Excellence awards and culinary distinctions have followed consistently, reinforcing the Palace’s standing as a gastronomic destination in its own right. At Gstaad, you will have your choice of Le Grand & La Terrasse: the grand dining room and terrace for haute cuisine with panoramic mountain views, offering an extensive menu with starters such as lobster bisque, Mediterranean-style swordfish carpaccio, or Scampi Spaghetti served tableside, all before exquisite main-course choices. Le Grill offers an array of gourmet dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere. La Fromagerie, in the former WWII gold bunker, is famous for its traditional Swiss fondue and raclette, with fondue choices such as champagne and black truffle. Appetizers such as beef carpaccio with rocket salad, tomato, parmesan, and black truffle are served as light fare bites. Entrées include the famous veal with porcini mushrooms from the region, bathed in a cream sauce, served with Roesti (a traditional Swiss potato dish). Gildo’s Ristorante is an Italian restaurant named after the beloved former Maître D, Gildo Bocchini, who was famous for welcoming and cooking for guests for 47 years. Some favorite dishes include an antipasti of seafood and shellfish salad with olive oil, lemon, and toasted country bread. Fresh tagliatelle with rabbit ragu is a must-try. And then you can dine at the Walig Hut, the aforementioned rustic Alpine hut, for an authentic mountain dining experience. Le Grand Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Melanie Uhkötter. Copyright Gstaad Palace. The Palace's social rhythm continues in its bars. The Lobby Bar, affectionately known as “Gstaad’s living room,” is a gathering place from afternoon through late evening, while Le Bar du Grill pairs live music with an intimate atmosphere: seasonal snack bars and the poolside bar at the iconic PISCINE round out the experience. As evening falls, GreenGo becomes the heartbeat of the Palace. Since opening in 1971, the nightclub has been synonymous with Gstaad nightlife, its original interior design by Teo Jakob preserved to this day. With resident DJ Jim LeBlanc at the helm, GreenGo remains a magnet for an international, illustrious clientele. An Enduring Icon The Gstaad Palace has weathered wars, hosted statesmen and stars, inspired filmmakers, launched festivals, and shaped generations of Alpine hospitality. Today, under the leadership of General Manager Andrea Scherz, the Gstaad Palace continues to evolve with quiet confidence. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Swiss Deluxe Hotels, and Virtuoso, and consistently ranked among Europe’s finest hotels, its Excellence Awards, in global luxury circles, are not the result of reinvention, but of continuity. In Gstaad, luxury is felt. It is inherited, refined, and quietly passed on, from generation to generation, season to season, story to story. From its hilltop vantage point, the Palace continues to watch over Gstaad, just as it has for more than a century, timeless, composed, and unmistakably itself. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Travel Amangati Unveils Spring 2027 Voyage Course Go Shopping, Lifestyle De Gournay: The Atelier of Dreamscape Interiors Go Travel Frozen Elegance: Inside The I.C.E., St. Moritz Go Gallery Go Beyond the Eras: Sicily's Luxury Hotel Go Villa San Michele Go The Return of Palm House, A Luxury Hotel Travel, On the Peninsula Gstaad Palace: A Century of Alpine Power Written By Gerri Melchionne Gstaad Palace 4 February 2026 10 min Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

For almost 300 years, Desmalter has had a unique identity. Over the centuries, it served five kings and one emperor. What was once the royal furniture maker for King Louis XVI and Napoleon Bonaparte is now a specialty handbag brand that to this day honors its centuries-old French heritage—symbolically and literally. With a Paris boutique on Rue de l'Arcade, Desmalter continues its chair-making roots with “The Art of Living,” its furniture line. The replicas of Bonaparte’s Spinx Armchair and “Emperor” Folding Chair are made-to-order and available for clients furnishing their homes with historical haute couture. A throwback to Desmalter’s archives, the Sphinx Armchair is inspired by its Napoleonic Era roots. A limited edition, the piece’s wood is bird’s eye maple, an elegant staple of France’s lush forests. Hand-carved sphinxes add a touch of the exotic to its Euro decadence. The Emperor Folding Chair, meanwhile, is made from stainless steel for convenience. Easy to fold and transport from room to room, Desmalter originally designed this chair for Napoleon’s army as it marched across Europe, packing and unpacking its furniture and munitions. Hand-carved with mahogany wood and plated with delicate gold leaf, the Imperial Throne Armchair is covered in silk velvet. Winged lions optimize its opulence, transporting any room into a time capsule of Napoleonic splendor. If anyone were to stroll into the glass doors of the Paris boutique, however, it’s undeniable that Desmalter’s 21st-century identity is handbags. Napoleonic symbols like the bee and the imperial star are printed everywhere, on bags, belts, wallets, and more. Aristocratic vibes pamper these distinctly French accessories, perfect for elevated gift-giving. Branded across black, moss-green, and maroon leather, the imperial star makes a bold statement in the Essential Bag. The piece flaunts Desmalter’s all-new silver, gold, or matte-black hardware in the form of an 8-pointed star buckle and chain shoulder strap. The Griffon Pouch, Tote, and Shoulder Bag also feature the lion paw handle, another traditionally French symbol of power and leadership. Woven in Jacquard fabric on the Spinx Tote is the official Desmalter Imperial Star. Lined with emerald green, the Spinx Tote evokes Desmalter’s royal heritage through dramatic color and bold pattern. An array of wallets, a passport holder, and belts complete Desmalter’s accessories line, all with dark, royal colors and imperial symbolism. Each bag, wallet, or belt is made-to-order. Custom initial painting on the leather is also available, as well as a range of leather, lining material, and hardware options to play with. If you’re not in Paris, make a Desmalter original yours by sending a request online. A unique bespoke designer, Desmalter allows the wearer to flaunt something truly inimitable, cultivating a holiday season of high-quality, leather luxury. Give the gift of Desmalter’s French craftsmanship on desmalter.fr . Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping Luna Fashion House: Where European Craftsmanship Meets the American Dream Go Shopping Gaâla Paris Christmas Capsule Collection Go Shopping Florentine Fragrance Gift Guide Go Gallery Go Silk's Sustainable Secret Go Daniella Ortiz: La Dama de Las Carteras Go Dive into La Piscina at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel Shopping Desmalter: The Art of the Aristocrat Written By La Peninsula Staff Desmalter 1 November 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Discovering the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the True Cathedral of the Eternal City. Most visitors to Rome assume that St. Peter’s Basilica, with its towering dome and the sweep of Bernini’s colonnades, holds the title of Rome’s cathedral. It’s a natural assumption—after all, St. Peter’s is the spiritual heart of Vatican City, the global headquarters of the Catholic Church. But in fact, the official cathedral of Rome lies elsewhere, outside the Vatican walls, along the Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. Here, you’ll find the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran—or as Romans know it, San Giovanni in Laterano. Crowned with massive statues of Christ and the Apostles, its imposing 18th-century façade signals its historic importance. This is the oldest of Rome’s four papal basilicas, and the most important. It holds the title Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput —"Mother and Head of all the churches in the City and the World." It is, in every sense, the official cathedral of Rome. While it may surprise many pilgrims and travelers, St. John Lateran—not St. Peter’s—is the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the pope himself. And that role has taken on fresh resonance with the recent election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Father Robert Francis Prevost. The 69-year-old Augustinian friar and canon lawyer was a surprising choice to many, mostly due to his U.S. birth certificate, but his election in May marked a new chapter not just for the universal Church, but for the diocese of Rome. As Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV’s cathedral is not across the river in Vatican City, but here at San Giovanni in Laterano. It is here that popes traditionally take possession of their Roman diocese, seated on the cathedral’s cathedra —the bishop’s throne. In fact, the word "cathedral" itself comes from cathedra . Visitors to San Giovanni are often struck by its scale and grandeur. The current structure dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, though the basilica’s origins stretch to the time of Constantine in the fourth century. Over the centuries, fires, earthquakes, and political upheaval have led to various restorations, yet the basilica has always retained its primacy. Its vast nave is flanked by colossal statues of the apostles, and its ornate ceiling glitters with gold. Beneath the high altar, tradition holds the relics of St. Peter and St. Paul, reinforcing its claim as the spiritual center of Rome. Today, while most tourists flock to Vatican City, those in the know make the pilgrimage to San Giovanni in Laterano. It is not only the pope’s cathedral, but also a living symbol of the Church’s historical roots in Rome itself—outside the tiny city-state of the Vatican. Here, the eternal story of the Bishop of Rome continues, now under the stewardship of Pope Leo XIV, the son of Chicago who has now become the pastor of the Eternal City. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Travel Desmalter: The Art of the Aristocrat Go Travel Discover Montecatini Terme’s Thermal Baths Go Shopping Opal Sol Debuts at Clearwater Beach Go Gallery Go Dive into La Piscina at Caruso, A Belmond Hotel Go The Return of Palm House, A Luxury Hotel Go Beyond the Eras: Sicily's Luxury Hotel Travel The Official Church of Rome That Isn’t the Vatican Written By Laurie Melchionne Adam Acosta on Unsplash 12 May 2025 8 Min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

On Worth Avenue thrives a slice of Argentinian excellence. Daniella Ortiz, founded by husband-and-wife team Alfredo Baeza and Daniella Ortiz, merges Argentinian leather handbags with Italian manufacturing from the West Palm Beach flagship (and more recently, a new storefront at Town Center in Boca Raton). Dubbed “La Dama de Las Carteras” (The Lady of the Bags) from an April 15 spotlight in Nota Despierta América, Univisión, Daniella Ortiz catapulted her brand onto the West Palm Beach luxury fashion scene through her dedication to artisanal craftsmanship, unapologetically bold design, and a unique aesthetic that empowers women to embrace their vibrancy through individual style, however they define it. Crafted from pebble leather, genuine lizard, and genuine crocodile, the latest additions to the Daniella Ortiz world are the Renne-Horse, Susan, Hazel, Alma, and Ava bags. Titled with women’s names to honor its female-first, women-empowering message, the brand’s drops are the ultimate accessories head-turners. Renne-Horse Walk on the wild side with Daniella Ortiz sterling silver animal pendants. Shiny horse heads link the braided leather handles of the Renne handbag, a genuine pebble leather masterpiece lined with a full suede interior. Like every Daniella Ortiz companion, functionality is prioritized as much as style. A leather strap accompanies the Renne and moonlights it as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Available in a range of colors and lining shades (Apple Green/Tobacco, Light Blue/Tobacco, Orange/Tobacco, Red/Stone, Red/Tobacco, and White/Tobacco), the interior pops with a surprise contrast color for a truly unique bag both inside and out. Susan Two premium leathers merge in the Susan bag, a sleepy contemporary take on a traditional crossbody. The Susan protects your valuables in style with an adjustable strap, a full zipper enclosure, and a secure inside pocket. Orange and Emerald Green exteriors lined with deep purple suede, or White and Bone leather exteriors blended with blood-red interiors are some of the uncommon shade combinations available in the Susan for any stand-out pocketbook moment. Hazel Handcrafted in Argentina, all models are different. This is the same for the Hazel, a sturdy, braided-handle handbag that embodies elegance. Full leather and in a range of solid colors, Hazel’s detachable strap and interior zipper compartments screen optimal functionality through stylish simplicity. A classic silhouette, Hazel’s durable leather ensures longevity as your next accessory staple. Alma Alma, a bucket backpack woven with the signature pebble leather, captures haute couture even for casual, sling-on-the-shoulder-and-go outfits. With the Alma, elegance is your constant companion and boldness is your name; Red, Orange, Light Blue, and Stone are its shade options for a rainbow’s variety of aesthetics. Ava Structured and square, the Ava handbag re-introduces the sterling silver animal pendant. Silver aglets bind the braided leather handles, hand-woven for a one-of-a-kind texture. Studded with two silver frogs on a decorative front strap, the Ava is reminiscent of Daniella Ortiz’s vibrantly tropical origins, from Argentina to West Palm Beach. The pendants add a playful flair to this professional silhouette for the busy woman on the go, with bright color options to seamlessly transition any outfit from the office to a night out. Red, Grass Green, Orange, and Blush are some color selections for a solid shade both inside and out for a traditional vibe to unique hardware and shape. From a blossoming color palette of vibrant, tropical-esque colors to shining hardware and braided leather, sophistication is a way of life at Daniella Ortiz, where every aesthetic finds a home. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping Orient Express La Minerva: Modern Luxe in a 17th-Century Palazzo Go Beauty Q&A with Issey Miyake Parfumeur Sophie Labbé Go Travel Canfora Capri Sandals: Timeless Craftsmanship on Italy’s Most Iconic Island Go Gallery Go Villa San Michele Go Romazzino: Sardinia's Latest Unknown Gem Go Cayumas Shopping Daniella Ortiz: La Dama de Las Carteras Written By Laurie Melchionne Daniella Ortiz 29 January 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

Miami chef-turned-perfumer captures the scents of Italy, one city at a time. Davide Masia is the mind behind Bouquet Italiano, the Miami-based home fragrance that brings the essence of Italy’s most iconic cities to your house. Each hand-crafted candle is named after an Italian city, with fragrances like the woodsy Portofino, the cherry Merlot Florence, and the mysterious, myrrh-and-nutty tonka bean Vaticano. All scents are hand-poured with meticulously crafted wax blended with scented essential oils that capture the vanilla, pine, and coastal breezes of Italy’s peninsula. A sleek, gilded vessel holds the candle, with its face engraved with the Italian city name of your choice. The slow craftsmanship of each candle also applies to Bouquet Italiano’s bespoke offering. Design Your Own Candle allows clients to order their own custom engraved design, customizing the luxury fragrance experience for any room. Bring the scents of Italy to your home at bouquetitaliano.com Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Travel Home Couture: Aquazzura Casa Go Travel Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel: A Venetian Dream Go Shopping Villa San Michele: Florence's Country Escape Go Gallery Go Del Toro Shoes Go The Scent of Style: Antica Farmacista Go Bouquet Italiano Shopping Journey Through the Peninsula with Bouquet Italiano Written By La Peninsula Staff Bouquet Italiano 4 March 2025 7 min read Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →

There is a certain kind of travel that stays with you long after you have returned home. It is not defined by how many places you visited but by how deeply you felt each one. At La Peninsula, we are endlessly drawn to destinations where beauty and lifestyle come together in the most effortless way. And right now, nowhere does that quite like Lake Como. Quietly, but unmistakably, a shift has been happening here. The grand hotel is no longer the only answer. Instead, a growing number of travellers and residents are choosing something far more personal: a private villa, entirely their own, overlooking one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. What Is Driving This Shift? Lake Como has always attracted the exceptional. Aristocrats, artists, and world leaders have all called its shores home. But who is arriving today, and why, has changed. Remote work has shifted the way people travel. Instead of a week away, many are now staying for months, blending work and pleasure in a way that only a private space makes possible. A villa with a dock, a garden by the water, and a kitchen stocked with local produce is no longer a luxury. For many, it is simply the better way to live. Celebrity has played a role too. When George Clooney bought his lakefront home in Laglio over two decades ago, he sent a clear message to the world. Lake Como deserved serious attention. Since then, royalty, fashion icons, and global names have followed, each adding to the lake's already powerful story. The World of Lake Como Luxury Rentals The market for lake como luxury rentals has changed. Guests today expect far more than a good view and a comfortable bed. The most wanted properties come with private jetties, infinity pools over the water, chefs who shop at local markets each morning, and wellness spaces that match any top spa. Peak season bookings often need to be made a year ahead, which says a lot about how high the demand has grown. Staying in one of the luxury villas to rent Lake Como is less about having a place to sleep and more about stepping into a world that feels made entirely for you. That level of privacy is rare, and almost impossible to find anywhere else in Europe. Where Fashion Meets the Lake It is impossible to talk about Lake Como without talking about Italian fashion . The two have always been connected. This region has long been the heart of Italian silk production, supplying the world's top fashion houses with fabrics that appear on runways from Paris to New York. Versace, Hermès, and Armani have all drawn from this lake for decades. That bond between craft and style gives the area a texture that feels genuinely real. You see it in how people dress here too. Linen in soft tones, handmade leather sandals, silk scarves worn loosely. Confident without being loud. Style at Como is about knowing what is beautiful and choosing it quietly. That same understated taste runs through the best Lake Como luxury rentals , where every design choice, from the terracotta floors to the antique linen, feels thoughtful rather than trendy. A Lifestyle Worth Returning To A private villa living at Lake Como is not just about getting away. It is about arriving somewhere that actually means something. A place with history in its walls, light on its water, and a pace that invites you to slow down. Whether you are drinking local wine at sunset, wandering old shoreline villages, or sitting in a garden with nothing planned, the lake turns simple moments into something worth remembering. The growing demand for luxury villas to rent Lake Como speaks to something real: a genuine desire to trade busyness for beauty, and routine for meaning. Conclusion Lake Como is no longer just a stop on a European trip. It has become a lifestyle choice. Driven by celebrity appeal, a love of privacy, and deep roots in Italian fashion and artisan culture, the demand for Lake Como luxury rentals keeps growing. Como rewards those who truly settle into it, even for just a week or two. At La Peninsula, we cover the destinations and lifestyle trends that matter to modern luxury travelers. Visit our website to explore more stories and guides from the world's most beautiful places. Categories Travel Il Menù Shopping Lifestyle Stories Shopping, On the Peninsula, Beauty, Lifestyle Amangati Unveils Spring 2027 Voyage Course Go Shopping, Lifestyle De Gournay: The Atelier of Dreamscape Interiors Go Travel Valentine’s Day Just Got a Lot More Gothic Go Gallery Go Dubai-based M. Kais Bridal Showcases Spring/Summer 2026 Collection at Milan Fashion Week 2025 Go Bouquet Italiano Go Beyond the Eras: Sicily's Luxury Hotel Lifestyle The Rise of Private Villa Living in Lake Como: Italy's Most Exclusive Lifestyle Trend La Peninsula Staff Kristaps Dokans on Unsplash 27 February 2026 10 min Follow Us INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN What's Your Reaction? Join Our Newsletter Now Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive offers from La Peninsula every week! Email* SUBSCRIBE →