When the 2023 Ryder Cup begins on September 29, golf fans across the world will undoubtedly take one look at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club and decide that Rome needs to be on the travel wish list. Obviously, thanks to The White Lotus and the general awesomeness of the Amalfi Coast, Italy has already been one of the hottest tourism destinations in the world over the last year, but at the very least it is about to become a haven for golfers who crave the most beautiful courses as well.

You don’t need to be a scienziato missilistico, though, to know that golf will only fill a few hours on what should be the itinerary of your dreams. That’s why Marco Simone will need to share the spotlight with a majestic property set in the heart of the Eternal City—especially one that already excels at creating an authentic, educational experience that will make guests feel like they’re in their home away from home.

That property is Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

As the Old Saying Goes

If St. Ambrose had a nickel for every time someone used some form of the phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” his descendants would never work a day in their lives. But first-time visitors probably don’t know what it is that Romans actually do, so that’s why this spectacular hotel goes the distance in offering “La Dolce Vita.”

Not only can guests experience Rome from the seats of a classic Italian automobile, but unlike the Clark Griswolds of the world, they’ll have only the best local guides explaining the importance of each sight and landmark while also serving as chauffeur. (If you haven’t seen Nick Kroll’s latest Netflix special, he has a great bit about not being able to drive stick in Italy, and it’ll only reassure your desire to sit back and let an expert do the work.)

Don’t spread out too much, though, because guests will also be joined by a private photographer, who will be capturing epic photos in front of those landmarks so they can come home in a special photo album. That’s way better than keeping it all on a memory card in your Insta360.

Make It an Imperial Affair

There’s no wrong choice when it comes to booking accommodations here, but guests who want the VIP feeling and the ability to bypass the hustle and bustle of the main lobby should join the Imperial Club. With a private floor and myriad spoils, this exclusive option is highlighted by the Imperial Rome View rooms that offer balconies with arguably the best views in the city. In fact, some might feel like the only things missing are a toga and gold laurel.

But Let’s Not Forget the Golf

What’s great about a course hosting an event as big and important as the Ryder Cup is that Marco Simone has never looked better. The fairways and greens are practically glowing ahead of September’s big showdown, and this will also be the home of the next Italian Open as well. Naturally, it’s going to be tough to get a tee time here during certain stretches.

The good news is the hotel is offering a special golf experience ahead of the huge event, so anyone bringing their clubs to Rome’s most spectacular property will have the chance to see just how well they’d hang with the world’s best. At the very least, they’ll have some spectacular selfies in front of Marco Simone castle and St. Peter’s Dome to share while the pros are handling their business.

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Who knows when we’ll see James Bond on the big screen again? With Daniel Craig having hanged up his tuxedo for the final time following the very permanent ending of No Time to Die, we’re still no closer to learning which actor will fill his form-fitting tactical shirts than we were several years ago when oddsmakers were giving the role to Idris Elba and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, as well as the Toms, both Hiddleston and Hardy. And with Warner Bros. giving Henry Cavill a little extra free time, a lot of people are praying he trades his cape for an Aston Martin.

There’s always another alternative to watching the movies, though, and that is living the James Bond experience. After all, the film franchise has taken 007 all over the world, to some of the most beautiful destinations, and we should be thrilled to follow in his footsteps. However, planning such trips takes a lot of effort, so we’d need some experts to step in and make it a little more convenient.

Enter: Black Tomato. The luxury travel concept has partnered with Eon Productions to create the most authentic 007 experiences—of course without the whole saving the world aspect. Instead, fans can book itineraries that will not only take them to some of the most memorable, luxurious filming locations, but also allow them to safely participate in their own action scenes.

For example, travelers who want to get their pulses racing can spend time learning moves from Daniel Craig’s stunt double, racing an Aston Martin at Casino Royale filming location Millbrook Proving Ground, and hitting the Thames on a Sunseeker Superhawk 34, which was featured in the opening of The World is Not Enough.

Anyone who’d rather drink like Bond will be especially excited to do the impossible: drink the legendary Vesper Martini. This has been an impossible feat considering the key ingredient, Kina Lillet, was discontinued long ago. Sure, there have been replacements and substitutions, but for the real thing, this opportunity to take a martini masterclass means guests will be among the last people to ever try the real deal Vesper. They’ll also tour the Champagne Bollinger Chateau and Estate, sampling Bond’s preferred La Grand Année vintage in the process, and top it all off with a candlelit dinner in a Murano glass factory, where keen observers will spot the Coppa Barovier from Moonraker.

Obviously, style also plays a huge role in the Bond experience, so a bespoke suit fitting will take place in St. James, before fans head to Lake Como to tour some private villas and then Venice’s Torre dell’Orologio clocktower, which was also featured in Moonraker. Finally, the accommodations speak for themselves, as travelers will be staying at Das Central, Villa Passalacqua, Belmond Hotel Cipriani, and The Corinthia.

This is but a taste of the Black Tomato Bond experience, as fans can book any number of experiences. There’s even a chance to meet Bond Girl and actress Carole Ashby, who will share her personal, behind-the-scenes stories from Octopussy and A View to a Kill.

The post This Might Be the Most Incredible James Bond Travel Experience Yet appeared first on Islands.

Let’s state the obvious: The White Lotus is an absolute smash hit. Thanks to the success of the first season, guests have been flocking to Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, at least a little more than usual. Season two was just as entertaining and inspiring, because it will be a while before any of us can get a room at the spectacular San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel. And if you’re up to date on the rumors, then you know now might be the time to book a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto.

But let’s not give up on that dream trip to Sicily just yet. While rooms at the Four Seasons or some of the other beautiful resorts and hotels in and around Taormina are in high-demand, The Thinking Traveller has a pretty great alternative: luxury villas. Specifically, there are four properties that are ideal for any kind of getaway, from a romantic escape to the dream family vacation. Just try to keep all the drama to the actors, okay?

Rocca delle Tre Contrade

Let’s start big and bold with an aristocratic estate that screams the destination wedding of your dreams. With a dozen bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the option to be fully serviced, this villa basically becomes a resort, taking luxury to new heights—and I’m not talking about the views offered by this elevated setting. But the scenery is phenomenal here, as guests will undoubtedly fall in love with the breathtaking looks at the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.  

From the infinity pool to the wine room, the amenities in this villa are astounding. There’s even a gym for getting in a morning workout, but most guests will probably want to break a sweat exploring the magnificent grounds.

Don Arcangelo all’Olmo

Want something that feels even more secluded? This 12-bedroom villa is equally majestic and also capable of being fully serviced, but guests will especially love how this property seems to be built into its gorgeous, lush surroundings. Friends and family can argue over who gets which room, but the bulk of the vacation time will be spent celebrating in the common spaces, especially outdoors.

Arguably the best aspect, at least for anyone visiting Italy for the incredible food, is having a chef on-site to prepare meals each day, if requested. There isn’t much better than authentic cuisine with views of the sea.

La Prora

Sleeping up to 14 guests in seven bedrooms, this villa has been upgraded to blend its historic elements with modern luxuries. Guests will probably want to call dibs on the ground floor rooms since they all open onto a shaded terrace with all the furnishings required for a lazy day of simply enjoying life. However, that would cut into pool time, so plan accordingly.

Between the stylish design and décor and, again, the stunning views, this villa is almost guaranteed to cause multiple people in your party to attempt to stay forever.

Villa Carmine

Owned by the same family for decades, this three-bedroom villa is as authentic as it is luxurious. Smaller groups or families who want to explore as much as relax will appreciate the setting, as it is located right in the heart of Taormina. Everything is within walking distance, from the landmarks to the city’s best restaurants, and some of the region’s oldest cities and nearby heritage sites make for memorable day trips.

But little will top waking up each morning and staring out into the city, as it will be all the inspiration everyone needs to start a new adventure.

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Few TV shows and movies have lit a powder keg around pop culture travel quite like HBO’s smash hit series, The White Lotus. Out of everything that has been set and filmed in paradise—or set in one tropical destination but made in another—no production has invoked Liz Lemon’s catchphrase “I want to go to there” quite like this one, and thanks to the recently concluded second season, all eyes are reportedly on Sicily.

Specifically, people have been Googling and Asking Jeeves like crazy: Which resort did the characters stay at? The answer is the phenomenal San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Thanks, I’m going to book a room now!” Unfortunately, for starters, the hotel is closed until March 14 as the staff prepares for what will presumably be one of the biggest years in its history. And when it finally reopens, interest in this property is already sky high, which means it will be busy. Contrary to some reports, the Palace’s reps tell me it isn’t completely sold out for 2023, but it’s probably going to take a lot of praying and refreshing the booking page, unless your schedule is open the week of June 5. 

In the meantime, we can all do what we do best: daydream. And San Domenico Palace makes that especially easy.

Long Before Jennifer Coolidge

Prior to becoming a hotel in 1896, San Domenico Palace was a convent, which makes the fact that a newspaper once called Taormina “Disneyland of sin” very amusing. Why did it earn that reputation? We’ll leave that to local legends; however, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that the wealthy and famous guests who have checked in for more than a century—from Baron Rothschild in its earliest days to Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s and Madonna just last year—probably treated the property and its surroundings like a playground.

The Palace has been as much a haven for some of the world’s greatest writers, including Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Henry Miller, Oscar Wilde, and D.H. Lawrence, as it has a place to be seen for glamourous stars of their times, like Sophia Loren, Joan Crawford, and Ingrid Bergman. And while it was Greta Garbo’s annual getaway for nearly 30 years, it might be better known as the place where Elizabeth Taylor El Kabong’d Richard Burton with a mandolin on their room’s terrace.

What Makes It So Amazing?

Where else would a palace exist in Italian paradise than on a promontory that offers captivating views of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea? In fact, that’s the “Thing the Show Gets Wrong” about the setting, because there’s no way for guests to arrive by boat—the real dock is at La Cambusa at Giardini Naxos—and the beach scenes are actually filmed at Unahotels Capotaormina. Small screen embellishments aside, there’s still so much to love on-property.

All great vacations begin in the accommodations, and visitors may find it hard to leave their rooms, no matter the choice, from the 301-sq. ft. Superior Room to the 1,507-sq. ft. Royal Suite. Five is a special number here, because that’s how many types of guest rooms, suites, and specialty suites there are to choose from, and they’re all luxurious. Although, the Executive Suite with Plunge Pool might take the cake. Just leave the string instruments inside.

Guests who want to relax in the water might even prefer a dip in the hotel’s infinity pool to the sea below, because the former is where creative cocktails and delicious bites from Anciovi are enjoyed. Mornings can be spent strolling through the lush gardens before heading out to lunch at any of the town’s various restaurants, but at least one evening should be spent at the Palace’s Michelin-starred Principe Cerami, where celebrated chef Massimo Mantarro’s signature dishes leave visitors speechless. 

With a location this convenient, the concierge can help schedule a car rental for exploring the landmarks and some of the other neighboring cities. Of course, a day trip to the island of Ortigia is the icing on the cake. Just don’t take too long to book or else we might learn where season three is taking place and fall in love all over again. 

Could an Asian resort be in the cards? That seems to have the best odds right now.

The post Everything You Need to Know about San Domenico Palace, the Resort from ‘The White Lotus’ Season 2 appeared first on Islands.

When the cast and crew of No Time to Die, the 25th James Bond film, gathered at Ian Fleming’s villa at GoldenEye resort in Oracabessa, it signaled the start of something exciting for Jamaica. For the first time since 1973’s Live and Let Die, James Bond returned to the island, not just for a ceremonial announcement, but as a setting.

As Jamaica Film Commissioner Renée Robinson explained at the time: “Jamaica is the home of James Bond. This is where it started. All the books were written here. We’re ready to bring Bond back home. This is a big deal.”

For the latest film, the spotlight was on Port Antonio, where “a significant portion” was filmed. Whereas Port Antonio was once known as “Jamaica’s best kept secret,” Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said 007 put an end to that.

“That secret is out… and out in a big way. You don’t get much bigger than James Bond—one of the greatest movie franchises ever—and we all know the love affair its founder, Ian Fleming, had with Jamaica over the years.”

Among the most exciting aspects of Bond movies are the exotic filming locations, as fans travel with 007 on the big screen and watch as he saves the world. But why stop there? Devoted fans can visit these filming locations from the entire franchise, from Bond’s “home” to the beautiful beaches of Sardinia.

Dr. No — Jamaica

Before you schedule a boat excursion, you should know the titular villain’s exclusive private island, Crab Key, doesn’t exist. Some of Bond’s debut adventures took place in Kingston, but Dr. No’s secret lair was a composite of several scenic locations, including Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios.

The beach at Laughing Waters was the setting for arguably the most famous scene in Bond history, when Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) emerged from the ocean. That’s why it’s now also known as Crab Key Beach.

Thunderball — Paradise Island, Bahamas

Long before Nassau was a tourist destination, and even before the island had a bridge, a Bond villain named Largo called Hog Island home. As the story goes, the owner of Hog Island changed its name to Paradise Island and eventually allowed Bond producers Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman to film Thunderball on his section of the island, which is now home to The Atlantis Paradise Island. His wife just so happened to land a small role in the film, including a quick dance with Sean Connery.

Fans can visit Clifton Pier in Nassau Harbour or hire a tour guide, like Cheryl’s Bahamas Taxi and Tours, to swing by the Rock Point villa that served as Largo’s Palmyra lair. But diehard Bond fans will want to take a dip in Thunderball Grotto and then schedule the “James Bond Wrecks” dive package with Stuart Cove to check out the remains of Thunderball‘s Avro Vulcan bomber.

Live and Let Die — Jamaica

Just as Dr. No‘s Crab Key was made up of various spots in Jamaica, so was Live and Let Die‘s imaginary setting of San Monique. To experience the home of Baron Samedi, fans can stay at Couples San Souci in Ocho Rios, which served as a hotel and nightclub in the 1973 film. Then, head to Jamaica’s north coast and take a tour of the Green Grotto Caves, where Roger Moore’s Bond took out the evil Doctor Kananga.

The film’s Louisiana crocodile farm was actually located in Falmouth, Jamaica, and is known today as the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village. Guests can visit this wildlife preserve and see more than 150 American crocodiles, and even hear the story of how the first owner, Ross Kananga, ran across his crocs for the film’s unforgettable stunt.

The Spy Who Loved Me — Sardinia, Italy

Located on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, Hotel Cala di Volpe served briefly as Bond’s accommodations, before he took on Karl Stromberg in Atlantis. Bond fans looking to stay in the spy’s spacious suite will be disappointed to know it can’t be reserved, because his room was actually the hotel bar.

Set out from this hotel to recreate the route of the film’s legendary car chase scene (at safe speeds, of course). Good luck finding a Lotus Esprit, though. A better idea is simply relaxing on nearby Romazzina Beach, where Bond’s car came ashore.

For Your Eyes Only — Corfu, Greece

Greece’s Corfu Island was featured prominently in this 1981 film, from Corfu Harbour to the Achilleion’s casino. The small village of Pagoi won’t offer much adventure and excitement, but Bond fans will want to stop by the appropriately-named Spyros Bond 007 Cafe Bar, where the walls are adorned with autographed photos of Roger Moore and his For Your Eyes Only co-star, Carole Bouquet, as well as other Bond actors.

Fans can also grab some loungers and umbrellas at Issos Beach, where the film’s dune buggy chase was filmed.

License to Kill — Key West and Isla Mujeres

Famed Mexican diver and filmmaker Ramon Bravo directed the underwater scenes for this 1989 Timothy Dalton entry, filmed in Isla Mujeres. Dive companies like Carey Dive Center and Poc Na Dive Center offer trips to Manchones National Park, where the Cross of the Bay statue serves as an underwater tribute to the late Bravo.

Bond fans can stay dry in Key West by visiting Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, where Felix Leiter’s wedding took place. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is already a must-see for tourists, but it is also the place where Bond’s license to kill was revoked.

GoldenEye — Arecibo, Puerto Rico

In this 1995 film, the Arecibo Observatory was portrayed as an antenna hidden underwater in Cuba, but in reality it is located in the Puerto Rican municipality of the same name. While the radio telescope collapsed in 2020, fans can still check out the visitor center to learn about the site’s history. But don’t get your hopes up for a view like 006 and 007 had in the film’s climactic fight.

Instead, leave the center and head to one of the local beaches, like Los Morillos or Las Tunas, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Casino Royale — Nassau, Bahamas

Sean Connery reportedly loved filming Thunderball in the Bahamas so much that he bought a home in Lyford Cay, and became a lunchtime regular at One&Only Ocean Club. When Daniel Craig took over as 007 with 2006’s Casino Royale, it was only fitting that the franchise returned to its Caribbean roots and paid tribute to its first star by filming the poker scenes at this resort, where Craig’s Bond made Villa 1085 a popular accommodation.

The resort became a Four Seasons property in 2017 and was renamed, simply, The Ocean Club, which recently unveiled an extensive renovation. The villas are still available at quite the price, but visitors can make reservations for lunch or dinner at Dune and check out the resort’s Versailles Gardens that were also featured in the film.

The post James Bond Filming Locations You Can Visit appeared first on Islands.

There might not be a better bargain out there for a dream vacation home than the contests hosted by the extremely generous Win Houses in Italy. The couple behind this endeavor has previously raffled off a renovated townhome in Pizzo Calabro on Italy’s Coast of the Gods, as well as two magnificent villas in Tuscany and even the luxurious Italian vacation of a lifetime. And just in time for the holidays, anyone who missed out on those opportunities can now get in on the action for £25 per ticket (roughly $30 USD).

Set within a cluster of renovated buildings that once made up a glorious 15^th century Tuscany estate, this contest’s prize is a restored, fully furnished apartment that will deliver the best of this fascinating, exclusive community concept. With access to two pools, a summer restaurant, and wine bar, the new owner will live the resort life all while knowing the fees went to two great non-profit causes, The Children’s Society and Braccio Di Ferro.

Borgo Colleoli Resort boasts more than 50 apartments for travelers seeking to explore cities like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, and the stunning natural surroundings will have visitors and owners feel like they’re in a castle—with modern amenities, of course. The featured apartment, in addition to furnishings, features an open plan living and dining room with terracotta tile, exposed beams, and an ancient stone fireplace. The crown jewels are undoubtedly the master bedroom and large private balcony that will host its share of special moments.

Win Houses in Italy has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, pounds, euros, and probably many more forms of currency as people around the world take a shot at fulfilling this dream. All the while the real winners are the two great charities and the kids who benefit from one couple’s ongoing efforts.

This new owner will be chosen on January 27, 2023. 

The post Forget Lottery Tickets, the Perfect Stocking Stuffer is an Apartment in Tuscany appeared first on Islands.

The idea of winning a beautiful, luxurious villa in majestic Southern Italy is the stuff of dreams, but some of us just aren’t ready for the whole owning property overseas thing. Honestly, as amazing as it would be to win, it just sounds like a lot of extra work (spoken like a person who is admittedly still mad he didn’t win). But what about a magnificent 8-night getaway to Italy at an unbelievable fraction of the actual cost?

Now you’re speaking our language.

The same generous geniuses behind the “Win Houses in Italy” concept, which previously awarded one lucky so and so a renovated townhome in Pizzo Calabro, have launched the “Win VIP Holidays” effort with the same goal of making someone’s vacation dreams come true while generously benefitting The Children’s Society. And first on the docket is another Italian escape, just far less permanent.

For only $12, would-be travelers have a shot to win a getaway valued at approximately $36,000—I hope you didn’t just spit espresso all over your screen. Included in this epic experience is eight nights at various luxury hotels located in settings from “Florence to Lucca to Pisa, then Porto Venere to Santa Margherita and finally to Portofino.” Come si dice, “Yowzers”?

The winner will also receive €2,500 in spending money, a personal driver with executive car, return business class flights to Florence, and fully guided personal excursions, among other perks. If it seems too good to be true, just know that making it as unbelievable as possible is one of the goals, because a lot of people deserve an extraordinary gift right now.

“Millions of us always wonder what it is like to experience what the rich and famous do on holiday whether that’s staying in 5-star accommodation, being driven around by your own chauffeur or flying at the front of the plane in Business Class, now they can with this fantastic prize draw competition,” explained Jon Nurse, the founder of these creative brands. “COVID-19 has caused massive disruption for everyone these past couple of years and that has meant many haven’t enjoyed a vacation. Now, with the restrictions and rules being relaxed around the world, we’ve created Win VIP Holidays to give people the chance to win a holiday in places they’ve only ever dreamed about and to enjoy a break away.”

And, of course, the other goal is to give back to children in need, as The Children’s Society seeks to give kids the happiness they deserve. So, don’t be afraid to buy a couple extra tickets. The contest ends on August 29, 2022, so act fast.

The post The Cheapest Way to Score a Luxurious Vacation to Italy appeared first on Islands.

“Do you know that the Panda is named for Empanda, the goddess of hospitality? That’s why it’s the unofficial car of Ischia: it’s divine and ancient.” Michele winked as his once-upon-a-time lime-green Fiat crawled along streets that seemed to be carved out of volcanic rock and which should not have even attempted to accommodate one, let alone two, lanes of traffic. If the Fiat 500 is an icon, the first-generation Fiat Panda is an institution—where the former boasts curved lines and dainty hardware, the latter is a boxy, trundling clodhopper. Ask any tourist what car they’d want to drive around the island and the lion’s share will evoke the classic 500. Ask an ischitano and they’ll tell you, almost without question, to take the Panda. 

Michele had won a heated debate over aperitivo the evening before and was consequently anointed unofficial guide and driver of the trip. But he sat bolt upright in his chair when I told him that our first appointment was with an equestrian performer at his riding club in Barano d’Ischia, near the Maddalena forest. “Of course I know him,” Michele said after a low whistle, “everyone knows everyone on this island. But I don’t know him, you know? Even for Ischia, he is a bit of a mystery.” 

The following morning, we made our way deeper and higher into the island. The ancient Castello Aragonese lording over the port and the Bay of Naples behind it, acting as both guardian and gatekeeper for one of Italy’s greatest secrets. The famous azure blue Italian skies were nowhere to be found; instead, the steely grey sky was filled with inky, fast-moving clouds that shrouded the harbor and covered the horizon. Indeed, it would have seemed as though we were scaling a cliff if it didn’t already seem like we were floating in mid air. 

Michele’s hands gesticulated in all four cardinal points at once while simultaneously commanding a car with no power steering through lanes that were bordered on one side by solidified magma and a churning sea on the other. Like a latter-day Kali, he pointed out Greek, Roman, Phoenician, and Etruscan ruins as easily as he motioned to caffès that once hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton without ever missing a wave or wink to a passing driver. 

As we corked into an 87-degree angle towards the last winding climb before our destination, he pulled the emergency brake and we sat like wayward parachuters stuck in a tree. “We also have to get bread on the way back, so let’s try to get done before lunchtime, ok? There is a place we must go, the last great panificio on Ischia. Did you know that Empanda is also the goddess of bread? It’s true!” And with another wink and a grin, Michele snapped the brake and we fell forward into the hill above, lurching towards an otherwise nondescript farm as if beckoned by a Siren’s song. If it wasn’t a graceful entrance, it was at least purposeful. 

Legend has it that the island of Ischia formed after a rather gruesome battle between the monster Typhon and the original G.O.A.T, Zeus, over the imprisonment of the Titans. After a sneaky assist from son Hermes, Zeus eventually cast Thyphon into the underworld and condemned him to spit flames and shake the earth, making him the de-facto ruler of volcanic forces. 

Later, the island would be the home of the sorceress Circe and she would extend her hospitality to the wayward Odysseus, who really needed any port in the storm. Legend also has it that he spent a year on the island and felt particularly at ease, though never too far away from the wrath of the great god Poseidon, ruler of the sea and father to that poor Cyclops whom Odyessus had rather unkindly blinded. Upon these and countless other legends, the Myth of Ischia was born. 

As it happens, Poseidon is also the ruler of horses and if he ever wanted to manifest back in this universe he could do worse than to inhabit the body of Equestrian artist and performer Bartolo Messina. Indeed, one look at him and you would not be blamed for thinking that the great Neptune had already made the jump. He is as mythical looking as a person can be before they make that actual leap into divinity, and he is just as compelling. If the goddess of bread and hatchbacks is the one who welcomes seekers to the island of Ischia, Bartolo Messina is the one who helps them find what they’ve come for. 

Both Michele and I couldn’t help but stare up at him, and not just because we stood at the lower angle of a precipitous driveway. He towered above us, almost merging with the tumultuous sky behind him, broad-shouldered and clad in Gore-Tex because when you already look every inch the knight, there’s no need for shining armor. 

The child of an American mother and a Sardinian father, Messina grew up on the island of Ischia surrounded by family, friends, and horses. As we walk around his farm and meet each of them, he apologizes in advance for his English and then proceeds to speak it perfectly. “When I was a child, Ischia was a different place. It was much more innocent and although there were tourists, it was a different sort of interaction. Things were slower, more genuine.” 

Though Ischia has nowhere near the traffic or notoriety of its neighbor Capri, it is nonetheless a bustling destination. When the spring and summer are abuzz with tourists and families, the hydrofoils and ferries spillover on trips to and from the mainland. Once the waves of visitors ebb with the autumn tides, the schedule slows to a crawl, and with it so too do the opportunities to pick up provisions that might not be available in the small hardware stores or supermarkets. Visiting here is an adventure in itself; living here is slightly, though positively, mad. Why then, would a man whose career involves transporting horses all over the world choose to move his entire operation to a place like this? 

To be fair, Messina is not just any man, and Ischia is not just any place. And after a lifetime spent traveling the globe his choice to return to the island was a well-informed one. “I lived in Australia for two years when I was 20 years old and spent a lot of time in America, particularly in New York. And of course, I’ve had my adventures in Dubai, and in Asia.  And they were beautiful places, all of them. But Ischia is different. Perhaps it’s because I was born here, but for me, it’s magic.” 

Messina grew up with the horses that his father and uncle owned, and he would play on the beach with them during the winter months, far from the madding crowds. While other boys his age were playing soccer or getting into the requisite troubles that not even an island can remain immune from, he was learned to speak and listen to these great creatures. After a stint as a riding instructor and guide through the Australian outback, he began performing liberty dressage with the international company Cavalluna. 

Liberty dressage involves working with a horse to perform complex routines without the aid of saddles or bridles. Instead, it is dependent on a sort of racial communion between horse and trainer that relies on body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. It is one that comes entirely naturally to Messina; contrary to the relationship between other show animals and their trainers, his horses are entirely free to live and work with him. 

“Horses have lived alongside mankind for five thousand years, they are a part of us, they are a part of me. They decide to work with me, they are free.” His equestrian center, Aragonas Arabians, is also his home, where he and his wife are raising their children to develop the same connection to horses. And while it is in one of the most inaccessible points on an occasionally inaccessible island, there is no other place that Bartolo Messina could imagine this relationship. 

“Of course, it would be much easier to keep the horses in Rome, or somewhere else. But I choose to keep the horses in Ischia because it’s quiet, and they can feel that. It’s quiet, and that’s good for them. Everything you see here, I’ve built myself, with my hands. Even the stable. Because even that, they can feel. They know I built this for them, for us.” 

Messina’s words are moving, but none of them could prepare me for the sight of actually seeing him on a horse, riding through the thick woods that ring his farm on the very crown of Ischia. Time seemed to stop, and I could swear that the breeze running through the trees had been sent straight to us by whatever god or goddess was on duty that day. It was almost terrifying to see the sheer power that man and horse radiated and which seemed to emanate from the volcanic soil itself. 

But islands, as Truman Capote wrote during his own stay on Ischia, “are like ships at permanent anchor…one is seized by the same feeling of charmed suspension: it seems nothing unkind or vulgar can happen to you.” Watching the clouds churn overhead, the leaves blow underfoot, and the horses run free at Aragonas Arabians, fear was far away, somewhere offshore and distant. 

After ducking inside to escape the bitter wind that had begun to blow, Messina mused over the past and the future, twin sirens that danced overhead like the steam from our respective mugs of tea. His dream is to bring a different kind of tourism to Ischia, one that evokes the travelers he grew up seeing, people who were less interested in disposable memories and more inclined towards experiences. 

“I want to build a place where people can come and bring their horses and live the island with me. You can sleep anywhere you want, but then we ride together and see this island through each other’s eyes, and through the horse’s eyes. It is a sort of Academy, but not just for training. For the soul.” 

At a time when countries all over the world are rethinking tourism and Ischia itself is looking for ways to be more sustainable, his words echo across the Bay and back onto mainland Italy. Indeed, it may just be that by allowing people to live his island through and with him, Bartolo Messina’s model offers another way, a slower way, a richer way. Ultimately, it may just be a better way. 

Of course, bringing a new generation of seekers and horse whisperers to Ischia isn’t his only dream. As the tea cools and the wind begins to die down slightly, he muses over the road which has led him here, back home. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to make an entire horse show in Madison Square Garden. It’s more than a dream, it’s just something I’ve always imagined doing. It’s a little bit complicated but let’s see. You never know, right?” 

As the clouds continued swarming overhead the promise of coniglio all’ischitana, the stewed rabbit that is arguably the most famous dish on the island, beckoned us to take our leave. Though we invited him to join us for the meal that Michele’s mother was preparing and for which she was also quite famous, the rather punishing schedule of maintaining a stable of horses meant that such excursions were few and far between. 

As we walked down the driveway and began to descend back down towards the sea and earth below, I could imagine Messina under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, beckoning his horse to him. But it was here, on this island, tucked into an ancient corner of an ancient world, that he was also allowed to run free. “What else do you have planned for your time here?” He asked with such genuine interest that I felt awful telling him that I’d be leaving the following day. 

“You must come back again then and spend some time in the thermal waters. It is the most important natural resource in Ischia, and it will cure whatever ails you, guaranteed.” Ischia’s curative waters have made Ischia a hidden jewel where everyone from Ancient Greeks to modern-day Romans come to soothe their souls and heal their bodies. I made him a promise to return and as we descended back towards our Fiat Panda, itself a piece of lime-green divinity, he called out, “If you do get a chance to go to a thermal park, go to Poseidon. It’s the best one on the island, trust me.” I could swear I saw him wink, and as he turned to walk back towards the home that he had built with his own hands and dreams, I had no doubt. 

After all, he would know.

The post The Island Where the Horses Run Free appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to Italy’s stunning beaches, incredible culture, and captivating islands, who among us hasn’t dreamt about packing the essentials and moving somewhere amazing like the Amalfi Coast? For one lucky young woman from the U.S., that dream came true last year when a British couple pulled her name in a raffle for their awesome home in Tuscany. And all it cost her to enter was $32.

It always seems too good to be true, but this was the real deal. Jon and Annmarie Nurse spent almost a decade renovating the four-bedroom Tuscan dream vacation home—worth more than a half million dollars—only to give it away… for an extremely good cause. The couple ended up donating almost $70,000 from the raffle entries to The Children’s Society, and now they’d like to do something similar with their renovated townhouse in Pizzo Calabro, located on Italy’s Coast of the Gods.

This year, the Nurses want to raise money for Braccio Di Ferro, a local children’s hospice, and so anyone looking to own a vacation home with crazy bragging rights (or sell it and plan quite a few vacations-of-a-lifetime) can join in the fun by buying a $35 raffle ticket. The contest will close either on September 16 or when 10,000 tickets have been purchased. And, soon after, one incredibly lucky winner will have a lot of decisions to make.

The two-story townhouse features two-bedrooms and two-bathrooms, was recently renovated, and, best of all, comes fully furnished. That means the winner can just dump everything in the current home on Facebook Marketplace and skip the hefty moving fees. On the first floor, the new owner will enjoy an open plan kitchen and sitting room, before heading upstairs to the bedrooms and a balcony that boasts a sea view.

Pizzo Calabro is loaded with history and charm, and it is home to wonderful restaurants and plenty of shopping choices. Just about everything, including the beach, is within walking distance, so be sure to pack several pairs of sneakers.

The winner will also receive airfare for two, transportation, and accommodations for two nights to sign the transfer of ownership. Transfer taxes and legal fees are also covered. Not bad for $35, eh?

The post Ever Wanted to Own a House in Southern Italy? Here’s How to Win One for $35 appeared first on Islands.

There’s very little about Monteverdi Tuscany that doesn’t seem like it comes from the live action version of a brilliant, classic Disney film. A boutique hotel is a rarity in Tuscany and that only serves to make this stunning property in the Val d’Orcia region all the more distinct and special. And while Monteverdi Tuscany is closed until July 1, 2021—using this time of quarantine to focus on expanding—guests can expect to return to something truly magical, or, as the ownership boasts, “the finest oasis of beauty, health and wellness in the travel world.”

A significant aspect of the expansion is Monteverdi Tuscany’s spa, which will reopen as the Monteverdi Spa and Regenerative Clinic and be run by a licensed physician, offering, we assume, a wider variety of otherworldly therapeutic services. And while the hotel will add another fine dining option, a meeting and retreat center and more Luxury View Suites, we’re focusing on the spa right now.

That’s because the Spa at Monteverdi’s manager, Sara Trabalzini, has been kind enough to share this trio of at-home spa recipes to give us all a taste of Tuscany to hold us over until next summer.

Sea Salt Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp coarse sea salt
• Olive oil, add to desired consistency

How to Apply It:

Mix ingredients and apply in the shower using gentle circular movements.

Kiwi Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe kiwis
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice from one lemon

How to Apply It:

Peel and smash the kiwis, mix in the olive oil and lemon juice, and apply in the shower.

Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Apply It:

Mix ingredients, apply with circular movements, and rinse with water. The Spa recommends applying the lip balm after using a body scrub.

The post The Spa at Monteverdi Tuscany Reveals Three Simple At-home Scrub Recipes appeared first on Islands.