Amidst dreamlike landscapes of forests, vineyards and olive groves, the Castelfalfi offers new exclusive suites, a new gourmet restaurant and a new spa in a historical setting, which now makes your stay even more relaxed and exclusive.

Tuscany – a fusion of rolling hills with cypress avenues, spicy-smelling rosemary and breakfast in the gentle morning sun. Just an hour away from the hotspots of Pisa, Florence and Siena is the Castelfalfi estate, embedded in the mountain village of the same name and surrounded by a picturesque backdrop.

Historic walls, contemporary design

After an extensive transformation, the five-star luxury hotel reopened this spring. Among the 146 rooms, Castelfalfi now offers four new Signature Suites designed by the French architecture studio Affine Design with bespoke fabrics, fine artwork and private outdoor living rooms. Also new are two stylish, historic villas, the spa and a restaurant. The existing villas with two to eight bedrooms and space for up to 16 people are now joined by the 18th century Casa Medici designed by Raed Abillama. As a guest you have three bedrooms with arched windows, a dining room, kitchen, lounge, your own botanical garden as well as elegant, modern interiors and glamorous mid-century elements.

Experience being close to nature

The 2,700 hectare estate with vineyards, forests, a 27-hole golf course and olive groves offers numerous individual experiences. From tennis, archery and a climbing wall to yoga, axe throwing, kickboxing, fishing and fly fishing, everything is possible in Castelfalfi. Of course, the fantastic landscape can also be explored by hiking or by e-bike; whether on a professionally guided tour or on your own, the majestic castle of Castelfalfi looks really impressive from a distance. During walks through the magical Carfalo forests, the fragrant rose garden, the vineyards and the lakes, you will meet foxes, deer, rabbits and partridges and become aware of the uniqueness of the estate. Consideration for animals and the protection of the local ecology are taken very seriously here and can be experienced first hand: when meeting the bees that live in 40 hives, with Thor, the falcon of Castelfalfi or when hunting for truffles with dogs. The latter is particularly exciting; the Marzuolo truffles can be found on the estate from February to April, the black summer truffles from April to September and the white noble truffles from September to December.

Wellness with a hint of Thailand

Brand new at Castelfalfi is the RAKxa wellness spa. The elegant wellness area covers a generous 1,500 square metres with seven treatment rooms, two saunas, a steam bath, a relaxation area, the salon and a granite-lined heated infinity pool where you can swim both indoors and outdoors. The spa treatments focus on healthy sleep, stress and healing. RAKxa, which stems from Thailand, combines various therapies and wisdom that have been developed over thousands of years with modern knowledge from medicine and mindfulness. Individually personalised healing programs such as «A Day Retreat», «Calm and Restful» or «Active Recovery» serve personal health goals and the new hydrotherapy suite promotes relaxation. With carefully curated wellness menus, the professionally trained team of therapists ensures that body and mind are brought back into harmony.

Jewel of the region

Of course, Tuscany also has a lot to offer culturally. The classical cities of Florence and Siena are definitely worth seeing, where
you shouldn’t miss the Gothic town hall, the Piazza del Campo
and a delicious ice cream while strolling through the cosy streets. Trips to smaller towns such as San Gimignano, which is also known as the Manhattan of Tuscany due to its numerous towers, or to Volterra, which is not far away, are also extremely worthwhile. Experiencing the restfulness of the historic towns and enjoying a doppio in the Tuscan sun after a fragrant pizza – it couldn’t be more dolce vita.

Photos Copyrights: Castelfalfi

«Rocco Forte» hotels are the epitome of luxury, elegance and uniqueness. And that, of course, also means providing guests with personalised experiences. 

Hospitality is deeply rooted in the Italian way of life. «Ospitalità» is literally the epitome of cordiality. It comes to no surprise that it is, of course, also lived to perfection in the «Rocco Forte» brand of hotels. Thus, the new season starts with the old imperative: Offering guests the best service in beautiful locations! And that also means taking people on a journey into the world of «la Dolce Vita».

Masseria Torre Maizza, Apulia

Hotel Savoy, Florence

Hotel de la Ville, Rome

In the shadow of the majestic Spanish Steps, in one of Rome’s most historic locations, the «Hotel de la Ville» welcomes its guests. Luxurious comfort paired with the history of the city make for a unique experience. The 18^th century mansion has been extensively renovated, while care was taken to preserve the charm of the past. Both rooms and suites have all been individually designed and always offer a view of the city. Furthermore, the hotel is also host to several restaurants and bars, including «Mosaico», a place that is known far beyond the city limits and above all for its great wine cellar.

In addition to the perfect ambience, the luxury hotel also offers its guests customised experiences that exceed any normal city tour by far. Just in time for the 100th birthday of Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni, the «Hotel de la Ville» is now offering an evening tour in a restored vintage Fiat 500. Guests can go on a tour through the eternal city, which is a very special adventure, especially at night, and stop at places where famous film scenes were shot.

Verdura Resort, Sicily

The «Verdura Resort», which forms part of the «Rocco Forte» brand of hotels, also allows people to immerse themselves, in this case in the history and beautiful landscape of Sicily. This year, the hotel is offering its guests a morning excursion instead of an evening one. This takes guests on a journey through the «Valley of the Temples», one of the most important archaeological sites in Sicily. This is followed by a traditional Sicilian farmers’ breakfast. There, granitas are waiting with their sweet temptation. A granita is an icy refreshment made from water, sugar and various flavours. It goes well with a brioche, which is often served warm.

The Verdura Resort is an impressive retreat nestled on the southern coast of Sicily. There are views of the Mediterranean Sea from everywhere on the 230-hectare (568 acres) site. Guests are spoilt for choice between a classic double room, a large suite or their own villa. When it comes to culinary delights, Mediterranean specialities are on the menu in the «La Zagara» restaurant, while the «Amare», located directly on the beach, focuses on freshly caught fish from the sea.

Photos Copyrights: Rocco Forte-Hotels

For 150 years, «Zwiesel Glas» has been synonymous with impressive craftsmanship. A homage to a product that many of us have taken for granted.

Drinking from a glass – whatever the drink – is something we take for granted. However, very few people think about where it comes from and how it was created; we prefer to enjoy the content. The craftsmanship behind the production is exciting, impressive and, above all, it has a long history. The first glasses were made many centuries before Christ; the first official production record can be found on a clay tablet from the library of the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal. And even back then, in the 7th century BC, sand, ash and chalk were used. Little has changed in these substances to this day; quartz sand, potash, lime and metal oxides are still used today. The latter are primarily used for colouring.

A world leader, a world favourite

Today, around 39.5 million tons of glass are produced in Europe every year. In Germany, the company «Zwiesel Glas» is synonymous with modern, high-quality and beautiful glass variants – and has been for more than 150 years. This is appreciated by the catering and hospitality industry in particular. It’s no wonder that we were once again named «World Market Leader Champion» this year. And for the seventh time in a row. Zwiesel Glas produces up to 60 million glasses a year – with a very unique sound. Or as it is called internally: «Glasses with a special note». Glassmakers can recognise a Zwiesel glass by the sound it makes when it is hit discreetly.

In addition to quality, Zwiesel glass also focuses on design. And also very successfully. The «Symbiosis» decanter received the «Iconic Award: Innovative Interior 2024» in the product design category this year. However, resting on these laurels is not in the company’s philosophy. Or as company owner Dr Andreas Buske says: «We are very proud to have been recognised as world market leader again in 2024. This title is a nice confirmation for us, but at the same time further incentive to become the worldwide brand for all the moments that make life special.»

Nice motivation, because yes, even if we often unconsciously hold a glass in our hand, we have not forgotten many of the moments in which we toasted with it. «Cheers!» «Santé!» «Prost!» «Jámas!» «Skål!»

Photos Copyrights: Zwiesel Glas

Learning from nature. IRÄYE products contain an active ingredient that regenerates the human lymphatic system.

The founding fathers, Professor Michael Detmar and Dr Epa Gousopoulos, carried out extensive research over a long period to reach their goal. It took around 20 years to develop the perfect skin care product that activates the lymphatic system and thus ensures a radiant complexion. Using external influences to highlight inner beauty, to simplify the
process somewhat. And no matter whether the product is «The Shaping Body Cream», the «Eye Revive Cream» or the «Radiance Firming Serum», the IRÄYE brand is revolutionising skin care.

Prof. Michael Detmar and Dr. Epa Gousopoulos

A real Booster

The human lymphatic system is our own internal vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, as with all «devices», its performance decreases over the years. And that’s what happens here too. Keeping with our example, the by Detmar and Gousopoulos developed Lymphactive™ complex essentially performs a general overhaul. The products available under the name IRÄYE contain five plant-based activators that renew the lymphatic structures of the skin and therefore ensure the natural repair process. And in the long term. Harmful oxidants, metabolic waste and cell debris have no chance. Studies confirm this, because IRÄYE products with the Lymphactive™ complex increase lymph activation by almost 300 percent.

One for all

There are currently three products under the IRÄYE brand that, thanks to the new active ingredient, have been proven to tighten the skin and fight cellulite. And the best thing is: all the products are suitable for all skin types and either gender. «The Shaping Body Creme» provides moisture and at the same time reduces unwanted water retention. The «Eye Revive Cream» also has the same effect, making puffy eyes and dark circles a thing of the past. And the «Radiance Firming Serum» ensures an even complexion. Fine lines and wrinkles will disappear within a few weeks after the first and then regular use.

Demonstrably better

Professor Michael Detmar and Dr Epa Gousopoulos investigated more than 2,200 plant extracts to decide on the five that would create the perfect mixture and thus the revolutionary Lymphactive™ complex mentioned. But the effort was really worth it, because around 9 out of 10 people confirm that their skin feels firmer, healthier and looks brighter as a result of using the products.

The IRÄYE brand is revolutionising skincare. All the products are suitable for all skin types and either gender.

Photos Copyrights: IRÄYE

For more than 100 years, the Boesch brand has represented unique watercraft like no other and has revolutionised the world of motorboats with its «Boesch Horizon Gliding Technology».

There are things that you have to have experienced yourself just to be able to understand them. Simply because you really felt it. One of these things is riding a Boesch boat. Thanks to the Horizon Gliding technology developed and constantly refined by the Swiss family that owns the company themselves, the ride feels as if you were floating above the water, becoming one with the horizon. This makes both relaxed tours and water skiing competitions unique experiences of their own.

Not higher, but faster

For more than 100 years, the name Boesch has represented exceptional watercraft. And innovative strength, too. After all, it is thanks to Walter Bösch that boats can cruise at such high speeds nowadays while still safely gliding through the water. Back in the 1920s, gliding boats became a trend and were something Mr Bösch knew how to construct. Still, as a trained boat constructor. Mr Bösch had a completely different idea of how a boat should move.

He really wanted a fast vehicle, something sporty. However, the hull shape of the boats at the time made this impossible, from a purely physical point of view, as they were merely displacing water. But Walter Bösch found an answer to this by taking his cue from seaplanes. At the same time, it was also clear to him that he didn’t want to build boats that pointed their noses skywards, but rather a fast boat that moved horizontally to the surface of the water. The rest is history still being written.

Both strong and beautiful, all at the same time

Today, just like in days gone by, Boesch boats are among the most innovative, but they are also among the most beautiful. Every single one is a perfect combination of wood and leather and a real powerhouse inside: the Ilmor MV8 with a 5.7 litre displacement is one of the most powerful and robust engines in the motorboat sector. Nonetheless, it can optionally be replaced in a Boesch boat by an even more powerful Ilmor MV8 engine with a 7 litre displacement.

And with regards to the instrument panel, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC is a strong partner, too. In addition to the high-quality standard equipment, individuality is a must. This means that many details are customised at the customer’s request.

Just a bit more elegance and excellence make the difference

The company itself is now run by the 4^th generation, but still in the spirit of the founder. You might perhaps already have realised that the family name is Bösch, yet the company is called Boesch. This is not due to an error on our part. It was simply because another, somewhat larger company was afraid that Bösch would be confused with Bosch too quickly. But the additional «e» in the name emphasises the excellence of the boats once again. And they have rightfully earned it.

Photos Copyrights: Boesch

For people in the south of Switzerland, a good meal is the perfect combination or regional food paired with wine that was also pressed in Ticino. The traditional winery «Terreni alla Maggia» has therefore laid the perfect foundation with the new brand «Cantina alla Maggia».

«With the new brand Cantina alla Maggia, we are emphasising the dedication with which we care for our vineyards and produce our wines,» says Simon V. Jenny. And the Director of the «Cantina alla Maggia», «Terreni alla Maggia» and the «Castello del Sole Beach Resort & Spa» adds: «The new appearance of the wines and especially the wine labels reflect the excellence of our wines. It is a tribute to our growth and is an expression of the quality efforts of our employees in recent years.»

Enjoy originality

The vines currently take up around 11.5 hectares of the total cultivated area, with a diverse variety of grapes. Starting with the traditional Merlot and ending with Bondola, an indigenous grape variety from Ticino, the taste portfolio is challenging. And of course the grappa should be mentioned also, three varieties are produced every year. Plus the aforementioned corn and rice production. It’s hard to know where to start sampling.

The products are sold in our own store directly in Ascona. The «Enoteca Alimentare» also offers tours, tastings and events. But it’s also worth asking in your favourite restaurant, because the products from «Cantina alla Maggia» and «Terreni alla Maggia» are in demand throughout Switzerland when it comes to fine dishes and tasty accompaniments.