Hidden among the more famous Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos lies Folegandros – an island that, despite its unparalleled beauty, remains off the beaten tourist track. Here, where rugged cliffs plunge into the crystal-clear Aegean Sea and picturesque villages dot the hilly landscape, you can experience the authentic Greece in its purest form.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany lies the charming Follonico Hotel in Montefollonico, a small, hidden village known for its authentic atmosphere and picturesque landscape. Follonico is more than just a hotel – it’s a place that captures the soul of the region, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in true Tuscan life.

Törggelen is one of the oldest and most authentic traditions in South Tyrol, still cherished by locals and visitors alike. This autumn custom combines convivial evenings with good food, wine, and the picturesque landscapes of South Tyrol’s vineyards. But what exactly is Törggelen, where does the term come from, and how can this special tradition be experienced in connection with modern Lifestylehotels?

Portrait Milano, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is the canvas for an extraordinary exhibition by Juergen Teller until 5 October. In his photo exhibition ‘3 Days in Florence’, Teller pays tribute to the beauty and uniqueness of Florence and combines fashion, art and culture. In line with the contemporary vision of Maximilian Davis, Creative Director of Ferragamo, regarding the ‘New Renaissance’, the artworks will be exhibited on the façade of the historic Portrait Milano building and can be seen until 5 October.

Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, is an enchanting region in south-east Italy, known for its picturesque coastlines, historic towns and culinary delights. The region stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and offers a rich variety of landscapes and cultural treasures. One of the most fascinating cities in Puglia is Ostuni, often referred to as “the white city”.

The Ionian coast of Calabria is a true paradise for travellers looking for unspoilt nature, crystal clear waters and authentic Italian experiences off the beaten tourist track. This lesser-known coastal region in southern Italy stretches along the Ionian Sea and offers breathtaking scenery characterised by picturesque beaches, charming villages and historic sites.

Riccardo’s Locanda al Colle in Tuscany is a Wunderkammer. The host has lovingly placed numerous furnishing treasures in his guest house, a historic farmhouse, and brought them together to create a harmonious whole. The chairs, tables and lamps come from antique markets and earlier times, from contemporary artists and old design icons, from Italy or London. Breathing new life into old objects and placing them in a new context is one of Riccardo Barsottelli’s passions. It’s worth asking where the pieces in Locanda al Colle come from and what stories they tell…

Even as a child, she was welcomed by the guests at her parents’ establishment with a glass of schnapps in their hands. As a born and bred “Puschterin” [someone from Pustertal] and with experience in hospitality, Gudrun Huber now runs the Hofergut in her South Tyrolean homeland. With a great deal of passion and enthusiasm, she looks after both her guests and the almost 1,000-year-old property. She’s like the Fairy Godmother of the building. We asked her about where the walls express their historic charm, which collector’s items are hidden here and what she takes out of the smokehouse at night, plus much more.

Do you know the lily with the chequerboard pattern? This special flower even grows wild in the Hungarian town of Sárvár. And its Latin word Fritillaria meleagris gives its name to the Melea – The Health Concept. What is it? A wonderful place to blossom for a long life – thanks to the Melea-method.