Romanengo is Milan’s new sweet spot

This article highlights a newly completed penthouse apartment located in 'The Courtyard,' a residential complex in Milan designed by DFA Partners. The building itself is inspired by the city's traditional cloisters, featuring smart green spaces and a focus on urban forestation. Architect Daniele Fiori, realizing the abundance of abandoned structures in the city center, conceived a design that is entirely inward-facing and private, centered around a large garden. This green space is integral to the project's success, acting as a natural screen and reducing CO2 emissions. The building also incorporates sustainable features like green rooftops, private patios, terraces, geothermal energy from ground water, and built-in photovoltaic cells. The penthouse interiors were crafted by architect Massimiliano Camoletto for Visionnaire Art Director Eleonore Cavalli, embodying a quintessential Milanese aesthetic. The design emphasizes pure volumes, allowing natural light to flood the spaces. The apartment showcases a curated selection of furniture from Visionnaire, alongside collaborations with other notable Italian brands such as Viabizzuno, Alpi, and Ernestomeda. The selection includes designs by Mauro Lipparini, Alessandro La Spada, and younger talents like Zanellato and Bortotto, and Sara Ricciardi, creating a sophisticated blend of minimalist forms and luxurious materials. Custom-built elements, such as a mirrored modular bookcase and a metal and wood staircase, further enhance the living area. A significant feature of the living area is the custom-designed 'bioclimatic greenhouse' by Pratic. This greenhouse is home to Mediterranean plants, including olive and lemon trees, jasmine, roses, wisteria, camphor trees, and maples, strengthening the connection to nature within this urban setting. The kitchen, a collaboration with Ernestomeda, boasts a metallized lacquer finish, smoke gray etched glass, and Grigio Alpi stone. Upstairs, the penthouse includes a minimalist fitness space and two bedrooms, designed as calming sanctuaries with a muted color palette. The overall design of the penthouse celebrates Italian excellence in interior design, furniture, and sustainable architecture, creating a private and green oasis in the heart of Milan. #MilaneseInteriors #UrbanOasis #PenthouseDesign #ItalianDesign #SustainableArchitecture #GreenSpaces #LuxuryInteriors #DFAHPartners #VisionnaireFurniture

Violino d’Oro, a five-star boutique hotel unveiled by Collezione Em from the Maestrelli family, is situated a short walk from St. Mark's Square in Venice. This property aims to offer an immersive experience into Venetian culture, blending tradition with contemporary design, sustainability, and an authentic Venetian spirit. The hotel reflects the Maestrelli family's over three decades of experience in hospitality, emphasizing respect for cultural heritage and excellence. It has been recognized by The Leading Hotels of the World, signifying its status among exclusive global destinations. The hotel is housed within three meticulously restored 17th-century buildings. The interior design prioritizes silence, texture, and natural light. Every detail, from the materials to the subtle scents, contributes to a unique atmosphere. Sara and Elena Maestrelli have guided the reimagining of Venetian hospitality with a focus on sophistication and human connection. The decor features fabrics by Rubelli, lamps by Venini, artisanal Venetian terrazzo floors, and a curated collection of Italian art and design, all harmoniously integrated. The 32 rooms and suites balance elegance and comfort, showcasing a blend of clean-lined Italian furniture, Oriental pieces, Venetian antiques, and contemporary elements. Canal views, high ceilings, and a soft color palette contribute to a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Sara Maestrelli describes the hotel as an “artisanal Italian project designed like a home,” with everything from glassware to headboards crafted locally in Venice and Tuscany, using noble materials and skilled craftsmanship. Velvets, brocades, and damasks from Rubelli, Carrara marble inlays, and hand-blown Murano glass lamps are prominent features, each with a unique story and tactile quality. Sustainability is a core philosophy at Violino d’Oro, extending beyond a marketing label. This commitment is evident in the use of local materials, support for artisan economies, and mindful resource management, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility and the future of luxury travel. The hospitality is characterized by warmth, attentiveness, and personalized service, with staff trained to anticipate guest needs, offering a balance of professionalism and approachability. Breakfasts are served in a sun-drenched dining room, featuring fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, artisanal pastries, and made-to-order coffee, catering to various dietary preferences. The serene atmosphere is designed to promote a sense of well-being. The hotel's culinary highlight is Il Piccolo, an intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant with nine tables. It offers a contemporary, plant-forward menu based on local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by creative cocktails from head bartender Francesco. The menu evolves with the seasons, combining innovative techniques with traditional respect for ingredients. Violino d’Oro offers unique experiences connecting guests to the soul of Venice. These include Venetian cooking classes, yoga by the canals, mixology workshops, and private visits to artisan ateliers like Rubelli or Micheluzzi. Cultural tours provide access to lesser-known parts of the city, operas, or private palaces. Tailor-made experiences such as sunrise photography walks, guided strolls through Dorsoduro, private lagoon cruises, and food tours through traditional Venetian bacari are also available, aiming to foster a deep connection with the city. Excursions to Murano and Burano are also arranged, offering insights into glassmaking and lace-making traditions, respectively. Murano provides opportunities to observe glass artisans at work and purchase unique pieces, while Burano captivates with its colorful houses and the delicate craft of handmade lace. The hotel aims to provide a new way of experiencing Venice—authentic, sophisticated, and deeply emotional, a sanctuary that makes guests feel at home while offering an exceptional and unique stay. #VenetianLuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #VeniceTravel #ItalianDesign #SustainableHospitality #CulturalImmersion #ArtisanCraftsmanship #MichelinRestaurant #HistoricRenovation

Milan, a city traditionally characterized by its quick-stop cafes and limited casual office spaces, has welcomed an innovative concept: Tenoha. This establishment, the second international location for the Tokyo-based concept, integrates a shop, cafe, event venue, and co-working space. Situated in a 2500 sq m former wallpaper factory from the 1930s in Milan's Navigli neighborhood, Tenoha presents a unique blend of Japanese aesthetics and Italian design sensibilities. The interiors, crafted by Milan-based Park Associati, deviate from a direct replication of Tenoha's original Daikanyama location. Instead, the design team aimed to create a space that evokes a contemporary Tokyo as imagined through an Italian lens. This approach, which involved experimenting with the design, was well-received by owner Hiroshi Sato. Michele Rossi of Park Associati emphasized the goal of merging Milanese and Tokyo influences, resulting in visuals that reference the vibrant Daikanyama scene while utilizing materials deeply rooted in Italian design heritage. Key interior elements include cherry wood banquette seating, Horigotatsu-style booths, and a custom gridded lighting system. Notably, shōji screens are adorned with textiles from Milan-based Kvadrat, and the bar is clad in hexagonal kelp-green tiles by Botteganove, which complement the overall deep teal and orange color scheme. At the heart of the expansive space lies a classic Milanese courtyard, offering outdoor seating with bamboo and cherry blossoms—a welcome feature during favorable weather. Beyond its co-working and cafe functions, Tenoha features a shop along Via Vigevano that imports Japanese art gifts and homeware. This includes items like Toyo-Sasaki glassware, tokyobike cruisers, and Kobeha Keikaku stationery. The shop's prominent location and large windows ensure ample daylight and attract curious passersby. The cafe's menu, developed by Hideyuki Manaka of Tokyo's Da Fiore, offers a mix of traditional dishes like Tonkatsu pork cutlets and udon noodles, alongside more innovative options such as Caprese salad with tofu and yuzu Monkfish. While Italian wine is served, the cocktail selection leans towards Japanese influences. A glass wall demarcates the restaurant from the co-working areas, which are furnished with a tiered wooden platform and cushions. This flexible seating arrangement caters to the diverse working habits of Tenoha’s freelance clientele. The establishment is anticipated to draw a large number of designers and design enthusiasts, especially with events like Salone del Mobile, and is seen as a significant addition to Milan’s burgeoning landscape of innovative venues. #MilaneseCafe #JapaneseDesign #CoWorkingSpace #InteriorDesign #CrossCulturalDesign #NavigliNeighborhood #ParkAssociati #MilanLifestyle #ZenSpace

Marni's architectural team has recently inaugurated a new store in Venice, situated in Piazza San Marco. This new boutique is strategically located between the colonnades of Piazza San Marco, featuring large windows beneath grating lunettes. The design of the store is a deliberate fusion of Marni's artistic vision and Venice's rich cultural heritage, ensuring a respectful integration of both elements. The interior design elements are meticulously chosen to reflect Venetian architectural codes, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. The boutique's interior boasts Venetian stucco walls, a Calacatta marble mosaic floor, and delicate ivory finishes, all contributing to an atmosphere of refined elegance. A central feature of the store is a large spiral staircase, which commands attention by wrapping itself in golden stripes, creating a voluminous silhouette that illuminates the otherwise neutral-colored room. The ceiling incorporates bronze details and tones reminiscent of the exterior, further brightening the space and connecting the interior with its surroundings. The display of Marni's collections, including both men's and women's designs by Francesco Risso, follows a minimalist approach, emphasizing precision and care. Items are presented on a glass case set on silver tiles and a shelf crafted from Venetian stucco. A dedicated footwear area is positioned in front of a window that offers a direct view of the Basilica of San Marco. This placement allows the natural light of the Venetian sunset to illuminate the area each evening, enhancing the display and creating a captivating ambiance. Every aspect of the new Marni boutique, from the materials used to the strategic placement of design elements, is designed to celebrate the intrinsic link between the brand and the cultural essence of Venice. The store aims to be more than just a retail space; it is a testament to the brand's commitment to artistic expression and its profound appreciation for the city's unique aesthetic. #MarniBoutique #Venice #PiazzaSanMarco #InteriorDesign #VenetianStucco #CalacattaMarble #FashionRetail #ArchitecturalDesign #CulturalHeritage

Rome is preparing for a significant year, marked by a Catholic jubilee, which occurs every 25 years. This event, commencing on December 24 with the opening of the holy door in St Peter’s Basilica, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims seeking plenary indulgence. Coinciding with this momentous period, a new luxury establishment, the Romeo Roma, has opened its doors on Via di Ripetta, near Piazza del Popolo, after over a decade of development. This is the second hotel from the family-owned Romeo Collection, situated within an elegant 17th-century palazzo. The Romeo Roma is among several ultra-luxury hotels that have recently launched or are under development in Rome, including the Bulgari, the W, the Edition, the Rosewood, a forthcoming Four Seasons, and a Nobu. The Six Senses, an IHG-owned wellness brand, also opened its first European hotel in Rome in early 2023. The Romeo Roma distinguishes itself with a starting rate of approximately £2,000 per night, positioning it as one of the world's most expensive hotels. This price point surpasses that of competitors like the Bulgari, a detail the hotel seems to emphasize. Key to the Romeo Roma's extraordinary appeal are its high-profile collaborators: Zaha Hadid, who designed the interiors, and Alain Ducasse, responsible for the culinary offerings. The hotel's design is characterized by avant-garde elements, featuring lacquered Macassar ebony and Carrara marble. The restoration of Palazzo Capponi, originally a government office, began in 2012 and uncovered an ancient workshop in the basement. The construction involved the careful integration of tons of wood, marble, and steel, all while preserving the historical integrity of the building, which includes a rotating head of Livia Drusilla in a glass case in the lobby. The lobby itself, formerly the palazzo's inner courtyard, now boasts a retractable glass roof, a vaulted steel lattice ceiling, a red Schulze Pollman grand piano, Rubinacci floor cushions, and an uplit waterfall that spells out “ROMEO” in rainbow-colored water. The rooms continue the space-age aesthetic, with Hadid’s signature curves evident in the ebony beds, mirrored TV stands, and sinuous white spa baths. Some rooms even feature original 17th-century frescoes discovered during renovation. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, expressed the challenge of merging historical heritage with innovative contemporary architecture and sustainability. Culinary experiences at the Romeo Roma are a major draw. Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse offers a ten-course tasting menu for £232, featuring dishes such as charred puntarelle and pink venison. Breakfast by Alain Ducasse, included in the room rate, provides an extensive spread and the Monégasque chef’s signature hot chocolate. The slightly less extravagant Il Cortile offers a Roman menu with pasta, pizza, and fish amidst Carrara marble columns and a shimmering ebony ceiling. The hotel also includes a Sisley spa with treatment rooms, a hammam, an infrared sauna, and a Sicilian salt relaxation room. The hotel caters to a distinguished clientele, as evidenced by the attendance of ambassadors from various countries at its opening. Despite its opulent nature, the hotel considers micro-level details, such as staff remembering coffee orders and personalized amenities like silk eye masks and branded toiletries. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, personally approved many details, including eclectic artworks and custom furniture. While some minor issues, like a lack of bathroom hooks or temperamental lighting, were noted, they are attributed to opening jitters. The article concludes by highlighting Rome's attractions during the jubilee year, including pedestrianized areas, renovated historical sites, and new cultural experiences, affirming the city's appeal beyond the hotel's luxury. #LuxuryHotel #RomeTourism #ZahaHadid #AlainDucasse #HotelDesign #JubileeYear #ItalianHospitality #ArchitecturalInnovation #HistoricalPreservation

La Pergola, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, operates atop the Rome Cavalieri hotel, offering a luxurious dining experience. Helmed by German chef Heinz Beck, maître d’ Simone Pinoli, and sommelier Marco Reitano for 23 years, the restaurant is known for its opulent environment and personalized service. Before entering the dining area, guests wait in the hotel lobby, which is adorned with an impressive art collection, including works by Bertel Thorvaldsen, Andy Warhol, and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. The restaurant aims to create an exclusive and memorable atmosphere for its patrons. One unique aspect of La Pergola's service is the personalized, hand-embroidered napkins with guests' initials in gold thread, reserved for regular and favored clients. These napkins are kept in a special wooden chest and are highly coveted. The restaurant staff, particularly Pinoli and Reitano, are adept at making guests feel at ease, despite the establishment's high-end nature. This level of personalized attention contributes significantly to the overall dining experience, distinguishing La Pergola from other luxury restaurants. The dining experience begins with an extensive water list, featuring 55 different types, including rare and historically significant options like Chateldon, King Louis XIV's favorite, and Svalbardi, water extracted from 40,000-year-old icebergs. The article highlights a personal choice of Magma, a naturally bubbly water from below the earth’s crust, served at the end of the meal for digestion, which the author describes as the best water ever consumed. This detailed water selection underscores the restaurant's commitment to offering unique and extravagant choices. Beyond beverages, the food at La Pergola is equally remarkable. A standout dish mentioned is the blended foie gras with red berries, presented as a vibrant pink and luxurious take on the classic French delicacy. The restaurant staff goes to extraordinary lengths to accommodate guests' requests, exemplified by a waiter dressing as a gladiator for a child’s entertainment. La Pergola also maintains a wardrobe of single-breasted navy blazers in various sizes for guests who may arrive without appropriate attire, ensuring that the dress code is always met. During the pandemic, when reading glasses could not be shared, the restaurant introduced specialized reading lamps to make menu text clearer. To adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its high standards, La Pergola implemented several adjustments. Menus became personalized takeaways, and wine lists transitioned to a digital format, with physical copies available upon request, accompanied by gloves. The sommelier offers extensive guidance through the 3,500-option wine menu, which includes both Italian and international selections, many of which are exclusive to the restaurant. The beverage service extends to a dedicated Cigar Room, offering a selection of cigars, 15 types of tea and coffee, plush seating, and original artworks. The tea service is particularly elaborate, featuring a trolley of fresh plants and flowers infused in a samovar once owned by Tzar Alexander I of Russia. The infusion is then enhanced with liquid nitrogen for dramatic effect and personalized with essential oils. The coffee service is equally opulent, with beans from exotic locations like Mount Everest and Kopi Luwak, known for being processed by Asian palm civets. The ethical concerns surrounding Kopi Luwak production, particularly civet welfare, are acknowledged. The restaurant also caters to lavish private events, such as a €35,000 birthday party where a band played 1980s Sanremo songs, culminating in a private fireworks display over Rome. These offerings illustrate La Pergola's dedication to providing an unparalleled and highly customized luxury experience. #LaPergola #MichelinStarred #FineDining #RomeRestaurants #LuxuryExperience #HeinzBeck #Sommelier #MaîtreD #ExtravagantPerks

Jon Neidich, founder of Golden Age Hospitality, expands his portfolio of downtown New York City establishments with Bar Bianchi, a Milanese-style aperitivo bar located in the East Village. This new venture marks a shift from his previous French-inspired concepts, such as Elvis and Le Dive, demonstrating his versatility in capturing different European aesthetics and culinary traditions. Bar Bianchi draws inspiration from Milan's aperitivo culture, a pre-dinner social ritual involving drinks and complimentary snacks, designed to stimulate the appetite and senses. The establishment's design, a collaboration between Neidich, Golden's creative director Andrea Johansson, and long-time collaborator Sam Buffa, evokes the charm of 1920s and 1930s Italian cafés with modern touches. The interior features a diamond-checkerboard floor crafted from Italian clay tiles, custom millwork reminiscent of classic Italian cafés, and a mix of salvaged space-age sconces from the Czech Republic alongside vintage Italian glass sculptural sconces. The central zinc and Formica bar is complemented by an aged mirrored wall and an Art Deco canopy. This design is also influenced by Milan's Fondazione Prada’s Bar Luce, designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, and indirectly nods to the Milan-based bicycle brand Bianchi, reflected in vintage bicycle posters and the bar's name. The chosen interior green hue, however, is noted to be more pistachio than Bianchi's iconic celeste green. The food and beverage program, led by chef Nicole Gajadhar and Cody Pruitt, offers a concise Italian menu with a focus on antipasti, ranging from $7 to $24, suitable for an aperitivo experience. The menu also includes a selection of central Italian pasta dishes, larger main courses such as branzino, steak tagliata, and veal Milanese, and classic Italian desserts. Noteworthy small bites include prosciutto melone and house-made mozzarella for the Caprese salad. The tuna tonnato, while thinly shaved, was described as having an overly heavy dijon sauce. A mushroom tortellini in brodo, served as a piatti del giorno, presented a traditional pasta in a broth reduction, deviating slightly from the typical liquid broth presentation. The drink menu is exclusively Italian, featuring a selection of wines, Negronis, and three signature Bianchi cocktails, alongside spritzes. The Aperol Spritz is highlighted for its authentic preparation and presentation. A key aspect of an authentic aperitivo, the provision of complimentary snacks, is met at Bar Bianchi with in-house made, waffle-knit potato chips and plump Castelvetrano olives, reinforcing the cultural accuracy of the concept. This adherence to tradition, combined with Neidich's flair for theatrical design, positions Bar Bianchi as a promising addition to New York City's hospitality scene, awaiting warmer weather to fully showcase its indoor-outdoor appeal. #MilaneseAperitivo #EastVillage #JonNeidich #GoldenAgeHospitality #ItalianCuisine #RestaurantDesign #NYCBar #AperolSpritz #NightlifeDining