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Telegraph
28-07-2025
- Telegraph
How to pair the Med's finest coastline with Tuscany's lesser-known gems
Let's just say it wasn't your average Mr Whippy. This gelato came with a sheepish backstory – pecorino-flavoured, and salty. The cheese is everywhere in the little town of Pienza, famed for its pecorino as well as for being the perfectly proportioned Renaissance town. And while I wasn't mad about the ice, the architecture was another thing altogether: pretty palazzos, an octagonal bell tower rising from the cathedral, and quaint alleys filled with the smell of fromaggio. Back in the 15th century, Pope Pius II razed his unremarkable birthplace of Corsignano, enlisting the era's top talent to craft his 'ideal city'. It's perfect. From the walls, Italy's Val d'Orcia rolls out below like the Tuscany of your imagination – cypress-lined lanes, hilltop towns in terracotta tones, abbeys and chapels folded into undulating vineyards and olive groves stretching to Monte Amiata, mainland Italy's highest (and mercifully extinct) volcano. It's no surprise that both town and valley are UNESCO-listed. Or that Franco Zeffirelli filmed some of Romeo and Juliet in Pienza. If you're after brooding romance and real drama, this is the stage – one where you'll want to stay for a multi-act performance. Fortunately, although I was visiting as part of a ship excursion, there was no sprint for the coach for a lengthy transfer back to the ship. This particular cruise add-on came with a bed in the picture itself, at Castello di Velona, a 1,000-year-old hilltop fortress where I could literally soak up the surrounding scenery from the outdoor thermal pools, heated to hot-bath temperature by the volcanic terrain. My Tuscan sojourn was part of a new line of Abercrombie & Kent land extensions for passengers on Crystal cruises called 'By A&K', which I was the first journalist to try. Our voyage had run from Spain's Tarragona to Rome; now I was finishing with a flourish on land, where I could gorge myself on truffles, pecorino cheese, Brunello wine, and those amazing vistas. Other A&K bolt-ons are similarly alluring: depending on the cruise, you could tag on time in the Denali wilderness in Alaska, go tiger spotting and see the Taj Mahal in India, or marvel at the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti after docking in Mombasa. It's a far cry from the frankly disappointing excursions I took in 2023 on the relaunched cruise line, which A&K had bought the year before, promising to be exceptional on both land and sea. 'It's taken this amount of time because you have to prebook all the top guides along with the best hotels and lodges,' Geoffrey Kent, A&K founder and chairman emeritus, told me on our voyage, adding that he'd originally been sceptical about cruising. 'I'm an adventure guy – I jump out of planes and helicopters and I dive, so I thought I'd get bored sitting on a big cruise ship,' he said. 'It's exactly the opposite. And it's very spoiling.' He's not wrong. Crystal, now celebrating its 35th anniversary, leans into the traditions of old-school cruising. There's an art deco-style lounge for tea, dancing and cabaret, a teak promenade deck, a gym, spa, and suites with butler service. And there's oodles of space to be shared by a maximum of 606 guests, with nearly as many staff to look after them. It's polished, calm, and makes a great base from which to explore the Med, whose scenic shores are delivered direct to your (very sizeable) balcony. In Menorca's Mahón, we sailed into one of Europe's largest natural harbours, almost scraping the sides of the Isla del Rey (now home to a Hauser & Wirth gallery) and moored close enough to the distillery at Xoriguer to imagine a faint whiff of juniper. I chose to explore the island by bike, cycling 25km as we passed through low-slung whitewashed villages with bougainvillaea-draped alleys, and up (with battery assistance) to a 14th-century watchtower at Sant Lluís. The narrow lanes, lined with dry stone walls, were blissfully quiet – just our cycling group, the sun, and one unbothered tortoise. The exercise helped justify the food back on the ship. Crystal includes a handful of top restaurants in the price of the cruise, including the only Nobu at sea, where you can order black miso cod, wagyu, lobster tacos, and sake like it's going out of fashion. Drinks are also complimentary: cocktails, spirits and wine are all poured with enthusiasm. More wine awaited at Italy's Cinque Terre. Our boat excursion skirted beneath the improbably stacked vineyards and pastel-coloured houses of the five former fishing villages clinging to the cliffs. We squeezed in a stop in Vernazza for a climb to the old watchtower and enjoyed a glass of crisp Cinque Terre DOC in Riomaggiore, but I would have liked to linger longer on the rugged Ligurian coast. That made our immersion in Tuscany's Val d'Orcia, a three-hour drive from the sights of Rome, even more special. Time slows right down in this valley. I spent four hours over lunch at Podere Il Casale without even trying, admiring the view and learning how to make cheese with Ulisse Branli, who long ago swapped his homeland of Switzerland for Tuscany. 'Thirty years ago, this valley was just for farmers,' he said. 'Then they filmed part of The English Patient at the monastery outside Pienza. Now people come here for the view and our farm-to-table food, including cheese.' Of course, where there's cheese, there's wine. The medieval village of Montalcino is home to Brunello wine; there are even vines and a wine shop within the medieval fortress. I sampled it instead at Podere Le Ripi, trying a handful of biodynamic wines alongside a delicious dinner in the brick winery, built in spiral formation with a roof akin to that of Rome's Panthéon. Founded by Francesco Illy from the coffee clan, this vineyard comes with a terrace view that ought to have its own tasting notes. It's a place to sit and stare a while, not dash through. But that's the point of A&K's new land adventures: to swap box-ticking for something slower, richer and more rooted, part of the perfect hybrid holiday where both land and sea get their moment in the sun. It's the future of luxury cruising – and it has a glass of Brunello (not a pecorino-flavoured gelato) firmly in its hand. Essentials An eight-night cruise on Crystal Serenity costs from £3,800pp, all inclusive, plus flights. Including stops at Civitavecchia (Rome), Mahon and Porto Venere for the Cinque Terre, as well as Monaco for the Grand Prix.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Villa Treville Is One Of The Amalfi Coast's Most Iconic Hotels
Courtesy of Villa Treville First opened as a hotel in 2010, Villa Treville has quickly become one of the grand dames of the Amalfi Coast. A refined hotel with cinematic views of Positano, it sits on a vast terraced estate with enviable views of the seaside town. Here, you're close enough to feel fully immersed in the experience, yet far enough away to enjoy the idyllic setting without the crowds. A property with roots dating back to the 18th century, Treville was most famously owned by director Franco Zeffirelli who purchased the villa in the 1960s. The acclaimed film and opera director of hits including Romeo and Juliet (1968) and La Traviata (1982), added a theatrical touch to the estate with the help of his set designer, Renzo Mongiardino, who brought a Moorish flair to the Mediterranean property. Courtesy of Villa Treville Southern Italy, including the Amalfi Coast, was historically part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and retains its Arab heritage in architecture, design, and cuisine. At Treville, this legacy comes to life through the estate's Moroccan lanterns, which cast a warm, dreamlike glow across its rooms and gardens. Though primarily based in Rome, Zeffirelli spent his summers on the Amalfi Coast hosting friends and celebrities such as Maria Callas, Elton John, Elizabeth Taylor and Rudolf Nureyev — the legendary Russian dancer who purchased a home on the private Li Galli islands, visible just offshore. The Zeffirelli Suite Today, Treville's 16 bedrooms and suites are named after these icons, along with Zeffirelli's legendary productions. Originally set within three villas ('tre ville') which are white, pink and blue, the hotel now boasts six villas which are connected by secret staircases, cobbled passageways and flower-lined trails. Each suite has its own character with a mix of historic touches and modern luxury. The Callas Suite The Callas Suite, with a turquoise and citrus color palette, features an outdoor terrace and private heated plunge pool beneath a shaded canopy, while the blue and white striped Bernstein Suite boasts a striking circular shower fitted within the property's historic brick bread oven. The Zeffirelli Suite, with four bedrooms and four en-suite bathrooms, is the crown jewel of the property with rare art and historic furnishings collected by the director, along with its own terrace and private heated plunge pool. The Callas Suite Many of Zeffirelli's original design elements have remained the same, including his ethereal white salon, a voluminous space entirely decorated in white tiles serving as a perfect retreat from Positano's intense sunshine. Today it has been reimagined as Bianca Bar, a botanical lounge where tradition meets innovation, and cocktails are mixed using distillers and herbs harvested from the property's gardens. Two panoramic terraces look out onto Positano and the sea, framed by leafy plants, colorful throw pillows and flapping curtains that add a touch of mystic to the whole ambiance. Arguably the most photogenic terrace in Positano, it has a feeling of exclusivity while remaining relaxed — like lounging at a friend's exclusive villa, with unpretentious service and thoughtful hospitality. Bianca Bar Following sunset drinks, guests gather at Maestro's, the property's romantic open-air terrace restaurant with ivy adorned columns and a tiled fountain at the center. Everywhere, Moroccan lamps cast a warm glow that enhance the scenic sunsets. Helmed by chef Vincenzo Castaldo, Maestro's focuses on seasonal dishes and regional classics using ingredients from the property's organic garden. The emphasis here is on elevated comfort food — from Spaghetti alla Nerano featuring fried zucchini tossed in a creamy parmesan sauce, and mozzarella-stuffed artichokes with black truffles to seared tuna with sautéed vegetables. Maestro's Restaurant Beyond the main property, lush gardens and winding pathways lead the guests down to The Rocks, a chic beach club that juts into the sea, offering perfectly framed views of Positano with its iconic blue umbrellas and striped sun loungers. This small oasis serves as both a tranquil retreat and the dedicated pier for the hotel's enhanced boat fleet, recently expanded with the addition of Treville Maritime's private yacht, the Wajer 38 Spectre. Another sanctuary is La Traviata, Treville's luxurious spa set in a sunlit greenhouse. The spa exclusively uses products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, who is a frequent guest of the property, celebrated for its restorative massages and treatments. Courtesy of Villa Treville A recent addition includes cold-water immersion therapy, with a cold plunge pool maintained at a brisk 50°F (10°C) that perfectly complements the spa's existing heat therapies. Another wellness highlight is the property's heated grotto pool which provides perfectly framed views of the sea. Treville remains a preferred hideaway for celebrities including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Sting who appreciate its luxurious amenities combined with a low-key vibe. Guests can arrive by road or, more discreetly, by sea. The hotel's private boat shuttle service also escorts guests from the hotel to Positano and beyond on a complimentary basis, providing convenient access while showcasing the Amalfi Coast's legendary views. The Rocks beach club How To Reach Positano Sorrento Car Tours provides transfer services and excursions throughout the Amalfi Coast, including Naples to Positano (1.5 hours). They can also arrange nearby sightseeing tours to visit Amalfi, Ravello and beyond.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brooke Shields at 60: Her 10 Favorite Roles and Why She'll Never Forget Them
Beautiful Brooke Shields was in show business before she could walk or talk — her mother Teri got her a gig at 11 months old as a model for Ivory Snow. Since then, she's starred in countless film and television projects, making her a household name. Here are Brooke's 10 favorite roles and what the 60-year-old says they mean to her. 'After Pretty Baby, there was such a firestorm … pitchforks and protests. I always used to say, 'I wonder if I were to play a murderer, would critics be really worried that I was uncomfortable stabbing somebody?'' Brooke was just 14 years old in the controversial film with partial nudity. 'Never again will a movie be made like that. It wouldn't be allowed.' 'Suddenly Susan was a revelation. I used to think I would only be credible if I was a 'thespian.' As I got older, I realized I don't enjoy it. I only enjoy comedy.' The actress thought nothing of modeling for the provocative jeans campaign. 'I was naive. It didn't come into my sort of psyche as them being anything overtly sexual. I was a virgin!' Starring as Sally Bowles in the classic production on the Great White Way, she says, 'Broadway welcomed me when nobody else was welcoming me.' Director Franco Zeffirelli would pinch her toes in order to get a certain reaction from her. 'He wanted some look of ecstasy on my face. And, my first reaction was, how about directing? Here's an idea.' On playing a movie executive juggling career and family, 'I'm a lot like Wendy in my passion. It was the most like me of anyone I'd ever played. I'm a perfectionist like she is. But I never feel like I'm doing enough.' 'I think a lot of the movies I made could have been better. But then again, I'd also have to say that it didn't matter. I wanted to be liked more than I was worried about delivering a master performance.' The Hallmark movie and its two sequels 'harkens back to that exact time when I used to watch Charlie's Angels, Jimmy Rockford or Magnum, P.I. And I wanted to do something that my kids could watch. Laughing with them is one of the purest joys I have.' On her recurring TV role: 'I revert to being a little kid whenever I get a job. I just get so excited that I'm getting a chance to do what I love again. I walk in with the 'Oh, my god, I'm here' feeling. I just feel so excited that I get invited to the party again.'
