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Forbes
3 days ago
- 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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
McTominay and Lukaku Goals Lead Napoli to Serie A Title and Conte's ‘Most Unexpected' Trophy
The two players who Antonio Conte wanted more than any others secured Napoli its second Serie A title in three years on Friday. Scott McTominay scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick before halftime and Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead with a solo goal after the break in the decisive 2-0 home win over Cagliari. Conte became the first coach to win the Italian championship with three different teams. 'Everyone contributed to this — but the coach most of all,' Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo said. 'Napoli needed him to get back on top. He's phenomenal.' Comparing it to his three Serie A titles won at Juventus and one at Inter Milan, not to mention a Premier League title at Chelsea, Conte said it was 'the most unexpected, the most difficult, and the most stimulating in terms of the challenge.' Conte also noted how he had to try and convince players to stay when he arrived last June. Napoli needed only to do the same or better than defending champion Inter in the final round of matches, so Inter's 2-0 win at 10-man Como wasn't enough for the Nerazzurri. Napoli finished Serie A one point ahead of Inter. The southern squad's fourth Serie A title overall capped an impressive turnaround after the Partenopei finished 10th during a dismal title defense last season. 'The one two years ago was one we were (expecting) for months, whereas this week we had so much anxiety, we couldn't wait to get on the field and win this in front of our fans,' said winger Matteo Politano, who provided the cross for McTominay's goal. Diego Maradona led Napoli to its first two titles in 1987 and 1990. The 2023 team led by Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia clinched with five rounds to spare. Inter was heading toward the title until McTominay went airborne to redirect a pass from Politano in the 42nd minute for his 12th goal this season after transferring from Manchester United. 'For me to come and experience this, it's a dream,' McTominay said. Lukaku, who was signed from Chelsea in August, controlled a long vertical pass and dribbled by two defenders before scoring in the 51st. It was his 14th goal along with his league-leading 10 assists. Conte watched the match from the tribune after getting sent off last weekend. But he went down to the pitch at the final whistle and embraced Lukaku, with whom he also won Serie A at Inter in 2021. McTominay dropped to the pitch in tears when the match finished. Minutes later he was honored as Serie A player of the season. Napoli players held up signs that read 'Again' featuring a '4' for the team's fourth title. Napoli fans began cheering and singing hours before kickoff at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and erupted in celebration at the final whistle, including at jumbo screens that were set up in several of the city's central piazzas. Cagliari was already sure of avoiding relegation, but goalkeeper Alen Sherri was inspired at the start, denying Napoli on multiple occasions early on. While Napoli won by 16 points two years ago under Luciano Spalletti, this season was a duel with Inter virtually all season. It was also unexpected after Napoli went through three coaches last season – Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Calzona. But Conte constructed the best defense in Serie A, and brought in Lukaku and McTominay to play alongside holdovers from the 2023 team like captain Di Lorenzo, goalkeeper Alex Meret and midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. Di Lorenzo matched Maradona by captaining Napoli to two titles. It also helped that Napoli did not play in Europe this season, keeping the team fresher for Serie A. Inter rested its starters Defender Stefan de Vrij scored 20 minutes in for Inter, redirecting a corner kick with a bouncing header. Como was reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off at the end of the first half for a foul on Mehdi Taremi. It was Reina's final game before retiring. Joaquín Correa added another for Inter after the break in almost the same moment that Lukaku scored for Napoli. Inter, which is also preparing for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in eight days, rested most of its usual starters, including top strikers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Napoli fans already celebrating before Serie A-deciding matches kick off
ROME (AP) — Napoli fans were already in a celebratory mood ahead of the game against Cagliari later Friday, which could secure a second Serie A soccer title in three years for the southern club. Napoli leads defending champion Inter Milan by one point entering the final round. Inter visits Como in a game that will be played simultaneously with Napoli's match. If the team's finish level, a one-game playoff on Monday will determine the winner. Napoli supporters were cheering and singing outside Stadio Diego Maradona hours in advance of the 8:45 p.m. (1845 GMT) kickoff. Napoli is aiming for its fourth Italian league title overall. Maradona led Napoli to its first two in 1987 and 1990. The 2023 team led by Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia clinched with five rounds to spare. Inter is aiming for its 21st title. The Nerazzurri will also face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 31. ___ AP soccer:
Vogue
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue
The Deeper Meaning Behind Olive Oil's Use as a Southern Italian Bridal Beauty Ritual
Photo: Carmine Romano 'Thanks to the constant use of olive oil, week after week, my skin appeared visibly smoother and brighter,' explains Roberta. 'Even my hair, which is naturally curly and difficult to untangle, has become much softer and easier to manage. I chose to be faithful to the traditions that my mother passed on to me through this natural but very effective beauty routine, and I also wore the tiara that she herself wore on her wedding day—a gesture full of meaning and a further good omen for my union.' It turns out the use of olive oil as a cosmetic good-luck charm dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Their beauty routine, in fact, focused on ointments and oils extracted from olive trees, which were used to moisturize and perfume the face and body: Women would cleanse their skin with oil while bathing and then, once finished, reuse it to obtain even more hydration. Olive oil also had pharmaceutical uses—and it was precisely its effectiveness on many fronts that made it almost magical in the eyes of these ancient populations. Athletes and gladiators were anointed with olive oil for its spiritual meaning, and eventually it also acquired an important role in wedding rituals, with spouses being blessed during ceremonies with the oil as a symbol of fertility. So it's only natural that Southern Italian brides continue to use it in their weddings. There's no modern product—however expensive or innovative—that could rival its unique blend of utility with a deeper meaning.
Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Rape charges against Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis dropped
A judge in the southern Italian town of Brindisi has agreed not to pursue rape charges against the Oscar-winning Canadian film director Paul Haggis three years after Haggis was arrested at a film festival in Puglia. Judge Vilma Gilli accepted a prosecutor's request to drop the case against Haggis, who was arrested in 2022 while in Puglia to make a promotional film and attend the Allora Film Festival in Ostuni. Haggis won Oscars for writing Million Dollar Baby, which was directed by Clint Eastwood and named best picture in 2005, and for directing the following year's best picture winner, Crash. Haggis, 72, was put under house arrest for two weeks in June 2022 after being accused of sexual assault and aggravated injuries by
