THE AFICIONADOS –a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity –invites to embark on aculinary journey through Italy, where each destination promises a unique gastronomic experience infused with local flavors and traditions. In South Tyrol’s Monte San Vigilio, Vigilius Mountain resort offers authentic alpine cuisine at Restaurant 1500, complemented by panoramic views and locally sourced ingredients. Vocabolo Moscatelli in Umbria presents inventive dishes crafted by Chef Luca, showcasing the region’s culinary wealth within a 12th-century monastery setting. Experience an Italian culinary adventure amidst South Tyrol’s stunning backdrop at the Cape of Senses. Finally, La Bandita Townhouse in Tuscany offers honest home cooking at the Townhouse Caffe, where local produce takes center stage, providing a soul- satisfying culinary experience that captures the essence of the region’s rich heritage.
VIGILIUS MOUNTAIN LANA, ITALY
Inspired by a fallen tree and the surrounding beauty of San Vigilio’s mountaintop landscapes, Vigilius Mountain Resortrewrites the architectural blueprint for an eco-design hotel, reached appropriately only by cable car from the village of Lana, in Italy’s South Tyrol region.
Monte San Vigilio boasts a rich culinary scene, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients to create authentic and flavorfuldishes. Restaurant 1500 at Vigilius Mountain resort stands out as a prime example, offering panoramic views and a cozy alpine ambiance. The restaurant showcases the region’s bounty with dishes featuring fresh wild herbs and local potatoes, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Guests can enjoy a valley-famous breakfast or traditional meaty dishes at Stube ida, or unwind on the sunny terrace with coffee and homemade cake. To top it off, the resort’s secret wine cellar offers a curated selection of wines from Italy’s top growers, perfectly complementing the region’s cuisine.
VOCABOLO MOSCATELLI UMBRIA, ITALY
Nestled amidst the rich history and rural traditions of Umbria, Vocabolo Moscatelli stands as a testament to the region’s timeless allure. Originally a 12th-century monastery, this enchanting property has been transformed into a meticulously designed hotel, blending heritage with modernity.
Umbria offers a culinary paradise, showcasing a diverse selection of locally sourced ingredients including truffles, lentils,olives, and honey. At Vocabolo Moscatelli, Chef Luca crafts a menu that celebrates the region’s gastronomic wealth,blending traditional flavors with modern flair.
Guests can savor Chef Luca’s skillful creations, which highlight the vibrant flavors of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside Umbria’s renowned porchetta. Before dining, guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at Matite, featuring locally sourced spirits in a cozy ambiance that encourages socializing.
Whether dining al fresco, in the conservatory, or in the intimate dining room, guests are treated to an unforgettable culinary.
CAPE OF SENSES
TORRI DEL BENACO, ITALY
Dynamic, evocative, and audacious, the Cape of Senses beckons travelers to embark on a culinary adventure amidst the breathtaking backdrop of South Tyrol’s natural beauty. Nestled on the shores of a serene lake, this gourmet hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Authentic Italian Cuisine. Each dish, a daring composition meticulously crafted by Chef Francesco Pavan, celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage while infusing a touch of Italian extravagance.
As the sun sets and the panoramic terrace comes to life, guests are treated to a symphony of flavors and colors that rivalthe beauty of the South Tyrolean landscape. Here, simplicity meets sophistication, and every meal becomes a testament to the artistry of Italian gastronomy. Whether basking in the warmth of the sunshine or under the enchanting glow of moonlight, dining at Cape of Senses is an experience to be cherished—a celebration of life’s simple pleasures amidst the embrace of nature’s splendor.
LA BANDITA TOWNHOUSE PIENZA, ITALY
Right in the heart of the Renaissance crumbling charm of Tuscany’s Pienza in Val d”Orcia, the chilled La Bandita Townhouse is the boutique hotel of rural sister La Bandita Countryhouse – and whilst both share owner John Voigtmann’s cool styling DNA of urban design – they are each matched to the heritage of their sublime locations, making them pleasingly related, but subtly different.
Casual, relaxed and in sync with the soul of Tuscany - the little Townhouse Caffe is soul satisfyingly good with honest home cooking using produce from the village and farmsteads. The open kitchen lends an air of familiarity where you can chat with the chef - sitting in the garden is also a delight. This is where breakfast is served in typical La Bandita style - local with luxury urban touches.
ABOUT THE AFICIONADOS
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes five printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, and Alchemists of Italy.
