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🏡 Opening day for the world's first Orient Express hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, takes place in Rome with key figures in attendance, including Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and CEOs Paolo Barletta and Gilda Perez-Alvarado. The hotel, near the Pantheon at Piazza della Minerva 69, boasts 93 rooms ranging from 25 to 235 sqm, including 36 suites. A 17th-century palace, restored by architect Hugo Toro, the hotel merges Roman heritage with a new aesthetic. Orient Express La Minerva will also feature three exceptional gastronomic outlets, including La Minerva Bar in the lobby, Gigi Rigolatto on the terrace opening in May 2025, and Mimi Kakushi, a fusion restaurant coming by the end of the year, with a concept by Rikas Hospitality Group. Additionally, the hotel offers five event spaces with a capacity ranging from 28 to 165 sqm and a marble statue of Minerva sculpted in 1854 by Rinaldo Rinaldi. CEO Gilda Perez-Alvarado and CEO Paolo Barletta express their commitment to blending the iconic brand with the entrepreneurial vision of Arsenale Group, while emphasizing Rome's ideal blend of history, culture, and Italian hospitality.

🌊 Originaltour is offering summer trips to Bali with the option of Gili islands and Singapore, or Malaysia, with fixed departure dates from August 13 to 29. From Rome, travelers can stay in Sanur, known for its 4+ km beach and temple excursions. A second option includes a week in Sanur or Nusa Dua and a second in Gili Trawangan's Villa Ombok, offering "sasak" style lodgings. There are additional excursions, such as cooking classes in Ubud. Alternatively, a trip combining Singapore and Malaysia starts on August 10, departing from Milan and Rome via Emirates, returning on August 25. This journey includes Taman Negara rainforest, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and ends with beach time in Redang at Laguna Redang Resort.