Aperture

📍 Accor focuses on luxury hotel expansion in Italy, confirming projects in key locations. In 2026, Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli opens in Venice, and Emblems Collection debuts with four locations. Raffles Lake Como opens in 2027, marking the brand's Italian debut. Sofitel Genova Marina also opens in 2027, designed by Renzo Piano. Accor operates over 75 hotels in Italy, enhancing its second-largest position in the market. 2025 saw The Hoxton Florence and Mövenpick Hotel Bari openings.

🏖 Barceló Group announced plans for the Royal Hideaway Santa Maria, a new luxury hotel in Cape Verde's Sal Island, marking its fourth property there. Scheduled for completion by late 2027, the hotel involves an investment exceeding €50 million and will feature 248 rooms, including 30 suites. Approximately 180 local workers are currently involved in its construction. Simón Pedro Barceló, co-president, highlighted this investment as a commitment to the destination.

🏨 Castel Monastero Spa in the Tuscan countryside, redesigned by architect Ilaria Pianigiani, spans 1,500 sqm with eight treatment rooms and two pools. It integrates holistic and wellness medicine, offering treatments like Marma massage and BioMed technology. The resort collaborates with Biologique Recherche for luxury skincare protocols. Medicinal herbs like lavender are cultivated on-site for products. Anna Brafa leads the medical team, and Daniela Rossato joins as spa manager, enhancing the spa's international appeal.

🍹 Bar De Vie, Paris—opened at Comptoir De Vie by Adam Purcell—offers unique cocktails. Alex Francis and Barney O'Kane from Little Red Door lead the bar. South Dakota State University developed a biodegradable cellulose film from grapevines, decomposing in 17 days. In the U.S., 1906 released a $60 cannabis spirit containing 200 mg THC and 200 mg CBG, inducing effects in 20 minutes lasting 2-3 hours. World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 event is on October 8 in Hong Kong.

🏨 Nel primo semestre del 2028, il Linate Airport District di Milano ospiterà un nuovo hotel DoubleTree by Hilton con 216 camere, inclusi 9 suite, e servizi per viaggiatori business. Situato vicino alla linea M4 della metropolitana, l'hotel sarà gestito da HNH Hospitality. Il progetto include anche 25.000 mq di uffici e 14.000 mq di aree verdi. Armando Brunini di Sea e Luca Boccato di HNH sottolineano il potenziale attrattivo e strategico del progetto.

🏠 In the 1940s, the World Trade Center Rotterdam, initially a stock exchange, has transformed into a hotel with 168 rooms, offices, and event spaces. BiermanHenket led the renovation, featuring FritsJurgens' brass pivot doors in the Main Hall, dividing spaces for up to 1,000 people. Gielissen crafted doors measuring 7m high, each weighing 380 kg. FritsJurgens' System M+ hinges, supporting up to 500 kg, offer durability and safety, tested for one million cycles.

🏨 La Bottega Collective, led by CEO Tommaso Pacini, combines products and services for luxury hospitality. With support from Three Hills and Ou(r) Group, it achieved a consolidated revenue over €200 million in 2024, serving 15,000+ clients globally. Significant acquisitions include Beltrami, Vanity Group, and Palatino. Three Hills invested €115 million for a 49.6% stake. The launch event was held at their Milan showroom, with upcoming events in New York and Dubai.

🏠 In Verona, Velox Group inaugurated Residenza Wega – Luxury Apartments Verona, featuring 3 studios, 3 three-room apartments, and a terrace penthouse across four levels. The renovated accommodations offer modern amenities, Wi-Fi, and transfers, with views of the Arena and Roman walls. The site includes visible Galielo Roman stone walls and an ancient Roman road and well. Velox Group enhances its hospitality presence, including Wega Hotel Verona and Muraless Art Hotel, with further acquisitions planned in Verona's historic center.

🏨 Accor plans significant expansions in Italy, targeting luxury and lifestyle brands. In 2025, "Orient Express La Minerva" opens, followed by "Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli" in Venice in 2026. In 2027, Raffles Lake Como and Sofitel Genova Marina, designed by Renzo Piano, will launch. The Emblems Collection will debut in 2026 with four hotels, including Hotel Bellevue in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Accor emphasizes strategic growth, local culture, and sustainable practices.

🍕 Vincenzo Capuano inaugurated a second pizzeria in Turin on September 20, located at Corso Regina Margherita 161. The 350 sqm space offers 90 indoor seats and will soon add a 40-seat outdoor area. The event at 7 PM featured free pizza, pasta, and exclusive gifts for the first 100 customers. Capuano, a world pizza champion, now operates 42 pizzerias globally, focusing on artisan quality and superb ingredients.