Aperture

🍴 La Piadineria opens its first American restaurant at 18 East 23rd Street, New York, in the Flatiron District. With over 530 restaurants, the Italian fast-casual chain expands to the U.S. after success in France. In 2025, over 80 new locations opened. CEO Roberto Longo emphasizes the strategic significance of entering the U.S. market. The restaurant adapts its Italian menu for American tastes, renaming items like "La Leggenda" to "Giulia" for easier pronunciation. Expansion plans continue into 2026 and beyond.

🏝️ Nobu expands to the Maldives with a new ultra-luxury resort on Munyafushi island in the Laamu Atoll. The resort, in partnership with Sarat International, features 26 beach villas, 30 overwater villas, and 10 residences. It combines Japanese-inspired architecture with natural textures and contemporary luxury. Guests will enjoy amenities including a main pool, spa, fitness center, diving center, tennis courts, event spaces, and a Nobu restaurant located on a private island.

🏨 The Webster, a new lifestyle hotel brand, launches in London in July 2026 at Lincoln's Inn Fields, followed by New York in winter 2026. Inspired by literary heritage, the London venue has 3 Italian-themed restaurants. New York's location embraces a dynamic dining concept with Maison Premiere. Designed by Red Deer, the hotels feature flexible public spaces, intimate lounges, and cultural programming, including the Webster Book Club and Secret Wish rituals, fostering community and creativity.

🏨 Gianluca Scialfa, of Color Holiday, expands in 2023 to Minervino di Lecce, Salento, with Color Dolmen Family Village. The acquisition of the former Dolmen Sport Resort adds a significant 190-unit property on 11 hectares. Opening in spring, it features "Premium All Inclusive" amenities, including pools, sports facilities, and a restaurant. Scialfa's goal is to create a European hub for family tourism, merging Romagna's dynamic hospitality with Salento's authentic charm.

🌍 Alidays unveils its 2026 Egypt offerings with glanCe, promising unique travel experiences. Davide Catania, CEO of Alidays, highlights tailored itineraries for discerning travelers. glanCe offers luxury services like Business/First Class flights, high-end accommodations, private transport, and a 24/7 Personal Assistant via WhatsApp. Amanda Bocchiola, Middle East & Egypt destination manager, emphasizes flexible itineraries, including four nights on Lake Nasser and five days exploring Cairo and Alexandria's monuments.

🍪 In March, Pintauro 1785, a historic pastry shop in Naples, will reopen at 275 Via Toledo. Entrepreneur Francesco Bernardo and pastry chef Davide Piterà acquired it, aiming to restore its heritage. Originally founded by Pasquale Pintauro in the 1800s, the shop is undergoing renovations. Historic elements like a Madonna effigy and vintage decor will be preserved. Key staff, Peppe Tomei and Giuseppe Scardinale, will return, alongside new hires. Collaborations with notable chefs will also be introduced.

🏙 Due new Egeo locations opened in February 2026 in Valencia and Madrid, Spain, designed by Masquespacio. These venues offer a unique experience of enjoying suvlaki while exploring Pandora's box. Written by Margherita Toffolon and published in we:ll magazine on February 16, 2026, the article offers a 6-minute read.

🏨 In Nalati, China, CCD, led by Joe Chen, designed the Hotel Indigo Nalati at the Tianshan Mountains' foothills, near Kazakhstan. The hotel reflects nomadic steppe traditions through its yurta-inspired design, connecting spaces with fluid paths. The design integrates local culture and contemporary styles. The Show Café features a tree-shaped bar echoing Kazakh hospitality. Each suite reflects nomadic culture with traditional motifs and earth tones. The hotel offers scenic views and cultural immersion, enhancing guests' experiences.

🏨 B&B HOTELS opens B&B Hotel Piacenza in the historic Magazzini Generali. With 94 rooms, it offers modern amenities like private bathrooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and Smart TVs. Located on Via Emilia, it's a 10-minute walk from the train station and near attractions like Piazza Cavalli. The hotel features a 24-hour reception, parking, and a buffet breakfast. This project enhances B&B HOTELS' presence in Emilia Romagna and focuses on urban regeneration.

🏨 Benfica, Lisbon has converted its former headquarters into the 56-room 1904 Benfica Hotel, managed by Flh Hotels. Radisson RED has unveiled a 150-room hotel at London's Allianz Stadium in Twickenham and plans another at Manchester City's Medlock Stadium. Stamford Bridge Hotel in London and Tulip Inn Hotel in Düsseldorf offer direct view of matches. Milan's new stadium by Foster + Partners will feature a 350-room hotel.