As the autumn harvests fade into memory and trees are festooned with fairy lights in place of fruit, we continue to curate experiences to enthral clients and offer an unrivalled sense of place. From an exclusive Sicilian culinary journey to an exceptional chocolate workshop in Brussels, each of the following experiences are distinctly emblematic of the country in which they take place.
Olive oil harvesting in Sicily
Late autumn in Sicily sees the olive ripen. Your clients will no doubt have tasted this prized delicacy, an essential part of la cucina Italiana. Now, gastronomes can gain a deeper insight into the journey from branch to bruschetta with Verdura Resort. Accompanied by a U Canuscituri (local insider), clients will visit the quaint hilltop village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro in the Sicani mountains where, with a local family, they’ll partake in the olive harvesting, reaping the olives from the branches with the same implements used since antiquity, before catching their prize in large nets. After witnessing the pressing and extraction phases of production, they’ll prepare and enjoy a seasonal lunch together with their hosts, featuring the fruits of their labour.
Chocolate crafting in Brussels
Home to an estimated 2,000 chocolatiers, Brussels is known as the chocolate capital of the world. Courtesy of Hotel Amigo, your cocoa-loving clients can not only sample some of the finest sweet treats in the city but also get behind the scenes to learn the art of crafting chocolate from a renowned local Maître chocolatier. In the warm, cocoa-scented surrounds of Laurent Gerbaud’s Atelier, they’ll discover the secret to blending chocolate with various fruit and spices to exotic effect – the Maître’s extensive travels in the Far East inspired his innovative recipes and guests can expect to use kumquats, apricots, lemon peel, figs, grapefruit, nuts and more. Not only will they take home their own creations, but each attendee will also carry away a deluxe collection of seasonal chocolates made by the Maître himself.
Book your 2020 stay at Verdura Resort by emailing reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com or calling +39 06 32 888 630.
Book your stay at Hotel Amigo by emailing reservations.amigo@roccofortehotels.com or calling +7 812 494 5770.
Sometimes, the best ideas start in the most unexpected places. Often as a conversation between friends, perhaps over a drink. And so it was for Lydia Forte and Edgardo Osorio, Founder and Creative Director of Aquazzura whose shared vision led to the creation of Aquazzura Bar, a seasonal cocktail bar in the Secret Garden of Hotel de Russie. We sat down with them over a Margarita – what else? – to find out more…
Along the Mediterranean, food is intrinsic to daily life. Mornings begin with fishermen hauling in their catch, while market stalls brim with sun-ripened produce. Meals unfold slowly, often outdoors, with dishes meant to be shared. No rush, no excess - just ingredients at their peak, prepared simply and enjoyed in good company.
In the early 20th century, Munich was a hotbed of artistic innovation. Amid shifting social landscapes, a new school emerged from an intense exchange of ideas that would shape the trajectory of modern art: Der Blaue Reiter, or The Blue Rider. This avant-garde collective left an indelible mark on modern art with their radical departure from tradition and bold exploration of colour and spirituality.
