The Ionian coast of Calabria is a true paradise for travellers looking for unspoilt nature, crystal clear waters and authentic Italian experiences off the beaten tourist track. This lesser-known coastal region in southern Italy stretches along the Ionian Sea and offers breathtaking scenery characterised by picturesque beaches, charming villages and historic sites.

Lapland, which stretches across the northern regions of Sweden, is a land of unspoilt nature, snow-covered expanses and magical northern lights. This region, which covers a large part of the Arctic Circle, offers visitors unique experiences in one of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Europe. An outstanding example of innovative tourism in this region is the Treehotel, which impresses with its unusual tree houses and sustainable philosophy.

Riccardo’s Locanda al Colle in Tuscany is a Wunderkammer. The host has lovingly placed numerous furnishing treasures in his guest house, a historic farmhouse, and brought them together to create a harmonious whole. The chairs, tables and lamps come from antique markets and earlier times, from contemporary artists and old design icons, from Italy or London. Breathing new life into old objects and placing them in a new context is one of Riccardo Barsottelli’s passions. It’s worth asking where the pieces in Locanda al Colle come from and what stories they tell…

Even as a child, she was welcomed by the guests at her parents’ establishment with a glass of schnapps in their hands. As a born and bred “Puschterin” [someone from Pustertal] and with experience in hospitality, Gudrun Huber now runs the Hofergut in her South Tyrolean homeland. With a great deal of passion and enthusiasm, she looks after both her guests and the almost 1,000-year-old property. She’s like the Fairy Godmother of the building. We asked her about where the walls express their historic charm, which collector’s items are hidden here and what she takes out of the smokehouse at night, plus much more.

The walk into the forest is taken literally here. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hotel des Horlogers not only offers numerous panoramic views of the surrounding sea of spruce trees, you will also come across sculptures made of branches and oversized truffles. The Horloger’s culinary table takes you a little deeper into the forest. Guests are even invited to take off their shoes to feel the moss and wood shavings on the ground with their bare feet.

By the time the shouts of Jedermann echo through the streets of Salzburg, it is clear that the festival summer has begun. While the Ouverture Spirituelle provides the classical prelude, Don Giovanni seduces his Zerlina and Herbert Blomstedt, almost 100 years old, is ready to conduct the Philharmonic Orchestra, the city itself once again becomes a stage. Here people stroll, discuss, shop and laugh… The Hotel Stein has always been one of the venues.

The Crystal VAYA Unique hotel is a unique gem at an altitude of 2,000 metres in the Tyrolean Ötztal. Two building complexes are connected here by a glass bridge, the radiance of which is multiplied by the sunlight. However, the true splendour of the hotel unfolds in its interior, where minimalist Alpine chic prevails. And of course, a little glitter is also a must.