Tag: luxury

Water, a luxury for the few – Italian Cuisine

According to a signed study Zenith Global the luxury water market is currently approaching 147 billion dollars and is growing at a rate of 9 percent a year. The culture of healthy drinking grows, even in water (or perhaps above all), the culture of plastic-free gallops and marketing strategies are refined, to "quench the thirst" of the super-rich segment willing to pay a bottle of very precious exclusive water even 100 thousand dollars, as in the case of the Beverly Hills 9OH20 Luxy Collection Diamond Edition. And that diamond says it all.

But this market is made not only by super millionaire excesses, but also by a large group of people (certainly wealthy and aware) convinced that health, well-being, skincare pass above all from this vital and essential liquid, for which the propensity to spend is soaring. Water is no longer taken for granted. Water can sometimes be a luxury.

Water like Wine, or how to give water, the most important asset for man, the same dignity as wine and champagne. This is the ongoing marketing and awareness campaign that hides behind the thriving and increasingly explosive market of the luxury water.

The pride of Italian in this market segment is the Prime Water fillets, one of the purest mineral waters in the world, which with its 125 years of age and purity shows that this culture was not born yesterday. On the occasion of his birthday the Venus of the waters, with its source in Guarcino (FR), in the suggestive setting of the Ernico Apennines, showed off a suggestive combination of very cool packs, a new label, a logo and redesigned lettering to make the brand even more recognizable and more cosmo-friendly. The history of the brand is not only about quality, but also about an effective and far-sighted marketing strategy that has repositioned water, or at least some water, totally. The first packaging restyling, in 2007, was taken care of by the agency Armando Testa, who revisited the classic bordolese wine bottle in extra white glass with the capsule, similar to that used for the classic bottles of wine. After Testa it was the turn of Independent Ideas, by Lapo Elkann and Alberto Fusignani, who worked to renew both the Acqua Filette logo and the packaging.

177658 At home in the best hotels, Filette Prime Water is the official water of Palazzo Chigi and is available in three different versions: "Naturally natural", "Delicately sparkling" and "Definitely sparkling", distinguished respectively by the color of the pearlescent label, white , medium gray and dark gray.

Another exemplary story of luxury water brand and marketing phenomenon (without detracting from environmentalism and health) is the history of French Évian, first to link their brand to the star system: in 2005 Jonathan Cheban, then PR for the company, had the brilliant idea of placing Évian bottles on the tables of the post-evening Oscar parties. The media return was immediate. No advertisements and traditional commercials, but a lot of small bottles that were part of the everyday life of celebrities, praising the miraculous properties that made the Évian bottles a conscious choice.

But that water has the dignity to become a health product and a refined drink can be sensed for some time. So much so that in this luxury water market many are throwing themselves into it, sometimes with unexpected successes. Cool and stylish labels, refined graphics, eco-friendly materials and bottles with bizarre shapes studded with Swarovski crystals: luxury bottles are certainly a marketing phenomenon, but behind it is also the well-being and even the taste of water. In short, not only form, but also substance.

177661 This is demonstrated by the most exclusive waters coming from the most remote and wild parts of the world. Come on backdrops of the Hawaiian islands to sources of the oldest Japanese rocks, from Scottish highlands all 'Tasmanian rainwater, trapped before it touches the ground, pristine, pure. And then those of the Canadian glaciers or from Finnish springs. Not all waters are the same and the palate must be trained to make the difference. Not by chance there are water sommeliers.

To name a few, let us remember Fillico, which arrives from Osaka in Japan and the luxury version costs about 195 euros for 750 cl, with a bottle shaped like chess pieces. Then, there is Kona Nigari, the desalinate water of the backdrops of the Hawaiian islands that seems that in addition to giving brightness to the skin, it makes you lose weight. Among the most expensive in the world theCrystal Water "Tribute to Modigliani", while Supernariwa it is native to Japan and one liter can cost 9000 euros. For the Tasmanian Rain 4.5 euros are enough for a 75 cl bottle. and the Royal Deeside, which was born in Scotland from the plateau of the Royal Valley of Deeside, near Aberdeen, known since 1700 for taste and beneficial properties, is officially the water of the English royal family (Prince Charles also uses it to dilute whiskey). Finally there is the Canadian Thousand B.C, the glacial water par excellence, the Veen, which costs 20 euros for 75 cl and flows from a source of the Arctic Circle, the Bling H2O, the water of Hollywood VIPs, bottled at the spring in Dandridge (in Tennessee) and packaged in customizable bottles studded with hand-applied Swarovski crystals.

And how not to mention, returning to the Bel Paese, also theOxygiter, water extracted from the Sesto Dolomites that from the Pale Mountains carries a high concentration of oxygen.

177664 Other brands are the Voss, the BLK and the Smart Water, all luxurious waters that boast additional additional features ranging from electrolytes to neutral Ph, while the Vitaminwater, owned by Coca-Cola, adds to these benefits also the assorted colors and aromas. Speaking of water and health, we talk about the most disparate benefits, so much so that some people are even a little skeptical. Luxury water, in addition to boasting a precious container that is worth a shot on Instagram, combats sleepiness, enhances physical and work performance, promotes digestion, fights the hangover, improves sexual performance, reduces stress and is an ally of longevity. Anything else?

Emanuela Di Pasqua
10 August 2019

Cocktail bars and hotel restaurants in Rome: the revenge of luxury hotels – Italian Cuisine

There is great excitement in Rome in the small and large luxury hotels in the center: between restyling and new openings, places grow where you can enjoy a good drink in a breathtaking location

Who said that to set foot in five-star hotels you must have booked a room? Almost always there are bars (and restaurants) within the hotels that are worth a visit. A way to catch two birds with one stone: find something good to drink and at the same time enjoy a breathtaking location, between terraces overlooking the rooftops of the historic center of Rome and luxuriously furnished rooms. And never as in this period there is a great excitement precisely in this sector, with large investments that have focused on four and five-star counters, thanks also to the breath of fresh air given by the numerous new openings of luxury boutique hotels that are real jewels, but also the restyling of old glories of the city.

Lumen – Hotel St. Regis

When the cocktail bar becomes the true protagonist of the hotel. This is the case of the Lumen Bar at the St. Regis, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, usually chosen by supervip as Madonna, which recently underwent an important restyling. Presented with a mega-party on Valentine's Day, Lumen has the distinction of occupying a central space in the hotel lobby space. The name, Lumen, is dedicated to the imposing chandeliers that overlook the immense hall, the drink list sees the names of the most exotic and suggestive butterflies in the world, from Hercules to the Red Admiral (or Vanessa Atalanta). This last drink is perhaps the real symbol of this bar, since it is the reworking of the Bloody Mary, a veritable institution of the hotel chain, in turn the son of the Red Snapper, served for the first time just at the St. Regis from New York. A drink here is a real experience, which also passes through the service, entrusted to the elegant design elements of partners such as Le Dictateur who created an exclusive line of glasses for St. Regis.

Idylio and Divinity Lounge Bar – Iconic Pantheon

With the formalization of the arrival of chef Francesco Apreda, the Iconic Pantheon has discovered the cards: not only the intention of the Tridente Collection Group to give life to a special project of luxury hotels right in the historic center, precisely at the Pantheon, but also that of becoming a point of reference for all-round hospitality, including the food & beverage area. Apreda's choice has many meanings: on the one hand the obvious star ambitions (Apreda came from Imago to the Hassler where it had held the Michelin star for several years), but also the desire to be as cosmopolitan as the kitchen of the Neapolitan chef, who does not lack never to put his international experiences in his dishes. Oriental, Indian, but also Roman and Neapolitan elements, which are mixed in a melting pot of experiences to be discovered in the dishes, as well as in the signature drinks of the Divinity Lounge Bar, the terrace of the Iconic Pantheon overlooking the dome of the rotunda, so like that of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza.

Adelaide and In Salotto – Hotel Vilòn

It could be called a speakeasy hotel, because whoever passes in this side street a few steps away from Via dei Condotti and doesn't even notice that he is in front of a small jewel. On the other hand, Vilòn is a Hebrew word that means veil, curtain, and gives the idea of something hidden, to be discovered. Housed in a wing of Palazzo Borghese, with its 18 rooms it is part of the Small Luxury Hotel of the World affiliate chain. Atmosphere Decò and an eclectic collection of furniture and works of art, in the common areas hides an interesting cocktail bar called In Salotto, a delightful internal garden reminiscent of Moroccan atmospheres and an excellent restaurant named after Adelaide, the princess wife of Scipione Borghese who wanted that these spaces host the First School for Poor Maidens. In the lounge of the Vilòn is the class and experience of Magdalena Rodriguez, a young barlady from Costa Rica, who in her mixology style does not fail to introduce the tropical atmospheres in which she grew up. His excellent drinks are accompanied by the appetizers that come from the kitchen of the Adelaide restaurant, entrusted to the chef Gabriele Muro. For those who want to continue the evening, the advice is to indulge in dinner and complete the journey with the dishes that blend the traditions of the chef from Procida and the Roman echo of his training.

Valentyne Restaurant and Hi-Res – Hotel Valadier

Only one hotel, two restaurant bars to be discovered. On the one hand the atmosphere of the Thirties of Valentyne, whose entrance is next to that of the hotel, on the other the view of the roofs of the historic center from the terrace of the Hi-Res. Valentyne is the most glamorous face, with precious marbles, mirrors, brass, and velvets. The good bartenders captained by Alessio Bragalone engage themselves with international drinks, like the cuisine inspired by the great classics of the New York and French hotels. The executive chef Gabriele Cordaro, on the other hand, proposes a refined and sophisticated accompaniment with luxurious ingredients such as oysters and foie gras, but also more pop proposals like the fish burger. On the top floor of the Valadier hotel there is the Hi-Res terrace lounge which, thanks to a complex technical solution, manages to give the freshness of eating or enjoying a drink on the terrace in all seasons: outdoor in summer, enjoying the ponentino, covered by a heated tent in winter.

Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari – The First Luxury Hotel

View over the rooftops of Rome and starred liquid food: these are just two of the ingredients put in place by The First Luxury Hotel, a 5-star luxury hotel, which also boasts a Michelin star for the Acquolina restaurant. Leading the kitchen is Angelo Troiani, while on the terrace, for a promise made to the late Alessandro Narducci (the young chef who was driving the restaurant and who was unfortunately a victim of a car accident), there is the good Valeria Bassetti . The lounge bar is called Terrazza Molinari for a partnership with the company that produces the famous Sambuca and which is also a distributor of other spirits. It is with these bases that the signature cocktails designed by Bassetti in a card that evokes the sea are made. They accompany the food proposals created by Troiani, also very tied to the sea. With liquid food we mean instead the fun project of proposing hybrids between cocktails and food, in which the collaboration between bar and kitchen is total.

Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar – Radisson Collection Palazzo Montemartini

Recently inaugurated, Palazzo Montemartini is an elegant hotel of the premium line of the Radisson chain. Eighty rooms in an exceptional location with a lot of Servian Walls that cross the Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar. Two protagonists of this space: on one side the Sicilian chef Simone Strano, on the other the bar manager Riccardo Di Dio Masa, who takes care of the lounge area and the Champagne Bar, which offers a wide selection of the best labels to be enjoyed in a breathtaking setting, with splendid marble columns, a suggestive central fountain and a peaceful outdoor garden.

Restaurant Seven and Lounge Bar – Radisson Blu

Also from the Radisson chain and always from parts of the Termini station, is the Radisson Blu, an elegant modern structure designed by the King & Roselli architects' studio. We are a stone's throw from the Esquilino market, in the ethnic heart of the city, in via Turati and at the top of the hotel, the rooftop houses the Sette restaurant, home of chef Giuseppe Gaglione, interpreter of the kitchen line set together with the chain's F&B Director, Andrea Ribaldone, with great classics of hotel cuisine like the Rossini fillet, but also innovative dishes inspired by tradition. The atmosphere is that of the luxurious deck of a yacht, overlooking the city's rooftops. The atmosphere that in the summer gives poolside pools, including a drink and a dish of the chef from Campania, is particularly pleasant.

the places where to live the luxury of Riva yachts – Italian Cuisine

From lounges to private decks, an exceptional tour among the proposals of a thousand and one nights of the famous Italian yacht brand

All ready to set sail for a toast to the elegance and the made in Italy style. shore, the famous Lombard brand that since 1842 realizes boats and yachts from a thousand and one night, update his offer of luxury premises where you can experience a real "Riva Experience", pampered by exclusive services and surrounded by high-level design inspired by the world of boating. In particular, the Ferretti group, owner of the brand since 2000, announces the landing at the exclusive Nammos Beach of Mykonos with the first one Riva Private Deck: a new concept created in collaboration with Ekka Yachts which consists of a elite hub for yacht and superyacht owners, with exclusive services, lounge and bar. Guests of this small earthly paradise set in one of the most famous Cycladic locations will also be able to enjoy four very special Cabanas, which include a private outdoor hot tub champagne at will, gourmet meals and a butler at your disposal. Furthermore, several Riva yachts with private drivers will be available to explore the island in all its beauty.

Surfing in luxury

The link between Riva and luxury, moreover, has more than consolidated over the decades. And so the typical 50s style of the Sweet life, along with the unique details such as the chrome plating in steel and the lacquered mahogany that have always distinguished its boats, have gradually transposed themselves also in the various premises inaugurated in the most exclusive international destinations. The magnificent Riva Lounge on the terrace of The Gritti Palace in Venice it is a clear example: the view of the Grand Canal and the breathtaking view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute complete an environment made magical by Riva furnishings, such as the Aquarama chairs and tables and the Aquariva lamp. Among the other dream destinations we find then the Riva Lounge at the historic Shipyard of Sarnico, in the province of Bergamo, on Lake Iseo, the one on the fourth floor of the Yacht Club of Montecarlo and the Milan-based Riva Privée of Garage Italia, the space created by Lapo Elkann and dedicated to car customization.

The next inaugurations

But the Riva projects do not seem to be finished. After the launch of the Private Deck on Mykonos, now the expectation for the future inauguration of the Riva Lounge at theIkador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa to Opatija, very famous Croatian tourist resort which was a holiday resort for kings, empresses and artists from all over the world. Not only that, the opening of the Riva Privée al Molo47restaurant of Formentera and the Riva Lounge a Palm Beach, where the spirit of Florida will meet the most exquisitely Italian one. Fans of the Riva Brand Experience collection, who will want to take home a bit of the magic of these customized furnishings, will have a dedicated corner available in all Riva Lounge, Privée and Deck, as well as – of course – the dedicated portal Riva Boutique.