La felicità in un viale di cipressi

It takes seventy-two muscles to sulk but only twelve to smile. So they say, but what does it take to be happy? Sometimes a lot, sometimes nothing.

A caress, a flower, a hug. A ray of sunshine, a kiss, a gentle word, a kind look. A dream that has done it and one in the making.

You look for happiness. Find, pursue, run after it, just like we run after the life, and then grab it. Look in the most hidden places, you can find it everywhere. Sometimes we do not realize it is there, hidden, under our noses, just a step away from us.

It can hide everywhere, as when as children we played hide and seek. Behind a smile, in the little things of every day. Sometimes it can just be hidden in an avenue of cypress trees in Tuscany, between the scent of resin and that of parched earth of August.

Grand Hotel Majestic: la Dolce Vita sul Lago Maggiore

Imagine a 1870 building in "Belle Epoque" style, overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of those "princess" palaces, that leave you in awe and literally speechless once crossed the majestic entrance. A palace of those I dreamed (and I bet you too) as a child, when I imagined myself like a princess, with marble staircases, red carpets, fragrant flowers, mirrors and large refined spaces. One of those buildings that offer exciting views everywhere you look; where to wake up early in the morning, between enchantment and beauty, to admire a dawn painting of pink at the horizon, or enjoy a glass of Champagne at sunset, enjoying the evening lights reflected on the sapphire blue waters of the lake.

Majestic, there is no longer suitable adjective to describe the Grand Hotel Majestic. Besides this wonderful hotel it is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and I could not expect better.

A magical place that seduces and captivates with its beauty.

Built in 1870 has been gradually modernized up to be a fine example of Belle Epoque architecture that collects guests in an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Immersed in the poetry of Lake Maggiore in Pallanza (between Stresa and Verbania), Grand Hotel Majestic offers a unique and exclusive location where you can enjoy an incomparable view on the picturesque waters of the lake and its enchanting islands, as well as stand out for its reborn architectural nobility.

The class and elegance of the atmosphere, the spacious rooms with frescoes, precious silks, marble, the beautiful terrace with the park overlooking the lake, relive the days when the hotel was living by illustrious personalities of the nobility and talented artists, while offering all the comfort and facilities of a modern hotel of excellence.

Surrounded by a lush garden, filled with plants and flowers, Grand Hotel Majestic is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate in one of the prettiest corners of the Borromeo Gulf, where you can stroll admiring the magnificent scenery that surrounds it, to indulge a swim in the bright heated poolof the Welness Centre which overlooks the Lake Maggiore, a refreshing sauna or an Ayurvedic massage.

From the garden, through an elegant stone staircase, leads to the enchanting small private beach overlooking the picturesque San Giovanni's Island, called Island Toscanini, because for years it was the summer residence of the composer and conductor Arturo Toscanini.

The elegantly appointed rooms are bright and welcoming, most of them enjoy breathtaking views of the Borromean Islands and the gulf that takes its name from them, including San Giovanni's Island, where, last summer, Beatrice Borromeo celebrated her marriage. A true delight for the eyes as well as the picturesque view of the lake, given by the large windows of La Beola restaurant, which enriches each menu.

Imagine then a Princess, yours, into her world. With eyes full of charm and herat full of wonder, the real one. With the desire to wear an elegant dress and dance a Viennese waltz on that terrace that made me fall in love.

Pensieri d'autunno e sogni

An escape to the lake to enjoy the first autumn days, those of the yellowing leaves and the wind kissing beneath the leather jackets. It chills the body can not understand. Prosecco on the terrace, the terrace that dives on those waves that soothe and lull just like those of the sea. The hands that weave and arms that are being sought. Eyes that are lost on the horizon and dreams that do not yet exist.

The lakeside walks and the randomness of the evenings. Life that passes and trembling heart.

Blue skies and sunsets access. The time of meditation and withdrawal into oneself. Afternoons at the spa and hot baths.

The desire to go and find out, take pictures with the eyes and with that same heart.

Those of happy thoughts, happiness and the memory of it.

I want an autumn like this: red like love, yellow as the still hot sun in the sky, orange as the sunsets at the end of the day, purple as grape grains to munch.

I want an autumn to discover, experience, taste.

Annacristy Capsule Collection

Few weeks ago I have been at Annacristy to discover the new collection, do you remember?
Well, today I let you know the capsule collection created by fashion designer Anna Brambilla!
A capsule collection that tells the image of a strong and confident woman, who conveys femininity with a casual chic alternation and that emphasizes a strong Italian identity.
A Limited Edition consists of several contemporary proposals that are mixed with Denim proposals for the woman who can not give it up even for formal occasions, to completion military chic jackets.
Coats, dresses and blouses decorated with badges, emblems and gold buttons. There is the leather to give a touch casual rock and tulle which is one of the protagonists of the winter season along with quilted bomber jacket with pleated skirts in printed leather. Then again, fur and enveloping coats.
And to enrich the look? The accessory most loved by all women: the bags!
From the shopping bag in nylon quilted fabric and leather, to mini-bag in pony with embroidery, plus other proposals also fur and sequins.
If you want to discover more of this Limited Edition, I recommend you take a look at Annacristy.com, you also have the opportunity to acquire exclusively all the itemss present with a discount of 15% by entering the code: desireeai2016. What are you waiting? You have until October 31!
P.S. What do you think about my outfit? Obviously it is Annacristy! ;)

Melià Campione: un week end da sogno

"Fly me to the moon..."
...Thus began, to the tune of Sinatra, my weekend at Melià Campione, 5-star hotel on the shores of Lake Lugano, at Campione d'Italia, shared the province of Como, near the Swiss canton of Ticino.
A romantic and elegant week end, between magic and dream. Actually it seemed to live in a movie, one of those beautiful that leaves you sighing for its entire duration, with dreamy eyes and smile on heart.
A luxury boutique hotel located near the Municipal Casino and a 10-minute drive from the city of Lugano. Beautifully decorated, with an innovative design and a friendly atmosphere. The rooms and elegant airy suites, designed and equipped to ensure maximum comfort with high quality materials in an elegant and contemporary style, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, offering a marvelous view of the Monte Brè or Lake Lugano. Soft chairs for relaxing after a day of work or a day discovering the beauties of the place, with a glass of sparkling wine or an espresso just made.
A small company, it is a boutique hotel, with an air of intimacy and privacy, just as the country where it is located, making it the ideal place for those who want to disconnect from the daily bustle without renouncing to the comforts that life can offer.
The à la carte restaurant offers an extensive range of Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Full and genuine flavors.
The hotel also has a meeting room for 20 people, fully set up and a Spa with sauna, turkish bath and relaxation area that will open shortly.
My weekend of Dolce Vita started with a delicious aperitif followed by an Italian lunch, still heated by warm rays of a sun at the end of September and pampered by the staff of Melià Campione. Strong and lovely flavors of the traditional cuisine of the beautiful country that blend with a wonderful view over the Swiss Alps: the perfect combination for a perfect lunch.
A visit to the village and a walk along the lake illuminated by the sun. Gulls flying here and there, colorful houses, flowers, ducklings and boats filled with tourists.
I strolled through the streets of the village until the evening, breathing the magic of the lake and marveling at every glimpse.
When the sun was preparing to set, coloring of pink, red and orange its sky, waiting for me a private boat on jetty. The finest hour for a romantic tour of the lake accompanied by Champagne and nibbles, enjoying the moment between smiles and chatter, sumptuous villas and the cool breeze caressing the face.
Then return to the hotel and sink into the white sheets, contemplating and enjoying the peace and quiet of the lake now illuminated by the lights of the evening, soak in a warm and relax bath with those same notes of Sinatra in the background...
"Fly me to the moon... Let me play among the stars... Let me see what spring is like..."
An hour later I was at the restaurant of the Casino to enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious dinner of fish, by candlelight, with live music.
After trying the luck and being caught again, on my return to the room, the staff attentions of Melià Campione, I let myself be lulled by the lake and then wake up the next morning, wearing a soft bathrobe, slightly the curtains to start my day with a breakfast with a view. And then... and then off to Lugano and its elegance, with the rain before and the sun after, it made me fall in love. A picture painted by some kind of wonderful brush.
Luxury boutiques, markets, gardens, buildings immersed in that first autumn air that gave it even more charming in my eyes... but I will tell you all these things in the next posts ;)
Melià Campione made me fly to the moon, play with the stars and experience the magic of a dream.

Idee regalo per viaggiatori accaniti

The door, the way: through them the journey begins, often real sometimes imaginary, touching countries, borders, paths, visible and invisible goals. Towards the elsewhere. And at the end of the trip always we find ourselves or a fragment of ourselves. We collect rocks, shells, sand grains. Magnets, bracelets and special objects to remember that place from which we just returned. Because every trip lived three times: when you dream it, when you live it and when you remember it.

Have you ever thought how difficult is to make a gift to those who love to travel? A gift that is not an air ticket for a new journey, of course!

While surfing the web I found Troppotogo, a site where you can find many gift ideas for all tastes, as well as other unimaginable objects. I found right here all the most original and funny gifts.

Guess who has lost the head over the globe to scratch and an instant camera? Of course I, and I'm already in my wishlist!

Tuscany in love

The scent of oleander blossoms and grapes, slowly, mature under the hot August sun, the country chic style, the sun illuminating the clusters, the colors of the countryside, the rows of vines that seem to extend to infinite, and the harmonious succession of fields of wheat and sunflowers.
With that indescribable charm, Tuscany is so beautiful everywhere. But when you consider the Tuscany you can not turn our mind to the rural and unspoilt countryside landscapes.
Hills and slopes, fields, vineyards and olive groves as far as the eye, castles and medieval villages: landscapes and charming villages that are the symbol of the region that gave the natives to Dante.
Immerse yourself in one of the most characteristic landscapes of Tuscany, staying in an estate, one of those in the countryside, with a red roof, surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards and olive groves, where you can not only relax and enjoy the views, but also savor the delicious wines.
Get in touch with the authentically traditional and genuine side of the region, discovering the roots and true passion that animates the inhabitants. Walking between the rows aimlessly, just to listen to nature and its silence. Organize a picnic in the shade of a large oak tree, one of those rustic and homemade, with Tuscan bread, a bottle of red, cheese and cold cuts at will. Falling asleep with the chirping of crickets and wake up with the breeze coming through the windows, that brings with it the smell of salt air mixed happiness.
I dreamed about an holiday like this for years. A peaceful holiday in an authentic Tuscan style.