Joelle Lifestyle - The World at Home

The Naduska spa is just beyond the Giardino della Scultura among the Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive trees. Only such a spectacular environment could offer the perfect sanctuary for the relaxation I need at this moment. These natural therapeutic products are locally produced using mostly plants and herbs from the Tuscan countryside. A little rejuvenation won’t hurt.

It’s such a great feeling to come back from hectic Florence and have a nice walk around the peaceful garden here at the Villa. Throughout the centuries it has been the tradition for Italian nobility to be patrons to great artists. Villa Mangiacane stays true to this sponsoring on-site artist from Zimbabue and abroad, and numerous art exhibitions openings.

Shoemaker to the stars, Salvatore Ferragamo saw his brand become more of a lifestyle choice than an accessories line. It was the first Italian fashion house to diversify into travel and lifestyle. When the brand expanded to encompass boutique hotels, rural resorts, wineries and restaurants, it kicked off a trend that has quickly gained currency throughout the fashion world. I decided to go to Florence for the day and see how he accomplished that.

Overlooking Florence just 10 kilometers away from the city, the Mangiacane estate spans 306 hectares situated between San Casciano Val di Pesa and Greve in Chianti, at an altitude of 250 to 300 meters. Its Villa produces 80.000 bottles per year mainly Chianti Classico D.o.c.g wines, and Igt wines ( typical geographical indication). I might take a helicopter tour and wine tasting later this evening. I am exited… I have never done this before!

They say every land holds a story in its heart. The story of Villa Mangiacane, a recent property of the Stein Hotels and Resorts, has waited five-hundred years to be told. After so many years, I have now arrived here, and as a story teller myself, I am craving to hear it and write it for you. And in case you are a Renaissance dreamer, a connoisseur of high art, a celebrator of life, a lover of simple pleasures, a passion seeker or an incurable romantic—sit back, and enjoy the ride!

A new global trend is spreading: the Made-in-Italy wedding. Getting married in Italy is becoming extremely popular in cities such as New York and London . Italy, is fast becoming the ultimate place to make life-long vows to each other. In Amsterdam on the next edition I will interview the young, charming and famous luxury wedding consultant Eva Trevisan, from European based company “Chic Weddings”.

From the teeming coastal waters to the fertile plains come Sorrento lemons and Vesuvian apricots, Paestum artichokes and lobsters in the gulf of Salerno. A continent waiting to be discovered, where quality and territory are closely linked and nature and history dine at the same table.

I heard about a girl, who lived 250 years ago, and before leaving her house to get married, wrote a letter of her good fortune in love. Her letter apparently was found during renovations to the house she lived in. I must find that place before I leave Marrakech.