Latest news with #Puglia
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Team GB gold medallist turned superstar DJ reveals he's engaged to girlfriend of six years after romantic proposal
A TEAM GB star has revealed he is engaged to his glamorous girlfriend after six years together. Chris Mears, 32, rose to fame thanks to his impressive diving ability and representing Team GB at the Olympic Games. 7 The sporting hunk took home a gold medal at the 2016 games in the synchronised diving category alongside Jack Laugher. It meant the pair were the first to ever win a gold medal for Great Britain in diving. Now, away from the pool, Chris has shared the happy news that he and partner Katie Robson are engaged. The couple got engaged in Puglia, Italy and shared a slew of loved-up snaps from the heartwarming moment. The Olympic hunk has been romancing Katie for six years and have often shared a glimpse into their romance online with their Instagram followers. Chris later remarked of their romance getaway where he popped the question: "What a trip!" During his career, Chris also won a number of other gold and silver medals at competitions including the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships. In 2019, Chris announced that he was retiring from competing and was launching a career as a music producer and DJ. Since launching a music career, Chris has worked with Popstars including Nicole Scherzinger, Olly Murs and the late Tom Parker from boyband The Wanted. He is currently one half of electronic music duo Hot Lap. Olympic diving champ Chris Mears loses his cool while looking for trousers The group have released multiple tracks and have been championed by Radio 1. He first began DJing and music production as a hobby in 2012 and 2013 whilst recovering from a diving injury. He continued to loosely pursue music alongside his sporting career before retiring from diving entirely six years ago to concentrate solely on music and DJing. Chris has always embraced the spotlight from sports to music as well as regularly stripping off in his 20s for a series of racy photoshoots. 7 7 7 7
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
This Premium Vodka Is Redefining Italian Food And Drinks Pairings
Premium Italian vodka brand Altamura Distilleries is known for its martinis, but it's also shaking ... More up Italian traditions around food pairings and cocktails. When it comes to food and drinks, Italians take things very seriously, but a vodka brand based in southern Italy is inspiring a creative approach to cocktails that blurs the line between aperitivo and dinner. Known as Altamura Distilleries, founder Frank Grillo is both respectful of the Mediterranean country's rich culinary traditions, while also inviting bartenders and chefs in Italy and around the world to explore these traditions in innovative ways with its Italian premium vodka. For Grillo, it all started with a loaf of bread—and not just any bread. In 2020, Grillo—an American with southern Italian heritage and a passion for cooking—came across a recipe for pane di Altamura. This particular baked good has Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union, meaning that there are specific rules and regulations about where and how it can be made. Most notably, the dough must be prepared with varieties of Durum wheat semolina that grow only in Puglia. After baking what he calls a 'rogue loaf' of pane di Altamura outside the regional boundaries, Grillo was intrigued by the flavor of the special wheat and asked himself: 'What if we could take this bread and express it in a liquid format, instead of a baked format?' A couple years after Grillo did just that, his curiosity and willingness to experiment at the intersection between food and drinks has spurred others to be equally playful with Altamura Distilleries vodka in terms of both mixology and pairings. The savory notes of Altamura Distilleries vodka have inspired not only bartenders, but chefs, too. Key to this is the savory flavor of the vodka, which reflects the terroir of Puglia and its ancient grains. Though vodka is not historically an Italian beverage or generally a spirit sipped slowly alongside meals, Grillo says this one is 'a food-friendly alcohol' and advocates pairing it with umami-forward bites, such as oysters or cheese, especially Parmigiano-Reggiano. 'It's like with cacio e pepe,' Grillo says, referencing the classic Roman pasta made with just cheese and black pepper. 'It's really simple ingredients, but it's really complicated to make because you've got to get it right. With vodka, you just have the grain, so it has to be high quality and very pure. There's nothing to hide behind.' Penne alla vodka, prepared by Chef Carlotta Aggio at the Four Seasons restaurant in Florence, ... More Italy. Chef de cuisine Carlotta Aggio at Il Palagio, the restaurant at the Four Seasons in Florence, takes things a step further, using the Altamura Distilleries vodka in an elevated version of another simple pasta dish, penne alla vodka. Meanwhile, at the hotel's bar, Atrium, head bartender Edoardo Sandri has crafted a cocktail known as La Merenda ('The Snack') featuring the vodka mixed with tomato cordial and garnished with basil chips and a sprinkling of Parmigiano, inspired by his childhood after-school snack of a mozzarella and tomato sandwich. At the Atrium Bar in Florence, Italy, head bartender Edoardo Sandri pours a vodka martini, garnished ... More with a carrot. At a previous Florence Cocktail Week event, bartender Chiara Poloni further emphasized the naturally wheaty character of the vodka by washing it with butter for her cocktail Souvenir d'Enfance, reminiscent of a simple side of bread and butter. To the north, at Michelin-starred Moebius in Milan, bartender Giovanni Allario drew on his memories of growing up in Genoa, the birthplace of pesto, to create a Pesto Martini. Across the Atlantic Ocean, Altamura Distilleries vodka made waves last year as a key ingredient in the Martini of the Year, according to Esquire. Served at Clemente Bar in New York City, its distinctly savory quality comes from curry paste, green chili chutney, and olive oil used to fat-wash the vodka. With Altamura Distilleries officially named the Vodka Partner of The World's 50 Best Hotels, more chefs and bartenders will have a chance to create unique combinations with this Italian premium vodka that bend the rules and blend international flavors.
Irish Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
What will €335,000 buy in Ibiza, Corfu, Italy, France and Lucan?
Ibiza, Port d'Es Torrent Southwest of San Antonio, on a coastal corner of the island in Port d'Es Torrent is this smartly renovated one-bedroom apartment. Set about 100m from the beach on the first floor of an Ibizan-style development, it includes access to a communal pool. Measuring 50sq m (538sq ft), it has an open-plan living room /kitchen, vaulted ceilings, a balcony and small roof terrace. Price: €335,000 Agent: Intercorp Real Estate 32 Hansted Crescent, Lucan, Co Dublin Ireland, Lucan Number 32 Hansted Crescent, is a newly renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom own-door top-floor apartment in a low-rise building within about a 10-minute walk of Adamstown train station. Extending to 86sq m (925sq ft) with almost 20sq m (215sq ft) of a west-facing terrace, this C1 Ber-rated home has space and light and comes with a designated parking space. Price: €335,000 Agent: SherryFitzGerald House in Corfu offers sea views and beach access Corfu, Agios Georgios S (St George South) On the edge of the resort, on the southern side of the island, Grape House is a small, 50sq m (538sq ft), two-bedroom, one-bathroom detached house that is set on a large plot of land. Double doors open from all rooms to the garden. There are views of the sea from the front rooms and beach access is via a path opposite the property's entrance gate. Price: €340,000 Agent: Corfu Home Finders Puglia property includes a large garden with the possibility of installing a terrace on the roof Italy, Puglia This detached villa comprises two large apartments : a two-bedroom ground-floor unit of 150sq m (1,614sq ft) and a three-bedroom first-floor residence extending to 170sq m (1,829sq ft). In need of modernisation, but just 900m from the Blue Flag beach of Spiaggia di Ginosa, it includes a large garden with the possibility of installing a terrace on the roof. READ MORE Price: €330,000 Agent: Property in Alpes-Maritimes enjoys the use of a communal pool France, Alpes-Maritimes Between the hilltop villages of Chateauneuf de Grasse and Opio, surrounded by fragrant pines, this contemporary new-build development has apartments with large terraces to bring the outdoors in. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit of 62sq m (667sq ft) here is surrounded by woods and enjoys the use of a communal pool. It's a three-minute drive from Opio and 35 minutes to Cannes. Price: €335,000 Agent:
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lisa Snowdon, 53, shows off her toned physique in a stylish khaki bikini during dreamy Salento getaway
Lisa Snowdon showed off her incredible figure in a khaki bikini as she shared a selection of snaps from her sun-soaked holiday in Salento, Puglia on Wednesday. The TV show host, 53, looked sensational in the flattering two-piece, which featured a one-shoulder bikini top and matching low-rise bottoms. She paired the look with a light green semi-sheer cover-up and accessorised with a silver necklace, bangle, and grey aviator sunglasses. The beauty radiated confidence as she struck a series of poses for the camera. In another snap, Lisa looked completely at ease as she enjoyed a delicious lunch and sipped a cocktail at the luxury four-star hotel Il Giardino Grande. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. In another stunning snap, she smiled for a selfie while relaxing on a sun lounger, enjoying what appeared to be an Aperol Spritz. She captioned the slew of stunning snaps: 'I've had worse Wednesdays (love heart emoji) 'Boxing Day birthday for @i_smarticus 4 hours of admin earlier, finally switching off for today. This place @ilgiardinogrande ♥️.' The holiday snaps come after Lisa admitted she has 'reservations' about marrying George Smart eight years after they got engaged. The model and communications firm founder, 44, first dated more than 20 years ago when she was a DJ at MTV and he was the channel's head of events. The lovebirds rekindled their romance a decade ago and got engaged in 2017. When asked when they're going to tie the knot, Lisa admitted she has a 'tiny hint of reservation' that marriage will 'change' their relationship. 'Deep down I do know it wouldn't, but then I think, "Well my mum and dad's marriage didn't last," and some people say, "Don't do it because it changes things,"' she told The Mirror. 'So there's 90 per cent of me that knows nothing would change, but a tiny hint of reservation where I think it would.' George, however, said he has no hesitation and would marry Lisa tomorrow if they could get their friends - who are 'dotted around the world' - all together. He told the outlet he 'knows nothing would change' and is ready to 'have that bravery' to take 'the next step'. When asked what she's excited for about getting married, Lisa said: 'Being able to call him "my husband" and saying, "My husband's coming soon, I'm just waiting for my husband!" I think I prefer "my husband" to "my fiancé" – I'd love it!' The couple, who recently enjoyed a trip to the Caribbean to celebrate Lisa's 53rd birthday, are planning more travel in the future to Chile, Peru, Thailand and Guatemala. As for TV work, they said they'd love their own travel show, with George joking it should be called 'Couples Travel'. The former Britain's Next Top Model previously revealed she had early menopause and has 'made peace' with the fact she will never have biological childre n with George. 'We'd discussed it in the past but hadn't started trying, so I knew we'd have to explore other options in the future if we did want to become parents,' she told The Sun in 2021. 'George was brilliant about it and told me we could look into alternative ways in the future. It was a lot to come to terms with.' Lisa also revealed that year that she was prescribed antidepressants after experiencing low moods and anxiety as a result of early menopause. The presenter, who suffers from endometriosis, started experiencing depression around 10 years ago but had no idea her symptoms were a result of the perimenopause. Appearing on Lorraine at the time, she explained that her 2016 appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! was worsened by 'debilitating' periods, low energy and 'brain fog'. The model said she relied on the pill to stop her irregular cycle. It wasn't until being prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that Lisa was able to 'take ownership' of her health. She hailed the treatment as a 'game-changer' and insisted she 'wouldn't be without it'. 'When I look back it did creep up on me, it wasn't a definite pinpoint the actual day I knew I was going into perimenopause,' she said. Now Lisa takes HRT for her symptoms and says that she no longer has 'rages' or 'screams' at George. 'I am on HRT I've been on it for about four years and I wouldn't be without it, It's changed everything. It's been a game changer,' she said. 'I feel like myself again, I'm not screaming at my partner, I don't have rages. 'I feel like I recognise myself again and I've been able to take ownership of looking after my health.'
CNA
31-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
A selection of new and restored hotels and luxury villas await in Tuscany, Puglia and beyond
A raft of new and renovated properties is opening in Italy just in time for the lazy, sun-drenched days of summer. From Tuscany to Puglia, here are a handful of newcomers and thoughtful restorations, including a boutique hotel in a 16th-century Baroque mansion in Lecce and a collection of luxe villas in the mountains of Chianti. FORTE DEI MARMI, LUCCA Pensione America Dating to the early 1920s, this one-time Tuscan villa, and then pensione (or boarding house), by the Ligurian Sea has been transformed into an adults-only beach escape. Where there were once dozens of rooms, there are now just 18 rooms and suites. All have terraces or verandas; bamboo furniture that lends a breezy, seaside feel; and products from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the venerable Italian fragrance and personal care brand. If you really want to spread out, consider booking the two-story casita, La Villetta, which has a garden and a plunge pool. Created by Collezione Em (whose hotels include the Grand Hotel Minerva in Florence and the Violino d'Oro in Venice), Pensione America is part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection of luxury properties. You can delight in la dolce vita amid the gardens, on a tennis court and in the pool decorated with Sicilian tiles. Go for a stroll or ride on one of the free bikes to the nearby beaches for which the area is known. Begin each morning at the hotel's restaurant and indulge in sweet crepes or eggs in tomato sauce. At lunchtime, you'll find a menu inspired by the surrounding waters, with seafood dishes such as ravioli with shellfish and spaghetti with arselle (little clams). The restaurant is also open for dinner. Prices from €1,600, or about US$1,800 (S$2,322) a night. PORTO ERCOLE, GROSSETO La Roqqa On the harbour of Porto Ercole on Tuscany's Argentario peninsula (about an hour-and-a-half-to-two-hour drive from Rome), La Roqqa underwent a three-year renovation and is now a 50-room-and-suite boutique hotel designed by the Milan-based Palomba Serafini Associati studio. Bold lighting and furniture from the 1960s and '70s add nostalgic touches to the common areas, while many of the minimalist guest rooms are awash in the colours of the surrounding land and sea. Suites, in contrast, sport lighter hues. All rooms have outdoor spaces with views of hills and trees, or the sea. But why just look from afar when you can get up close? Stretch out under an umbrella at Isolotto Beach Club, part of La Roqqa, on a sandy stretch of beach amid the otherwise rocky coast. Take in the Mediterranean air by hiking, cycling or horseback-riding. Treat yourself to a massage or a facial, or spend some time in the sauna. The hotel, part of Miramis Hospitality, has its own yacht that can take you to nearby islands, such as Giglio and Giannutri, and can arrange experiences like wine tasting and cooking lessons. If you'd rather someone else did the cooking, order seafood by the water at Isolotto Beach Club, or head over to the hotel's Scirocco restaurant for family-style Tuscan dishes (and wines, of course) including homemade pastas and dumplings like gnudi with sheep ricotta and nettle, cacio e pepe sauce and fermented lime. Watch day turn to night at the Scirocco Rooftop Bar, where you can sip a cocktail — the hotel has several that it says were inspired by Caravaggio paintings — as you gaze out over the Corsini Botanical Garden and the harbour. Prices from €380 a night. The historical centre of Lecce, in the Apulia region, is rife with Baroque buildings, including this boutique hotel in a limestone mansion that dates to 1557. After a four-year renovation, the property is now an 18-room-and-suite getaway that mixes contemporary design with vaulted ceilings and graceful arches. The rooms are elegant and spare, with 18th-century wooden doors, and each nods to the building's past, with different touches, including stone walls, brick-and-lime floors, and walls adorned with frescoes. For a special occasion, book the more-than-1,000-sq-ft Suite Zimara, with a balcony, two bathrooms and your own hammam, Jacuzzi and fireplace. Palazzo Zimara is in the heart of the city, so you can go out for a meal or dine al fresco at the hotel's La Bocca restaurant. In the mornings, sip caffe leccese, iced coffee sweetened with almond syrup, and sample pastries and local cheeses. Later, try Italian dishes that change with the seasons, like a misticanza salad with peach, walnut and cocoa; and croaker fish, puttanesca style. Unwind with a glass of wine while people-watching from the terrace at Radino Wine Bistro. The hotel, part of the D'Angelo Family Collection, a family-run hospitality group, has plans to also open a rooftop bar next year. Prices from €240 a night. CHIANTI REGION This summer, the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is rolling out five estates for families and groups seeking plush villas in Chianti, the Tuscan region beloved for its mountains and wine. The properties include renovated farmhouses and wine estates with romantic views of hills, olive groves and vineyards. Your trip begins at the airport, where a private car will pick you up. Rates include a case of Tuscan wine and a hamper of food — think homemade bread, local olives and cheese — as well as breakfast, housekeeping and experiences, which include welcome and farewell dinners, a wine-tasting on the estate (or in the winery on your property), a cooking class with — who else? — an Italian chef and a photography session, as well as private return airport transfers. Ranging from five to 10 bedrooms, the estates have amenities such as pools, outdoor kitchens, gyms, wine cellars and a concierge who can book restaurants and private chefs, and arrange car rentals and spa appointments. Prices start at US$55,000 a week for up to 10 people at Villa Pianvecchio, a five-bedroom farmhouse on a wine estate. (If you were splitting that among 10 people it would be about US$786 per person a night.) The other Chianti estates are Villa Castiglioni, with six bedrooms from US$65,000 a week; Villa Il Santo, with eight bedrooms from US$70,000; Villa Tavernaccia, with eight bedrooms from $90,000; and Il Cellese, with 10 bedrooms from US$90,000. The new estates are currently available for 20 per cent off those prices. By Stephanie Rosenbloom © The New York Times.
