Jet Set to the beautiful Toscana Resort Castelfalfi in Tuscany

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The beautiful, rolling hills of Tuscany in Italy are as alive with history and culture as they are with flora and fauna. In the heart of the region, in the area between Florence, Pisa and Siena, is an 800-year-old estate dominated by an ancient castle once home to the Medici family. This beautiful but neglected corner of Italy has been thoughtfully redeveloped and reborn as Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. In the 1960s, the 11,000-hectare estate was abandoned by all but five of its residents in a countrywide rural exodus. Then in 2007, TUI AG, one of world’s leading travel groups, came across the property and saw its potential.  ‘From the very outset the idea was to restore the ancient village and bring it back to life,’ says CEO Stefan Neuhaus. ‘We are preserving the site’s original structure and reinstating part of Italy’s heritage, but with all the additional modern services and standards that you would expect from such an upmarket resort. ’

Work on transforming the estate into a luxury resort began in 2011. The renovation of the borgo – the outskirts of the castle walls – commenced with the restoration of the residential complex comprising 41 apartments completed in the summer 2013, and with the development of the first of three planned hotels. Built within the walls of the old tobacco factory, the 31-room La Tabaccaia retains many of its host structure’s original features and there’s also a typical Trattoria-Pizzeria in a renovated building close by and a restaurant that opened its doors in June 2014.  

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Scattered throughout the estate are 26 original farmhouses, or casali, four of which have been dismantled and lovingly rebuilt using the same stones. The buildings’ wooden beams have also been preserved and each farmhouse has a traditional terracotta tile roof, while bathrooms have been brought up to date using local marble or ceramic tiles. With the capacity to adapt each interior according to its owner’s specifications, these casali present an exciting prospect for would be buyers, whether seeking a stunning second home or a superior rental investment. Several of the properties also line the resort’s 27-hole golf course, which is already considered one of the best courses in Italy. Some of the farmhouses are also available for weekly rentals.

Strewn with vineyards and olive and cypress trees, the estate is also a hunting reserve, playing home to wild boars, deer and foxes. It is also self-sufficient in terms of water and there are plans to create a biomass plant, which will enable Toscana Resort Castelfalfi to produce its own biofuel.  ‘We searched for this place for a long time,’ says Stefan Neuhaus. ‘What we are developing is not a typical resort, it’s a new approach for the international luxury travel market that offers apartments, a range of farmhouses, a luxury club concept and four and five stars hotels. Our guests are well travelled and looking for an authentic experience. With us, that is exactly what they will find.’

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Shop the City by Conrad: Conrad Miami Debuts Inspired Luxury Shopping Experience

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Conrad Miami announced the launch of Shop the City by Conrad, a guest package providing extraordinary VIP shopping experiences. Conrad Hotels & Resorts understands that its guests are looking for a unique and immersive stay in the cities they visit, and Shop the City by Conrad provides a customizable shopping experience complete with local boutiques and sightseeing. Beginning April 1 through May 21, Conrad Miami will serve as the backdrop for the Shop the City by Conrad experience.

Guests will delight in this bespoke shopping experience, which includes a 2-night stay in the hotel’s Deluxe City View or Premium View Rooms, breakfast-for-two each morning with Miami’s famous Cuban coffee before embarking on a full day of shopping at the city’s chicest boutiques - all from the comfort of their own chauffeured vehicle. 

shop the city conrad

Conrad Miami has teamed up with some of the most exclusive retail brands in the city including Burberry in Miami’s Design District, Saint Laurent at Bal Harbour Shops, Tourneau in the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, and The Webster – a locally inspired multi-brand boutique on Miami Beach. The hotel’s knowledgeable concierge is happy to offer personalized recommendations for cultural destinations based on the guests’ preferences.

“Miami is known worldwide for its shopping, and Conrad Miami is perfectly located near all the best shopping hot spots in the city,” said Stephane Mercier, general manager, Conrad Miami. “The Shop the City by Conrad package is part of our ongoing commitment to connect our guests with the local culture and excitement of Miami. This experience allows our guests to explore the best of what Miami has to offer from luxury shopping to beaches, great dining, and much more.”

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Situated in the heart of the city’s financial district and vibrant city center, Conrad Miami offers contemporary luxury with soaring views of the city and Biscayne Bay. Guests will enjoy the rooftop poolside oasis, gourmet dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atrio, the newly renovated rooftop tennis courts, and the personalized service for a warm weather getaway. In addition to Conrad Miami, the brand will offer limited-time Shop the City by Conrad stays in select cities throughout 2015, including: Conrad Dubai, Conrad Istanbul, Conrad Tokyo, Conrad Beijing, Conrad Hong Kong, and Conrad New York.

The Shop the City by Conrad package for Conrad Miami starts at $405 per night for a two-night minimum.

For more information on Shop the City by Conrad and details on participating properties and retailers, please visit shopthecitybyconrad.com.

For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts please visit www.conradhotels.com or http://news.conradhotels.com.

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