Newest Curio Collection Property Transforms Medieval Village Into Golf & Spa Resort, La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena

Storied Tuscan Resort Joins Exclusive Upper Upscale Collection Brand

TUSCANY, Italy - A once medieval village turned sprawling retreat, La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena has joined the upper upscale Curio Collection by Hilton^TM. The hotel was hand-picked to be a part of the collection of one-of-a-kind independent hotels and resorts all celebrated for their individuality. As the first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Italy, the brand welcomes the resort to the collection of more than 30 hotels and resorts worldwide.

Just 12 kilometers from the city of Siena – a World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations – La Bagnaia is conveniently located for guests wishing to access the city’s many attractions, including the Piazza del Campo, the Mangia Tower and the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral. Steeped in history, culture-rich Siena and its surrounding areas offer multiple attractions, including exquisite Italian cuisine and world-famous vineyards.

“As our debut hotel in Italy, we are honored to welcome an incredible and picturesque resort, a showcase of all that Tuscany has to offer, to Curio Collection by Hilton,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton. “A destination in itself, La Bagnaia offers everything from expansive terraces with breathtaking views of Tuscany to an exclusive spa where guests can relax in therapeutic mineral waters.”

Modern Splendor in a Medieval Setting

La Bagnaia offers everything visitors want from a relaxing sojourn to Tuscan: breathtaking views of rolling countryside, delectable Italian fine dining, a captivating wellness spa and world-class 18-hole golf course designed by world-renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. Spread over 1,100 hectares, the resort has a medieval village-like look and feel, divided across a number of buildings and featuring two main ‘hamlets’ – Borgo La Bagnaia and Borgo la Filetta.

“As one of the most distinctive hotels in Tuscany, La Bagnaia has earned a reputation for delivering one-of-a-kind experiences that blend elegant Italian accommodations with modern amenities,” said Marisa Monti Riffeser, owner, La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We are proud to join Curio Collection by Hilton, affording us the ability to offer authentic discoveries complemented by the service and consistency of Hilton.”

Resort Highlights

• Spacious Guest Rooms: 99 guest rooms, including 12 suites, each furnished with uniquely sourced art to add that extra touch of elegance. The Canonica residence, for example, combines nine bedrooms, a living room and an exclusive garden.
• La Voliera: The elegant ambience of the La Voliera restaurant enables guests to enjoy local food reimagined, discovering new flavors that exalt the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The restaurant features a terrace for dining by candlelight, enhanced by views of the gentle hills of Siena.

• The Buddha Spa: A modern and exclusive Tuscan wellness center, The Buddha Spa provides a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Its natural thermal waters are channeled into swimming pools decorated with classical columns and antique vases.

• Royal Golf Bagnaia: The first 18-hole Tuscan golf course, designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Royal Golf Bagnaia, covers 120 hectares amongst the rolling hills of Siena and picturesque lakes.
• Events with a View: Offering the largest pillar-free ballroom in the region with sweeping views of the golf course and countryside, the resort is perfect for weddings of up to 250 guests. Additionally, five meeting rooms in the Congress Centre can accommodate gatherings of up to 450 guests.

To receive instant access to the benefits they care about most – including exclusive discounts, free Wi-Fi and Hilton Honors Points towards free nights – guests are encouraged to join Hilton Honors and book directly through preferred Hilton channels at labagnaiaresortsiena.curiocollection.com.

First Italian Curio Hotel To Open In The Heart Of The Tuscan Hills

The resort includes the Buddha Spa by Clarins and is connected to an 18-hole golf course. Credit: Curio Collection by Hilton.

SIENA, Italy - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has reached a management agreement with Agricola Merse Srl to bring Curio - A Collection by Hilton to Tuscany. The 101-guestroom La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena is set to welcome guests from March 2017.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton said, "La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena is a stunning, one-of-a-kind hotel and, in joining the Curio Collection, this remarkable property will keep its unique identity whilst benefiting from Hilton's support as a leading global hospitality company. With over 11 million tourists visiting Tuscany every year, there continues to be strong demand in the region for an upscale, full service hotel, and we're absolutely delighted to welcome La Bagnaia into the Curio Collection."

Surrounded by the beautiful Sienese countryside, La Bagnaia is a tranquil oasis set against a landscape scattered with charming medieval hamlets and towns. Spread over 1,100 hectares, the upscale hotel has a village-like look and feel, divided across a number of buildings and featuring two main 'hamlets' - Borgo  La Bagnaia and Borgo la Filetta. The resort includes the Buddha Spa by Clarins and is connected to an 18-hole golf course. The range of facilities provided by the hotel for leisure and business travellers include two restaurants and two bars, three swimming pools, 12 treatment rooms, a tennis court, and conference rooms which combined cater for almost 1,000 delegates.

Situated just 12km from the city of Siena - a World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations - the hotel is conveniently located for guests wishing to access the city's many attractions including the Piazza del Campo, the Mangia Tower and the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral. Steeped in history, culture-rich Siena and its surrounding areas offer multiple attractions including exquisite Italian cuisine and world-famous vineyards.    

Marisa Riffeser Monti, president of INFI, said: "Our collaboration with Hilton will allow La Bagnaia to expand its customer base, attracting tourists from around the world. The resort's unique structure allows it to cater for a wide range of requirements without sacrificing the quality of any individual customer's service. La Bagnaia can meet the needs of those seeking a vacation dedicated to well-being thanks to the Buddha Spa and its precious thermal waters, but also the needs of sports lovers with the panoramic Royal Golf Bagnaia designed by the famous golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The hotel's strategic location allows visitors to explore some of the most important destinations of Italian cultural heritage, while modern facilities make it an ideal location for conferences at the highest level, as demonstrated by significant events previously hosted by the hotel. My family will continue to invest in this Region: other property improvements include the purchase of approximately 23,000 square meters worth of real estate including restored historic buildings such as a 15^th Century castle, and new-build developments."

La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena can be reached from a number of international airports, and also has excellent car, bus and rail links. The resort is 95km from Florence Peretola Airport and 130 km from Pisa International Airport, both of which provide regular domestic and international flights. Siena-Ampugnano Airport is only 7km away, while Siena's main railway station is 30km from La Bagnaia and also offers access to a number of national rail services. Many frequent bus services are also available, and the hotel is easily accessed by car and holds 360 car parking spaces.

Mark Nogal, global head, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, said: "La Bagnaia has such a wonderful, distinctive character - not to mention a stunning setting in some of the most beautiful Tuscan countryside. A charming property, the resort has a compelling identity and provides a peaceful sanctuary in a location rich with history, culture and extraordinary scenery. We are thrilled that it is set to become Italy's first hotel in the Curio Collection."

Curio - A Collection by Hilton is a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their unique character and personality; each one embedded with local history and culture. La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena will join the collection of more than 80 properties open or in various stages of development across the world, in locations including Hamburg, Reykjavik, London, Paris and Ibiza.

La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort Siena is located at S.S. 223 Siena-Grosseto, Km 56, 53016 Sovicille, Province of Siena, Italy. More information about Curio - A Collection by Hilton may be found at curio.com.

Adventures by Disney Introduces New European Vacations to Tuscany and Spain in 2015

Experience the tastes and traditions of the Italian countryside and the cultural treasures of Spanish art

 and history on these two new itineraries

 Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide,

 continues to offer exceptional vacation itineraries to the world's most treasured destinations. Now adventure seekers

 can tour two new European itineraries that bring the rich culture and stories of Tuscany and Spain to life.

In 2015, travelers can explore iconic landscapes and exquisite Italian culture on a mouth-watering Tuscan culinary

 adventure with Adventures by Disney. This trip brings out the best of Tuscany, delighting foodies and adventurers 

alike. To add even more excitement, Adventures by Disney is also launching an amazing new itinerary that takes

 guests on a journey through the hidden treasures of Spain. From classic castles to breathtaking beaches, this tour 

of Spain includes a vibrant variety of unique activities in exciting cities such as Barcelona, Seville and Marbella.

Tuscany Culinary Adventure

The distinctive tastes and timeless traditions of Italy come together on a new food-focused 7-day, 6-night Tuscany

 tour. Guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and spectacular settings of the Italian countryside as they

 enjoy private and hands-on culinary experiences. Relax in lush accommodations while taking in the rolling hills and

 charming vineyards on this memorable adventure of a lifetime. Key highlights of this trip include:

• Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime truffle hunting experience, a native tradition of San Miniato.
• Learn how to make Italian dishes during hands-on cooking lessons, including crafting uniquely classical
•  Tuscan pasta, and learning the art of making authentic Italian pizza and bruschetta.
• Walk along an ancient cypress-lined path to the charming hilltop hamlet of Borgo San Felice, followed by
•  a classic Tuscan country picnic.
• Savor a private dining experience in the garden of Castello di Spaltenna, as well as an adult-only gourmet
•  Tuscan dinner at the renowned Contrada Restaurant.
• Learn the art of honeycomb candle making while enjoying fresh Tuscan cheeses.
• Explore a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti district and delight in new flavors during an adult-exclusive
•  wine blending activity as Junior Adventurers experiment with olive oil infusion and participate in a biscotti-
• making activity.

Spain Adventure

The new Adventures by Disney 9-day, 8-night Spain tour takes guests off the beaten path on an unforgettable trip

 that explores Spanish culture, art and history. Dance to the rhythm of strumming guitars with private Flamenco 

lessons, be inspired by Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona and enjoy privately guided tours to landmark monuments

 that make Spain a vacation destination unlike anywhere else. Trip highlights include:

• Take pleasure in privately guided visits to landmark monuments including Madrid's Royal Palace and Prado
•  Museum, and Córdoba's Grand Mosque.
• Relax, unwind and take in the azure waters of the Mediterranean during a 2-night stay at a stunning resort
•  facing Marbella's famed beach, and delight in other plush accommodations throughout your vacation.
• Test your dancing skills during a private Flamenco lesson and a dinner show in Seville, and delight in a
•  Catalan Rumba dinner performance in Barcelona.
• Enjoy a glass blowing demonstration in La Granja and a self-guided tour of the famous Picasso Museum in
•  Barcelona.
• Learn sangria mixing during a special session for adults while Junior Adventurers savor a gourmet chocolate
•  tasting.
• Join a renowned Paella master who teaches the art of making Spain's national dish.
• Skip the lines at La Sagrada Família and visit Gaudi's other masterpieces in Barcelona.
• Enjoy a special tour of the famous Santiago Bernabéu Fútbol Stadium and lunch at El Asador de la Esquina
•  high atop the stadium.

With more than 30 itineraries around the globe, Adventures by Disney travels to some of the world's most exciting 

destinations. Two Disney-trained Adventure Guides, along with local experts, ensure that every detail of the vacation 

is taken care of so guests can create everlasting memories without the stress of planning.

For more details and to book reservations, call 1-866-543-0865 or contact a travel agent. For more information on the

itineraries offered and activities included on an Adventures by Disney vacation, visit AdventuresByDisney.com.

About Adventures by Disney

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family

 vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Asia and Australia.

 Adventurers traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary and

 customized experiences at locations including: the South African plains, the great cities of Europe, Costa Rica's

 rich rainforest, the ruins of Pompeii and Machu Picchu, Australia's Outback, the Great Wall of China and some of 

America's most iconic destinations, from big cities to big sky country and beyond.

Over the past nine years, Adventures by Disney has been recognized by numerous travel organizations for its

 excellence in family tourism. Adventures by Disney was recently named North America's Leading Tour Operator a

t the 2014 World Travel Awards, and was previously named the World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator in the 2012,

 2010 and 2009 World Travel Awards. Adventures by Disney was also ranked No 1 among Tour Operators and Safari

 Outfitters for Families in 2011 by Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards.

With two Disney-trained Adventure Guides on each trip, engaging and unique activities, VIP experiences and

 personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney vacations are crafted to excite and delight everyone. Visit

 AdventuresByDisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent.

Italian Port Towns Untouched By Tourists

Everyone knows (and loves) Positano, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre. But Italy’s home to many lesser-known port towns that are just as beautiful—and largely free of tourists. Why not consider these beauties for your next Italian coastal getaway?

PORTO VENERE

Liguria

The small fishing village of Porto Venere is just a short boat ride away from the famous towns of the Cinque Terre and shares all of its beauty and charms—without the gawking tourists. The port itself is picturesque, but we encourage you to delve a little deeper into the rustic village. You’ll find spectacular ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and even a sprawling ancient castle with panoramic views over the town and the turquoise-hued Ligurian sea.

PIOMBINO

Tuscany

Formerly a naval base, the stunning port of Piombino is now primarily used for freight transport and as a marina. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte once gifted the beautiful seaside town to his sister, who quickly dubbed it “Little Paris.” It’s not hard to see why: Piombino is filled with extravagant architecture, fountains, museums, and other cultural attractions. We recommend hiking up the sea cliff to Piazza Bovio, where you can enjoy views of the harbor and all the way to Elba Island—home to some of Italy’s prettiest secret beaches.

PORTO SANTO STEFANO

Tuscany

This gorgeous Tuscan port town—just minutes away from L’Argentario and a quick ferry ride to Giglio Island—features a must-see ancient fortress that was built under Spanish rule in the 17th century. It’s also home to two Spanish lookout towers from the same time period, which offer unbeatable vistas of the port. More a foodie than a history buff? Not to worry—Porto Santo Stefano is known for having the freshest seafood around, as well as some top-notch Tuscan ristorantes

PONZA

Lazio

The pretty town of Ponza is home to a large, sheltered fishing and boating port flanked by restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, and cafes. Though the town bustles with activity, Ponza still manages to remain relatively uncrowded and free of foreign visitors (the majority come from Rome, which is only two hours away). We encourage you to venture from the busy port and discover Ponza’s gorgeous swimming grottoes and its popular moon-shaped bay, Chiaia di Luna—easily one of Italy’s most stunning beaches.

TROPEA

Calabria

Tropea was built as a commercial port during the Roman Empire (legend has it that Hercules claimed it as his own during his quest for the golden fleece). Hercules had good taste: With soaring cliffs, exquisite architecture, and pristine white sand beaches, we’d want to lay claim to Tropea, too. The walled town center is dense with cute boutiques, cozy trattorias, and gelaterias—but surprisingly, almost no tourists besides other Italians on holiday.

CAMOGLI

Liguria

Okay, so we've already waxed lyrical about Camogli, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. So why aren’t you there already, sipping a glass of prosecco and watching the sun set over the Italian Riviera? The sleepy, colorful port town still remains the summer getaway of choice by wealthy Milanese and Turinese, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the luxe life, too—if only temporarily. Unlike the narrow, tourist-congested streets of nearby Portofino, Camogli has quiet, open piazzas and nature paths that will lead you up to some spectacular coastal views.

SAN REMO

Liguria

With its pretty seaside promenades, Belle Époque hotels, and art nouveau casino, the port town of San Remo isn’t exactly a secret anymore—but it still hides in the shadow of nearby Portofino. Why go here instead? The area has an old-world grandeur about it, with sandy shores that are significantly less crowded and the fitting nickname “La Cittá dei Fiori” (the City of Flowers).

GAETA

Lazio

Set between Rome and Naples, the gorgeous town of Gaeta is set on a promontory overlooking (not surprisingly) the Gulf of Gaeta. The town, primarily a fishing and oil seaport, features the typical pastel-colored cliff houses, narrow alleys, medieval churches, and even a 13th-century castle. There are some stretches of public beach available away from the busy deep-water ports, but the main draw here is Montagna Spaccata—a mountain supposedly split in half by an earthquake.

Contributed by KRISANNE FORDHAM, Cntraveler.com

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