Travel Notes Blog

Our Local Specialist in Sicily, Chiara, shares her top picks for the best food, activities, villas and more, all on the Italian island of your dreams.

Find out how The Thinking Traveller’s eco initiatives promote wildlife conservation, eco friendly initiatives and ecotourism in this conservation review.

Puglia, Italy's sun-drenched heel, has transformed from a well-kept secret into one of Europe's most captivating destinations. With its whitewashed hilltop towns, crystal-clear Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, centuries-old olive groves, and baroque architecture, choosing where to stay in Puglia can feel overwhelming.

Sicily boasts multiple world heritage sites, immense coasts and an active volcano. See our top five wonders of Sicily and explore our exceptional Sicilian villas.

Our Local Specialist in Sicily, Chiara, shares her top picks for the best food, activities, villas and more, all on the Italian island of your dreams.

Puglia, Italy's sun-drenched heel, has transformed from a well-kept secret into one of Europe's most captivating destinations. With its whitewashed hilltop towns, crystal-clear Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, centuries-old olive groves, and baroque architecture, choosing where to stay in Puglia can feel overwhelming.

Zakynthos (known to many as Zante) is a captivating Greek island in the Ionian Sea that effortlessly balances natural splendour with authentic Greek culture. Whilst the island is celebrated for its iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach, there's a wealth of experiences waiting beyond the tourist trail—from secluded coves accessible only by boat to traditional mountain villages where time seems to stand still.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany's rolling hills, San Gimignano and Siena represent two of Italy's most captivating medieval destinations. San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, famous for its medieval architecture and preservation of about a dozen tower houses, whilst Siena captivates visitors with its Gothic grandeur and vibrant cultural heritage. Together, these destinations offer an unforgettable journey through Tuscany's rich history, stunning landscapes, and authentic Italian culture.

Learn more about renowned chef Christian Puglisi, and his upcoming unique cookery retreat at our Sicilian villa, Rocca delle Tre Contrade. In this blog, immerse yourself in the flavors of spring, traditional Sicilian cuisine, and a special recipe from Puglisi.

From Tzatziki to Moussaka, Greek cuisine is renowned the world over for a reason. Read our traditional Greek recipes guide and cook up your own Mezze feast.

From the Roman quarries of Italy to traditional trulli in Puglia, the Mediterranean offers some truly gorgeous wonders of architecture and design. Here are eight of our favourites, plus villas designed by some of the best creative designers worldwide.

Join us as we dive into the wonderful sights you can see on a boat trip from Zakynthos, from sea turtles and shipwrecks to gorgeous beaches you’ve only ever dreamed about before.

Sicily boasts multiple world heritage sites, immense coasts and an active volcano. See our top five wonders of Sicily and explore our exceptional Sicilian villas.

Learn more about the ways we are embracing a more sustainable future for luxury travel in Sicily, by supporting projects from the Sicily Environment Fund, as part of the Conservation Collective.

Sample sensational food and wine at sagre in Puglia and Sicily this autumn. Find out more about attending a sagra in Italy and where to stay here.

Christmas in France is a magical celebration that blends centuries-old traditions with regional customs, creating an unforgettable festive experience. From the twinkling lights of Parisian boulevards to the enchanting Christmas markets of Alsace, France transforms into a winter wonderland each December.

Find out how The Thinking Traveller’s eco initiatives promote wildlife conservation, eco friendly initiatives and ecotourism in this conservation review.

Explore the benefits of luxury villa rentals vs. hotel stays, focusing on privacy, space, and personalised touches for your next getaway.

Have you ever found yourself in one of the world’s great cities and wished you had somewhere to go that felt like a home from home? We have the perfect solution.