ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA, VANCOUVER

First opened in 1927 in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Hotel Georgia came to be known as the city's most elegant retreat. The Georgian Revival structure welcomed a who's who of the entertainment world to British Columbia, including Elvis Presley, Nat "King" Cole, Katharine Hepburn and British royalty. The legendary boutique hotel, unveiled in July as Rosewood Hotel Georgia, now features 156 guest accommodations, Sense, A Rosewood Spa® and signature fine dining restaurant by renowned Chef David Hawksworth. Recipient of 2011 AAA Four-Diamond Award. Visit www.rosewood.com

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FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE, ITALY

ITALIAN LESSONS

There's a certain glossy fashion mag that many think of as a style bible for its far-reaching ability to set trends and inspire culture-hungry consumers. But in Florence  one of Europe's style meccas — there's an exclusive new guide to all things fabulous and Firenze!

Developed by in-the-know insiders at Four Seasons Hotel Florence, the Firenze Su Misura, or Craft Shopping Guide, is a 315-page (how's that for comprehensive?) handbook for finding the city's chicest stuff. And unlike the aforementioned magazine, it doesn't stop at fashion — inside, you'll find home décor, leather goods, pottery, lighting, perfume and more!

You'll shop like a local and walk down the city's winding streets with authority with the Firenze Su Misura — available in both Italian and English — as your reference. From old-world artisans to hot new designers, the guide contains all the secrets for exploring this romantic Renaissance city in style.

Don't miss your chance to pick up this hot-off-the-presses Style Bible during your next stay at Four Seasons Hotel Florence. Ciao!

March 24th - April 1st

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VILLA D'ESTE . . . 140 YEARS

This month Villa d'Este celebrates its 140th  birthday.

The staff is returning and resuming their posts to ready and welcome returning guests upon arrival. March first marked the official opening day of the opening season.  Lake Como in all its splendor.

Originally built in 1568 as a Summer retreat for the Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio of Como, it was owned in successsion by a ballerina and a Napoleonic General, a Queen without a crown,  a Russian Empress and minor aristocracy.  It was the year 1873 when a group of Milanese businessmen inaugurated the hotel and promoted the lake region as a tourist attraction. Edith Wharton, Mark Twain,Giuseppe Verdi and John Singer were among the first visitors to grace the shores of Lake Como with their presence.

Villa d'Este is much more than an Hotel... the Luxury and the Magnificence of a bygone era are maintained intact.... we simply added all the modern comforts and up-to-date facilities without disturbing the aura of palatial authenticity.

Jean-Marc Droulers, is no longer the C.E.O. of Villa d'Este however he has not  gone far since he has become the President of Villa Erba with headquarters  down the road. He will be missed but fortunately Danilo Zucchetti who joined Villa d'Este six years ago has  become the General Manager  of the Villa d'Este Group.