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Between the deep blue and the Blue Zone of Sardinia

By Geetika Jain

Half a century ago, the rugged backwaters of Sardinia–the second largest island in the Mediterranean–were transformed into Europe's most sought-after summer resorts for the haves and have-yachts. The Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast, in the north has been encrusted with bijoux hotels, sybaritic spas, private marinas, epic restaurants and top-brass clothing boutiques, all of them housed in beautifully designed Neo-Mediterranean architectural style. They're suffused in flowering oleander, bougainvillaea and hibiscus of such epic profusion, that the entire place looks like a tropical garden in bloom.

Visitors from all over the world cling to the coasts and the pearlescent beaches with translucent blue waters. This leaves the rugged interior of gnarled granite massifs, thorn scrub and bulbous olive trees almost entirely to wild broncos, feral sheep, red deer and the stubborn but proud Sardinians who cling to their traditions, recipes and a Latin-based language quite their own. Sardinia is an autonomous region within Italy, and to enjoy its unique and authentic charm, I sallied forth inland to explore its arty communities and hilltop villages, which led me past sheep pastures, almond and olive groves and the crumbling bronze age stone towers of the island's ancient Nuragic inhabitants.

In the cool of the mornings, I sauntered up towards the crests of the hills to take in views of the azure Tyrrhenian channel that separates Sardinia from Italy. Marco Budroni, a local guide, accompanied me as we made our way past hidden beaches in little coves overlooking tall, rocky, iceberg-like islands. Sea-salt, dust and the powerful wind has carved and shaped the omnipresent granite boulders into fascinating and phantasmagoric shapes.

Going uphill on Capo Figari, the narrow track on the crunchy limestone was crowded by Myrtle, milkwort and elaborately geometric yellow flowers called cardo. A constant buzz that sounded like a garden sprinkler, was explained by Marco as the ‘love season of the cicadas.'

At the summit, the cool breeze felt delicious and floated my chiffon dress skywards. The sailors have always loved its punch in their sails, but the farmers dislike it because it can dry-out their fields and orchards. It has a beautiful name–the Mistral, or the maestro. It reminded me of other names of winds in these parts… the sirocco that blows north from the Sahara and the Zephyr of Greek legends.

Marco was keen to show me a small village called San Pantaleo. ‘It is very particular,' he said, ‘there are many artists and craftsmen who live there and today we have the Thursday market. Going to a local market is like visiting people's homes.'

Photo: Y.Levy / Alamy Stock Photo

San Pantaleo is truly special as it commands sensational views of two towering monolithic mountains of wrinkled granite on either side. My pulse quickened as we explored the deeply undulating back roads. The narrow lanes of minuscule homes are imbued in charm, and many of them are completely swathed in greenery. We walked towards the central piazzetta and entered the flapping white market stalls to hear voices greeting each other. People who walk their dogs are true locals and now I feel like one of them, turning the figs, sipping the local wine, tasting the lavender honey and pecorino cheese served on crunchy, impossibly thin slivers of local bread called pane carasau.

The chairs and table from the packed Café Nina have floated far out on to the street along with the scent of freshly brewing coffee. Via Torres and Via Po are abuzz with exciting art and antiques galleries and chic clothing stores. This little place is the darling of the coastal visitors and it has an international vibe as several foreigners have made it their home. The nearest hotel, Pietra Segreta (secret stones) is a 20-minute drive away, but Yin Yan, the local Airbnb has the advantage of being in the heart of the village. In the evenings, a faint roseate blush washes over the sky and horizon and its the perfect time to find a private nook to view the sunset.

Arundhati Ail

Shikha Tripathi

Condé Nast Traveller

Hoinhu Hauzel

Photo: Andy Christiani / Getty Images

Sardinia doesn't have a circular coastal road. Instead, its paths lead inland where the locals hid from ransacking pirates and marauding conquerors. The Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Spaniards and Byzantines came and went, leaving influences, tastes and lineages. Deep inside the heartland you'll find the Sardinians in farmer's hats, shepherd's cloaks and vintner's boots. They hold a secret many are trying to unlock, and this is the gift of longevity. Sardinia is one of the world's Blue Zones, which depict concentrations of centenarians.

A National Geographic study began in Sardinia and went on to discover communities in other parts of the world such as in Okinawa-Japan, Ikaria-Greece, Nicoya-Costa Rica and Linda Loma-California where several people live well into their nineties and many celebrate their hundredth birthday. Longevity was not pursued, it happened to them. These are tough folks who work hard out on the fields, move naturally, they have a sense of purpose and long-term close relationships. In Sardinia, they keep to rituals such as visiting the church and taking a siesta. Theirs is a mainly plant-based diet of whole grains and beans, sheep's yoghurt, goat's milk and they enjoy wine and company in the evenings and love to celebrate.

Photo: Tuul & Bruno Morandi / Getty Images

Fascinated, I watched a film on the centenarians where a family of 9 siblings has lived to a combined age of 819 years. There's an amusing moment when four of them make a plan to drive down to the beach, and when his bespectacled, bent and bearded 107-year-old sister mentions her aching bones, her brother jokingly chides her; ‘You're not allowed to say you're in poor health, Consolata. Say you're strong and healthy. Otherwise, your marriage won't happen.'

‘It's a mystery' said Marco. ‘We don't really know why so many people in the countryside live so long and stay in good health. Perhaps it's the fresh air, or the magnetic metals in our granite rocks, or maybe just their special bloodline. These people are poor, they have really tough lives and many are inbred. One thing is for sure, if you want to live a long time in Sardinia, you absolutely must drink red wine every single day.'

Condé Nast Traveller Awards: Delphina celebrates two nominations

Posted on: 27/06/2023

The Resort Valle dell’Erica and Hotel Marinedda: two 5-star establishments that have made the holidays unforgettable for the readers of the famous American magazine.

It is with great pride and joy that we celebrate two Delphina hotels and resorts, officially nominated by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller: the Resort Valle dell’Erica and the Hotel Marinedda , in the running for the coveted Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 .

The Traveller Conde’ Nast Reader’s Choice Awards 2023

Recognised as one of the leading figures in international tourism, the American publication Condé Nast Traveller is gearing up to bestow the Reader’s Choice Awards 2023: one of the most prestigious awards in the travel sector, directly chosen by the magazine’s readers. These nominations are the result of a careful selection process by the magazine, which over twelve months identified the hotels and resorts that have made trips unforgettable for the readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

The selection of candidates is based on various criteria that include service quality, food, and atmosphere. We are very excited; we are nominated to win the award for the best resorts in the world!

Blue Flags 2023: Awarded Beaches in Northern Sardinia

Delphina is the Green Leader in Europe at the World Travel Awards 2022

Tripadvisor: the Resort Valle dell’Erica is among the best hotels in the world

• The 10 Best Hotels In...

The Best Places to Stay in Sardinia for Every Traveller

Wary of sea-bound threats, islanders on Sardinia long avoided settling near the coast, but today’s visitors can frolic in the sea with abandon – and much of the Italian island’s finest accommodation takes full advantage of the remarkably unspoilt coastline. Here are the best places to stay in Sardinia , bookable with Culture Trip.

In the 1960s, the Aga Khan – leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and savvy businessman – saw potential in Sardinia’s northeast coastline and proceeded to make it a playground for the rich and famous. Stays on Italy’s second-largest island have had the air of the high life ever since. The charms of the Aga Khan’s favoured patch – the glittering Costa Smeralda – are undimmed to this day, and some of the best Sardinian hotels are in this northeast corner. But if ever an island bore exploration, it was Sardinia – so we’ve picked out gems at all points of the compass for your next getaway.

1. Resort Valle dell’Erica

Resort, Luxury

This five-star oceanfront resort is set back from 1.5km (1mi) of private coastline that dances between rugged coves and lovely, parasol-specked beaches . The resort combines two sections stretching across a landscape of granite and Italian macchia shrubland: the Hotel Erica and the even more charming Hotel La Licciola, where an emphasis on Galluran design enhances the already harmonious sense of place. While this is Costa Smeralda country, there’s so much more to see in these parts than the millionaires’ yachts; excursions range from the Maddalena Archipelago to the culture-rich Galluran hinterland. Sip a sundowner on the terrace with Corsica glowering in the distance and then choose from one of the resort’s seven restaurants. Infinity pools and a large thalassotherapy spa seal the deal.

2. Hotel Abbaruja

Hotel, Villa

4. Hotel Cala Reale

5. La Villa del Re

6. Hotel Costa Dei Fiori

7. Hotel & Spa Riviera Castelsardo

8. Residenza d'Epoca Regina d'Arborea

Hotel, Luxury

Residenza d’Epoca Regina d’Arborea is a 19th-century historic residence that’s considered one of the greatest expressions of Sardinian construction. With frescos and interior decorations dating back to 1880, it’s not your usual stay in Sardinia, that’s for sure. The bedrooms are richly decorated with the original furniture of the house, giving your stay a museum-like quality. Breakfast features local produce and is beautifully presented on antique china.

9. Is Arenas Resort

This luxurious beachside resort, surrounded by a tranquil pine forest, will instantly make you feel relaxed. Clean design and muted tones blend seamlessly with the natural environment to ensure a zen-like feel to your stay. Roll out of your room and onto a private sandy beach, a short walk away. Wellness is key at this resort with a superb selection of treatments, outdoor pool, Turkish bath, whirlpool plus yoga and Pilates lessons.

10. La Peonia Boutique B&B

Bed and Breakfast

La Peonia Boutique B&B is a family-run bed and breakfast with a romantic, neoclassical facade. Find out what to see and do in the surrounding city of Cagliari by asking the multilingual staff. Breakfast is Mediterranean and is best enjoyed in the stylish garden.

11. Boutique Hotel Capo Blu

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

Small on size but big on boutique beach style, Hotel Capo is a 14-room hotel with modern suites around a cosy, communal courtyard and pool. Relax amongst the palms, hanging chairs and a pool bar. Take a stroll through the peaceful pine forest and emerge on a golden sand beach.

12. Hotel Villa Sveva

Boutique Hotel, Villa

This laid-back, beachside hotel has had extensive renovations and is perfectly set amongst acacia trees. Relax in their understated rooms, complete with private terraces and splashes of bold colour. It’s also conveniently located between the popular Poetto Beach and the flamingo-populated Molentargius salt lakes. Hotel residents can experience a range of water sports in the area, drink at busy Plan B or enjoy the local bathhouses.

13. Forte Village Resort, Hotel Il Castello

Five-star Hotel Il Castello oozes Sardinian sophistication and uber-contemporary design. Tranquillity is the default mode here, with soft piano music, the breaking of waves and a gentle hum of the thalassotherapy pool. It has the hushed-tone feel that comes with a truly luxurious stay. For sea views, sink into their heated infinity pool and gaze out over the sea.

Looking for more places to stay in Sardinia? Discover the island in style at one of the best boutique hotels around , or for an indulgent stay, check into a luxury hotel with all the trimmings . Inspire your itinerary with our guide to the top things to see and do, including a visit to Sardinia’s most beautiful towns , and for a true taste of life here, experience authentic Sardinian gastronomy at one of the island’s best restaurants . Wherever your visit takes you, be sure to book your stay with Culture Trip.

Neil McQuillian and Portia Jones contributed additional reporting to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Learning From Sardinia, Where Locals Live La Dolce Vita Longer Than Anyone Else

By Lilah Ramzi

I’ve come from the isle of Manhattan, where clocks tick on New York minutes and anxiety hums in the streets. I’ve landed in Sardinia, a Mediterranean island (outsized only by Sicily) where stress feels out of place among the mountains, verdant with maquis, and blue waters that shift in color like an ombré of indigo. Regarding time, everyone seems to have an abundance of it—Sardinian lives are the longest in the world ; the island has nearly 10 times more centenarians per capita than the U.S.

I stayed on Costa Smeralda —a stretch of land untouched until the ‘60s when the Aga Khan (the leader of Nizari Muslims) developed the beautiful coastline into a yacht-friendly billionaire’s paradise with some of the world’s most expensive real estate. A perch atop a Costa Smeralda cliff offers Dolce & Gabbana perfume-ad views for miles, but the best vantage point is actually enjoyed by boat. From here, you can take in the “Emerald Coast” in all its glory—12 miles of rocky shorelines that drop off to secluded white sand beaches before picking back up again to hoist homes painted in pastel colors borrowed from the sunset—or a Missoni knit (the Missoni’s compound is famously located nearby). The most iconic structure is a pale pink hotel; the Aga Khan-built Cala di Volpe , which has hosted the Italian elite and royal yacht-set for decades—but don’t ask the tight-lipped staff for names. On Costa Smeralda, life is certainly the most comfortable on the island, but throughout, there’s a relative ease in the air.

By Hannah Coates

By Kui Mwai

By Nicole Kliest

The landscape of Sardinia is paradisiacal, but it doesn’t have the “no bad days” ease of a tropical island. Mastic trees gnarled with age and ruins (more than 7,000 “beehive tombs,” or Nuraghes, tower throughout the island) suggest a hard earned wisdom. And if a view of the Mediterranean wasn’t enough to lure Sardinians out of the house, the weather surely will. Year round, the average temperature fluctuates ever so slightly; from the capital of Cagliari, the winter months average out to 50 degrees and push 80 degrees in summer. Getting picked up at the airport, I asked my driver what I needed to see on Costa Smeralda ; he listed three different beaches. Other island habitués offered the same delightfully limited options.

Most Sardinian attractions are alfresco activities—wandering the steep hills of the capital of Cagliari or the bohemian art haven of San Pantaleo , where, every Thursday, Italianate antiques and the island’s traditional woven textiles line the narrow streets that undulate in the mountainous landscape. There’s also Neptune's Grotto , the otherworldly stalactite cave, and Gennargentu National Park , where intrepid hikers can reach the highest point on the island, passing lakes and gorges on trails lush with the wild pink peonies. Even nightlife on the island takes advantage of mother nature: beach clubs pump music over the sound of crashing waves, and Costa Smeralda’s famous Ritual club is set in a ruinous castle on a mountainside where unkempt gardens evoke Mrs. Havisham’s lair, and you can dance beneath the stars.

Being outdoors is in the island’s DNA. An agriculture-driven society meant generations of Sardinians shepherded lambs in the central region, while those along the coast were fishermen—catching spider crab, tuna, and of course, sardines. These are essential components of their Mediterranean diet, which is doused in olive oil and heady with aromatic herbs. Days are cut short by apertivo cocktail hour, or sometimes a drink earlier— one Sardinian centenarian attributed her longevity to, “two fingers width of red wine, and no more, at lunchtime every day.”

Flavors lean towards the herbal and the tangy, sometimes underseasoned to give way to natural flavors. Quintessential Sardinian dishes include lamb slow-cooked in fennel, and spit-roasted suckling pig flavored with sage and bay leaves. There’s a heavy Spanish influence, as Sardinia fell under Spanish and Catalan rule for several hundred years (Catalan is still a recognized language on the island). And there’s plenty of seafood and pasta (this is Italy, after all). Ravioli is filled with local ewe’s milk ricotta, and tagliolinis are served with catches of the day. All meals begin with Pane Carasau , a wafer-thin flatbread served with twigs of rosemary, and end with mirto di sardegna, a myrtle-leaf liquor sweetened with berries.

If all this sounds indulgent, shaving years off your life rather than coating them on, consider that here, foods are locally sourced. Farmers also employ age-old techniques that would be considered organic to the Whole Foods-set, but to the people of the island, it’s just how things are done. For standout meals, Restaurant Cala di Volpe serves an amazing supper with none of the pretension you’d expect to find at the legendary hotspot. Think bass fish filets and boiled potatoes with dill and many of the aforementioned specialities. Porto Cervo’s Il Pescatore is also worthy of all its buzz (and recently refurbished). Come for the view of bobbing yachts in the picturesque port (you can also play a game of guess-the-yacht-owner, though there’s an app for that; “a Sardinian dating app,” a local quips) and stay for the superb pasta with clams.

And though a trip to the isle doesn’t guarantee one or two bonus years added to your life, you might say vacations here at least feel longer. My five days on the island (though I’d recommend at least a week, and do rent a car) was restorative, and enough to give me a taste of the Sardinian way of (long) life. Scientists attribute their longevity to a combination of nature vs. nurture, with the latter the more dominant factor. Areas with comparable life expectancies (scientifically dubbed the Blue Zones) like Okinawa, Japan ; Nicoya, Costa Rica ; and Ikaria, Greece enjoy a magic combination of weather, fresh food, and physical activity that lead to good health. But leave it to the Italians to outdo them all by living just a tad longer. With the Italian commitment to living the good life, is it really that surprising that la dolce vita lasts the longest?

Season in review: Hotels and resorts bustle with guests, upgrade amenities and gather awards

In both October and February, island hotels — from The Breakers to the Four Seasons to The Colony to the Brazilian Court — earned high marks from Conde Nast Travel + Leisure and Forbes Travel Guide.

As Palm Beach hotels this past season introduced new amenities and upgrades to their properties, they also garnered top ratings from noted travel guides and magazines for being alluring places for luxe getaways.

Of the 50 resort properties ranked in February among the “Best Resorts in the World” by Forbes Travel Guide, the Four Seasons Palm Beach came in at No. 20 and Eau Palm Beach was No. 44.

Both topped the Top 10 Resorts in Florida category.

In the Ten Best Hotels in Florida category, The Breakers took the No. 3 spot with The Colony Hotel at No. 6 and The Brazilian Court at No. 8.

In October, The Four Seasons and Manalapan’s Eau Palm Beach were deemed the best resorts in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The two resorts also earned the top two spots in Florida. The Breakers, The Colony and Brazilian Court also earned high honors in the awards, based on 2023 surveys taken by 500,000-plus Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers.

Meanwhile, The Breakers, for the second year in a row, was named in April to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

And the historic resort dating to 1896 moved up from No. 65 to No. 59 on the list. It holds a place as the only independently-owned hotel on the list, which is organized by Fortune Media and Great Place to Work.

The hotel has more than 2,000 employees and is focused on “fostering a culture of care and well-being,” The Breakers’ Denise Bober told the Daily News.

The Colony Hotel making partners

The Colony Hotel had an exceptionally busy season bringing in new and former business partners to create buzz about the hotel’s programs.

In October, the hotel debuted the redesign of one of its villas done by actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop lifestyle brand.

The hotel also, among other things, showcased holiday décor by Aerin Lauder’s AERIN brand and featured floral artist Lewis Miller.

In addition, The Colony introduced spa and other treatments by Naturopathica; and it rebooted exercise classes by Tracy Anderson Method and nightlife fun with DJ Pamela Tick.

Big anniversary for the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach celebrated its 30th anniversary this past season. The hotel-and-resort brand entered the local market in 1994.

The six-acre oceanfront property, which has received five stars from Forbes Travel Guide for 26 consecutive years, celebrated its three-decade birthday with special activities in February.

They included prosecco rosé toasts, a special three-course anniversary dinner, and t-shirts for sale commemorating the three-decade anniversary.

Penthouse pizzazz at The Breakers Palm Beach

As part of an exclusive “boutique hotel” enclave on the top two floors of The Breakers, the resort’s Flagler Club reopened in late November after a full renovation by an internationally known hospitality designer.

Since the multi-million-dollar redesign debuted, demand has been brisk for the club’s 21 rooms and suites in the “boutique hotel-within-a-hotel” on the private-access floors with their own staff and perks.

Though the entire 534-room Breakers with golf, tennis, pool-and-beach complex, restaurants, spa and fitness center often is “operating at peak business levels,” guests seeking “more exclusive experiences” have flocked to The Flagler Club, the club’s general manager Jessica Regen told the Daily News.

The club’s new look was created by famed New York-based Tihany Design to create an ambiance “reminiscent of a private guest house within a legendary resort,” Regen said.

The Breakers has boasted VIP accommodations on its top floors for two decades. But the hotel, which was founded in 1896 by Henry Flagler, reconceptualized The Flagler Club in 2015.

The best new hotels in Australia and New Zealand: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

The below list forms our annual Hot List edit of the best new hotels in Australia and New Zealand. This selection of hotels is part of the annual Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2024. This selection of hotels is part of the annual Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2024 . See the other lists below:

• The best new hotels in the world
• The best new hotels in the Middle East
• The best new hotels in Asia
• The best new hotels in Europe and the UK
• The best new hotels in North America and Mexico
• The best new hotels in Africa
• The best new restaurants in the world

Sun Ranch, Byron Bay, Australia Arrow

Byron Hinterlands, the not-so-secret refuge of eco-entrepreneurs and Hollywood hideouts, has increasingly felt out-of-bounds to anyone without an invite – which makes the opening of Sun Ranch all the more welcome. The petite hotel is the vision of Jamie Blakey, who founded rock-and-roll denim brand One Teaspoon, and her best friend Julia Ashwood, who co-owns some of the buzziest restaurants in the region. Spread across 55 acres of undulating green hills, this groovy ranch is a maximalist eruption of colour, textile and pattern. There are bright walls in shades from azure to flamingo, swirling terra-cotta flooring, opulent velvet lounges and sculptural beaded chandeliers. In the coral Cowboy Bar, bottles of tequila and mezcal are infused with different chiles for varying spice and extra kick. In the main “rambler” house, the four bedrooms offer access to a private pool. Outside where horses roam, young families staying in the colourful timber barns zoom around on electric bikes while young couples see how long they can last in the wood-fired sauna and ice bath. Further off, a monolithic slab of concrete has been chiselled into the Pool Club, where guests can sunbathe and do lazy laps to a soundtrack of funky jazz. From $450. —Chloe Sachdev

Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia Arrow

When the catastrophic “black summer” bushfires of 2020 burnt down Southern Ocean Lodge, many thought it was the end of the story for one of Australia’s greatest luxury lodges. A fixture on Kangaroo Island’s sensational stretch of wild southwest coast, the resort was originally opened in 2008 by husband-and-wife duo James and Hayley Baillie, and it quickly became the soft-landing of choice to explore the “Australian Galápagos.” This story received a much-welcomed plot twist in December 2023, when the resort reopened as a near replica of its former sci-fi self, shaped like a low-flying saucer hovering above the Southern Ocean, with uninterrupted last-stop-before-Antarctica views across the sea. The resort now comprises 25 glass-fronted suites that extend across the limestone cliffs, each with midcentury-modern curves, sunken living rooms, fireplaces and sliding doors that open to private patios and the fresh Antarctic breeze. On the western edge of the lodge, the four-bedroom Ocean Pavilion suite is a new addition – it sits like an amphitheatre with an infinity pool, a plunge pool/spa and views across the coastal cliffs. Another tweak is the now north-facing spa, complete with a chill-out lounge, small gym, sauna, three treatment rooms and hot and cold plunge pools. The reoriented spa turns its back to the sea to give guests a glimpse of the 250 acres of nature reserve surrounding the resort, all while they’re being massaged and scrubbed with the island’s bounty of lavender, eucalyptus, and pure Ligurian honey. From $2,250. —Chloe Sachdev

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https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-rome

A few I am well familiar with, and a few I want to try .... so many restaurants, so little time!

5 replies to this topic

My favourite osteria made the list!!!

We're looking forward to dinner at Mazzo at the end of the month.

eightyeight -- which one is your favorite?

Happy to see Osteria Chiana on the list. One of my favorites.

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This Japanese town is blocking its best view of Mount Fuji because of badly behaved tourists

By Connor Sturges

For those seeking to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of Japan ’s iconic Mount Fuji from a specific vantage point, a new development might pose a challenge. Authorities are putting up an eight-foot-tall barrier, disrupting the usual view.

Until fairly recently, the town of Fujikawaguchiko, located in the region’s Yamanashi Prefecture, may not have topped travellers’ tightly packed Japanese itineraries.

However, one vantage point has attracted a steady stream of photographers desperate for a winning volcano shot. On clear days, hoards of tourists have lined up opposite Fujikawaguchiko’s Lawson Convenience Store, eager to capture the majesty of the mighty peak in contrast with the store’s neon signage.

According to recent international news reports, an official told the French international news agency Agence France-Presse, “It’s regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can’t respect rules”.

The two-and-a-half-metre tall by 20-metre wide mesh net is designed to block views of the peak, subsequently deterring badly behaved tourists. It comes after road signs and warnings from security guards failed to deter them.

Officials claim visitors park without permission, obstructing traffic flow, and even climb on the roof of the clinic to get the perfect shot.

This isn’t the first – and certainly won’t be the last – measure towns and cities take to tackle overtourism and, in particular, snap-happy travellers. Officials in Kyoto recently implemented a ban on tourist photography in certain historic areas following reports of visitors harassing geisha.

Last Easter, Portofino’s mayor, Matteo Viacava, introduced red zones in the famous Amalfi Coast town to limit the human traffic jams that can cause issues during peak season – essentially banning unnecessary loitering and selfie-takers.

Other cities are also taking steps to combat overtourism. Venice has introduced a tourist tax to fund the preservation of its historic sites, while Amsterdam is limiting overnight visits, the construction of new hotels, and Airbnb listings as locals struggle with rising costs.

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