With the end of the olive harvest, a quieter time begins in Tuscany. It is the time of year which many foodies cherish the most, as numerous local delicacies like game, mushrooms and truffels make their way to the table. Tuscany is rich in art treasures and museums and cultural sites are open for visitors year round- in wintertime without a long wait. For those looking to unwind, there are many thermal baths in the region. Alternatively one can visit one of the numerous natural hot springs, where one can enjoy comforting warmth sitting in a natural pool, even with frosty outside temperatures. Few people know that Tuscany also has quite a lot to offer for winter sport lovers. There are several ski resorts, some even with view oft he Ligurian sea. Abetone, for example, with its four valleys and 21 modern ski lifts, is only an hours drive from Florence.

Margherita Pandolfini studied sculpting and the fine arts at Camberwell College of Arts in London, where she lived and worked for fourteen years. Together with Karl Jorns, she successfully runs La Serra MK Textile Atelier in a lightflooded greenhouse atelier in Florence. Their work techniques include silk screen printing, hand painting, and digital design to create unique furnishings for the home. The greenhouse philosophy of La Serra is based on using natural dyes and pigments on organic Italian linens, inspired by the surrounding nature and fauna and is influenced not only by Florentine art and history but also by Margherita and Karl's travels abroad.
Margherita is currently working in Paris on a mixed media series of watercolor on paper.

Located in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley is touched with the romance of 19th century architecture paired with contemporary interiors, reflecting the inimitable Six Senses style. With the river Douro winding its lazy way through the oldest wine-producing region in the world, this unique and serene setting is located only 125 km from Porto Intl. Airport.

The resort's impressive estate covers 8 hectares with 71 guest accomodations, which range from rooms and suites to private pool villas. The hotel offers an excellent cuisine, a 2200 sqm spa and various leisure activities in the splendid surroundings.

A FAIRYTALE WINTER

Stockholm unfolds a fairytale beauty in wintertime. As the days are getting shorter and darker you will discover a light or candle in almost every window as it is now the season to get cozy. Get in the holiday spirit at one of the city’s many Christmas markets and discover handcrafted products while enjoying some delicious mulled wine. On December 13th Sweden celebrates the Lucia Fest, a festival of lights with many concerts taking place in churches all over Stockholm.

For those wanting to venture out to the archipelago, the idyllic village of Vaxholm has a lovely Christmas market waiting to be discovered.

MAISON D'ANGLETERRE'S REFINED SPECIALTIES IN THE HEART OF COPENHAGEN


Hotel D’Angleterre, one of Scandinavia’s most renowned luxury hotels is well-known beyond the city limits of Copenhagen. But did you know that Maison D’Angleterre offers refined delicacies, bringing Marchal's Michelin awarded cuisine to passersby? The exquisite shop is stocked daily with freshly baked breads, pastries and more. The intriguing selection changes with the seasons.

Their beautiful hampers and gift baskets are perfect or surprising someone on a special occasion. And discerning connoisseurs will be happy to hear that picnic and lunch are also offered. So why not stop by for take-out and head to one of the many green spots or canals the city has to offer to enjoy an alfresco lunch.


Image:Hotel D'Angleterre
www.dangleterre.com/en/maison-dangleterre