Lake Como
Tuscany
Portofino Coast
Partnering with Culinary Teams
Imagine your group embarking on a culinary adventure at one of our resorts, where one of the talented chefs would guide you through the process of waste reduction, diversion, and responsible sourcing. Here’s how it works:
1) Sustainable Food Practices: Learn firsthand how culinary teams sort food waste. Discover the importance of separating compostable materials from other waste.
2) Composting Journey: Participate in collecting compostable waste. Witness how food scraps transform into nutrient-rich compost. This process kickstarts soil generation, benefiting local ecosystems.
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Corporate Responsibility Matters
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April 29-30: Los Angeles, California
May 1: Los Angeles, California May 2-3: San Francisco, California
May 3: Sonoma, Calfornia May 16: Atlanta, Georgia June 26: Seattle, Washington
June 28: Vancouver, Canada
Dolomites
Sustainable Food Activity
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Creating Sustainable Travel Experiences
At Preferred, we believe in crafting travel experiences that not only delight our guests but also uphold our commitment to corporate responsibility. Our approach revolves around four essential pillars: nature, culture, community, and climate. These pillars form the foundation of our mission to provide exceptional service and luxury without compromising our positive environmental impact goals.
The Interweaving of Pillars with Your Program Our unique perspective takes “environmentally friendly” to the next level. By seamlessly interweaving these pillars, we create travel experiences that resonate with conscious travelers. Let’s explore one impactful way to implement waste reduction within group programs:
3) Farm Connection: Transport the compost to a nearby farm, where the landowner can explain the farm’s operations and the role of food waste in sustainable agriculture.
4) Harvesting Greens: Engage in a hands-on experience by harvesting fresh greens and other produce. These ingredients will find their way back to the resort kitchen, enhancing the group’s meals for the day.
By embracing waste reduction practices, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also enrich our guests’ travel experiences. Join us in celebrating corporate responsibility as we weave together nature, culture, community, and climate.
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CONNECT WITH GROUP SALES
Legends of Italy
Describe Tuscany for someone who has never visited.
Tuscany is probably the most dreamed of and iconic region in Italy. Think: long stretches of vineyards, olive groves as far as the eye can see. Rolling hills and cypress trees with history and art exuding from every corner of medieval streets or renaissance castles. This is Tuscany. Castelfalfi is located at its heart, less than a one-hour drive to the closest airports of Florence and Pisa. It’s an ideal base for day trips to San Gimignano (30 minutes), Volterra (40 minutes). Siena, Florence, and Forte dei Marmi on the prestigious seaside, are only about one hour away.
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What types of groups are ideal for your hotel?
Incentives, Celebrations, Fashion Shows, Exhibitions, Product Launches, Award Ceremonies, and Conferences.
When is the best time of year to visit?
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About Castelfalfi:
Castelfalfi is truly a one-of-a-kind location — contemporary five-star rooms (146 in total), three gorgeous venues for events, and five meeting spaces with state-of-the-art AV and furnishings — surrounded by iconic Tuscan landscapes that can be enjoyed from a plateau of 500 m over sea level, giving the view a mystical quality no matter the weather or time of day. Customized experiences for groups from pizza making and truffle hunting to archery and falconry, plus great options for relaxation with Pilates, yoga, and a brand-new spa, are some examples from the abundance of options any group can enjoy.
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Montaione, Tuscany, Italy
Castelfalfi
What are your three favorite things about Tuscany?
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What are the top three things for groups to do on property?
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What is your favorite food or drink item to order at the hotel?
The cocktail "Spring in Tuscany" — Refreshing and surprising, it was created by our bar manager while he was enjoying a drink looking at the valley at sunset in a moment of inspiration.
Share a "locals only" tip about Tuscany.
When you buy bread at a baker, always ensure to ask for it with salt. Traditional Tuscan bread is baked without salt.
What is something special about Castelfalfi that only an employee might know?
There is a beautiful hill in front of the Rosmarino restaurant with my favorite view of the whole estate.
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If Castelfalfi were to be known for only one thing, what would it be?
Abundance — of space, views, venues, beauty, and so much more.
Client Testimonial:
"Castelfalfi… what can I say other than it’s breathtaking! A beautiful modern Tuscan experience. The hotel staff was absolutely amazing and the on-property activities (pizza making, cooking classes, olive oil tasting) were so much fun. The resort is a bit remote and a little far from mainstream group activity options, but that didn’t impact our overall experience. It allowed us to experience the best of both worlds of Italy. Ending the trip outside a beautiful castle in Castelfalfi town was perfect. Our clients were amazed and said this was the BEST trip yet!"
– Lesli Castaneda, CMP, Sr. Meeting & Event Manager, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
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Spring and Autumn: Temperatures are mild and the colors of nature are gorgeous
Summer: The chance of rain is truly minimal at 500 m above sea level, and a lovely breeze is always present
Winter: While the weather becomes unpredictable, the many indoor locations and the spa, together with special rates that can be granted, still make this season worth considering
What are the top three things for groups to do in Tuscany?
Food, glorious food! Wonderful homemade pasta, greatly cooked meats, and the very best wines in the world.
Landscape, with spaces so wide where nature is queen, giving you the room to breathe and forget about time.
People. friendliness, openness, and deep pride in their land – Tuscan people are special!
Exclusive Florence – arranging private viewings of Uffizi, Salone dei Cinquecento.
A visit to one of the renowned Wineries – Antinori and Ornellaia, just to name a couple.
A trip to one of the nearby medieval towns (at least five within a one-hour drive) in a classic car – preferably a convertible!
Outside of the traditional meeting space on property, are there any other unique meeting venues that a group can use on-site or near the hotel?
Castelfalfi has a brand-new ballroom, which will be available beginning in 2025 with a contemporary, light design and a space of 650 square meters with triple height ceilings.
Dinner at La Rocca Castle with gorgeous views over the valley and one of the best golden hours I have ever experienced.
Truffle Hunting with dedicated guides and hunting dogs, followed by a scrumptious truffle lunch, of course.
Breakfast on Olivina Terrace, with the senses reawakening while taking in the marvelous view.
Carlotta Albanese
Director of Group Sales & Events
Castelfafi
Hotel Contributer
What is something special about Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast that only an employee might know?
The family who owns the hotel is one of the most important antiques collectors in Europe. Some of our antiques come from Ernst of Hannover and have been acquired following a very challenging international audit.
If Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast were to be known for only one thing, what would it be?
The unique position of our iconic building. The setting is truly special: Located on a tiny peninsula just six kilometers away from Portofino, the hotel boasts amazing real estate surrounded by the sea on three sides and with luxuriant vegetation on the hills behind.
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What is your favorite food or drink item to order at the hotel?
Focaccia, trofie pasta with pesto sauce, and one of our martini cocktails that’s made with love and local Portofino gin.
Share a "locals only" tip about the Portofino Coast.
Be a part of traditional events that recall historical ages: July 1-3, Rapallo hosts the “Feste di luglio” to celebrate Our Lady of Montallegro, an event that presents a fantastic occasion to know the traditions of our town including the “Pyrotechnics Palio,” with magnificent daily and nightly fireworks shows.
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Outside of the traditional meeting space on property, are there any other unique meeting venues that a group can use on-site or near the hotel?
Liguria is a region full of secret places. Two recommendations include La Cervara di San Girolamo al Monte di Portofino, a former abbey in Santa Margherita Ligure, and Villa Durazzo, a museum complex where amazing events take place.
Visit the Beauty Spa Health & Fitness Club. In addition to the many beauty treatments, we also offer yoga, Pilates, and stretching sessions.
Participate in a cooking master class with our chef, where groups can learn how to prepare the traditional and infamous pesto sauce.
Enjoy our amazing food and beverage services during your event, and additional entertainment such as live music, group photography, caricatures, magic, and cocktail competitions.
What are the top three things for groups to do on property?
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Visit Portofino village, which represents the Italian “Dolce Vita.” Imagine yourself walking through a pedestrian vicolo (alleyway) surrounded by elegant and lively shops and ending in a small square on the sea, choosing one of the several restaurants or cafés. Allow time to slow down and enjoy the Dolce Vita.
Climb the narrow paths at Le Cinque Terre or go by cable car to Montallegro Church.
Experience traditional Ligurian bon vivre while sipping a Vermentino wine with focaccia or enjoying pesto with pasta.
What are the top three things for groups to do on the Portofino Coast?
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Describe the Portofino Coast for someone who has never visited.
The sea and mountains offer a stunning, natural, breathtaking setting. Genoa, with its art, elegant buildings, and culinary delights, is just 30 minutes away by car or train.
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Temperatures in Rapallo are always mild and the Excelsior is open all year round. The period between October and May allows guests to enjoy the area, the services, and the location outside of the crowded summer months.
What types of groups are ideal for your hotel?
From small groups of 20 to a big group of 200 people focusing on traditional meetings but also incentives. We have tremendous experience with banking, financial, insurance, and automotive programs.
When is the best time of year to visit?
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Aldo Werdin
CEO
Castelfafi
Hotel Contributer
About Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast:
The Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast is a five-star hotel in Rapallo, Italy, with stunning views of the bay, two restaurants, a wellness center, a private beach, and two infinity pools. The hotel has a history of hosting the international elite since the early 1900s and is known for its elegance and hospitality. Event planners love us because of our dedicated meeting floor, our flexibility towards their requests, and the completeness of services that we offer.
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Rapallo, Liguria, Italy
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
The sea with the mountains surrounding it. We offer tailor-made boat excursions to Cinque Terre, sailing team-building along the coast, and trekking in the Regional Natural Park of Portofino.
Rapallo has a good reputation for its golf club, Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo. It’s considered technically excellent among the Italian golf clubs.
Visit a wine producer. Cantine Ca’ Lunae is located in an area called Lunigiana, at a driving distance of approximately 45 minutes. Clients may visit its museum, Essentiae Lunae distillery, and its sustainable vineyard and winery.
What are your three favorite things about the Portofino Coast?
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Describe Lake Como for someone who has never visited.
Lake Como is one of the Italian Lakes, and a very glamorous one, which has been historically loved by a lot of famous personalities. The views of Lake Como both from the land and from the lake are so stunning and magical that they leave you speechless. Lake Como is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy some privacy and relax, bringing La Dolce Vita back to life.
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The best moments of the year for groups are spring and autumn, when the tourism of Lake Como reduces a bit, especially in March and from mid-October onwards, as Lake Como is quieter and allows a better experience for the groups both inside and outside of the properties. Also, Passalacqua is going to be open until the beginning of January, which gives the opportunity for small high-end groups to experience the destination in November and December. Let’s remember that Passalacqua is very close to big cities, making it the ideal option for pre- or post-conference stays in Milan or Lugano.
What types of groups are ideal for your hotels?
Small, leisure, high-end luxury groups are the ideal ones for our properties.
When is the best time of year to visit?
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Gianluca Irrera
Sales & Marketing Manager
Grand Hotel Tremezzo | Passalaqua
Hotel Contributer
About Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalaqua:
Both Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua are family-owned properties. Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a Grand Hotel by definition since 1910 and it makes guests relieve the Belle Epoque atmosphere every day. Passalacqua is meant to be like a private home, where guests can enjoy a more intimate experience and feel like they were in their private casa on Lake Como at the end of the 18th century. Here, it’s all about living the villa life and enjoying the little pleasures of a bygone era.
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Tremezzina, Lombardia, Italy | Moltrasio, Lombardia, Italy
Grand Hotel Tremezzo |
The view. The landscape of Lake Como is something unique, from the small villages, the blue water of the lake to the mountains in the back, everything is so special.
The history. Lake Como has always been part of the famous Grand Tour, a journey meant to refine the mind of every explorer who took part in it throughout the history of Lake Como. Many were the poets, artists, and writers who fell in love with the area and made Lake Como one of the finest destinations in the world.
The opportunities. Lake Como offers a lot of possibilities thanks to its diversification. From a boat tour on the lake and a stroll around the villages to a hike in the mountains, you never get bored on Lake Como.
What are your three favorite things about Lake Como?
Water activities, from a glamorous boat tour on one of the hotel’s vintage water limousines to water sports such as wakeboarding or paddleboarding.
Tour of one of the beautiful villas overlooking Lake Como such as Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi, just to name a few.
Discover all the picturesque villages on the lake such as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio, and Varenna to Valtellina for a wine tasting in one of the producers’ houses paired with some local cheeses to really explore the local food culture.
What are the top three things for groups to do on Lake Como?
Outside of the traditional meeting space on property, are there any other unique meeting venues that a group can use on-site or near the hotel?
Restaurant Lido di Lenno is the perfect location to hold the meeting overlooking the lake in a very nice and relaxed atmosphere.
A cooking class with our executive chef to discover the secrets of the Gualtiero Marchesi cuisine.
Wine tasting in the wine cellar for a private and exclusive experience, trying some of Italy’s most famous wines.
A golf game at the Menaggio Golf Club, the oldest golf club on Lake Como.
What are the top three things for groups to do on property?
What is something special about your hotels that only an employee might know?
Walk up the hill in the park of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, reach the top of the hill, where our mascot, Bobo, is located, and enjoy the most beautiful view of the Lake while enjoying the sunset. Also, at Passalacqua there is a secret underground tunnel that runs throughout the property, from the SPA to the lake…ask for a tour of it!
If Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua were to be known for only one thing, what would it be?
The feeling of being at home with your family. Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua are not just family hotels, but a family.
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What is your favorite food or drink item to order at the hotels?
At Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the Saffron Risotto with the golden leaf — the signature dish of Gualtiero Marchesi which is a real icon of the hotel.
At Passalacqua, nothing better than the Pasta e Patate, crafted by Michelin-Starred Chef Viviana Varese.
Share a "locals only" tip about Lake Como.
There are some small villages on Lake Como which have not been discovered yet by tourists. There, you can really savor the most intimate and local lake life. A must is to go see people diving into the lake from the bridge in Nesso, with the magnificent background of the waterfall at Orrido di Nesso.
If Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti were to be known for only one thing, what would it be?
It would be Lefay SPA World, a temple where senses and soul are regenerated. Covering an area of over 5,000 sq m (53,820 sq ft), it is one of the largest spas in the Alps. Innovation, nature, and a unique wellness method are the principles of a place where East and West blend together to recover inner harmony. Here, wellness is everywhere: in the dialogue with nature, in the light that pervades every space, and in the enchanting surrounding atmosphere.
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Share a "locals only" tip about the Dolomites region.
What makes the Dolomite landscape fascinating and spectacular is certainly the exceptional variety of colors. During the day, due to the natural phenomena called Enrosadira, the Dolomite rocks react in a very unique way to the changes in daylight, painting themselves in different colors. They range from orange to red to purple at dawn and sunset, light yellow at midday and at twilight, and in the moonlight, they become a soft white.
What is something special about Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti that only an employee might know?
Lefay Resorts & Residences is committed to employing staff members who reside in neighboring municipalities, depending on the professional skills required. In 2022, the percentage of “local” staff members (coming from the same province of the resorts and the corporate headquarters) reached 60%, as well as in 2021.
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Outside of the traditional meeting space on property, are there any other unique meeting venues that a group can use on-site or near the hotel?
Grual Restaurant: We can privatize our gourmet restaurant for small events (maximum 44 guests).
Sky Lounge: Guests can relax immersed in the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding peaks, sipping a drink in front of the main fire.
What is your favorite food or drink item to order at the hotel?
Risotto creamed with Montanaro cheese, pumpkin, and cardoncelli mushrooms.
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Aperitif/dinner in a hut
Outdoor experiences with a local alpine guide
Driving through mountain passes
What are the top three things for groups to do in the Dolomites region?
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Outdoor experiences surrounded by mountains
Local food and wine (from the region Trentino)
The uniqueness of the landscape, which makes for an unforgettable experience
What are your three favorite things about the Dolomites region?
Describe the Dolomites region for someone who has never visited.
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti stands in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio, and is located in Pinzolo, the largest town in the Rendena valley. The entire mountain area is protected by natural parks established to conserve the extraordinary unspoiled beauty of the area.
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May, June, September, and October.
What types of groups are ideal for your hotel?
Driving tours (our main target), incentive, and small meetings (maximum 50 guests).
When is the best time of year to visit?
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Carlotta Rossi
Senior Sales Manager
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Hotel Contributer
About Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti:
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti is set in the splendid scenery of the Dolomites, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It has an innate beauty, which can be experienced in every season. In winter, glaciers and snow-capped peaks are the ideal destination for skiers of all levels, while in summer, the idyllic green mountains of the Dolomites provide the perfect setting for hikers. The resort features a meeting center with a large room for groups and a boardroom, both fully equipped with the latest technology and a dedicated foyer.
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Pinzolo, Trento-Alto Adige, Italy
Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Signature treatments/massages
Local dinner in a dedicated area
Aperitif on the terrace
What are the top three things for groups to do on property?
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Passalacqua
Positively Preferred
A Global Group Sales Newsletter · Q2 2024
Italy is a dream destination for unforgettable events. It has everything: scenery, cuisine, art, and style.
That’s why Preferred Hotels and Resorts is proud to present its Legend Collection of properties in Italy, the most prestigious and inspiring venues in the country. In this edition of Positively Preferred, explore some of the amazing regions of Italy, such as the Portofino Coast, Tuscany, the Dolomites, and Lake Como — home to the 2023 World's Best Hotel according to 50 Best.