Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy.  When she first stepped off the train into Roma Termini in 1976, she got hooked on Italian travel. Since then she’s explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersing herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taking language and cooking classes, and going on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. She’s written about Italian travel for many media outlets, includingNational Public Radio, Town & Country, Student Traveler, Tastes of Italia,Chicago Daily Herald, several Travelers Tales anthologies (including Best Travel Writing 2009), and CNN.com. When she’s not in Italy, she is based in Los Angeles,  where she lives with her husband and makes scrumptious lasagnas. Here are her top 10 loves of Italy to share with The Wife!

1. Visit Ravello, the jewel of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, a favorite of Jackie O’s. Go take a cooking class with Mamma Agata (www.mammaagata.com), who was a beloved private chef of Jackie’s, and stay at The Hotel Caruso www.hotelcaruso.com, one of the world’s dreamiest places.

2. In Rome, follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn with a stroll through the Palazzo Barberini (her Roman Holiday home), then check in nearby at Villa Spalleti Trivelli www.villaspalletti.com for royal treatmenet in this luxurious family owned villa and spa.

3. In Florence, honor Salvatore Ferragamo, the shoemaker to the stars, by visiting his museum and shop on the fashionable Via de’ Tornabuoni, then sleep across the river at the magical Hotel Lungarno www.lungarnohotels.com, owned by the Ferragamo family.

4. In Venice, Enjoy the music of San Marco at the Caffe Florian, then escape to the nearby quiet island of Giudecca, where the Bauer Palladio Spa, www.palladiohotelspa.com,  a Renaissance masterpiece awaits.

5. In Milan, get in on an exclusive private shopping tour with Select Italy, www.selectitaly.com, then flop at the ultra-chic Hotel Bulgari www.hotelbulgari.com, where spa, pool, and meditation areas are heavenly.

6. In Turin, don’t miss the classic Baratti & Milano caffe www.barattiemilano.it for hot chocolate, pastries and Turin’s claim-to-fame candy invention, gianduja (hazelnut and chocolate). Gianduja was so beloved by Grace Kelly she gave them out as favors when she married Prince Ranier. Stay at the Golden Palace www.thi-hotels.com, a contemporary gem.

7. Visit Bormio, an elegant ski town in the Dolomites where you can soak in an outdoor tub at the Hotel Bagni Vecchiwww.bagnidibormio.it surrounded by snow covered mountains.

8. Go to Panarea, the prettiest of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands, to bliss out with mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean from your private terrace at La Raya www.hotelraya.it

9. Get pampered in Puglia, in the hell of Italy’s boot, where olive trees and sparkling seas enchant your stay at the Masseria Torre Maizza Hotel & Spa www.masseriatorremaizza.com

10. Experience Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy, with wine tastings, ceramic shopping, and a stay at Le Tre Vasellewww.3vaselle.it, a countryside oasis owned by the Lungarotti family, one of the region’s best winemakers.

By: Susan Van Allen

www.susanvanallen.com

“Savor Susan Van Allen’s entertaining anecdotes and practical details as she takes you up and down the beautiful boot to immerse yourself in Italy’s pleasures. Discover such delights as masterpieces that glorify womanly curves, the palace where Audrey Hepburn lived in Roman Holiday, gardens where courtesans once frolicked, spas for pampering, beaches for relaxing, wine bars and jazz clubs, adventures where you’ll be making tortellini with grandmas, shopping for Italy’s prized ceramics, skiing in the Dolomites, or setting up an easel to paint a Tuscan landscape. No matter your mood, even if you’re simply armchair traveling, Italy awaits.”

For a chance to win the book “100 Places in Italy Every Women Should Go”  please leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Friday, December 10th, 2010. Good Luck!

UPDATE: CONGRADULATIONS TO WINNER VERONICA

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Taste maker and Co-Owner of The Colony Palms Hotel, David Dixon, gives his top 10 tips for The Wife traveling to the majestic desert hot spot, Palm Springs. Take his advice from his favorite restaurants to the best places to shop and current art exhibits for a wonderful warm weekend getaway! – Taryn Cox for The Wife

1. Le Vallurius Restaurant: Old school formal French restaurant with beautiful terrace dining.

2. Melvyn’s Cocktail lounge

3. Angel View Thrift Shop

4. Collector’s Corner Thrift Shop

5. Indian Canyon hiking Trails (Also check out: Palm Canyon for Hiking.)

6. Joshua Tree National Park

7. Palm Springs Art Museum: Richard Avedon: Fashion, Stage and Screen (Exhibit, thru 1/30/11)

8. Secret Service Apparel Store. New LA based hipster outpost in old gas station. (Colony Palms Hotel guests receive 25% off)

9. Trina Turk Boutique (Colony Palms Hotel guests receive 20% off)

10. Cabazon Outlet Mall

*What to wear: Resort Chic

By: David Dixon

One of Palm Springs most historical properties, the Colony Palms Hotel was constructed in 1936 by Purple Gang mobster, Al Wertheimer. Operating as the Colonial House, the hotel quickly became  the town’s most popular locale, know primarily as a speakeasy and gambling house.

In the late 1940’s, the property was bought by Robert Howard, son of the owner of champion thoroughbred Sea Biscuit, and renamed the hotel, Howard Manor. Over the next 25 years, the hotel would be a haven for young Hollywood, with guests including Frank Sinatra and boxing great Jack Dempsey.

The Spanish Style hotel just completed a $17 million dollar renovation in the Spring of 2007. The newly refurbished hotel includes 57 new guest rooms, 8 of which are private casitas and all have stunning views of the desert mountains. Also renovated the Purple Palms poolside restaurant and an intimate spa, voted best spa by Allure Magazine.

This extraordinary property is also a great backdrop for weddings and other special events. – Taryn Cox for The Wife.

www.ColonyPalmsHotel.Com

www.MaisonBellaish.com