PHOTO: Unwind at the CastaDiva Resort & Spa. Courtesy Travel Impressions.
Beyond the region's fashion and furniture, risotto and veal Milanese, and the churches and the art is the entire world this year as Expo Milano 2015 brings together "the most precious things, cultures, traditions, and flavors" from around the world. Starting May 1 and continuing through Oct. 31, you will find all of these under the roofs of extraordinarily designed pavilions. More than 140 countries will be represented at their most shining, focused around one of everybody's favorite themes this year - food, glorious food.
Technically called "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," this city's goal is to start a global conversation between some of the world's biggest players about a few important topics: the history of food and how it relates to the story of humankind; the future of food; sustainability; and taste as knowledge. Each will be represented in five thematic routes for a unique journey through the event. Even more innovative than this format is the Charter of Milan, which they hope will be the "cultural legacy of Expo Milano 2015."
By involving the scientific community, civil society organizations and institutions with interest in the overarching theme of sustainable use of the planet's resources, they are encouraging individuals, associations and companies to sign the Charter of Milan to commit to specific responsibilities that ensure a fairer and more environmentally aware future for the planet.
As a former food editor and current contributor to the Edible Long Island magazine - TI's home community - I can't even tell you how exciting I think all of this is, especially the Future Food District, which will give visitors a glimpse of what eating might be like many years from now. An interactive supermarket experience promises to let everyone play the roles of producer and consumer simultaneously, and professional chefs will guide you through the use of smart tech in the kitchen.
Arts & Foods is another area that will prove to be popular, an immersive exhibition that shows rituals from 1851 onwards. I could geek out for days on the evolution of kitchen utensils and the progress of nutrition - "geek" being the key word. (I'm not embarrassed.)
And it's only fitting that a gastronomic theme takes the spotlight in Milan, Italy, a country whose culinary traditions have left a delicious and permanent mark (wine and tomato sauce, anyone? Indelible!) on international culinary consciousness. Which is why the package TI is unrolling just for this event at Lake Como's CastaDiva Resort & Spa is the perfect accompaniment to Expo Milano…or is it the main course? Because with all it includes, it's a scene-stealer for sure.
The package we've put together starts with a full-day ticket from the resort to the expo; a roundtrip transfer to the exhibition; and two nights in a double room (extendable to three nights). In keeping with the food theme, it also includes daily gourmet breakfast at the on-site restaurant and a delicious three-course lunch or dinner at L'Orangerie Restaurant with optional beverages.
Plus, at this lavish estate, once the residence of 19th-century opera singer Giuditta Pasta, you can spend your days lounging in the pool that floats in the lake; feeling remarkably well in the CastaDiva Spa's Swedish sauna, steam or Mediterranean bath, relaxation or Vitality pools, and more; daydreaming on an original floating dock that dates back to the 1800s; or working out with Kinesis and Technogym equipment. You will also have plenty of opportunities to explore downtown Como freely with scheduled daily shuttle service!
After all, if you're traveling all that way, my firm belief is that you should see as much of the famous surrounding country as possible. By staying in this exceptional, dramatic retreat, you'll not only get to experience Expo and Milan, but Lake Como, a favorite of George Clooney, as well. Located on the east side of the lake, CastaDiva - member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World - is a mere 40 minutes away from Expo, allowing you to spend your vacation not only learning about how the rest of the world lives and eats, but experiencing how celebrities enjoy this part of Italy as well.
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