Photography: Daria Reina; Courtesy of Passalacqua
For all the talk of AI killing creativity, there’s no curbing the appetite for print—especially for design-led coffee table books. Informative and inspiring, these gorgeous tomes whisk us off to new worlds through stunning photography and immersive stories.
Whether or not you’re off to somewhere nice this summer, these books dedicated to the enviable Mediterranean lifestyle bring that feeling of long, lazy days and warm sunshine right to your shelf. Here are some worth reading and adding to your collection.
Passalacqua: A Love Letter To Lake Como
In just three years since opening, Passalacqua is already etched in the history books as the first property to top the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2023. Built on land originally owned by Pope Innocent XI and set in the former home of composer Vincenzo Bellini, this 24-key boutique hotel isn’t short of stories to tell.
The De Santis family embarked on a top-to-toe transformation that features the work of local artisans and heritage makers so much so the hotel has become a living, breathing example of la dolce vita.
The real magic of this 18th century villa lies largely in its storied location in Lake Como. Overlooking the majestic lake and surrounded by terraced gardens dotted with 15 water fountains, it’s not surprising that Passalacqua is the most desired stay in Italy.
Like the labor of love that is their hotel, the owners worked with Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla on this beautiful book published by Assouline. Inside you’ll find dreamy images, intimate stories and charming illustrations—a portal into Passalacqua and a wonderful ode to the grandeur of Lago di Como.
Available exclusively on SenseofLake.com and Assouline.com
Campania: Recipes & Wanderings Across Italy’s Polychromatic Coast
Courtesy of Belmond and Apartamento
Due to the sheer number of food books published, they can sometimes look—and feel—the same. That can’t be said for this particular Campania, which is chock-full of color, character and artistic photography. Following Liguria and Penang, this book is the third installation in Belmond and Apartamento’s Recipes & Wanderings series—an exploration of food and travel around the globe.
The focus is on Campania, a region described as Italy’s culinary heartland, certainly high praise in a country that is incredibly serious about its food. Turn the pages and it reveals an eclectic mix of photographs by Lea Colombo, stories on local producers that craft delicious ingredients like mozzarella di bufala and Amalfi lemons, as well as essays from Elisa Carassai, Claudia Durastanti, and Margo Schachter.
When you get hungry, which is inevitable, the cookbook features 21 classic dishes to replicate at home. These time-honored recipes are taken from the kitchens of Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, as well as shared by the likes of Salvatore Giuliano, part of the family behind Mimì alla Ferrovia, a historic Napolitan restaurant established by his grandfather in 1943.
Available at Apartamento Magazine
Wine & Travel Mediterranean Islands
Photography: Neige Giacalone; Courtesy of Assouline
AIs a sojourn across the Med ever complete without indulging in a bottle of its enticing wine? If you enjoy a glass (or two) of vino when you travel, this new addition to Assouline’s Wine & Travel series is up your alley.
Penned by renowned sommelier Enrico Bernardo, Wine & Travel Mediterranean Islands traverses the region’s mythical places where wine, culture and nature meet. Through beautiful photography (including some retro shots by Slim Aarons), the book takes readers to the volcanic vineyards of Sicily, the airy corners of Corsica, as well as the hidden enclaves of Majorca.
Bernardo shares his expert and personal insight into the wine hotspots in the Mediterranean, offering a closer look not only on the terroir, but also the traditions and the people that shape the wine. Of course, it’s also serves as a guide to the wines one must try (and take home), which include Assyrtiko from Greece, Cannonau from Sardinia and more.
Available at Assouline.com
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