Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by Italian real estate company Gruppo Barletta to manage Rosewood Venice, which is set to open in 2020 as the ultra-luxury brand’s second property in Italy and eighth in Europe.

Every year global luxury travel network Virtuoso surveys its force of travel agencies and advisors in 50 countries, including 82 locations in Australia, to gauge what the coming year will bring. The Luxe Report, which has established Virtuoso as a trusted trend predictor, unveils consumer preferences in high-end and experiential travel.

Villa La Massa, built in the 16th century for a member of the Medici family and overlooking the Arno River and Chianti Valley, has completed a full-scale restoration of a 19th-century farmhouse located on the grounds of the hotel. Rich in Tuscan history, the Villa’s owners worked under the guidance of local architects and artisans to continue to infuse authentic Florentine elegance while integrating modern technology. The addition of Casa Colonica brings the hotel’s total room count to 41.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has taken over management of CastaDiva Resort & Spa, an existing resort on Lake Como, Italy. The property will be rebranded as Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como in spring 2019 following a refurbishment of facilities. It will become Mandarin Oriental’s first resort in Western Europe and will complement the Group’s Milan hotel.