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The myth of Costa Smeralda’s world-renowned luxury hotel, Cala di Volpe, lies in its indelible and indescribable character, carefully molded by a select few who embodied the ethos of this magical destination. These strongly held values were made manifest in their respect for nature, appreciation of local tradition and recognition of craftsmanship. It is impossible to visit Sardinia and not be inspired by its incredible natural beauty. And it was no different for architect Jacques Couëlle, the “sculptor of houses” whose approach to designing Cala di Volpe involved only local materials and whose guiding principle was to achieve harmony with the surrounding environment. Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, the hotel now stands in all its organic, free-form glory, with terra-cotta accents and a pastel-coloured exterior—an effortlessly glamorous escape.

” It is not enough to create volumes which, inside, offer man a happy space and which, outside, are beautiful: the volumes must be integrated into the environment”.  Jacques Couëlle

In perfect harmony with nature, Costa Smeralda rose from the uninhabited, untouched territory at the northeastern tip of Sardinia. Uncovering the area’s limitless potential, Prince Aga Khan and other interested associates set to work developing and transforming Costa Smeralda into an exclusive, luxury escape. VIP guests such as Marisa Berenson, Roberto and Eva Cavalli, and Naomi Campbell, have been enticed ever since, lured by the scents of juniper mixed with the salty spray of the ever-present Mediterranean. The region’s natural abundance combines seamlessly with an original architectural style that makes Costa Smeralda a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

Founded on March 14, 1962, at the behest of Prince Karim Aga Khan, Consorzio Costa Smeralda was created with the aim of planning and balancing urban and residential development within the territorial boundaries of Costa Smeralda. Based in the heart of the village of Porto Cervo, the Consorzio has been enhancing the tourist destination for the past sixty years, while monitoring the environmental protection of the territory. Smeralda Holding, the largest member of the Consorzio Costa Smeralda, has the relative majority and ownership of the most important hotels (Hotel Cervo, Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Romazzino, Hotel Cala di Volpe), land, restaurants, shops on Costa Smeralda.

About the author

Cesare Cunaccia is a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist. He was editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue and the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy. He has also contributed to the divisions of Architectural Digest in Germany, China and Russia, as well as Connaissance des Arts, Opera Magazine and L’Oeil. Cunaccia has published a variety of books, particularly on the Italian artistic heritage, which have been translated into twelve languages. He is also the best-selling author of Capri Dolce Vita (2019) and Tuscany Marvel (2021).

“I believe that Sardinia is a magical, very powerful land.” Caterina Murino, actress

THE MOST SOPHISTICATED BOOKS IN THE WORLD
“We created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world.
We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture.
Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.”
-Prosper & Martine Assouline

Dolce Vita Style

152 pages | 250 illustrations US$50

The fantastic creative energy of the 1960s took off with a burst of black and white: La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini. An instant cult film, it became a great classic of modernity and continues to affect generation after generation, legendary yet always contemporary.
Dolce Vita Style draws on the history that inspired the film in the theatrical Rome of the 50’s and sums up the innumerable influences that this cult film has had on so many of those in the worlds of movies, popular music, society, life, and fashion.
Image by image, this book retraces the astonishing itinerary of a work that is a supreme emblem and a source of inexhaustible style.

The Italian Dream

372 pages | 400+ illustrations  US$85

For more than three years, Aline Coquelle, the well-known globe-trotting photographer, and Count Gelasio Gaetani d’Aragona Lovatelli, a member of one of the oldest aristocratic Italian families, have followed the map of Italy’s best wines. Guided by Gelasio, readers are introduced to a tribe of artistic and wine-loving amici who share their passion for their country’s heritage and bounty. The Italian Dream: Wine, Heritage, Soul is an escape into the effortlessly elegant Italian lifestyle, savoring wine behind the private gates of family castles and vineyards, from the foothills of the Alps to the hill towns of Tuscany to the relaxed southern seasides.
Photography by Aline Coquelle
Text by Gelasio Gaetani d’Aragona Lovatelli
Foreword by Lapo Elkann

All Maison Assouline books purchased through L’e Marquis qualify for BEARMILES, and BEARMILES can be used to purchase these titles.

Gino’s Islands in the Sun: 100 recipes from Sardinia and Sicily to enjoy at home

Hardcover – Illustrated, 29 Oct 2015

by Gino D’Acampo (Author)

Join Gino on his trip to the islands of Sicily and Sardinia on a journey of discovery of authentic and delicious Italian food. Delving into the gastronomic history of these islands he will uncover the signature dishes, and secret recipes that encapsulate Sicily and Sardinia and their people.

With over 100 mouth-watering recipes – using fresh ingredients and regional specialities – GINO’S ISLAND SECRETS will reveal the culinary secrets of these Mediterranean islands.

Under the Olive Tree: Family and Food in Lugano and the Costa Smeralda

Hardcover – 5 Apr 2010

by Manuela Darling-Gansser

Under the Olive Tree is a story of family life and food in Lugano, an elegant city clinging to the edges of a Swiss Lake near the northern Italian border, and the sapphire seas of the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. Manuela Darling-Gansser, along with photographer Simon Griffiths, captures this inspirational journey as she revisits the memories, sights, smells and tastes of her home town and the summer holidays of her childhood. Eat salami and mountain cheeses with red wine in the tiny grotto restaurants in remote mountain valleys. Sample traditional Sardinian fare of Culligiones (large pasta cushions filled with wild mint and potato) and Semifreddo Di Miele Amaro (a soft ice cream flavoured with the unique Sardinian bitter honey) in the picturesque harbours of the Mediterranean. Manuela Darling-Gansser is your perfect guide and host, intimately translating the food and flavours of her heritage for you to recreate in your own kitchen. Under the Olive Tree is a celebration of Mediterranean al fresco living at its best!

A Sardinian Cookbook

Hardcover – 25 Jul 2013

by Giovanni Pilu and Roberta Muir

Born in Sardinia, Giovanni Pilu moved to Australia in 1992 full of enthusiasm and passion for the unique flavours of his homeland. In this, his first book, Giovanni celebrates a distinctive regional Italian cuisine based on simple ingredients prepared with minimum fuss, and a food culture firmly rooted in the hospitality that is an essential element of life in a harsh Mediterranean landscape. A place where cheese is served at every meal, and bread must always be on the table. From bread to desserts, passing by meat, game and vegetables, Giovanni’s wide range of recipes are a colourful yet accessible insight into the food that is in his blood and close to his heart.