Castelfalfi, the storied Tuscan estate, has been elected as Best Heritage Property in The World at the 2025 Robb Report Monaco & Côte d’Azur Best of the Best Awards, held on 16 July at a black-tie gala at the Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo. This prestigious accolade, bestowed in the presence of over 200 global tastemakers and UHNW guests, celebrates Castelfalfi’s masterful preservation of heritage and its continued evolution as a cultural and hospitality destination.

Set across 2,700 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and undulating hills, Castelfalfi is a living canvas of Etruscan roots and medieval legacy. The adjacent historic village has been meticulously restored with a singular vision: to preserve the soul of the land while inviting guests into an immersive experience of Italian heritage. From its organic agricultural estate to a contemporary five-star retreat—awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, recognized with a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating, and named the #1 Resort in Italy 2025 by Travel + Leisure—Castelfalfi is where timeless beauty meets modern elegance. Here, world-class food and wine, a state-of-the-art wellness spa, curated boutiques, and a wide range of bespoke experiences – from truffle hunting to apiculture workshops – come together to craft a stay that is truly without equal.

“This recognition is a heartfelt tribute to our team and the timeless spirit of Castelfalfi,” said Jacopo Marasco, Director of Heritage and Community Affairs at Castelfalfi. “It reaffirms our commitment to protecting the cultural and historical essence of this land, shaping a destination that leaves today’s travelers with the indelible mark of a place whose authenticity resonates at every step. Telling the thousand-year-old identity of Castelfalfi, it’s about breathing new life into it, with care, creativity, and vision.”

Fuelled by new research announced today, Mudgee Region Tourism has launched a bold new campaign proposing an additional public holiday “Mudgee Monday” – aimed at addressing the imbalance in the national public holiday tally, whilst promoting regional travel as a tool to support mental health and wellbeing.

The initiative follows new nationwide research revealing:

• 72% of Australians support the introduction of more public holidays
• 57% believe an extra-long weekend would help reduce burnout and stress
• 55% prefer regional and small-town destinations over crowded cities for their next
  break

With NSW and WA receiving only 11 public holidays a year and TAS having the fewest at 10, compared to up to 13 in other states like VIC, QLD AND SA, Mudgee Region Tourism is calling on Premier Chris Minns to lead the charge for public holiday parity and hero “Mudgee Monday” as the quintessential antidote to big city burnout.

“This is more than a tourism campaign. Australians are crying out for more balance and better mental health outcomes, so we’re calling on the Premier of NSW Chris Minns, to even the stakes and give us a break,” says Beau Kassas, Chief Marketing Officer of Mudgee Region Tourism.

What’s more, renowned clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis is also lending her voice to the campaign, advocating for policy that puts mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of legislative discussions.

“It’s remarkable how travel, especially to regional locations, can provide a powerful emotional and psychological reset. We need a policy that reflects this growing need,” says Dr Anastasia Hronis.

Significance for visitor economy:

The research from the campaign shows a clear shift in how Australians are choosing to holiday, and it’s good news for smaller towns. A growing “anti-big” movement is seeing more people reject crowded big cities in favour of slower, more authentic experiences in smaller, regional destinations like Mudgee Region.

“Towns like Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Rylstone remind people of how travel should be – slow, unhurried and deeply personal. We want to encourage visitors to stop rushing, and consider the true benefits of creating their own long-weekend anytime by simply taking a Mudgee Monday”. Kassas concludes.

Mudgee Region Tourism is encouraging travel industry stakeholders and tourism organisations to support the campaign by signing the official petition and immersing in the national conversation. The proposed public holiday will not only support local economies but also create a new opportunity to prioritise rest, mental health and regional exploration.

The Stafford London is delighted to unveil key additions to its food and beverage team as it prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated new restaurant this September, in collaboration with renowned Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE. This new venture will bring Michael’s signature modern British cuisine – rooted in seasonality, elegant craftsmanship and technical precision – to the heart of St James’s.

Central to this new culinary journey is the appointment of Simon Ulph as Executive Head Chef. Simon recently joined Lympstone Manor, Michael Caines’ flagship country house hotel and restaurant in Devon, and has now been selected to lead the kitchen team at The Stafford London’s new restaurant. With an impressive background and a passion for refined, produce-led cooking, Simon brings both a fresh perspective and technical excellence to the role.

Working in close collaboration with Michael Caines, Simon will be responsible for executing Michael’s culinary vision and repertoire in London, developing menus that champion British seasonal ingredients and sustainability, and delivering the exceptional dining standards for which both Michael and The Stafford London are known.

The launch of the new restaurant not only marks a bold evolution in The Stafford London’s culinary story but also reinforces the hotel’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of hospitality talent. The Stafford London remains passionate about fostering creativity, excellence, and opportunity in both kitchen and service.