Book tip of the week: Ottolenghi Comfort

Francesco Martucci of I Masanielli in Caserta was named The Best Pizza Chef 2026 at The Best Pizza Awards 2026 in Milan. For the second year running. But the award tells more than just the story of a winner: it shows just how global, creative and sophisticated pizza has become today. From Naples to Milan, New York, Tokyo, Las Vegas and Antwerp, pizza is being reimagined: at the intersection of craftsmanship, identity, dough culture and the culinary future.

Vienna became the setting for one of the most demanding examinations in the international wine world: in June 2026, six candidates passed the Master Sommelier Diploma awarded by the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe. From an Austrian perspective, the spotlight is particularly on Suvad “Suwi” Zlatic, a Tyrolean with Bosnian roots, a multi-award-winning sommelier, coach, trainer and founder of Suwine. His success is not only a personal milestone, but also a strong signal for the Austrian sommelier community.

A humpback whale is more than just a spectacular sight. It is a symbol of how closely nature, travel and responsibility are intertwined today. When guests at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos are able to observe these majestic marine mammals during their seasonal migration between December and April, it is not just about an iconic wildlife experience. It is about raising awareness.

Humpback whales are among the most fascinating inhabitants of the oceans. Their tail fin patterns are as unique as a human fingerprint. At the same time, they play a vital role in the marine ecosystem: through their movements and excretions, whales help to distribute nutrients in the sea and promote the growth of phytoplankton. This, in turn, sequesters carbon dioxide and produces oxygen.

This is precisely where the new relevance lies: biodiversity is the foundation of every destination and is thus becoming a decisive quality feature for luxury hotels, resorts and responsible tour operators.