BARNES Magazine No. 40: The Italian “Dolce Vita”
BARNES Magazine No. 40, Autumn-Winter 2026/27 edition, celebrates the Italian Dolce Vita and the art of Italian living: an appreciation for beauty, the pleasure of entertaining, and the ability to savour every moment.
For its 40th issue, BARNES International's magazine, published by a leading luxury real estate group with over thirty years of experience in the Art de Vivre, highlights a vision of luxury defined by elegance, attention to detail, and the pleasure of sharing unique experiences. It is a celebration of Italian luxury lifestyle that runs throughout BARNES Magazine 2026.
Throughout the magazine, luxury is never about ostentation, but rather about attention to detail. This guiding philosophy will feel familiar to those who know Sardinia, particularly the Costa Smeralda: it reflects the very essence of slow luxury, where every experience becomes an opportunity to slow down and savour the moment.
From Paolo Barletta's luxury train travel to Vacheron Constantin's fine watchmaking in Rome, from Yannick Alléno's artisanal chocolate creations to the collectible design showcased at Design Miami Paris, and on to Italian vineyards, classic cars, yachting, and exclusive escapes: this issue offers a rich, elegant, and inspiring collection of stories to discover and enjoy at your own pace.
Explore the original publication on BARNES International .
Paolo Barletta, the Arsenale, and the Luxury Train Trip
Featured on the cover is Paolo Barletta, founder of Arsenale, one of Italy's leading luxury hospitality groups and a global leader in luxury train travel.
His journey began in the family construction business, which he joined in 2012, before expanding into the luxury hospitality sector. His first project in Rome became Soho House, followed in 2019 by the acquisition of the Hotel de La Minerva.
Together with Nicola Bulgari, he envisioned an "Italian Orient Express". Today, the group operates 10 luxury trains across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, featuring elegantly appointed cabins, hand-blown Murano glass and Michelin-star-level dining experiences.
A 21-day Rome-Shanghai luxury train journey, inspired by the legendary travels of Marco Polo, is being planned for 2028. For Barletta, travelling by train is the finest way to discover a country's cultural heritage, while creating unforgettable memories remains his greatest passion.
Art de Vivre: Watchmaking, Chocolate, Architecture, and Design
Vacheron Constantin in Rome. Located in the Campo Marzio district, the boutique is the Maison's largest in Italy: 200 square metres within a historic building, featuring travertine stone, Fornasetti wallpaper and Murano glass.
Yannick Alléno. The renowned chef brings haute cuisine techniques to the art of chocolate making, with vanilla taking centre stage in his Christmas collection, Le Noël Vanille 2026.
Architecture and design. This issue explores the villas designed by Hubert de Malherbe in Corsica and the Cyclades, seamlessly integrated into their natural surroundings. It also celebrates the legacy of Andrée Putman, from reissues of archival designs to Design Miami Paris (20–25 October 2026).
Art, wine, classic cars, and yachts: his great passions
Art. BARNES Art by Ugo Scalia highlights five key international art market fairs, from Art Cologne to TEFAF Maastricht (March 2027).
Wine. The value of an Italian wine estate depends on factors such as soil quality, vineyard exposure, and appellation, particularly in regions such as the Langhe and Tuscany. Interest in wine tourism continues to grow.
Collectible cars. According to BARNES CarJager, modern classic cars manufactured between 1990 and 2010 account for 50% of the enquiries received.
Yachting. Interior designer Laura Sessa, with over 25 years of experience designing superyachts and private residences, published her monograph Laura Sessa: Interiors (Flammarion) in 2026. A subject that resonates with those who appreciate the Sardinian coastline and luxury yacht charter in Costa Smeralda.
Exclusive Getaways: Mallorca, Courchevel and Provence – The Finest Destinations
The Getaways section highlights four exceptional destinations for an exclusive escape, from the Mediterranean coast to the mountains and the charm of Provence.
- Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra (Mallorca, Balearic Islands): a luxury hotel featuring six restaurants, including Matsuhisa, created by Nobu Matsuhisa, and Dani García's Leña steakhouse.
- Mallorca Cappuccino Grand Café (Mallorca): a distinctive destination that captures the island's unique lifestyle and refined atmosphere.
- K2 Palace Courchevel: a luxury hotel opened in 2011, featuring an Alpine aesthetic inspired by the Himalayas. Its Peruvian restaurant, L'Altiplano, offers a distinctive charcoal-grilled dining experience.
- Le Jardin by Château Jasson (Mougins, Provence): a restaurant specialising in seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, with 50 outdoor seats and 50 indoor seats, connected to the Château Jasson wine estate.
The Italian Dolce Vita in Sardinia and Costa Smeralda
The Italian Dolce Vita is also alive on the island. In Sardinia, and particularly in Costa Smeralda, it takes shape through leisurely days spent by crystal-clear waters, alfresco dinners at a villa overlooking the Gulf of Pevero, evenings in the Piazzetta in Porto Cervo, and long days exploring the coastline by boat. It is a luxury lifestyle defined by time, nature, and hospitality, where elegance lies in the attention to detail: the very same philosophy celebrated in the 40th issue through design, architecture, and yachting.
Explore Issue No. 40 of BARNES Magazine
With this issue, BARNES reaffirms its vision of luxury as an art of living: curiosity, elegance, and the pleasure of sharing what we love.
For those dreaming of embracing this lifestyle in Sardinia, BARNES Sardegna offers personalised guidance to clients seeking luxury villas in Sardinia , luxury homes in Costa Smeralda, and prestigious properties. With tailored advice, absolute discretion, and the support of the international BARNES network, we accompany our clients through every stage, from purchasing a property to maximising the value of their investment.
If you are planning a holiday, discover our luxury holiday villas for rent in Costa Smeralda.
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