Inside Il Chiostro dei Domenicani: Lecce’s Boutique Sanctuary
A couple of weeks ago, we discovered a place in Lecce unlike any other. The moment we stepped through the main gate, it felt as though we had travelled back in time and entered another world, one that seemed wonderfully removed from the city’s lively streets and constant buzz. We were given a tour of […]
The Best Food Destination in the World
Read this Travel + Leisure article about the world’s favorite food destination, featuring insights from Anita Cagnazzo, founder and managing director of The Secret Explorer. For Cagnazzo, what elevates Italian cuisine above all others is “the care and patience involved in the preparation. Many dishes require hours – or even days – of careful seasoning […]
The Best Spot for a 1-week International Trip
Read this Travel + Leisure article about the best destination for a one-week international trip, featuring insights from Anita Cagnazzo, founder and managing director of The Secret Explorer. Read this article about the best spot for a 1-week international trip featuring The Secret Explorer: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-experts-best-one-week-destination-11948489
Borderless Threads: The Art of Weaving Across Italy, India and Morocco
From a weaving workshop in Salento to textile traditions in India and Morocco, craftsmanship, storytelling, and women’s knowledge have preserved shared cultural heritage across generations and borders. Read the full article here.
Mohala: The Secret Garden Retreat Set to Bloom in Salento
Tucked away in Diso, one of the quaintest towns in Salento dating back to 2500 B.C., is Mohala, a new and unique destination which is preparing to quietly make its mark. Unlike others, it is not just another boutique stay, but rather a philosophy rooted in its very name. Photo courtesy of Mohala Boutique Hotel […]
Hidden Italy: Rediscovering the Country’s Most Romantic Escapes
Explore Italy’s most romantic escapes and uncover The Secret Explorer’s top Apulian picks in this article.
Infuso Natura: Bottling the Soul of Salento in Cocumola
In the quiet hamlet of Cocumola, which is part of the municipality of Minervino di Lecce, there is a small laboratory where the scents of citrus and orange peel, wild herbs, and slow-cooked fruit fill the air. This is Infuso Natura, a local artisanal producer whose preserves, jams, and liqueurs capture the very essence of […]
Naples: chaos, creativity, and a lot of pastries
Our journey in Naples starts with a light, soaked in rum babà and a flaky sfogliatella filled with ricotta because in Naples, dessert doesn’t wait for the end of the meal. Food is not just nourishment here; it’s identity, ritual, and pure joy. And that theme follows you everywhere. © Copyright 2026 The Secret Explorer. […]
Travel with Purpose: Italian Ancestry Tours
Discover roots tourism, the experiential travel trend which combines ancestral research, intimate cultural experiences, and slow, place-based travel, in this article.
Experiential Luxury Reimagines Southern Italy: A Journey Through Roots Tourism
Learn more about roots tourism – the experiential travel trend helping visitors reconnect with heritage and support Southern Italy’s local communities – in this article.