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Known as the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean’, Sicily has lured travellers since antiquity. Its unique location means that it’s been influenced by many different civilizations for centuries, and a rich cultural mosaic exists on this small yet ravishing island. Here, at the foot of soaring volcanoes, lies a diverse mix of cuisines, culture, religion and architecture, scenes of crumbling splendour and timeless vibrancy scented by the salty air of the Mediterranean Sea. Adding to the allure is a collection of some of the very best hotels in Italy, each of which honours its extraordinary natural surroundings while telling a distinctive Sicilian tale.
A great place to start any adventure on this magical island is the regional capital, Palermo. Here, a honey-coloured maze of grand buildings recalls a golden age of lavish operas, decadent parties and grand 19th-century palazzos. One particularly magnificent example is Villa Igiea, built for the influential Florio dynasty. Their powerful sense of glamour endures in this beloved idyll, which has welcomed royalty and Hollywood luminaries including Sophia Loren and Queen Victoria.
The hotel was recently given a new lease of life by Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design Olga Polizzi, alongside Paolo Moschino Ltd., who imbued the frescoed good looks of the historic building with a modern, pared-back aesthetic. Dining options are in keeping with delicious regional tradition, from resplendent spreads of local antipasti to heavenly pasta. The extraordinary kitchen is led by Rocco Forte Hotels’ Creative Director of Food, chef Fulvio Pierangelini – and guests might just recognise the bar from Season Two of The White Lotus.
An easy day trip from Palermo is Mondello, which is separated from the capital by the soaring Monte Pellegrino hill. A fishing village turned summer hotspot, Mondello is home to a stretch of white sandy beach and plenty of buzzing bars and restaurants to fuel a day’s sightseeing and sunbathing. Over on the south coast, sites of historical intrigue abound. There’s the impressive Villa Romana del Casale, an elaborate Roman villa near the town of Piazza Armerina. There’s also the striking Valley of the Temples, considered among the most important vestiges of ancient classical culture in Sicily, as well as the dazzling Scala dei Turchi cliff
Within easy reach of it all is Verdura Resort, which offers a change of pace and deeply relaxing beachfront seclusion. Rocco Forte Hotels often transform existing grande dame properties, but this was built from scratch on 570 acres of undeveloped beach. There’s a sweep of private bay – a rare luxury in Italy – as well as two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-3 course designed by Kyle Phillips, fine-dining restaurants and gorgeous sea-facing private villas with their own pools. The ambitious project has left a glorious green footprint on the land; thousands of native Sicilian plants were re-established here. The hotel has its own organic farm that produces extra-virgin olive oil for its restaurants and also uses it for treatments in the sanctuary of the Irene Forte Spa.
Striking stone-and-wood structures house the guest rooms at Verdura Resort. The interiors are imbued with warmth, furnished with custom-made furniture and a colour palette based on classic Sicilian maiolica tiles.
It’s difficult to tear yourself away from the peace and privacy of this spot, but there are some brilliant places to visit nearby if you fancy a change of scene. One is Sciacca, a historic fishing port famous for its ceramics, thermal baths and the intriguing Greek archaeological sites of Selinunte and Agrigento. But you don’t even need to leave the resort to get an authentic feel for this fascinating island. From ceramic painting and culinary experiences to horse riding and trekking, a host of activities can be arranged, including tennis and sailing to keep sportier types entertained.
Whatever you end up doing on your Sicilian sojourn, one thing’s for certain: you’ll be desperate to return.
Book your Rocco Forte Hotels’ Sicilian experience here