Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Opened in June 2021 after two years of sensitive restoration, Villa Igiea is an impressive addition to Palermo’s hotel scene. It’s not just because of its ornate-but-airy turn-of-the-century architecture or the magical blend of old, new and local in its chic interior design. Nor is it solely down to the superb edge-of-Palermo seaside setting, with terraces and lush gardens that lead down to the private marina. It’s more the feeling that everything has been thought of and carried out to create a flawless - and very grown-up - playground.

Everything here is a highlight, from the outdoor pool overlooked by the ruins of an ancient temple to the thoroughly up-to-date spa. Overlaying it all is a real sense of place that brings in everything from the colours used in the interiors - the palm-tree green in the palatial main restaurant is particularly striking - to the mouthwatering dishes on the menu. We love the way that local ingredients and flavours predominate, even at breakfast, and it works brilliantly. It’s no surprise that Villa Igiea has already established itself as the place to see and be seen by everyone from visiting celebrities to well-heeled Sicilians.

The 100 rooms and suites epitomise modern luxury: think antique furniture, parquet floors, local ceramics and designer lighting. The palette reflects the colours of Sicily, from the blue of the sea and sky to the apricot hues of its sandstone buildings. The lead-in Superior Rooms are as stunning as the rest, with views of the gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows. Studio Rooms are considerably larger, and the Carrara marble bathroom has a separate walk-in shower. For ocean vistas, book a Deluxe Room with Sea View, if possible one of the ones with a balcony; otherwise, the Executive Room with Sea View and Terrace has, as the name suggests, a private outdoor space from which to drink in the seascape.