Asserting themselves in a city that has, until now, flown under the radar for the A-grade hoteliers, the Rocco Forte group has sweetened the Palermo-city-break-pot with Villa Igiea.
Changing faces from health retreat to high-end hotel, the corridors of this honey-hued manor were walked by royals, jetsetters and movie stars before a makeover catapulted it into the 21st century. Whether inside or out, though, guests are never far away from mementos of those bygone days.
Igiea Suite
Florio Restaurant
Igiea Suite Lounge
Igiea Suite Terrace
Junior Suite
Donna Franca Suite
George V Suite
Igiea Terrazza Bar
Private Dinner
Flanked by Mount Pellegrino on one side and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the other, it was this privileged position that first drew the villa’s former owners to this spot. Palermo has matured around it, but Villa Igiea remains in its own pocket of calm.
Removed from the fray, a sparkling pool and lush gardens make for the perfect places to hide away from the city’s buzz under the Sicilian sun. The mood here is decidedly grown-up despite the warm welcome extended to families.
Between the pretty original features and modern creature comforts, Villa Igiea is the kind of place you’re loath to leave. If, however, its hold loosens a little, both history buffs and sun worshippers are in luck. Head into the city and Palermo’s unique and adventurous charm shines when touring its historic highlights. Head further north, and nestled near Capo Gallo Reserve is Lidò Beach Club, who have collaborated with the villa. From the boat ride there to the sundowners on the bright-white deck overlooking picturesque Addaura, guests are indulged in seaside luxury.
Famed as creator of the world’s most expensive cocktail (at The Playboy Club in Mayfair), Salvatore Calabrese has worked his magic at Igiea Terrazzo Bar too — this time delving into the hotel’s glamorous past and celebrity clientele. Main attractions include the Lollo, named for Gina Lollobrigida (combining Bulldog gin, Italicus, honey lavender and lemon juice), and a Tuniscina, named for Tunisia-born Claudia Cardinale (embracing spirits like Amaricante, Espolòn Tequila Blanco, Amaro Indigeno, and Ibisco gin). Or plump for a Far East, dedicated to Villa Igiea acolyte Harrison Ford.
For what it lacks in walk-out access, Villa Igiea makes up for in adventures further afield. Sicily’s charm can make it hard to decide where to go but the remedy to this is simple — hopping behind the wheel of a supercar. On a self-drive tour to discover the likes of mediaeval Erice, Saline di Marsala with its windmills and salt pans, Sciacca with its local ceramics and thermal spas, and Marsala, famed for its wine tastings.
Reclining on 570 acres of beachfront miles away from the overpopulated suntraps, Rocco Forte’s first venture into building its own hotels is a crowd-pleasing, private affair.
This Belmond hotel exudes a timeless glamour that has long been a lure for the glitterati.
Looking out over a blanket of olive groves and citrus fruits, spacious simplicity reigns over this ancient masseria; once owned by Prince Nicolaci, a sanctuary of minimalism now awaits the contemporary traveller escaping into the arms of luxury.
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