Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

"Villa Igiea is located on the outskirts of Palermo, marrying historic charm with modern amenities. It offers marvelous sea views, elegant interiors, well-manicured gardens, and exclusive experiences such as private tours and hot air balloon rides." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"A masterpiece from the early 20th century, this hotel was refurbished by Sir Rocco Forte in 2019 to restore its past glamour and Belle Époque character. It features gardens, a swimming pool, and a terrace bar with stunning views."

"Transformed into a grand hotel in the early 1900s by the wealthy Florio family, Villa Igiea played host to royalty and celebrities like King Edward VII of England, the Vanderbilts, and J.P. Morgan in its heyday and was restored to its former glory by Rocco Forte Hotels in 2021. The redesign brightened up the hotel’s 100 rooms and public spaces while preserving original architectural details like the art nouveau frescoes by Ernesto Basile. Today’s guests can sip spritzes by the pool overlooking the sea; rub elbows with Palermo’s high society at Florio Restaurant, where lauded chef Fulvio Pierangelini oversees the menu; play tennis; indulge in a massage at the Irene Forte Spa; explore the beautiful gardens; and venture out to experience everything Sicily’s bustling capital has to offer. From $585." - Erica Firpo, Laura Itzkowitz

"Transformed into a grand hotel in the early 1900s by the wealthy Florio family, Villa Igiea played host to royalty and celebrities." - Erica Firpo, Laura Itzkowitz

"Life at this masterclass in sophisticated elegance revolves around aperitivo hour, which goes down on a breezy outdoor terrace and is accompanied by a jazz pianist. Villa Igiea takes one back to a time when a couple got all dolled up just to see each other, and to be in the company of others doing the same only enhances the romance that is every-crackling in this Italian air. In the company of your beloved, make an evening of people watching others who have arrived chasing the same feeling—couples that have been together for decades enjoying their umpteenth martini together, young lovers from aristocratic families stealing away for a weekend, and so on. As executive editor Erin Florio said in her review, “This resort is so timeless and elegant that you almost feel nostalgic for a Sicily that never even existed during your lifetime.”" - CNT Editors, Betsy Blumenthal