Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Built as a private palazzo at the end of the 19th century, Villa Igiea later morphed into one of the most luxurious hotels in Sicily, rolling out the red carpet for Hollywood celebrities, royalty and soccer stars visiting Palermo. Previously managed by Hilton and then Accor, Villa Igiea was purchased by Rocco Forte Hotels on November 6, 2018. And now, after a full restoration, the property will launch as Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in June 2020. This will be the group's second hotel in Sicily after the Verdura Resort, known for its seaside spa and two championship golf courses.

Villa Igiea's 104 rooms and suites will be designed by Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam Studios, in a classic style reflecting the Sicilian setting. Many of the rooms have sea views, and some suites, like the dreamy Florio Suite, come with terraces where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz and watch the sunset. Done up in Carrara marble, the bathrooms will be stocked with Irene Forte Skincare products, made from organic Sicilian botanicals.

Facilities will include a spa set in the gardens, event spaces including the grand mirrored ballroom, and swimming pool. The restaurant menu will feature local specialties, served on the terrace or in the salon where the Florios used to entertain prestigious guests.

Hotel website