11/21/2018 Where To Stay, Play And Most Importantly—Eat In The Ultimate Sicilian Escape: Where To Stay, Play And Most Importantly—Eat—In Sicily

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER | TRAVEL | JUNE 25, 2018

San Vio Lo Capo

Photo Credit: Krzyzak/Shutterstock.com A guide to experiencing the glory of ’s most charming island http://hauteliving.com/2018/06/sicily-luxury-travel-guide/658280/ 1/16 11/21/2018 Where To Stay, Play And Most Importantly—Eat In Sicily “CU NESCI ARRINESCI” IN ITALIAN TRANSLATES TO “WHO LEAVES THEIR OWN COMFORT ZONE SUCCEEDS!” FOR THE adventurers and wanderers looking to experience something new in a setting that rivals the beauty of the Amal Coast or Lombardy, a trip to Sicily is a must. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is literally a hotbed of activity, thanks to several active volcanoes—including Stromboli, Vulcano, Vulcanello and Lipari, Ferdinandea and, of course, the infamous (which you can also climb if you’re into that kind of exploring). The glittering sea is a draw for those who enjoy water sports like kite-surng, snorkeling and scuba diving, while beach bums will prefer to stretch out and tan up on the beloved picture-perfect sands of San Vito Lo Capo and Mondello, among others.

History buffs will love that Sicily is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites— including Etna, the archaeological area surrounding ; the Aeolian archipelago; the baroque cities of Val di ; the island of Pantelleria, home to one of Sicily’s great wine regions; as well as Siracusa and . With ruins and relic civilizations at literally every turn, you can pay homage to Sicily’s three primary periods and architecture: Classical Greek, Medieval, Baroque and Renaissance (the latter of which can be found in ’s Teatro Massimo, the third-largest opera house in all of Europe).

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Photo Credit: PlusONE/Shutterstock.com

Truman Capote famously said, “Sicily is more beautiful than any woman.” And while his comment is subjective, there’s no denying the otherworldly charm the island has, from its terracotta walls to the scent of lemons that seems to linger in the air.

Bar Vitelli

The cuisine is another big draw for visitors, as you can nd ever-present citrus fruits, apricots, artichokes and aubergines; fresh sea bream, swordsh and tuna; bountiful herbs, ricotta, freshly made pasta, pistachios and almonds; and, of course, olive oil at your beck and call. Weight-conscious Angelenos might initially balk at the sweets—like gelato, cannoli (fried pastry dough stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese lling), biscotti, braccilatte (the Italian equivalent of doughnuts) and bruccellati (sesame seed cookies)—but your taste buds will thank you for daring to enjoy.

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Valley of the Temples

Photo Credit: BLITZ MC/Shutterstock.com

Speaking of mouth-watering, oenophiles must take themselves on a wine tour of the region, which produces consistent varietals from year to year in the hot, dry climate. You’ll nd indigenous grapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, such as the elegant and aromatic Grillo, the red ower, strawberry and sour cherry avored Nero D’Avola, as well as new plantings of ancient Catarratto, Inzolia, Frappato, and more.

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San Vito Lo Capo

Photo Credit: simona amigni/shutterstock.com

And just in case you can take yourself out of Hollywood, but can’t take Hollywood out of you, know that Sicily is the backdrop for several famous lms, including the big daddy of them all, The Godfather. In fact, the town of Taormina is home to the Bar Vitelli scene where Michael (Al Pacino) meets Apollonia (Simonetta Stefanelli), the village Savoca is the setting for the couple’s wedding, and nearby Forza d’Argo is the scene of Michael’s death in Part III.

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Teatro Massimo

Photo Credit: Angelo Cordeschi/Shutterstock.com

Meanwhile, Bagheria (just outside of Palermo) is the setting for Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso; Trapani was the beach used in Ocean’s Twelve (where stars Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia unknowingly mingled with the real-life Sicilian Maoso); Palermo, and Taormina were the settings of acclaimed director Roberto Benigni’s 1981 lm Johnny Stecchino; and the were the ethereal setting for Michael Radford’s classic 1994 drama, Il Postino, about Pablo Neruda’s friendship with a local postman.

Hopefully, you too will discover Sicily’s magic. Here is a handy guide on where to stay, play, wine and dine.

Mondello Lido Charleston Place

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Photo Credit: roberto orecchio/Shutterstock.com AGRIGENTO/SCIACCA

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Verdura Presidential Suite Private Terrace and Pool

Stay at: Verdura Resort

(S.S. 115, Km 131, 92019, Sciacca)

In the small shing village of Sciacca, roughly 25 miles from Agrigento on the southwestern coast of Sicily, you can nd Rocco Forte’s super exclusive Verdura Golf & Spa Resort. Located on almost 600 acres of land, this 203-room behemoth is a pretty unparalleled property. Each Olga Polizzi-designed room has a sea view and a private terrace—meaning, wherever you stay is sublime. However, if you want the crème de la crème of suites, book Villa Mimosa, which offers a double terrace with a hammock, private pool, internal courtyard and stone-nished sunken bathtub. Plus, Villa guests receive return airport transfers, a welcome bottle of champagne, breakfast, unpacking and packing services, garment-pressing, and a Jet Lag Reviver Experience upon arrival in the Verdura Spa, where you can also partake in the four thalassotherapy pools. Beyond that, all of the activities are

http://hauteliving.com/2018/06/sicily-luxury-travel-guide/658280/ 8/16 11/21/2018 Where To Stay, Play And Most Importantly—Eat In Sicily offered to you: two 18-hole championship golf courses and one 9-hole designed by leading architect Kyle Phillips, six clay tennis courts, a 2.3 mile innity swimming pool and running trails that meander through the olive and lemon groves.

La Zagara Restaurant

WHERE TO DINE: There are four restaurants and ve bars at Verdura, all of which celebrate Sicilian cuisine. The majestic Liola serves up trattoria-style fare and clifftop views, the lovely Zagara offers Mediterranean cuisine, and Amare is a relaxed seafood spot on the beach. Make sure to also grab a cocktail at Granita and quietly watch the epic sunset. Another dining option you shouldn’t miss in nearby Agrigento is Re di Girgenti (Via Panoramica Valle dei Templi, 51, 92100), a country-chic eatery with updated versions of Sicilian classics.

TAORMINA

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NH Collection Taormina

Stay at: NH Collection Taormina

(Via Circonvallazione, 11, 98039 Taormina)

The NH Collection Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast will feel like home away from home from the moment you arrive, when you’ll be greeted with special, house-made Sicilian pastries and almond milk. This is one of the most idyllic hotels in the region, thanks to its beautiful décor—an elegant blend of 20th century architecture and modern touches—and setting that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea with the top of Mount Etna visible in the distance. Its proximity to the Palacongressi (the venue for the Festival del Cinema) and the ancient Greek theater, as well as the exclusive boutiques of nearby Corso Umberto I (Taormina’s famous shopping street) makes this a prime location for just about everything. While on the property, take advantage of the 7th oor innity pool where you can soak, sun and sip cocktails such as an Aperol spritz while taking in awe-inspiring views of the Sicilian coastline. Book the hotel’s Presidential Suite, which includes private Jacuzzis and a rain effect shower, as well as a picture-perfect view of the ocean from a private terrace.

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Timeo Restaurant at Belmond Grand Hotel Taormina

WHERE TO DINE: Enjoy two of the best culinary extravaganzas in Sicily when you dine at the Belmond two-fer of Oliviero at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea ( Via Nazionale, 137, 98039 Taormina ME) and Timeo Restaurant at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo (Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 Taormina ME). At the former, Executive Chef Agostino D’Angelo whips up fresh seafood dishes with locally sourced products based on the authenticity of Sicilian ingredients with an Arabic bent. Your view here is killer—you’ll be able to see the beach (and even dolphins frolicking!); the service is top-notch; and you’ll nd one of the best Bellini apertifs in the world. A standout dish: Couscous with selection of Mediterranean sh served with sh soup, toasted almonds and cont tomatoes. Meanwhile, at the latter, you’ll have a different set of views—though equally as amazing. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is located in town’s center (while Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is located near the beach) so you’re literally getting the best of both worlds (and a shuttle to ferry you in between both 5-star hotels). Executive Chef Roberto Toro creates cuisine from familial experiences: his dishes are based on the scents and tastes of his childhood – the red of the oranges that his father used to grow in the garden, the fragrance of his mother’s freshly baked bread, and the taste of the tomato sauce his grandmother made. Make sure to try Toro’s lamb shank, which is marinated with ne herbs on rösti potatoes and wild vegetables.

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Oliviero Restaurant at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea

PALERMO

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Stay at: Grand Hotel Villa Igiea by SOFITEL

(Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo)

If you want to feel like part of Sicily’s history, stay at the stunning Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, a landmark for more than a century since its design by famed architect Ernesto Basile. This Art Nouveau beauty features fragrant terraced garden and panoramic views of the Bay of Palermo and Mount Pellegrino. While all guest rooms are well-appointed with marble bathrooms, we recommend the brand new Terrace Jacuzzi suite, which includes (naturally) an outdoor Jacuzzi in which guests can relax and enjoy views of the sea. The one-bedroom paradise offers a living room, writing desk and French doors that open onto the private terrace—where you can lie on a sun lounger and dine just steps away from the hotel’s manicured gardens. Guests also receive a pillow menu, champagne upon arrival, individually controlled music and laundry service. Plus, should you stay a minimum of three nights, you’ll receive a private boat trip along the coast of Palermo, with more champagne and a selection of assorted canapes. Don’t miss out on the Greek-style outdoor swimming pool, a match on the tennis courts or a quiet moment in the solarium by the sea, either.

http://hauteliving.com/2018/06/sicily-luxury-travel-guide/658280/ 13/16 11/21/2018 Where To Stay, Play And Most Importantly—Eat In Sicily WHERE TO DINE: Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal in the sophisticated Donna Franca Florio restaurant at the Villa Igiea; Piccolo Napoli (Piazzetta Mulino a Vento, 4, 90139), with a seafood-heavy menu of Sicilian and Palermitan fare; and Osteria dei Vespri (Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6, 90133), located in the heart of ancient Palermo with a 350- bottle wine list.

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