Rocco Forte Villa Igiea

Wrapped around a private headland in the Acquasanta district north of Palermo's centro storico, Villa Igiea began as a private residence before Ernesto Basile redesigned it in 1900 in full Sicilian Liberty style — the frescoed dining hall he created remains the most photographed interior in the building.

The outdoor pool sits at sea level, with beach loungers on a platform above the Gulf of Palermo. The spa adds yoga classes and massage; a tennis court and cooking classes round out the on-site programme. The restaurant draws on market produce from Ballarò and Vucciria, Palermo's two historic street markets, both reachable in under twenty minutes by car.

Acquasanta keeps the property away from the city's noise while remaining close enough for evening walks through the Kalsa quarter.