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Life imitates art and vice versa
Lush flora and palms from the tiered garden
Spritz with a seabreeze, please
Belle Époque Ballroom, designed for events and galas designed by Palermitan architect Ernesto Basile
An inviting bed to rest your head after a long flight from NYC
Carrera marble bathtubs are the true definition of luxury
A cinematic scene - view of the pool from the Greek column
Who could ask for anything more?
A scene from White Lotus may or may not have been filmed at the bar
Hand-painted frescos by legendary Sicily artist Eugenio Morici adorn the bar interiors
Highs & Lows
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Villa Igeia feels nothing less than a fantasy of luxury and leisure. The service is well-oiled and contiguous. Formal but affable. That’s hard to teach. It must be in the water (or wine).
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Keep it in the family! Irene Forte Skincare bath products were absolutely divine.
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There’s something about swimming in an outdoor pool adjacent to original Greek ruins that transports you to another dimension.
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Some front desk staff wore tags reading “Trainee,” which felt out of place—if you’re guest-facing, you should have your name proudly on display.
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It was tough to find a prime sunbed by the pool around noon. If you want a good lounging spot for the day, head down right after breakfast.
Important Bits
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Type
Neogothic luxury villa
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Vibe
Lounging like Sicilian royalty on sea-view terraces surrounded by citrus gardens
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Location
Serene coastal escape away from the city center
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Rooms
72 rooms and 28 suites
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Oftentimes one can get excited about a sojourn only while arriving to the airport. I am one of those types. I booked my stay a few days prior, and made arrangements for my check-in and driver while on the flight. The hotel communicated quickly and seamlessly throughout my arrival process, which was greatly appreciated.
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Future Forward
n/a
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Music
Nino Nardini & Roger Roger - Jungle Obsession
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Year Opened
1900!!
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Designed By
Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design, collaborated with renowned architects Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Nicholas Haslam Studios, led the preservation and creative reinvention process of the property.
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Health & Wellness
The hotel has an oblong-shaped outdoor swimming pool. Not ideal for laps, but certainly for wading, soaking with a cocktail and arms’ length away.
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Food
Luxury hotel brands take note: Chef Fulvio Pierangelini sets the bar exceptionally high when it comes to innovative fare that makes the best of local, seasonal produce. I could order the Melon, cucumber, mint and pistachio plate from Alicetta every day for the rest of my life, easy.
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
A drink before, and a drink after dinner at the cinematic bar was a must. I highly suggest diving into head mixologist Salvatore Calabrese’s “Sicily Around the World” cocktail menu. I sipped on the Cafézinho Sagatiba Cachaça, Vivere Espresso Coffee Liqueur, lime sage. Yes, please.
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Minibar & Retail
I can’t say I recall. It was a short trip.
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Accessibility
The elevator is from the original building, which is a delight for design and history lovers such as myself. However this may be a challenge for some guests.
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Pet Friendly
With a fee, advance notice + vax papers
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Children
Children get a Rocco Forte Kids passport, pint-sized bathrobes, slippers, cuddly toys. And activities
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Price
Certainly on the upper end of price points, especially during mid-August. If I had to suggest a place to splurge, Villa Igiea would be it.
- Tel.
- Website
Villa Igiea
Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo, PA, Italy
La Vucciria Market
Piazza Caracciolo, 90133 Palermo, PA, Italy
Orto Botanico di Palermo (Botanical Garden)
Via Lincoln, 2, 90123 Palermo, PA, Italy
The hike along Capo Gallo
Via Grotte Partanna, n. 6, Palermo, PA, Italy
In the Area
Hotel Location Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo, PA, Italy
Villa Igiea sits at the water’s edge in Palermo, where the sea meets the slope of Monte Pellegrino. After a long flight from New York, it was the perfect place to arrive for respite and relaxation. It’s removed just enough from the city’s chaos to feel like a retreat, yet close enough that the street markets and baroque facades are only minutes away. You’ll need a car or be prepared to take taxis—
Bring It
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