Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – MGallery by Sofitel, Palermo, Sicily, Italy
One of the island's greatest examples of Sicilian Art Nouveau architecture, restored by Palermo native Ernesto Basile in the early 1900s, Grand Hotel Villa Igiea remains awash with old-world character to this day. Rooms and suites are sumptuous, individually designed, and set either in the original building or adjacent yachting house – some overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea; others the Pellegrino Mountains.
And when you're not taking advantage of the wellness centre; tennis courts; three gourmet, Sicilian-Mediterranean and grill-themed eateries; or the free summertime shuttle into Palermo; the extensive palm tree–studded grounds lead to an outdoor pool, an ancient Greek temple, a private beach and a marina.