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.