Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino
and the Gulf of Palermo. A long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, trace their paths through tiered villa gardens
that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea; on excursions to Palermo’s bustling markets, Baroque palaces and ancient sites, or yacht trips along its
picturesque coast; and through Villa Igiea’s Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars and palatial Art Nouveau interior, revitalized as a Rocco Forte hotel.

Opening June 2021.

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Set at a crossroads in the Mediterranean, Sicily celebrates a unique confluence of the architectural triumphs of ancient conquerors,
where European elegance leans towards laid-back Italian culture and is infused with lingering Arabian accents.

In Palermo, Baroque palaces and gold-stone palazzos line broad promenades and piazzas, the façades of centuries-old churches hide magnificent mosaics and fabulous frescoes, while in serene gardens, solemn statues look out over ornate fountains. As dusk descends, locals take to the boulevards for a romantic passeggiata,
admiring a rural backdrop of rolling hills with the cerulean waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea at the fore.

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ADVENTURE

 

BIKE TOURS

Sicily’s varied topography, peerless natural beauty and countless biking trails and cycle tours make it a treat for two-wheeled explorers, who can choose between challenging mountain trails, picturesque coastal routes or themed city cycles. City cyclists can enjoy tours of Palermo, Mondello or take a street food tour through the capital. Alternatively, immerse yourself in nature in the forests of Bosco di Casaboli or Ficuzza, or stretch yourself with a mountain-bike adventure to Montes Manolofo or Cuccio. 

OTHER TOURS

Get a bird’s-eye view of Sicily with a thrilling helicopter ride across the island, or hike through MADONIE REGIONAL NATURAL PARK, a natural adventure playground spanning almost 40,000 acres, six mountains, and over 1500 plant species. You can zip through the city streets in style ion a PALERMO BY CINQUECENTO tour, a true Italian icon, the Fiat 500 – or Cinquecento – on a Palermo driving tour.  Still looking for fast adventure? DISCOVER SICILY BY PORSCHE. Sicily’s coastal roads are notoriously stunning, and exploring them from behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art convertible, the sun on your face and wind in your hair, is one of life’s great pleasures. 

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ARTS & CULTURE

 

THE BEST OF PALERMO AND MONREALE

SEGESTA, ERICE AND TRAPANI SALT PANS

 CEFALU' AND CASTELBUONO

 JEWISH PALERMO 

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FLORIOS

 THE LEOPARD TOUR

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CULINARY

 

MARKET TOUR AND COOKERY CLASS

The beating heart of Sicily’s capital, Palermo’s busy, buzzy markets should be the first stop for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the city. Better still, let a seasoned professional guide you in a city tasting tour, market trip and cooking class. Our local chef will lead you through the winding walkways of Vucciria, Ballarò or Capo market to source ingredients – tasting local street food specialties such as panelle fritters and pane con la milza en route. Ingredients gathered you’ll head to a traditional Sicilian trattoria to cook up a storm, ready to enjoy with a selection of Sicilian wine and desserts. Buon appetito!

 

MARSALA WINERIES DAY TRIP 

WINERY BAGLIO DI PIANETTO COOKERY CLASS

PALERMO CULINARY WALKING TOUR

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OUR ROOMS & SUITES

Designed by Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam Studios, Villa Igiea’s rooms and suites blend period features
with contemporary flair to exquisite effect.

Furnished with classic antiques and sumptuous fabrics in serene shades, each of the 72 rooms and 28 suites is fresh, light and inherently Sicilian. Locally crafted elements pay homage to the villa’s extraordinary setting, with classic parquet and exquisite Carrara marble maintaining cool temperatures in the warmest of summers. Balmy sea breezes sweep in from the azure Gulf, a refreshing reminder of the villa’s island location. All this establishes Villa Igiea as the final word in Palermo coastal glamour.

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VILLA IGIEA SPA

Rocco Forte Wellness addresses complete enrichment and unity of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health – together, a Forte Life – fusing proven, pioneering science and technology with inherited wisdom and an affinity with nature across Rocco Forte Spas, Nourish, Fitness, Mind, Community and Sustainability.

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