VILLA IGIEA: A SICILIAN ART NOUVEAU SANCTUARY
Overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, the 19-century Villa Igiea is a historic urban resort transformed in the early 1900s by the influential Florio family into a masterpiece of Italian Art Nouveau, designed by Ernesto Basile and Ettore de Maria Bergler. Having hosted European royalty and Hollywood icons (including the cast of The Leopard), the palace was recently revitalised by Olga Polizzi and Nicholas Haslam Studios combining Belle Époque elegance with contemporary luxury.
The resort features 72 guestrooms and 28 suites split between the main building and the Palazzina Donna Franca. The design incorporates local Sicilian marbles, hand-painted tiles, and color palettes inspired by the hotel’s historic murals. High-end offerings include the ultra-luxurious Forte Suites, such as the 144-square-meter Donna Franca Suite, which boast massive private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean and exclusive VIP services, including airport transfers and unpacking assistance.
Under Creative Director Fulvio Pierangelini, the culinary program celebrates authentic Sicilian flavors:
Florio Restaurant: Fine dining in a grand, Belle Époque Louis XVI hall featuring fresh local catch and seasonal ingredients.
Alicetta Pool Bar: Located in a stylish garden pavilion, serving fresh crudo, grilled seafood, and wood-fired pizza.
Igiea Terrazza Bar: Features creative mixology by Salvatore Calabrese alongside 1950s frescoes by local artist Gino Morici.
The Irene Forte Spa melds high-tech treatments with multi-sensory therapies utilising organic Sicilian botanicals. The facilities also include a 24-hour gym, an outdoor panoramic pool, a tennis court, and the majestic Belle Époque Ballroom for large-scale events. Guests can book exclusive excursions, including Palermo street-food tastings, private visits to aristocratic palaces, and day trips to Cefalù or the historic island of Mozia.
Launching in July, Villa Igiea offers an exclusive new itinerary: The Sicilian Odyssey, created exclusively for guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort. Inspired by Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film and Homer’s epic mythology, this highly customisable journey explores Sicily's dramatic nature reserves and ancient historical landmarks through three distinct chapters:
Mothia Island: Located in the Stagnone Nature Reserve, guests enjoy a stroll through the Grillo vineyards, a visit to the Whitaker Museum to view the 5th-century BC Ephebe of Mothia sculpture, and a private garden lunch featuring authentic Sicilian caponata and couscous.
Zingaro Nature Reserve: A luxury two-hour yacht cruise departing directly from the resort. Guests sail past towering sea stacks, rugged cliffs, and legendary sea caves, dropping anchor to swim in secluded, crystal-clear bays.
Favignana Island: A deep dive into the island's cinematic turquoise coves (such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra) and a visit to the historic Tonnara Florio—a 19th-century tuna production hub established by Vincenzo Florio.
As a grand finale to the experience, guests can return to the hotel to view an exclusive photographic exhibition featuring striking behind-the-scenes images from the movie set, presented courtesy of Universal Pictures.
