This Relaxed Retreat on the Aeolian Island of Salina Has Fragrant Gardens, a Michelin-Starred Restaurant, and a Dreamy Spa

The Aeolian Islands, off the north coast of Sicily, are known for volcanic landscapes and a laid-back pace. Unlike more tourist-trodden Italian vacation destinations, the remote chain remains pleasantly crowd-free. Beloved for its lush vegetation, sweeping vistas, and winemaking heritage, Salina has a particularly relaxed appeal, even as compared to the rest of the low-key archipelago. 

Tucked off a cobbled corridor in the heart of Malfa, a tiny village 15 minutes from Santa Marina Salina, Hotel Signum (open seasonally from April to early November is a family-run respite, a bastion of time-worn charm wrapped in native flora. Everything looks and feels as though it’s longingly withstood the passing of decades—cracks on the plaster facade, sun-faded colors, mature cacti, stone walls where lizards have made hideouts in the nooks. 

The reception desk and heritage-studded interior lounges open onto a beautiful patio, dotted with round tables and red woven chairs. It’s a lovely spot to escape the heat or enjoy a more casual bistro dinner in the evening. 

Most days, you’ll find a smattering of guests sitting on the adjacent terrace, soaking in the views of the azure sea and the islands of Panarea and Stromboli, an active volcano, in the distance. Mornings start slowly with a breakfast of local fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs. It’s also the place for lunch and aperitivo with local Salina wine or a cocktail crafted with herbs from the garden. 

The Michelin-starred Signum Restaurant feels right at home and on tempo with wooden beams, stained glass, and lighting by Davide Groppi. Like the rest of the hotel, it’s a love letter to the island. Celebrated chef Martina Caruso’s tasting menus, inspired by Salina’s agrarian and culinary heritage, are gourmet without sacrificing soul. The cellar, an ongoing passion project of hotel manager Luca Caruso, contains more than 1,200 labels.

Downstairs, there’s a library sitting room with a selection of books, wooden tables, and sofas, in case guests need a reprieve (or a quiet place to work for a few hours). Just outside, the terraced gardens beckon with blooming jasmine, bougainvillea, and lemon trees. Do yourself a favor and wander around for a while, without the distraction of a smartphone or agenda. Then meander over to the idyllic pool for a dip and an extended laze in the gazebo or on the sunbeds. 

The spa is a blissfully quiet refuge for R&R that channels the essence of Salina through treatments inspired by local ingredients (think: lemon, bitter orange, prickly pear, and olive oil) and the wellbeing traditions of the Aeolian Islands. It’s also home to a sun-warmed wellness deck featuring sunken baths fed by natural springs, beds for relaxing, a small bar serving homemade herbal teas, plus a sauna, steam room, and retail area stocked with Signum brand products.  

Scattered around the leafy grounds, a handful of traditional cottages hold 30 rooms. Some sit above the main house, others hide behind stone walls or large trees. All the guest quarters are decorated in a traditional Aeolian style with tiled floors, wrought iron beds, and antique furniture. Bergamot oil diffuser fragrance the bathrooms and the showers are stocked with heavenly scented almond body wash, cedar-mint shampoo, and cedar-laurel conditioner (from the Signum brand, of course). Suites add roll-top baths. The airy terraces and balconies invite guests to sit outside with a glass of Malvasia or flip through the beautiful hardcover Hotel Signum book in between swimming and strolling through the gardens. 

Top Takeaways

Location: Salina, Aeolian Islands, Italy

‍Rating: Four-Star

The Vibe: Gastronomy and gardens under the Aeolian sun.

Food + Drink: Savor breakfast, lunch, and aperitivo on the sea-view terrace before enjoying casual bistro fare or heading to the Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner. 

Amenities: Two restaurants; bar; wine cellar; pool; spa; concierge; transport services; e-scooter rentals

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Aperitivo on the sun-dappled terrace—sipping local wine from Salina and staring at Stromboli erupting in the distance.   

5 Nearby Attractions: Azienda Agricola Biologica Caravaglio; Spiaggia dello Scario; Monte Fossa delle Felci; Area Balneabile di Pollara; Night Boat Tour of Stromboli

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? If you want to change up the aperitivo location, Bar Ravisi is a nice setting for local wine and snacks. Next door, Ristorante & Pizzeria U Cucunciu fires a variety of tasty pizzas and fresh seafood. Outside the cobbled core, La Pinnata del Monsú does traditional home cooking that tastes like nonna might be back in the kitchen. 

Rooms: 30 rooms and suites

Pricing: Rooms start at $280/night  

Closest Airport: Vincenzo Bellini Catania Airport (CTA)

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