For many travelers, Sicily immediately conjures images of the well-known White Lotus filming locations of Taormina and Noto. On the rugged northern coast of the island, just an hour’s drive from Palermo, sits a seaside gem far less trodden by American tourists. The fishing village of Cefalù has beautiful beaches, an emblematic cathedral, and a laid-back appeal that’s a nice break from the more flocked-to spots. Tucked in the hills just outside of town, Le Calette is a third-generation family-run retreat that reflects the relaxed charm of the Mediterranean's largest island.
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Established in 1969 and set within a foliage-studded park, the property pays tribute to the timeless beauty of its setting. The whitewashed Mediterranean architecture follows the natural curves of the coastline it overlooks and pathways snake down to the sea. The interiors and exteriors blend together, with the walls and heritage details—from hand-painted tiles and Sicilian ceramics to sculptures and 18th-century furnishings—as the only points of distinction.
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Visitors enter through the warm reception, with a cozy sitting room to the right and the bar to the left. The pool and far-reaching views down to Caldura Bay create an iconic visual that defines the hotel. While the overarching aesthetic is decidedly old-world, it’s not without present-day touches. Travelers will appreciate the modern fitness center and spa featuring a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpools, thalasso thermal, and treatment rooms for massages, body scrubs, and facials.
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The boutique resort is separated into two distinct accommodation areas. Spread over two floors around the pool, the airy deluxe rooms and suites of Le Calette N°5, a five-star member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, are smart and also skew more contemporary. Those on the upper level flaunt terraces with stunning vistas. For something a bit more private, the cabanas have private jacuzzis surrounded by greenery. The four-star side, Le Calette Bay, adds additional sleeping quarters furnished with warm woods and colorful textiles. All the accommodations at Le Calette are equipped with local art, Orgia bath products, and woven beach bags to use while on vacation.
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On the cushiony, sand-colored sofas of the atmospheric bar, guests can enjoy a cappuccino or local wine. In the evening, a pianist tickles the ivories. Even with such lovely ambiance, most holiday goers prefer to sip and savor lunch, aperitivo, and casual dinner outside on the bougainvillea-framed deck.
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Cala Luna is the Michelin-recommended gastronomic restaurant. Chef Dario Pandolfo impresses with flavorful, technique-driven Sicilian fine-dining (think: the essence of Aeolian salad in a consume-filled amuse bouche, house-made bread with salt from Trapani, and fresh-caught fish) and local wine pairings under the twinkling stars on the lawn or in the sophisticated Rizz’i Mari dining room, where artisan-crafted glass octopus sit atop cream tablecloths. In the morning, the kitchen opens its sliding doors and puts out a beautiful breakfast buffet (pastries, cured meats, cheeses, cereals, nuts, fresh fruits, juices) right on the counter.
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Calette Reef Club (open June to September), a low-key alternative to the Aperol spritz-fueled beach clubs in Capri or the Amalfi Coast, is where you’ll find most vacationers during the sun-baked summer days (at least, those who have strayed from the pool). The cantilevered decks are lined with sun beds and umbrellas. There’s also an open-air restaurant for Sicilian bistro fare. If you’re looking for something more active than sunning, swigging Malvasia, and nibbling Sicilian-style octopus, paddle boards and snorkeling gear are available. Guests keen to lay out and cool off in the azure water somewhere a bit more secluded can seek out one of the coves.
Top Takeaways
Location: Cefalù, Sicily, Italy
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Seaside sophistication meets Sicilian ease.
Food + Drink: The central pool bar serves coffee, lunch, aperitivo, and dinner. The waterfront. Cala Luna, the Michelin-recommended gastronomic restaurant, is open for breakfast and dinner. Calette Reef Club (open seasonally) offers a variety of crudo, grilled fish, pasta, and cocktails.
Amenities: Swimming pool; 2 restaurants; 2 bars; beach club with sea access (seasonal); fitness center; spa; yoga; concierge; meeting rooms; private boat; electric bikes; private shuttle to the beach club; parking
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Aperitivo with local Sicilian wine, olives, and chips on the flower-adorned terrace facing the sea, followed by dinner at the Michelin-recommended restaurant.
5 Nearby Attractions: Cefalù Cathedral, Ruderi del Castello di Cefalù, Spiaggia di Cefalù, Punto Panoramico, Spiaggia Panorama
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? For tasty pizzas and warm, authentic hospitality within walking distance of the hotel, stroll over to La Tavernetta Ristorante e Pizzeria Cefalù. You can drive to town in about 10 minutes for access to the sandy Spiaggia di Cefalù and the many seafront restaurants.
Rooms: 56 rooms, suites, and villas
Pricing: Rooms start at $260/night
Closest Airport: Palermo Airport (PMO)
