July 14, 2025

Palmero’s Grand Dame is a Sophisticated Seaside Retreat With a Storied Past

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, is a fascinating, often chaotic, mix of architecture, culture, and cuisine. Just 15 minutes outside the emblematic cathedrals and bustling markets of the city center sits an exclusive escape from the urban hubbub.

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Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
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The story of Villa Igiea begins back in the 19th century. English admiral Sir William Domville sold it to the Florio family, a prominent Italian entrepreneurial dynasty and fixture of the society scene, who used the turreted palazzo as their own personal seaside sanctuary. Based on its proportions and proximity to the Gulf of Palermo, turning the villa into a hotel made good sense. Renowned Palermo architect and key figure in the Sicilian Liberty movement, Ernesto Basile, was brought in to do the design heavy lifting. And so began the first chapter of Villa Igiea’s hospitality legacy.

Over the years, the see-and-be-seen haven has welcomed royals, aristocrats, heads of state, and movie stars. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, Constantine I of Greece, and J. P. Morgan all checked in. King Edward VII of England, Queen Alexandra, Princess Victoria, and Tsarina Maria Feodorovna once hopped off the royal yacht just to have lunch.

More recently, Rocco Forte Hotels gave the Grade 1-listed landmark a new lease on life. Since reopening as a hospitality haven under the shepherdship of the Forte family, the impeccably restored five-star retreat shines as bright as ever and has cemented itself as an enduring symbol of Palermo’s golden age heyday.

Olga Polizzi collaborated with Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of London-based Nicholas Haslam Studio on the interiors, pulling antiques from the archives, preserving (and in many cases) polishing classic charms like frescoes and Florio-commissioned chandeliers, and introducing new bespoke art and furnishings. With the addition of contemporary comforts and the revived convivial spirit, it’s not just a living piece of history but a timelessly elegant destination grounded in its glamorous past, yet right at home in the posh present.

Punctuated by striped loungers, green umbrellas, and ancient columns, the pool is one of the most defining and remarkable aspects of the property. Surrounding the cinematic piscine are tiered seafront gardens, bursting with fragrant flowers and greenery.

Michelin-starred chef Fulvio Pierangelini heads things up at Florio Restaurant. Classic Sicilian dishes, executed with warm refinement, pair perfectly with the Belle Époque beauty of the dining room. For a more casual lunch, the poolside eatery, Alicetta, serves fresh-caught fish and handmade pasta on a shaded terrace.

Igiea Terrazza Bar remains a superbly classy spot for dressing to impress and soaking in the scene—a mix of international elites and Sicilian cogniscenti sipping martinis and other cocktails from the menu created by maestro Salvatore Calabrese. The outdoor terrace is prime for people watching and aperitivo overlooking the boat-filled marina.

Housed in the main building and Palazzina Donna Franca next door, and revamped in size and style to meet the standards of present-day discerning travelers, the residential rooms and suites are a love letter to the Mediterranean. Crisp, classic, kitted with fluffy beds, built-ins, and plush seating. Many have sea views. Our favorites flaunt balconies for hanging out in a robe and sipping bubbles while staring at the azure water. The marble bathrooms are stocked with deliciously scented Irene Forte products, crafted with Sicilian botanicals harvested from Verdura Resort’s organic farm.

Guests can also enjoy the glow-boosting benefits of her eponymous skincare line at the spa, which features four treatment rooms for facials and massages as well as a relaxation room with an outdoor terrace. On the leisure front, there’s also a tennis court—which feels very on-brand for this sort of upper-crust coastal refuge. While most visitors (at least those not planning a lavish gala) won’t have much occasion to spend time in the event spaces, it’s worth strolling into the ballroom and Sala Basile to appreciate the grandeur and period character.

Admittedly, even with so much happening in Palermo, it’s hard to resist the urge to stay put at Villa Igea. If you do feel compelled to venture off-site, the knowledgeable and brilliantly responsive concierge team will be more than happy to coordinate boat trips, cooking classes, wine tasting, and sightseeing excursions.

Fast Facts

‍Location: Palermo, Sicily

‍Rating: Five-Star

‍The Vibe: Sicilian golden age glamor and serene sea breezes.

Food + Drink: The gorgeous Florio Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in decadently designed surroundings. Alicetta is ideal for an alfresco lunch. Igiea Terrazza Bar has indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for aperitivo and after-dinner drinks.

Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; swimming pool; spa; tennis court; concierge; 3 boutiques; fitness center; 24-hour room service; complimentary shuttle bus to

downtown Palermo; airport transfers; valet parking; event spaces; laundry service

‍Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Aperitivo on the terrace overlooking the Gulf of Palermo.

5 Nearby Attractions: Mondello; Palermo Cathedral; Teatro Massimo; Quattro Canti; Palazzo dei Normanni

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Most of what you’re going to want to see and do is in the city. The streets of Politeama, a short drive away, buzz with stores and restaurants. Sikulo Emporio - Pomo & Pomo churns out delicious Mediterranean fare and has a wine list that’s flush with bottles from Sicily. Afterward, treat your sweet tooth to a scoop of gelato sandwiched between brioche at Mr. Carbognano

Rooms: 100 rooms and suites

Pricing: Rooms start at $505/night

Closest Airport: Palermo Airport (PMO)