A Sicilian Detour Worth Taking: Checking Into Villa Igiea, Palermo
Before boarding the legendary La Dolce Vita train, our journey began with a glamorous coastal pause at Palermo’s grandest retreat—Villa Igiea, where Belle Époque elegance meets modern-day refinement.
I love how a trip comes together, and the planning is all part of the enjoyment for me. By starting to look at which Orient Express La Dolce Vita train trip I wanted to experience first, on seeing the route through Sicily got me thinking that I was well overdue for a return visit to Sicily, in particular having been to Taormina many years before, as a last minute change from staying on The Lido in Venice, where the weather wasn’t forecast to be too good, hence the last minute change. As much as I loved the idea of the La Dolce Vita trip (there are two options - a one night Catania - Palermo - Taormina - Catania; or a 2 night Rome - Maratea - Taormina - Palermo) I did also want to stay over again in Taormina, to experience the filming location of Season 2 of The White Lotus - The Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
Villa Igiea basks in Sicilian sunshine — a timeless start to the day.
From White Lotus to La Dolce Vita: Starting My Sicilian Story at Villa Igiea
Inspired by trains, tales, and a return to Sicily, this trip began at Villa Igiea - an iconic Rocco Forte hotel perched above the Gulf of Palermo, setting the tone for the luxury that followed.
I then always remembered, as prompted by clearly the Orient Express train being able to get from Rome and the Italian mainland onto the island of Sicily, that ‘Mrs’ TPT has always talked about getting the overnight train from Rome to Catania back when interrailing in the 80’s. That settled the routing when I realised that TrenItalia still had the overnight route from Sicily to Rome (and vice versa) with two routes departing either from Palermo or Syracuse. We could take another routing for La Dolce Vita, but fly first to Sicily and spend a few nights there first.
My initial thought was that we would fly to Catania and stay first at The Four Seasons, before travelling onto Palermo and starting the overnight train from there. With the San Domenico Palace being full the weekend of our arrival, I switched things around a bit so that we first go to Palermo and stay at somewhere that had been firmly on my travel radar, Villa Igiea - a Rocco Forte Hotel. We will then drive on to Taormina, get my stay at the White Lotus and still be able to get the overnight train (on the other line) from Taormina Giardini station.
A grand welcome awaits at Villa Igiea’s stately front entrance.
Book Villa Igiea, Palermo with VIP Perks
Enhance your stay with hand-picked privileges—available only when you book through The Private Traveller
As a guest of The Private Traveller, enjoy exclusive benefits at the iconic Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Palermo, through your choice of two luxury booking programmes:
Rocco Forte Knights Benefits
Ideal for travellers seeking exclusive recognition, valuable perks, and enhanced service throughout their stay:
Daily breakfast for two
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit (applied in local currency)
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Virtuoso Programme Benefits
Tailored for discerning travellers looking for added flexibility:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for two, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit during stay
(Not combinable with other offers, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
📩 Message me or visit theprivatetraveller.com to plan your stay and access these exclusive benefits.
The concierge desk hints at old-world glamour and impeccable service.
Fast Facts for Villa Igiea:
Address: Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo PA, Italy
Website: roccofortehotels.com
TripAdvisor Ranking: #2 of 120 hotels in Palermo
Instagram: @villaigiea / @roccofortehotels
Nearest Airports: Palermo Airport (PMO) – 30 km / approx. 40 mins; Catania Airport (CTA) – 220 km / approx. 2h 30 mins by car
Number of Rooms/Suites: 78 rooms and 22 suites
Dining & Bar Options: Florio Restaurant, Alicetta Pool Bar, Igiea Terrazza Bar
Wellbeing: Irene Forte Spa, outdoor pool, gym, wellness garden, massages and treatments
Visited: May 2025
Tranquil gardens and sea air surround the villa’s iconic rear terrace.
Hotel Accommodation: Villa Igiea, Palermo
A Historic Palermo Landmark Reimagined with Contemporary Sicilian Elegance
Perched above the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea has long been a symbol of Sicilian glamour. Now under the refined stewardship of Rocco Forte Hotels, this restored palazzo offers a five-star experience steeped in Belle Époque charm and contemporary luxury. From elegant guest rooms to grand signature suites, the accommodation reflects the romance of its setting - where manicured gardens meet the Mediterranean Sea.
Room and Suite Types
Classic Rooms
Peaceful and refined, these entry-level rooms feature king or twin beds, marble bathrooms, and serene garden or courtyard views. A perfect choice for solo travellers or short breaks.Superior & Deluxe Rooms
Offering more generous layouts and enhanced views over the hotel gardens or sea. Deluxe options may also include balconies or large windows to let the Sicilian light pour in.Premium & Sea View Rooms
With unobstructed vistas across the Gulf of Palermo, these rooms are ideal for guests who want to soak in the views from sunrise to sunset. Stylish and serene, with an added sense of occasion.Junior Suites
Spacious and inviting, these suites feature an open-plan layout with elegant sitting areas and views over the sea or gardens. A lovely option for couples seeking extra space.Suite Sea View & Suite with Terrace
These refined one-bedroom suites include separate living areas and access to terraces or Juliet balconies overlooking the water—perfect for longer stays or celebrating special moments.Villa Igiea Suite
The hotel’s signature suite is a grand expression of Sicilian heritage and modern elegance. Located in the original palazzo wing, it features vaulted ceilings, a luxurious bedroom, a spacious living and dining area, and sweeping views of the sea.
“A Fabled 19th Century Palazzo.....
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, revitalised as a Rocco Forte hotel.”
Facilities & Service at at Villa Igiea Palermo:
More Expansive Than Expected, in All the Right Ways
I had been looking forward to staying here as the hotel was really good online, and nothing disappointed me. While I had already included my usual ‘Fast Facts’ about anywhere we are going to in my advance Travel Itineraries and knew that there were a total of 100 rooms and suites here, I had actually expected the property to feel smaller. That’s far from being a negative though, the buildings (and grounds) were far more expansive than I had imagined, but in a really good way.
I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my opinion on them below:
Our Sea View Room 124:
This was right next door to the Igiea Suite, and could actually be combined with the suite as an extra en-suite bedroom. I normally don’t like rooms or suites with adjoining doors (as often they can be noisy), but this certainly wasn’t the case here. The entry (ground) level of the hotel being on the hillside meant that our room (up a few stairs from the reception area) was the level above the main restaurant and bar, with an excellent view across the harbour and water.
Levels of Comfort:
The room was beautifully presented as we arrived, and also serviced to perfection twice daily. Evening turndown came with lots of mineral water and a delicious nut brittle snack, and all facilities working as they should. Wifi was excellent, and the bed was super comfortable and extremely large, with really soft pillows. Having gone from what felt like bricks at the Bloc Hotel in Gatwick, these were perhaps too soft and we maybe could have benefited from a third, which I’m sure we would have been given had we realised at the time and asked.
Bathroom:
Although not huge, this was an excellent en-suite shower room. With marble lined walls and a beautiful coloured ceramic tiled floor, the twin sinks and large vanity unit was a feature, as was the large walk-in rainfall shower at one end. All toiletries were branded as Irene Forte, like the prickly pear shampoo, almond conditioner, apricot hand and body cleanser, or the pistachio hand and body lotion.
Breakfast:
Served either inside the Florio restaurant, or outside on the terrace with the incredible views, this was a great part of the Villa Igiea hotel experience. A choice of mineral water, teas, coffees, and juices was table service on arrival, as well as there being a whole range of either inclusive a la carte options (like the omelette with ricotta cheese, zucchini and mint) or some additional cost options (like scrambled eggs with Filippo truffle and caciocavallo cheese; or a rather bizarre option for breakfast - white chocolate and rosemary ice cream, lavender, Asetra caviar).
Inside the restaurant was a massive buffet table, with everything from make your own cannolis to fruits and cereals, breads and pastries, to cakes, cheeses, meats and yoghurts; or another selection of fresh juices to make your own Mimosa or Bucks Fizz.
Service was excellent and was food choice and quality.
Restaurants & Bars at Villa Igiea:
Exceptional Dining That Made It Hard to Dine Anywhere Else
Although we ventured out for one lunch in Palermo, every other meal was enjoyed at the hotel—and each one exceeded expectations. From breakfast to dinner, the food and service at Villa Igiea were consistently outstanding and absolutely worth staying in for.
Timeless refinement in Villa Igiea’s mirrored dining salon, where every detail whispers Sicilian grandeur.
Florio Restaurant
This was amazing for both breakfast and dinner, where we ate on both nights of our stay. The menu did stay the same (as it’s seasonal, so the next change will be when they transition into summer) but the food choice was excellent. There was a choice of starters, first courses (pasta dishes) then a good selection of mains; with some fabulous dessert choices too. Excellent food and service, in either the atmospheric inside restaurant (reminded me of Positano vibes on the Amalfi Coast) or outside on the terrace. In Spring, just make sure you’re layered, or ask to sit near one of the really efficient heaters.
Alicetta Pool Bar
We didn’t get a chance to try this out, but adjacent to the pool area this open-air restaurant is open for lunch.
Igiea Terrazza Bar
On one of the main hotel terraces, albeit there is also a stunning inside bar area too, this bar come restaurant was open all day for drinks and snacks, and even some meal options too. We went for drinks during the day, as well as a pre-dinner cocktail before one of our restaurant reservations, and we were served delicious canapes. Once they realised I was vegetarian, I was provided with a great bespoke selection.
Spa & Wellness:
Sicilian Serenity Meets Modern Mediterranean Wellbeing
Wellness at Villa Igiea is deeply influenced by Irene Forte, the British-Italian founder of the Irene Forte Skincare line and the driving force behind the wellness philosophy across Rocco Forte Hotels. As the daughter of hotelier Sir Rocco Forte, Irene has brought a modern, Mediterranean approach to luxury skincare—one that’s rooted in nature, science, and sustainable wellbeing. Her signature treatments and product line feature throughout the spa and wellness offering at Villa Igiea, blending tradition with innovation in a uniquely Sicilian setting.
The spa building was just a short walk away from the main hotel buildings, down towards the harbour, and housed both the gym (which was accessible via an outside door 24 hours a day) as well as the spa.
Facilities included:
4 treatment rooms
A double treatment suite with a private relaxation terrace
A beauty salon, offering hair and nail services
A relaxation room with an outdoor relaxation terrace
A state-of-the-art Technogym-equipped gym, with fitness studio
Step inside serenity—Villa Igiea’s spa reception welcomes guests with Sicilian tilework, botanical ceilings, and a calming palette.
I knew in advance, but there weren't any other spa facilities that I might have expected, like saunas, steam, or indoor pool/thalassotherapy.
I did have an 80 minute Deep Tissue Massage which I’ll be writing about in a separate spa review, but in snapshot this was an excellent treatment in stunning surroundings, and I would highly recommend a visit to the spa for a treatment.
There was the outside pool too (which wasn’t overly heated) and maybe not the most conducive to swimming in whilst still Spring, and lots of sun loungers and parasols around the pool, and on adjacent terraces overlooking the sea so there was lots of space. There were also tennis courts and changing facilities near the pool.
Design & Architecture:
A Belle Époque Icon Reborn – with a Tale of Two Wings
Villa Igiea is a timeless expression of Sicilian grandeur, revived under the careful restoration of Rocco Forte Hotels. Today, the property spans two distinct buildings, each offering its own charm and purpose within this historic estate.
The main palazzo—once the private villa of the Florio family—hosts many of the hotel’s signature features, including reception, the grand bar, elegant rooms and suites, and the beautifully restored Florio restaurant, where guests dine under frescoed ceilings or out on a panoramic sea-view terrace. Inside, vaulted ceilings, Liberty-style details and antique furnishings speak to a bygone era of aristocratic opulence.
A fascinating vintage image, discreetly featured within the Flora restaurant menu, reveals that Villa Igiea was once a single, continuous structure. The current main driveway, which now sweeps through the gardens to the hotel’s grand entrance, was once part of a central building section that connected both wings - now removed to create a more dramatic and open arrival.
Step into Villa Igiea’s majestic Belle Époque ballroom — a masterpiece of Sicilian grandeur.
Opposite the palazzo lies the Palazzina Donna Franca, named in honour of Donna Franca Florio, one of Sicily’s most iconic noblewomen. This secondary building houses additional guest rooms and discreet conference and event facilities, offering a more understated and peaceful environment. While it lacks the overt grandeur of the main palazzo, it has been sympathetically refurbished in line with the overall design ethos of the hotel.
Together, these two wings - past and present - frame Villa Igiea’s landscaped gardens and commanding sea views, reaffirming its place as Palermo’s most distinguished luxury retreat.
Pro Tip: Choosing Your Wing
For the full historic experience, opt for a room or suite in the main palazzo, where original features, sea views, and proximity to the Flora restaurant and bar create a more atmospheric and immersive stay.
If you prefer a quieter setting or need access to event spaces, the Palazzina Donna Franca offers a more discreet location with a calming ambience—ideal for business stays or longer visits.
🛎️ When booking with The Private Traveller, I’ll help you secure the most suitable room in your preferred wing—along with VIP perks and upgrades where available.
What about the Villa Igiea Palermo Location?
A Scenic Harbour Retreat… After a Slightly Less Glamorous Arrival
With having to change our initial plans where we were due to fly to Palermo initially before going on to Taormina next (White Lotus II / Four Seasons San Domenico Palace was unavailable first due to a whole hotel buyout) this meant we had to fly to Catania and then drive from there. We had hired a car with Avis (which wasn’t the easiest to find in the terminal) and were soon on the road. Despite sat-nav we did take a few wrong turns, and the journey seemed to take much longer than expected with only a pit stop for some drinks and snacks at a roadside petrol/gas station.
Arriving at the hotel, we unfortunately arrived just at the point at which a whole coach load of American tourists had arrived, almost completely blocking the entrance, and traffic chaos to boot! Thankfully, after about 10 minutes of manic traffic attention, we managed to drive in and a great welcome ensued, but it was still a bit manic in the reception area too with them all trying to check in.
Once settled though, it’s a perfect location overlooking the harbour and with great views over Palermo. There is a complimentary daily shuttle (taking only about 15 minutes depending on traffic) on the hour and every hour from 10am until 7pm, with the return on the half-hour from 10:30am to 7:30pm to the Piazza Verdi / Opera House.
Things to Do at Villa Igiea and Palermo:
A Stay with Stories: Explore Palermo with a Cultural Gift from Villa Igiea
Having booked the Postcards of Palermo rate at the hotel, this included two tickets to one of the following three city attractions
Cathedral
Massimo Theatre
Norman Palace with Palatine Chapel
We opted for the latter, which was just a short walk from being dropped off by the complimentary hotel shuttle. I’ll write much more in my Travel Diaries blog post, but Palermo was an interesting city to walk around in, with a great choice of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, not to mention all the various sightseeing attractions too.
As I mentioned above, and will be writing more in a spa review, a visit to the Irene Forte Spa at Villa Igiea is highly recommended as something else to do during your visit.
This review is just a snapshot! For an in-depth guide to activities, check out my separate ‘Travel Diaries’ blog where I dive into the following for much more detail.
Highlights of our stay:
There were so many highlights of the stay at the but here are just a few of the key points, which I hope you find a useful summary.
Location - it was easy to find (with Sat Nav) and a perfect blend of being near enough to the city centre, yet feeling as if you’re in a world of your own. Overlooking the harbour was excellent.
Style and ambience - loved the elegant service with such stunning surroundings, yet with all modern conveniences.
People - great welcome and perfect service throughout all areas of the hotel.
Food - from breakfast, to snacks and dinner - all excellent.
Great gym - and open 24 hours a day if you wanted.
My spa treatment and therapist - great deep tissue massage.
Really liked the inclusion of tickets to a local attraction - a nice touch.
Very convenient having the complimentary shuttle bus into Palermo - saved driving!
Our room - spectacular view, and serviced to perfection daily.
The attention to detail throughout - an exemplary resort.
Areas for improvement:
While I always prefer to focus on the highlights of any stay, there are occasionally small moments that could have made the overall experience feel even smoother. At Villa Igiea, our arrival felt a little disjointed - access by car wasn’t straightforward, and the entrance area was unusually busy due to the arrival of a coach party. With so many guests checking in at once, the process lacked the calm, curated welcome you might expect from a hotel of this calibre.
It was just unfortunate timing though, and we were taken to the concierge desk to be checked in efficiently there. I think that tour party must have been staying the same two nights as us, as there was a bit of a ‘bus trip’ feel at breakfast on our departure day, but thankfully they must have all left before we did, so departure was much smoother.
The only other minor comment, as fantastic as my spa treatment was, it was slightly disappointing there weren’t more spa facilities considering the size of the building. At San Domenico Palace (FS Taormina) in a much smaller space they seemed to manage to incorporate an indoor pool/spa, male and female sauna and steam rooms, as well as the changing facilities and treatment rooms.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Yes for sure - loved everything about our stay from the accommodation to the food, the location to the ambience and history. Highly, highly recommended.
A charming historic lounge / bar tucked inside the heart of Villa Igiea.
My final thoughts on Villa Igiea Palermo:
I’ve stayed at a couple of other Rocco Forte Hotels in the chain, namely on our doorstep in Edinburgh, The Balmoral, as well as Hotel Amigo in Brussels. Although both were short stays, they both were excellent in all regards, and actually the fine-dining restaurant (No. 1) at The Balmoral is one of my all-time favourites. Having had this excellent experience at Villa Igiea, I’m also now even more looking forward to the second Rocco Forte hotel of this trip at the end, Masseria Torres Maizza in Puglia.
✨ Inspired to experience Villa Igiea—or another iconic property—for yourself? I’d be delighted to help. Book your stay with me and enjoy exclusive perks like upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credits and more, all at no extra cost. Visit theprivatetraveller.com or message me via @theprivatetraveller to start planning.
Morning espresso or sunset spritz? The terrace offers both, with a sea view.
Share Your Thoughts:
I’d love to know what you think—have you stayed at Villa Igiea, or is it on your travel wishlist? Drop a comment below and let me know your impressions, or where you'd like me to review next. And if this has sparked inspiration for your own Sicilian getaway, I’d be thrilled to help you plan it—with exclusive VIP perks when you book through @theprivatetraveller and Fora Travel.
My full review of Villa Igiea, Palermo—Sicily’s grandest seaside hotel. Includes dining, spa, rooms, and tips for booking with exclusive perks through The Private Traveller.