A former refuge for royalty and Hollywood’s elite, Villa Igiea occupies a unique location overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Palermo
Built as a private palazzo at the end of the 19th century, Villa Igiea later morphed into one of the most luxurious hotels in Sicily, and became a fabled year-round sanctuary for royalty and the Hollywood elite visiting Palermo.
Villa Igiea was purchased by Rocco Forte Hotels in November 2018. After a full restoration, the property will launch as Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in June 2020. This will be the group’s second hotel in Sicily after the Verdura Resort, known for its seaside spa and two championship golf courses.
Villa Igiea’s 104 rooms and suites will be designed by Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam Studios, in a classic style reflecting the Sicilian setting. Many of the rooms have sea views, and some suites, like the dreamy Florio Suite, come with terraces where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz and watch the sunset. Done up in Carrara marble, the bathrooms will be stocked with Irene Forte Skincare products, made from organic Sicilian botanicals.
Facilities will include a spa set in the gardens, event spaces including the grand mirrored ballroom, and swimming pool. The restaurant menu will feature local specialties, served on the terrace or in the salon where the Florios used to entertain prestigious guests.
