Grand Hotel Villa Politi ★★★★

A network of caves carved into the cliffs of Syracuse’s coastline, the Latomie dei Cappuccini date back as far as 413 BC. Uniquely situated on the land atop this historical marvel, a stay at the Grand Hotel Villa Politi immediately immerses you in the magic of the city’s past. Itself a meeting place for the greatest artists, intellectuals and political influencers throughout the ages, the hotel was founded by famous local painter Salvatore Politi in 1862.

Traces of the original Liberty style have been tastefully preserved here. Beautiful handcrafted wooden furniture, velvet furnishings, wallpaper accents and embellished lighting all serve as reminders of the sumptuous stylings of the era. Blended together with bold colour choices, contemporary fixtures and luxury amenities, the past is brought perfectly in line with the present for a luxurious stay. The outdoor spaces are just as awe-inspiring, with a large outdoor swimming pool area surrounded by the greenery of the parkland creating a central hub where you’ll happily spend many an hour.

The wow-factor of the grand restaurant with its indoor frescoed ceilings and striking spring veranda is only matched by the exquisite cuisine imagined up by master chef Corrado Mazara. And with two bars where you can cosy yourselves away from the city crowds for a nightcap before heading to your Superior Room for a restful night’s sleep, the Grand Hotel Villa Politi is a place where Sicilian dreams are made a reality.