Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa ★★★★

I have lunar landscapes and dramatic smoke rings puffing out into flame-orange skies in my mind's eye as we arrive at the feet of the largest living volcano in Europe. Yet the sight that meets my eyes couldn't be more contrary to what I had been imagining. Rolling pastures, bountiful orchards, flourishing vineyards stretching out in every direction, and right in the centre of it, the warm walls of Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa.

Set in the grounds of its 18-hole golf course, the hotel offers a retreat of unbroken tranquillity. I feel all the stress and tension of travel and another world fall away. Here, all is serene, still and silent. I feel my entire body breathe a sigh of relief, and with renewed enthusiasm and energy I follow my partner into the cool confines of the hotel.

The chic yet sedate interiors are tastefully decorated, shining floors reflect the gentle light from outside and volcanic black pillars are softened by the warm furnishings and indoor plants. Our room maintains this theme of understated luxury, as 40m2 of luminous space offers us a large double bed, pristine bathroom with bath, and beautiful views of the verdant landscape, the gorgeous, sloping golf course designed by Luigi Rota Caremoli, and of course, magnificent Mount Etna.

Heading over to the spa, to make the most of our free access, we are met with a water paradise – the antithesis of the fire which the area is famed for. We are easily seduced into spending hours here, as we drift from the Turkish Bath to the Hydromassage pool, the heat of the sauna to the crystalline pool. We end a thoroughly relaxing moment of extended pampering in the herbal tea corner with a refreshing cuppa.

I take my first exquisite mouthful that night at La Ghiandaia, the hotel’s restaurant. Fresh, local ingredients, grown in the special volcanic soil, deliver delicate dishes with an indefinable quality that make every bite a passionate, truly Sicilian delight! It is an impeccable way to round off a perfect day, and we retire that night with the promise of a splendid stay ahead of us, starting with an unforgettable climb up Mount Etna.