Venus Sea Garden Hotel ★★★★

Sicily is a place quite unlike any other, as fascinating as it is beautiful. A crossroads where east meets west and Europe meets Africa, all of the great Mediterranean civilisations have left their mark on this captivating and enchanting island. As a result it boasts a truly unique identity which, along with its privileged geographical position, led D.H. Lawrence to write “I like Sicily extremely – a good on-the-brink feeling – one hop and you’re out of Europe…” Nowhere is this more evident than at the stunning Venus Sea Garden Resort – perched on the craggy rocks which form a particularly dramatic stretch of coastline on Sicily’s east coast, you are literally just one hop away from the Mediterranean waters and the edge of Europe.

Thanks to this privileged location on the striking Sicilian coastline, the hotel boasts some absolutely exquisite views, which are sure to make you fall in love with an island which has been seducing passers-by since the days of myths and legends. There are few better ways to start the day than throwing open your curtains, stepping out onto your private terrace and admiring the endless blue horizon, the Mediterranean twinkling in the morning light and the imposing Mount Etna brooding in the background. Besides these stunning views, the rooms also provide all the four-star comforts you need and a charming splash of typical Sicilian character, including soothing pastel colour schemes and gorgeous ceramic floors.

As part of Sicily’s unique cultural heritage, the island is also proud of its own distinctive cuisine. Its melting pot of gastronomic influences and the divine Mediterranean flavours of the local produce make this one of the finest places to eat in Europe. No holiday here is complete without plenty of overindulging on local food and wine, and the Venus Sea Garden Hotel will certainly not let you down when it comes to meal times. Breakfasts are an enticing spread packed full of fresh flavours, while the dinner menu uses the most refined local ingredients to concoct a series of classic Italian and Sicilian dishes with a modern twist, accompanied by a great selection of local wines. The beautiful, scenic terrace is designed to make you feel as if you are on the bow of a ship cruising through the Mediterranean, and completes a truly remarkable dining experience.

After all this feasting, the hotel provides the perfect setting to snooze in the sun and recover before your next delectable meal. Among the leafy floral gardens, the swimming pool makes for a spectacular spot to cool off from the sun, admire the views and relax on a sun lounger as a waiter eagerly keeps bringing you cool drinks.

If you fancy something a little more strenuous, this region of Sicily is a treasure trove of cultural and natural delights. Just outside the quaint and traditional fishing village of Brucoli, you are within a short drive of picturesque beaches, dramatic landscapes and intriguing ancient cities such as Syracuse, once one of the great cities of the ancient world. With all this and more right at your fingertips and ready to explore, as well as some stunning scenery and cuisine back at the hotel, the Venus Sea Garden Hotel is one of the finest destinations to unwind in the sun and get to know the true soul of this enthralling island.