I Mulini Resort ★★★★

While it is hard to go wrong with any peaceful stretch of sandy Mediterranean coastline, the setting of the I Mulini Resort on Sicily’s west coast is particularly spectacular. Against a natural backdrop of vast sandy beaches, perpetually blue skies, palm trees and lush green meadows, the hotel is nestled between the historic port of Trapani and the picturesque hilltop town of Erice, while the quaint windmills once used to drain the surrounding salt mines provide a unique skyline. It is in one such salt mine – the old ‘Casa Salinara’, dating back to the 18th century – that the I Mulini Resort welcomes its guests to bask under the Sicilian sunshine.

A heady mix of brilliant blue skies, shimmering water and soft golden sands, the location ticks all the boxes for a sun-drenched seaside escape. The hotel itself is surrounded by acres of green space, leading all the way down to a stretch of private beach with sun loungers and parasols. It is a setting which invites you to relax, and the I Mulini Resort is perfectly equipped to help you do just that. If you do not fancy the short stroll down to the beach to feel the sand between your toes and bask in the crystalline, warm Mediterranean waters, the swimming pool is on hand for a refreshing dip surrounded by pretty gardens and offering a stunning ocean view.

A calm and soothing atmosphere also permeates the inside of the hotel, an expertly renovated 18th century building which still retains some of the architectural details of the old salt mine. There is even a museum where you can admire the old machinery and get a sense of what the building used to be like a few centuries ago. As well as the windmills which still stand in the gardens, the rough stone walls and brick archways capture the historic heart of the building as you stroll through corridors which are bursting with character. While the lobby and common areas are characterised by an old-fashioned, classic décor, the bedrooms are tastefully decorated in a more contemporary style to complement the array of modern luxuries.
Despite enjoying all the peace and quiet of a small, intimate hotel, the I Mulini Resort also offers guests access to all the facilities of a larger establishment, the sister hotel next door, meaning that this is truly the best of both worlds. If you fancy something slightly more energetic than snoozing on the beach or beside the swimming pool, you can head next door to play tennis, beach volleyball or mini golf, while there is also an extensive range of water sports including canoes, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Perhaps one of the best facilities on offer next door is the restaurant, where you can savour the authentic tastes of Sicily without moving from your lounger on the poolside terrace. The menu is a delicious and high quality take on traditional local cuisine, made from the freshest local ingredients and full of Mediterranean flavours, while the panoramic ocean view completes an unforgettable dining experience. It may be next door but it is only a very short walk to stumble back after a few glasses of fine Italian wine, and who doesn’t love an excuse to go for a moonlit stroll along the beach before bed? The Mediterranean views are just as striking with the starlight glinting on the water as they are when you wake up and the whole scene is illuminated by dazzling sunlight – this is a truly idyllic spot at all hours, where every single moment is to be treasured!