Resort Venere di Erice Hotel & Spa ★★★★

If you don’t believe in love at first sight before arriving at Hotel Venere di Erice, you certainly will after you leave. It’s breathtaking to behold, white and gleaming against the clear blue sky, and looking out over one of the most exquisite vistas in Sicily. The hotel was only finished in June 2017, and so is still a pristine and perfect example of a contemporary, luxury boutique hotel.

But this isn’t a mere brief, flickering lust. One that’s shallow and surface. The more you get to know Hotel Venere di Erice, the deeper you fall, as every effort is made to court and entice you.

In the spa, staff lavish you with sea salt scrubs, massages or dips into the hot tub or Turkish bath. It’s a centre of pure relaxation. Or, instead, let yourself be tempted by the infinity pool, looking out endlessly across Sicily and the sea beyond, or recline upon the loungers and enjoy the bountiful sunshine.

If that doesn’t woo you, the dinner certainly will. Genuine Sicilian specialities are dished up with passion, taking advantage of the incredible local produce and fresh fish brought up from the port. After dinner, step on to the terrace, where a lounge serves large glasses of regional wine and panoramic views out across the sea. Time your evening right, and you’ll watch the water slowly turn from deep blue to burnt umber as the sun slowly sets over the horizon.