Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo - MGallery by Sofitel ★★★★★

The professional, caring hands of the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo - MGallery by Sofitel *****, embrace me now with all the sweeping hospitality and genuine Italian charm one could wish for, as I arrive in Palermo. Still conserving many of its original frescoes, it was stunningly renovated in the Art Nouveau style by architect, Ernesto Basile in late 19th Century, for the Florio family, who made it into one of the most exclusive Italian hotel's of the Belle Époque. I can easily see why, and indeed it appears to have lost none of its allure or dazzle, which would explain how it retains its glittering five stars to this day.

I enter its elegant interior of high, gilded ceilings, chandeliers and chic Modernist opulence with an expansive sense of well being. Somewhat crumpled and travel weary, I could stick out like sore thumb in such splendour, yet the atmosphere is serenely relaxed and I find myself feeling immediately at home here and all the more so once I am shown to my room. With its plush, old fashioned design, vast, cosy bed and tall windows looking out over the glistening Mediterranean, I have found myself a pretty boudoir worthy of a princess. As well as its chic bathroom with high quality complimentary products, its antique charm is complimented by all the mod-cons including flat screen television, minibar and air conditioning – a very necessary detail for those hot Sicilian nights!

Directly choosing to refresh myself in the hotel pool before doing anything else, I make my way out onto the terrace and am met with the stunning scene of sparkling, azure waters overlooking seven columns that once held up the roof of an ancient temple. Beyond these is the sea winking at me, boats bobbing in the water as the hotel looks out over Palermo's picturesque port. I am reminded then that we are in the heart of this beautiful, bustling city and yet I realise that I have heard barely a murmur of its hubbub beyond these majestic walls. We are completely protected by the lush hotel gardens that surround us, creating a calm oasis for its guests.

It is with this sense of privileged protection and peaceful pampering that I dreamily spend the rest of the day exploring my magnificent hotel, familiarising myself with its many marvellous facilities. Its tennis court, its spectacular restaurant where equally spectacular cuisine is served in exquisitely presented portions by chef, Carmelo Trentacosti, the delightful spa where I cannot resist availing myself of my complimentary massage – sheer bliss. Then finally I find myself in the glamorous Art Deco bar where I drink a cheeky cocktail to celebrate my fabulous Sicilian sojourn at the Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo - MGallery by Sofitel *****. If travelling alone is always this much fun then I am inclined to think it a good idea to make these little private escapes more often!