Hotel Cutimare ★★★★

When we decided to go on holiday with our first grandchild in tow, we immediately agreed on a break designed for relaxation rather than activity. Still, we wanted the option of adventure and the lure of historical and cultural sights, should we be open to temptation. We all love being by the sea and are infatuated with Italy, so settled on the stunning Aeolian islands as the perfect fulfilment of our wishes. This archipelago of tiny isles off the north coast of Sicily is named after the Greek god of wind, Aeolus, and boasts untouched and dramatic scenery as well as stretches of gentle beaches. Staying at the luxurious Cutimare Hotel in Lipari brought its own dose of heady beauty to our holiday, and was the perfect place for total immersion in beach-side utopia. We were blown away by the isles of Aeolus!

The complimentary shuttle to and from the ferry terminal, meant we could enjoy being greeted, and whisked straight to our destination after our long journey. We all marvelled at the scenery as we left the port of Lipari behind, but promised ourselves we'd return to see more of the charming harbour town with its archaeological remnants of a bygone age. Our hotel was a thirty-minute drive from the island's main hub, far enough to feel totally surrounded by peace and quiet, but close enough to visit easily.

The hotel’s exotic location is echoed in its design, with palm trees adorning its approach and welcoming you at reception. This hotel is all bright, colourful, and effortlessly stylish. The public areas offer comfortable places to sit and surf online, read a book, have something to eat, or enjoy a coffee or sundowner. We happily whiled away hours on end, gazing out over the crystal-clear waters and watching little fishing boats go by. The hotel's interior effortlessly blends with the outside Eden, with pretty gardens and ample terraces offering shade and sun-traps. There are sun loungers too, for when you just can't make it the stone's throw to the beach. Our room had a sea view and private terrace, decorated in minimalist chic in white and muted shades of blue. The bed was adorned with simple swathes of white fabric which seemed to invite the sea breeze in to ripple it gently.

Geologically, the Aeolians are a fiery bunch, with smouldering volcanoes, fumaroles, and simmering mud-baths attracting many tourists for their beauty and health-giving properties. My daughter and I took a boat trip to the nearby island of Vulcano, the natural spa island, and spent the day being pampered, preened, and dipped in hot mud. While we did this, the men went off walking one of the many marked trails on Lipari, and reported back on the stunning scenery along pristine coastal paths. The unique geological activity is hinted at by layers of coloured rock falling away to the sea. And where was the baby while we were all perusing our favourite activities? Back at the hotel of course, under the care of their professional child-minding services!

At the end of our week's stay at the Cutimare Hotel, all of us were deeply relaxed and invigorated. We couldn't have asked for more from a host for our peaceful family holiday, and the therapeutic effects of being somewhere so beautiful together were felt for a long time after we left. I'm sure the memory of that cobalt-blue sea will stay with me for even longer.