Lately I’ve been doing some travel dreaming about places I’d love to go back to when Australians can travel again, and as I found myself falling in love with some pretty incredible luxury villas in Sicily I was inspired to put together a list of 12 of the best.
While a lot of people think of Airbnb when they think of holiday homes, this story is going to focus on the sorts of homes you can find through Plum Guide, which only shares the cream of the crop.
At Plum Guide, they have teams of reviewers who go to check out all of the homes that are available in a destination and then select the top 3% in each price bracket. And while they are there the reviewers take copious notes so if you have any questions before booking you can just ask the team and they’ll get right on back to you.
So ready to find your perfect Sicilian getaway? Let’s go…
King of Your Castle
You may be just twenty minutes away from the ancient city of Modica but up here on the cliff tops, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. This eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom home sleeps up to 18 guests making it a great option for groups of friends or a big family getaway.
Lie beside the pool or in a hammock in the olive trees, and dine al fresco on the balcony or undercover on the lawn. As well as the pool with a view, a stroll along a stone pathway will lead you to a secluded hot tub on the cliffside. And while you could easily drive to the beach at Pozzallo, there’s a lot to be said for just playing king of your castle right here.
Sicilian Lemons
In the foothills of Monte Pecoraro, just twenty minutes from Sicily’s capital Palermo, this chic retreat offers the perfect place to get away from it all. The bright white villa sleeps up to four in two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and has indoor and outdoor dining areas complete with a barbecue for when you want to get cooking in that fresh Sicilian air.
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Look up at the mountains as you lie back in the pool, or nab the best seat in the house in the outdoor four-poster day bed where you can feel the breeze on your skin as you look back at your sleek home for the Sicily holidays.
Albero Di Limoni
Opulence is the word in this luxurious three-story villa looking out onto the Aeolian Islands. Albero Di Limoni is decked out with designer furnishings, twinkling chandeliers and marble countertops. The villa sleeps up to ten guests and has six bathrooms to go with the five bedrooms, along with a choice of indoor and outdoor dining settings.
Whip up a cocktail with some Sicilian lemons or just pop the Prosecco cork before sundowners in the gazebo swing chair. And while your pool is big enough to swim laps in, no one’s going to judge you if you just splash around a little before lying back on a deck chair.
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Rent a car to visit some of Sicily’s historical landmarks including the Greek theatre and Sanctuary of the Black Madonna at Tindari, or go snorkeling and scuba diving by boat before coming home to the lap of luxury.
Bella Bay
Near the hilltop town of Taormina, Bella Bay is another villa that leans into the luxe. Between the golden tiled bathroom, the beautiful pool, the manicured gardens, and the dramatic bedrooms this isn’t a stay you’ll easily forget.
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Bella Bay has four air-conditioned bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large kitchen, and lots of room to spread out and find your own space. You can dine outside on the romantic balcony as you look out over the sea, or take a seat in the Gazebo with a view. And after a day of exploring you can whip up a cocktail at home and relax in your outdoor Jacuzzi before going night swimming in your pool.
Lantern of the Stars
On the edge of an ancient fishing village on Sicily’s east coast this lighthouse turned luxury villa is big on the wow factor. At Lantern of the Stars you can bask under the Mediterranean sun on the roof terrace or soak in the hot tub with picture perfect views of Mount Etna.
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The villa’s modern interior includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, where you can wash the day away in a chromotherapy shower. There’s Netflix on the smart TV and WiFi to share your Lighthouse updates with friends who weren’t lucky enough to join you.
While the villa is not suitable for human children under 12 years old, fur babies are allowed. As well as exploring the quaint fishing village of Brucoli and nearby towns by car you can hire the owner’s private gozzo (traditional boat) and spend the day admiring Sicily’s coastline from the sea.
Sweet Trullo
When it comes to luxury villas in Sicily, Sweet Trullo has a lot to give. Its unusual combination of traditional structures, which naturally reduce the heat, and modern architecture is a real head-turner, and guests can enjoy swimming in the pool, dining al fresco, and taking short walks to beautiful beaches.
The interior is a fusion of contemporary and modern villa vibes with its curved entryways, and bright and spacious living areas to lounge in when it’s time to escape the heat. This holiday home is ideal for up to nine family members or a group of friends ready to share four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a generous outdoor area and surrounds.
Sweet Trullo allows you to explore the gorgeous Puglia, and when it’s time to enjoy an incredible seafood meal Sant’ Ambrogio’s restaurants are only a few minutes away.
The Ionian Blues
Want a dreamy luxury villa looking out over the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna? Turn that dream into a reality with a stay at The Ionian Blues.
This colorful holiday home has a spacious, welcoming interior with traditional-style rooms and beautiful natural stone floors. The villa has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with two terraces where you can dine alfresco or just lay back and bask in the sun.
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Make the most of your stay by taking a dip at the lava-black beach that’s accessible from the lush garden. When it’s time to explore, the picturesque fishing village of Torre Archirafi awaits along with delicious dishes in the local seafood restaurants and pizzerias, while less than 10 minutes away in Riposto you can get swept away by the beauty of Baroque architecture.
All For One
Why do local and international guests love All For One? Let us count the ways. This lovely villa gives you front row seats to stunning sunset views over the sparkling sea while you lounge or dine alfresco on the sheltered terrace.
Listen to the waves as you soak in the hot tub surrounded by wild, indigenous plants. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa’s interiors include antique wooden furniture mixed with charming handicrafts and colorful doors and windows, creating a rustic, laid-back coastal look and feel, while the floor to ceiling windows in the living area keep those spectacular sea views coming.
By The Sea
Some luxury villas in Sicily know how to throw some pretty great shapes and By the Sea is one of them. From its flowing lines outside to the swerve of the staircase inside this villa has a flair for the dramatic.
By The Sea can sleep up to 12 guests in six bedrooms and six bathrooms. If you love to keep on top of your workouts while you’re away there’s a small gym complete with a treadmill and weights, and if you fancy getting pampered there’s a massage table in a home spa area.
The sea is right on your doorstep, but if that’s looking a bit rough you can cool down in the pool instead. The ancient Greek theatre of Taormina is a short drive away and you can also enjoy getting to know the Taormina of today before heading home to your sanctuary.
Carob Grove
Finding a sweet refuge in rural Sicily is easy at Carob Grove. This delightful holiday villa is thoughtfully designed with dark wood ceiling beams, exposed stone walls, colorful ceramic tiles, antique furnishings, and eclectic object d’arts.
The villa has room for up to six people with three bedrooms opening up onto their own terrace, and two bathrooms to share. When it’s time to kick back and relax you can choose between the colorful hammocks, swing seats, deck chairs, and couches. And when it’s time to cook up a storm you can get busy in the kitchen or the in the large outdoor entertaining area where you can barbecue up local, fresh produce.
As well as a large pool to cool off in, the villa features ancient carob and olive trees, and if you can bear to tear yourself away the beaches of Pozzallo and the charming village of Rosolini are just a short drive away.
Land of the Olives
Sophisticated Italian interiors meet contemporary modern aesthetics. With room to sleep up to ten with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, Land of the Olives is perfect for larger groups looking for luxury villas in Sicily.
This restored barn complex has been transformed into a beautiful stylish residence with white stone walls, patterned tiles, a cozy fireplace and underfloor heating and air conditioning. There’s private parking and complimentary WiFi as well as a workstation if you need to do a little work on your holiday.
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Look out over olive and carob trees from the infinity pool before joining the rest of the group in the huge colorful kitchen to cook up a feast for the night.
Wavy Days
Light and bright this eye-catching villa is found in the Sicilian beach resort town of Fontane Bianche. Wavy Days sleeps up to four people in two comfy white bedrooms, while the white living areas and semi-outdoor dining area perfectly frame the deep blue sea views.
Step outside to enjoy looking out at the sea from the loungers in your garden and jump straight into the water from the rocks in front of your holiday home. If a beach is more your speed you can find Fontane Bianche’s beach just ten minutes away by foot, making it nice and easy to wander home in time for sundowners.
So there we have it. Twelve luxury villas in Sicily that have me dreaming big about holiday catch ups with friends on that beautiful isle.
So do tell, which one is top of your list?
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