Grand Hotel Des Etrangers, Ortigia

In the south east of Sicily, and set in heart of the Unesco-protected island of Ortigia, the five star Des Etrangers Grand Hotel is a byword for understated European elegance. Its original art deco façade dominates the town's harbour. Affluent travellers from the world over have been drawn to this hotel since it opened its doors in 1906.

The hotel is now owned by the Luxury Private Properties group, headed up by the Florentine Giotti family who also own The Ashbee in Taormina. A careful restoration started in 2003, following four decades of abandonment, has propelled the hotel into the future without losing sight of its past.

Richly decorated with lavish marble, gold leaf detailing and traditional stucco embellishments, the hotel is renowned for its serenity and impeccable service. Its 38 rooms and suites, spread over four floors, beautifully combine tradition and modernity; each is individually designed to reflect the character of the space. Luxury drapes meet superb parquet flooring beneath glittering chandeliers. Junior suites are family-suited, and deluxe sea view rooms are recommended for their full sea view with balcony.

The rooftop Clou Lounge Bar and Restaurant is a particular highlight of the hotel, serving seasonal menus of authentic Mediterranean dishes paired with the finest wines of the region and artfully crafted cocktails. The views are unforgettable.

The Spa, whose octagonal indoor pool is framed by elegant slim pillars and set beneath a domed roof with central circular skylight, brings to mind ancient Greece. Spa treatments are by Cinq Mondes.

Catania Airport is just over 60km distant. The archaeological park of Neapolis, hosting the most important ruins of the ancient Greek Roman city of Syracuse, including the Teatro Greco, is just 3km away.