The newest property from Rocco Forte Hotels opened this week in Palermo, Sicily. 

Villa Igiea is a historical Art Nouveau palazzo located at the foot of Mount Pellegrino overlooking the Gulf of Palermo.  

The property was designed by Sicilian architect Ernesto Basile for the Florio family and first opened as a hotel in 1900.

Rocco Forte Hotels, the family-run hotel group led by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi, spent $30 million and two years restoring and refurbishing the building in collaboration with architects Nicholas Haslam Studios.

The hotel features 78 rooms and 22 suites and three restaurants celebrating Sicilian cuisine, including Florio Restaurant, the Igiea Terrazza Bar and the Alicetta Pool Bar.

To coincide with its opening, the property’s concierge team has created a series of itineraries ranging from a local market tour with a cooking lesson to exploring the island’s coastal roads in a Porsche cabriolet.

Villa Igiea marks Rocco Forte Hotels’ 15th property, joining hotels in the UK, Italy, Belgium, Germany, China and Russia.

“Villa Igiea is an iconic building which, like its original owner Franca Florio, is a grand lady of charm and elegance and a symbol of hospitality,” said Sir Rocco Forte.

“It has been the focal point of the city of Palermo for over 100 years hosting artists, emperors and the Hollywood elite, enraptured by the wonders of Sicily. I am so proud to be part of the history of this remarkable hotel and to have had the chance to restore it to its original splendour." 

Rates at Villa Igiea start from €416 a night.