There’s no shortage of reasons to visit Sicily, whether you’re chasing a The White Lotus inspired luxe fantasy, or a foodie tour de force through some of the most glorious ingredients on earth. The island truly has it all—natural beauty shaped by Mount Etna’s volcanic temperament, and a rich, history layered by centuries of cultural conquest and high drama. All of this comes to life in Palermo, Sicily’s notorious capital: a heady mix of Arab-Norman cathedrals, a mafia legacy, decaying Art Nouveau villas, and street markets bursting with life. It’s also an under-the-radar destination for art and design lovers, where inspiration can flourish—even in the cooler months. While spring and summer are Sicily’s prime time, we’ve round up our favourite places to spark your creativity—whether you’re planning your next getaway or hopping on a flight tomorrow.

Where to Stay: Villa Igiea

This storied palace saw its fair share of glamorous guests, from Hollywood royalty (ahem, Sophia Loren) to actual royalty (the King of Siam drew quite a crowd) long before it was restored by Rocco Forte Hotels in 2021. Just a 15-minute ride from the city centre and comprised of 100 elegant rooms and suites, Villa Igiea merges its turn-of-the-century origins with bold, contemporary style through the vision of Olga Polizzi, Sir Rocco Forte’s sister and lead designer. Art history buffs will want to check out the hotel’s gorgeous Sala Basile, a frescoed and mirrored ballroom from the hotel’s Art Nouveau original period. And while the setting is unapologetically opulent, the mood remains relaxed enough to suit its sophisticated, well-heeled clientele. The cozy Igiea Terrazza Bar, featured in season two of The White Lotus, embodies that balance perfectly with its globe-trotting menu (each cocktail is inspired by a different locale) and its frescoed walls. The villa’s poolside—built around actual Greek ruins—is must-see.

Where to Dine: Florio

This magnificent dining spot inside Villa Igiea boasts daytime views of the gardens and the Tyrrhenian Sea (best experienced over a decadent breakfast buffet) and a romantic candlelit ambiance come dinner. Named for the influential Florio family, the hotel’s originators, its interiors pay homage to their era with a restored Louis XVI hall, potted plants at every turn, and pops of lush green throughout. The menu is a mix of Sicilian flavours harvested from the property’s gardens—I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the pumpkin ravioli with Parmesan and seasonal truffle, nor the freshly caught fish done so simply, and to perfection.

Where to Get Inspired: Palazzo Butera

Palazzo Butera is a sprawling, 300-year-old palace was originally built for Palermo’s richest noble family. Now, it houses an eclectic mix of contemporary and unseen art curated by life-long collectors Massimo Valsecchi Francesca and Frua de Angeli, who transformed the underused and decaying relic of old-world opulence into a thriving museum on the city’s waterfront. Exploring the galleries is an adventure: each of the grand rooms juxtaposes pop art stars like Gilbert and George and Andy Warhol with original frescos and rarified artifacts and design pieces from all over the world. Don’t miss the view from the terrace, which laid with handmade geometric tiles and blooming with bougainvillaea, even in the wintertime.

Where to Relax: Irene Forte Spa at Verdura Resort

For a true getaway from Palermo’s boisterous energy, head to this gorgeous spa set amid olive and citrus groves just an hour and a half from the city. Inspired by Sicilian traditions, its many treatments incorporate local ingredients in a holistic approach to wellness and calm—like the Etna Age-Defying Facial, which uses hot and cold volcanic stones from Mount Etna to rebalance the skin and improve circulation. Stay for the day and swim through the outdoor thalassotherapy pool circuit, designed to help eliminate toxins and encourage deep breathing and oxygenation through its varying temperatures and mineral makeup.

Where to Shop: Manima

Carolina Guthman and Piero di Pasquale left their careers in corporate and broadcasting to pursue a shared passion project celebrating women and Sicilian craftsmanship. Their brand, Manima, collaborates with local craftswomen who hand-embroider clothing, linens, and décor pieces in the region’s ancient embroidery tradition. The designs lean more contemporary than traditional, often drawing inspiration from Sicily’s lush flora and fauna (think: monkeys hanging from branches on dinner napkins). While the boutique offers a beautiful selection, Manima is best known for its bespoke work—creating exclusive, made-to-order pieces for clients, who can even visit the Palermo atelier to witness the handwork up close.

Where to Day-Trip: Cefalù

Just over an hour’s train ride from Palermo lies Cefalù, a picturesque town with historic ruins, a UNESCO-listed cathedral, and a wall of beachside buildings that glow golden at sunset, offsetting its aquamarine waters. Wander through the cobblestoned old town with a gelato in hand, then stop by the small but mighty outpost of Ortigia—a Sicilian soap and perfume brand known for its gorgeously exotic packaging and locally inspired scents like Zagara, orange blossom plucked straight from the island’s citrus groves, and Melograno (pomegranate), a favourite of Sicily’s onetime ruler, Catherine of Aragon.

Feel like staying over? La Calette is a family-run boutique hotel that carries the same free-spirited, beachy style as its inception year, 1969. Its curvy, whitewashed façade wraps around an oceanside pool deck, and the rooms strike a balance between coastal ease and traditional charm, with Testa di Moro statuettes mixed among seaside-inspired details. Its private beach cove is a must-see, as is Cala Luna, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant that blends fine dining with traditional Sicilian cuisine—right above the beach.

Feature image courtesy of Villa Igiea.