The Opening of Villa Igiea

The newly restored Villa Igiea in Sicily has just been unveiled. Olga Polizzi, in collaboration with Philip Vergeylen, Paolo Moschino and the Nicholas Haslam ltd Design team, have worked collaboratively to return the historic Art Nouveau palazzo to its former splendour as a jewel of the Mediterranean.

Over the last two years, a complex, delicate restoration process has recaptured the historic building’s allure and majesty and re-established the hotel’s iconic heritage, whilst adding the comfort and ease of 21st-century conveniences. Villa Igiea’s guest rooms and suites blend period details with up-to-date flair to exquisite effect. Furnished with a sophisticated mix of classic antiques, striking contemporary pieces, and sumptuous fabrics in serene shades, each of the 100 guest rooms and suites feels fresh, luxurious, and inherently Sicilian.

The hotel also boasts a number of meticulously refurbished communal spaces and restaurants—including Florio Restaurant, the Igiea Terrazza Bar, and the Alicetta Pool Bar, which all portray the villa’s signature Sicilian flavour and history. These elegant, refined spaces not only reveal amazing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and reflect the romantic atmosphere typical of seaside Grand Hotels, but they beautifully recall the golden age of glamorous travel.

We echo the thoughts of Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, shared upon the opening:

"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. 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."

To see more images, please visit our Design Project Portfolio.

Images Credits to: Massimo Listri, Paolo Moschino, Philip Vergeylen, and Rocco Forte Hotels.

Video Credit to: Rocco Forte Hotels