Villa Carlotta

SMOKING MOUNT ETNA in the distance, indigo sea below and a table piled freshly-baked breads, pastries, fruits and local cheeses before you. No wonder guests rave about the rooftop breakfast at Villa Carlotta, in Sicily’s resort of Taormina. The views are spectacular while the spread – and the setting – can’t be beaten.

The rest of this castellated Sicilian villa is pretty swish, too. New owners the Quartuccis (who also own Taormina’s Villa Ducale) have lavished the place with TLC and made a good property even better. Built in the late 1800s as an aristocratic residence, stone-clad Villa Carlotta is set in lush green gardens where there are even some ancient Roman catacombs to look at. You can see the sea on one side and smouldering Mount Etna – the Big Mamma of all volcanoes – on the other.

Our car was spirited away instantly (along with our luggage) and we were immediately offered a welcome aperitivo on the stunning rooftop terrace, accompanied by (free) canapés, cold meats, olives and other mouthwatering goodies.

Orange and lemon trees

All 23 rooms are individually designed, with a feel of expensive indulgence. Those I saw were exquisitely furnished, blending Sicilian antiques with the best in contemporary Italian design and plasma screen TVs. Our bathroom was a mirrored oasis of cool – not especially huge, but with an airy, spacious feel and waterfall shower over the bath.

Bedrooms are done out in muted shades with bold splashes of terracotta and warm earthy colours set against cool tiled floors, cream-coloured Roman blinds and immaculate sofas. Stylish prints adorn the walls, while linens and towels are of superb quality. All rooms have large bay windows opening out onto balconies with glorious Mediterranean views.

There’s huge attention to detail, and it scores high on the charm front – something that can also be said of the ultra-helpful staff, who are discreetly in evidence.

Outside, orange and lemon trees cluster in Villa Carlotta's Mediterranean gardens, swathed in oleander and bougainvillea. Swim in the sheltered pool or wade into the waves on the hotel’s private beach at upmarket Lido Stockholm – just hop aboard the free shuttle. You can also take the Taormina cable car down to the nearby beach at Mazzara. 

Have a cocktail in the villa's atmospherically lit lounge with its glowing candles before heading out on the town for the night. We sipped a glass of chilled vino while watching rivers of molten red lava streaming down Mount Etna. Taormina is all action after dark, and you’ll love watching the nightly passeggiata from the main square. 

© Room for Romance