Villa Ducale

PERCHED RIGHT ABOVE CLIFFY TAORMINA, which tumbles vertiginously down into the blue Med, Villa Ducale boasts views to die for. To your right, Mount Etna’s volcanic blue-grey cone smokes away, sending up plumes of white. Below you, the terracotta rooftops and purple bougainvillea of Sicily’s top seaside resort cling to the hillside.

We had trouble tearing ourselves away from Villa Ducale's fabulous terrace, with its riot of yellow flowers (just the place for an early evening aperitif) and bird’s eye view of yachts bobbing on the water way below. Bedrooms – all different and each with its own terrace – are impeccably styled with a Mediterranean feel – big mirrors, polished original Majolica tiled floors, wide beds and fresh flowers. Immaculate bathrooms are stocked with customised toiletries.

Painted murals, hand-picked artworks and porcelain all add to the Ducale charm. There’s also a sunny lounge, an old family library and incredibly helpful staff. Hospitable owners Andrea and Rosaria Quartucci are passionate about Sicily and happy to share their knowledge with guests.

Melt-in-the-mouth pastries

Breakfast at Villa Ducale is reckoned to be the best in town: we couldn’t resist the home-baked tortillas, tarts, veggie fritters and melt-in-the-mouth pastries. It was all so oven-fresh that owner Andrea whisked us into the kitchen to meet the chef, who was busy rustling up some wonderful looking ricotta tarts for later.

Take the villa's free minibus shuttle down to town or to a private beach for swimming. Feeling idle? Soak in the outdoor jacuzzi on a shady terrace.

© Room for Romance