Nestled on the western shore of la Conca d’Oro, the ‘golden shell’ that holds the waters of Palermo Bay, Villa Igiea was created at the dawn of the twentieth century as a place where guests might find refuge from the stresses of modern life and recover their well-being. A bronze sculpture of Higiea, the goddess of health and well-being adorns the terrace gardens overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea.
Standing atop the hill called Acqasanta, because the healing waters of its spring had been deemed miraculous for centuries, the Villa is an urban oasis of luxury close to the hectic city of Palermo.
Guests are greeted by efficient staff and caring concierges, who decipher and fulfill their guests’ visions of an ideal holiday.
The enfilade of public rooms facing the sea includes the Terrazzo Bar with its vaulted arches, once a ‘reading room’, adorned with murals of Palermo scenes. A piano player discretely divides the outdoor terrace of the bar from the formal dining room, with its white linens, cushioned bentwood chairs, flowers and flickering lamps. Lunch is served on a lower terrace, as well as by the pool with its little temple ‘ruin’ and expansive views across the bay. The Orientalist theme of the Ballroom decoration conveying worldly sophistication is a popular wedding venue, seating up to 300 guests.
The guest rooms are well appointed, spacious, with luxurious bathrooms. In some rooms sea views are complemented by outdoor spaces.
The beauty products created by Irene Forte from local plants are also featured in the spa overlooking the adjacent marina. The fortunate few who stay at the Villa Igiea can access downtown Palermo on hourly shuttles, or with private transportation and guides organized by the concierge staff, knowing that they will return to this spectacular sanctuary.
