The Brand Behind Rome’s Best Hotel Has 2 Stunning Resorts in Sicily — Take a Peek

The thrill of a visit to Italy’s romantic, art-filled cities is enhanced by a stay at the perfect hotel, and Travel + Leisure’s readers have recognized some of their favorites in both Rome and Florence. Rocco Forte’s Hotel de la Ville and Hotel de Russie topped the 2022 World’s Best Awards for favorite hotels in Rome, and Hotel Savoy, also by Rocco Forte Hotels, was named among readers’ most admired properties in Florence. These hotels received high marks not only for their impeccable hospitality, but also for their furnishings, artwork, dining, and their ability to evoke the best of these beloved Italian cities.

Rocco Forte, the prestigious brand behind these city hotels in Rome and Florence, continues their five-star style off Italy’s mainland as well. On the island of Sicily, in Palermo, the exquisite Villa Igiea overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea with the elegance of a Belle Époque palazzo updated for today’s guests. On Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort borders the Mediterranean coastline with expansive outdoor areas and two stunning golf courses.

Hotel de la Ville, Rome

Located above the Spanish Steps, this 18th-century palazzo recalls its vintage past while it offers contemporary comforts, white marble bathrooms, an expansive spa, and Mosaico, a delightful umbrella-adorned courtyard for al fresco dining and an elegant indoor area with an open kitchen. Da Sistina focuses on classic Roman cuisine, and rooftop terrace, Cielo, features breathtaking views along with a selection of dishes showcasing the style of Fulvio Pierangelini, Rocco Forte Hotels’ creative director of food. Accommodations include guest rooms, suites, special suites with private terraces, and the palatial De La Ville Penthouse Suite spanning two floors with a private elevator.

Hotel de Russie, Rome

In a perfect location between the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, this historic luxury hotel is home to a stunning “secret garden,” an abundant terraced arrangement of orange trees, yews, rose bushes, palms, pines, and flowers. The tranquil spot includes decorative steps and a waterfall. Nearby, the Stravinsky Bar offers cocktails and a menu designed by chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Dine year-round in the garden atmosphere at LeJardin de Russie with classic Italian cuisine. Guest rooms and suites are elegantly furnished, and the Forte suites include the garden-view Valadier Suite and the stylish Picasso Suite, named for the artist who spent several months there in 1917.

Hotel Savoy, Florence

Located near Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy offers views of the piazza and the Duomo. Its stylish decor combines traditional Florentine elements with contemporary touches and modern art, a collaboration between director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels, Olga Polizzi, and Laudemia Pucci, daughter of designer Emilio Pucci. The hotel’s 80 guest rooms and suites include the Duomo Presidential Suite and the Grand View Suite. A large fitness center features free weights, Technogym equipment, and weekly yoga classes, and the Spa Suite offers 180-degree views of the city from its elegant treatment room. Restaurant Irene serves Tuscan cuisine curated by chef Fulvio Pierangelini and a spacious outdoor terrace alongside the piazza.

Villa Igiea, Palermo, Sicily

This turn-of-the century palazzo, once the most famous retreat in Sicily, has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities. Restored and reimagined as a Rocco Forte hotel under the guidance of Olga Polizzi, the villa offers panoramic views of the sea from its location between Pellegrino Mountain and the Gulf of Palermo. Its 72 guest rooms and 28 suites are furnished in grand Sicilian style, with antiques, canopied beds, rich fabrics, and locally crafted ceramics and tiles. The sumptuous Donna Franca Suite offers the utmost in privacy. Florio Restaurant, serving Sicilian cuisine prepared with local ingredients, features a terrace overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy cocktails with a view at Igiea Terrazza or in its fresco-adorned sandstone interior bar. Sicilian specialties are served along with beverages at Alicetta Pool Bar.

Verdura Resort, Sicily

Located on Sicily’s southwest coast between the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the fishing town of Sciacca, the resort is set along the Mediterranean among olive and orange groves. The resort’s 203 elegant rooms and suites boast sea views, private terraces, Sicilian art, and elements crafted by local artisans. Three- and four-bedroom villas, designed as private residences, are set on a hillside that slopes toward the resort’s private beach. Dining options include Amare for seafood, outdoor Sicilian trattoria Liolà, and Zagara, as well as the Pool Bar and all-day Granita.

Two 18-hole golf courses, the East and the West, feature mountain foothills, sea views, and stunning terrain. The Golf Academy includes practice facilities, private lessons, fittings, and club rentals. The golf shop, bar, restaurants, and boutiques are located in the clubhouse. The expansive Irene Forte Spa includes an indoor lap pool, steam room, saunas, fitness studio, 11 treatment rooms, salon, and open-air courtyard. In addition, the resort will arrange cultural activities, adventures, and tours.