3 Best Hotels in Pantelleria, Sicily

Walking through the heavy bronze sculpted door of the Sikelia is a step into an utterly luxurious retreat, where time stands still and the stresses and cares of the world evaporate. With just twenty exquisitely curated suites, it is ideal for anyone who wants to escape the world and be pampered. With soft gray walls, reinstated floors, and divine linens in shades of gray, cream, pale lemon, and smoky lilac, rooms are therapy for the eyes as well as the body. Bathroom products are Jardin sur le Nil by Hermès. The grounds are shaded with palms, with a beautiful pool and elegant spaces for breakfast or an evening aperitif (with drinks accompanied by crisp-fried caper leaves and sun-blush tomatoes). There is a menu for pillows and sheets (linen or cotton), and staff are trained to note guest preferences at the first breakfast so that future breakfasts can be tailored to their tastes. In summer, cocktails are served on the roof. Boat trips available on the hotel boat.

This instantly beguiling and intimate country resort with just four sensitively restored dammusi stands in the utter peace and quiet of the village of Mueggen. The glory of this spot is that its owners Matilde and Giancarlo are completely in tune with the land and landscape, and they would be happy to invite people to stay simply for the joy of sharing what they have created with like-minded people. Everything they grow on their land is preserved and served to guests during the months they are open, as witnessed by the storehouse of homemade pestos, jams, sott’olio (vegetables preserved in olive oil), juices, and olive oils. They even make their own ricotta from their four goats using the traditional island method of adding seawater to help the curds form and collect eggs every morning from their lovingly tended chickens. Grounds include a small woodland area (with a treehouse for massages) and a pavilion where breakfast and aperitivo are served. Dinner is served on request. In summer, Giancarlo can take guests on trips in his own boat and can lead them on country walks.

Home to several individual, purpose-built dammusi, Pantelleria Dream is set in its own grounds above Cala Levante and the Arco dell’Elefante. This is a really good midrange option, and prices in low season are incredible value for money, especially if you book well in advance. There is a big pool, well-tended gardens, a restaurant, and a bar. Rooms are simple but tasteful, with black tiled floors and white walls and bed linens, and each has its own terrace, traditionally roofed with canes.