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While I've travelled all over Italy and enjoyed some truly memorable experiences, there's a very special place in my heart for Sicily that goes beyond the history, landscape and wonderful beaches – it's the feeling that this is not just an island of breathtaking beauty, but also of indomitable spirit. It's this intangible 'je ne sais quoi' that brings me back again and again and, for my money, if you're looking for romance it's one of the best places to find it. After so many trips to Sicily, resorts that have the extra 'wow factor' when it comes to romance really tend to stick in my mind. Here are a few of my recommendations for Sicily resorts that are particularly memorable in that respect. Villa Carlotta Villa Carlotta's elegant, low-key ambience is offset by a jaw dropping aspect of sweeping views of the ocean and Mount Etna. It's like stepping into another world here – one where your every wish is the command of the discreet staff and you can choose to do as much or as little as the whim takes you. The rooms are exquisitely appointed (if you're out to impress, book the hotel's one stunning suite), but its secret weapon is the incredible rooftop bar, which is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks. The hotel is just a few minutes' from the centre of Taormina, which harbours a wealth of opportunities for romantic interludes. La dolce vita indeed… Villa Belvedere You'll enter into delightful seclusion at Villa Belvedere and you may never want to leave! This charming hotel offers all the character of an authentic Sicilian hideaway, wrapped up in luxurious 4-star packaging. I love this hotel for its ingenuity in providing plenty of secret corners and quiet places to escape, without having to leave the grounds. But wherever you go, there's no escaping the hotel's namesake: 'belvedere', the beautiful view. With bougainvillea spilling from the balconies, beautifully decorated rooms, and a warm, family welcome from the proprietors, if you can't find romance here there's something seriously wrong! Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Perched high above Taormina, taking in a wide arc of ocean views including the magnificent Mount Etna, the Grand Timeo wraps you in a gentle embrace of luxury and holds you tight. The impeccably appointed rooms and suites have balconies to take in those stunning views and there's nothing left to chance. The gorgeous terrace is a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast or a romantic al fresco dinner, and if you enjoy a bit of pampering, you can take advantage of the wellness centre tucked within the lovely gardens. The hotel is a short walk from the historic centre of Taormina, where there's plenty of scope for chic, designer shopping. Belmond Villa Sant' Andrea Villa Sant' Andrea, shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and temperate… Excuse my romantic musings but this place does tend to bring out the best in me! If you want to hide away from the world in style, this is the place to do it. Villa Sant' Andrea's gentrified ambience is reminiscent of elegant bygone days, but it's planted firmly in the present in terms of luxury and romance. It has a private beach and you're only a short cable car ride away from the centre of Taormina, with its romantic restaurants and high-end shopping. It's enough to inspire one to a sonnet. If you're planning a romantic holiday in Sicily, resorts within easy reach of Taormina, like the ones I've suggested, make for an ideal base. While you're just a short walk from the fashionable celebrity shopping and dining haunts, gazing over the ocean from your private balcony you could just be a million miles from anywhere… John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Sicily resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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