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Many of my clients express a desire to see the 'real' Sicily and experience the authentic, unspoilt hospitality of this beautiful island, rather than being caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyone else's holiday. From my many years of experience organising holidays all over the world, I know that accommodation is one of the most important aspects to get right – and when it comes to Sicily, resorts like Giardini Naxos (just below Taormina) can offer the kind of authenticity discerning travellers look for. Experience the Genuine Welcome of a Small Traditional Hotel Because Giardini Naxos is so close Taormina, it's one of the more popular Sicily resorts, but it's got a laidback ambience and one of the loveliest hotels you could hope to find. The wonderful family-run Hotel Palladio is the ideal choice for visitors who want to stay somewhere that still maintains old-style hospitality and genuine Sicilian charm. Situated right on the seafront promenade, with the rugged cliffs leading up to Taormina behind it, the setting is like something out of a film. The building in which the hotel is housed has evolved from a 19th century home of an affluent local family, with the renovations and subsequent extensions respecting the original style of architecture seen throughout the island. While all the modern conveniences have been included to bring the hotel into the 21st century, the owners have purposely maintained a connection to the bones of the building, using traditional Sicilian materials and techniques in the renovation. The Details Make the Difference With a commitment to an authentic 'handmade' ethos across everything - from the food and furniture to the décor, art and craft pieces - the hotel has found a wonderful way of preserving the heritage of the island to share with visitors. The unique talking point of the hotel is the beautiful stairway created from the jewel-coloured ceramics produced in nearby Santo Stefano di Camastra, while works of art from local arts and craftspeople set the tone of the relaxed Mediterranean décor. A Roof With a View But the most outstanding feature of the hotel is the fabulous rooftop terrace, which takes in sweeping views over the bay and out to the horizon. You feel like you're suspended right over the Mediterranean, with an endless canvas of blues laid out before you. Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner (or all three) on the terrace, and the restaurant is renowned for its exceptional cuisine. Home Style Service and Hospitality It's not just the location in one of the most beautiful Sicily resorts, or the building itself that make the Hotel Palladio so special, however – it's the warm, genuine welcome you'll feel wrapped in from the minute you arrive. The family proprietors and their staff pull out all the stops when it comes to ensuring guests make the most of the hotel's charming ambience. The traditions of old fashioned service extend from the personal touches in the rooms to the hand rolled pasta and family recipe cuisine, through which the chefs aim to take you on ‘a journey through the many flavours of Sicily’. Enjoy a Stay at the Handmade Hotel The Palladio describes itself as the ‘handmade hotel’, and I can't think of a more apt description. In a world where, all too often, the principles of service and hospitality are eschewed in favour of turning a profit, the Hotel Palladio manages to combine old-style traditions and heritage with casual contemporary luxury to make you really feel at home – only much, much better! 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 stays 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 the arts, history and culture.
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