Marsala
Irish-Italian blends are now not something one only finds in New York. Sicily has attained "the luck of the Irish" from O'Mahenran's Irish Pub, Via Francesco Crispi 98 (tel. 923-952275; www.irishpubsicilia.com) a place that was started by three Italian friends. The pub is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike and although the main item for consumption here is beer, namely Guinness, the pub also offers a basic menu.
To purchase the fruit of the land, in liquid form, head for the new Morsi e Sorsi, Via Armando Diaz 66 (tel. 923-719481; www.morsiesorsi.it). This wine shop and bar has an amazing selection of Marsala wines. In fact, if you can't find a certain Marsala variety here, you probably can't find it anywhere. If you're not sure what kind of wine you'd like to purchase, you can request a sample and the friendly staff will comply. It is also possible to buy local olive oils, tuna bottarga, and jam.
The Resort Baglio Oneto, Contrada Baronazza Amati (tel. 923-746222; www.framonhotels.com), is a charming medieval-era estate that has been turned into a 48-room resort. The hills of Marsala and the wine country provide a perfect backdrop for the resort. The charming pool is surrounded by gardens. From the balconies, every room has a view of the Egadi Islands. The rooms are painted in neutral colors with dark wood furniture. And just because this is a feudal environment doesn't mean that the amenities are ancient. All the units have air conditioning, hairdryers, televisions, safes, minibars, and telephones. If you're hungry, the restaurant, La Calandra, specializes in local dishes. The wine room, Sala Solera, is a can't-miss if you stay here.
When one of the foremost catering families in Italy opens a hotel, people take notice. The Li Mandri family opened the New Hotel Palace, Lungomare Mediterraneo 57 (tel. 923-719492; www.newhotelpalace.com), in an English-style, 19th-century building. The artwork alone is enough of a reason to stay here. One of the hallways has an octagonal-done ceiling with representations of the four seasons painted onto it and all of the rooms contain a fresco of some sort. Modern amenities, including air conditioning, telephones, televisions, and minibars are found in all of the rooms. The units are furnished in relaxing, earthy colors, and the restaurant is elegantly decorated.
Catania
If you're looking for inexpensive lodging, the newly opened Hotel Pensione Rubens, Via Etnea (tel. 95-317073; www.hotelrubenscatania.com), is a good choice. The rooms are spacious and well kept with private showers. There is a welcoming atmosphere here that comes from the hotel being family owned and operated. The owner, Reto Caviezel, is congenial and helpful. His knowledge of the area comes in extremely handy when deciding where you want to visit and, more importantly, how to get there. Some of the rooms have balconies, as well as great views of Mount Etna.
Panarea
The new Hotel Raya, Via S. Pietro (tel. 90-983013; www.hotelraya.it), is the epitome of Mediterranean style. Local architectural style techniques, such as rush cross-rafters, were implored when this place was built. Terraces, perfect for sunbathing, are found outside each room, but you need an adventurous spirit to stay here. The hotel provides guests with flashlights in order to find their way around the extensive grounds at night. In the summer the hotel opens up its discotheque, the most popular nightspot on the island, and the Raya Boutique is the perfect place to get swimwear, sarongs, jewelry, and Indonesian art pieces.
Salina
This isn't the place where you'd expect to find one of the chicest hotels in Sicily. However, the new Signum, Via Scalo 15 (tel. 909-844102; www.hotelsignum.it), definitely is that, only not in the way one would expect. This is a cozy and home-style place; charm is what sucks you in and makes you want to come back. Surrounded by vineyards and lemon groves, this 30-room hotel is the perfect place to "escape." There are a plethora of beaches nearby to the hotel, the closest being Scario Tip. The Diving Center of Salina will organize excursions if you're of the athletic persuasion. Others can send leisure time by the pool or at the beach. Chef Michele Caruso cooks up Sicilian and Aeolian food nightly at the on-site restaurant and the staff is helpful and attentive.
Taormina
The stylishly modern Hotel Baia Taormina, Statale dello Ionio 39 (tel. 942-756292; www.baiataormina.com), is an architectural masterpiece as well as a luxury hotel. From the local stone to the Sicilian terracotta, this place has a distinctly Mediterranean feel to it. In addition to its visual beauty, there are two swimming pools, one freshwater and one saltwater. Sports fans can take part in a variety of activities, including deep-sea diving, hang gliding, tennis, rock climbing, water skiing, and surfing. Others can relax in the health and beauty center, where one can have a Turkish bath, a hydro massage, a regular massage, or visit the hairdresser. Il Picciolo Golf Club, on the slopes of Mount Etna and the home of the International Ladies Open, is a 30-minute drive from here.
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