Don Mimi GuarnaschelliItaly, Sicily

In this blessed place, a noble and historic residence, Villa Guarnaschelli, recently has re-opened its doors to welcome a discerning clientele. The luxury villa, located in the center of Taormina, had a very glorious past hosting the King of England Edward VIII, Hollywood stars, aristocrats, famous artists, intellectuals, and politicians, and now, after a careful restoration, the villa is ready to be your less-than-predictable place where to enjoy an extraordinary vacation.

The sophisticated social spaces are perfectly appointed for entertaining and designed to be welcoming and harmonious. A cozy library with a working fireplace, a formal drawing room with an adjacent smaller sitting room, a comfortable living room, and a separated dining room: all are filled with exquisite antiques and custom furniture, rich fabrics, along with heirlooms, artifacts and wall art collected by the villas’ aristocrat owners. Every room opens onto the terrace through French doors. A fully equipped kitchen and a guest bathroom complete this floor. The spaces are meant for relaxing so that guests can embrace the Sicilian traditional yet sophisticated way of life.

The Liberty-style villa is surrounded by a manicured private park and a panoramic terrace overlooking Isola Bella, also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. A stunning infinity heated pool with a whirlpool corner was added during the villa’s latest restoration. Besides the pool and the glorious sundeck, several areas in the garden are designed to be enjoyed while either lounging, dining or just indulging in the dolce far niente.