Founded in 2006 by Roberto Sortino, soloSicily's aim is to provide the best villas – with fabulous locations, great style and wonderful facilities – to their guests. With their deep knowledge of all things Sicilian, and a true desire to offer the best service possible, the soloSicily team has provided visitors to Sicily their dream villas and unforgettable holiday experiences for many years.

With a portfolio of properties that continues to grow, there is sure to be something that appeals to everyone in soloSicily's collection. Here Roberto lists six of his favourite properties in Sicily. Choosing from the great range of villas was a tough decision, but here are some of his highlights.

ALESA


Alesa is a great villa for small families or couples. The infinity pool, looking over the sea out to the Aeolian Islands, is just gorgeous, and the sunset from the villa is incredible. The villa has great style and is very comfortable, it's just perfect for relaxing days sitting outside, enjoying the pool and taking in that outstanding view. Alesa is also wonderfully positioned to get to know north Sicily and its sights. Palermo is a definite highlight, as is Cefalù with its sandy beach and lovely cathedral.

BADIA TOWER


If you're looking for a spot of romance in Sicily then I recommend the delightful and quirky Badia Tower. This property has a charming history and is perfect for honeymoons or for couples looking for a quiet retreat. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, Badia Tower is ideal if you want to get away from it all. With Marsala so close, with its charming town centre and great wine heritage, it's a great destination!

PERLA NERA


For lounging by the pool, Perla Nera is the ultimate villa. This stately property in east Sicily is beautiful, but the pool really is something else. This fairy-tale villa is magnificent and the pool, made with local black lava stone, is bound to be the focal point of your holiday. Perla Nera is found in a delightful town, so you can get to know the locals and enjoy traditional town life whilst being able to retreat to your very own “secret garden” at the end of the day.

BELLASIA


Pure luxury, incredible seafront location and a fantastically chic history makes Bellasia one of the highlights in our villa collection. It is perfect for group holidays and I think that it would be wonderful as a location for a special event – perhaps a wedding or a birthday party. You could create unforgettable memories holding an event at this luxurious villa! Bellasia is so stylish, so effortlessly chic and so close to Taormina, one of Sicily's most beautiful towns, that you will never want to leave.

PALUMMARA


I could spend hours on the terrace at Palummara. The view over the Med is intoxicating! With so much space this is a great choice for two families or a group wanting to get to know south-west Sicily. Food and wine are definitely some of the best features of this area for me, with nearby Menfi being one of the best wine-growing areas in Sicily. And if you want to get a true taste of Sicily's delicious food then I wholeheartedly recommend you book an in-villa cook for an evening. Rosamaria's food is wonderful!

IL POGGIO


Sicily is far more than just a beach holiday destination, and we have several great countryside villas to prove it! Set in the hills near Monreale, the view over the countryside from Il Poggio is second to none. If you love cooking, or eating, then Il Poggio is perfect for you. The kitchen is gorgeous and is perfect for cooking, or may be having a cookery lesson. There is also the chance to go horse-riding nearby, which is a fabulous way to get to know the countryside. For the beach, hit Mondello, or if you want culture then Palermo is hard to beat.

February 2016