Tesis KoduWNG69301

This wildly stylish villa in Sicily is a refreshing getaway where guests can flourish beneath the leafy arbor, or on the porch overlooking the crystalline Tyrrhenian sea. Here, modern does not mean sterile; colorful artwork, books, and tasteful ornaments line the walls (it’s rather like staying at your artist friend’s holiday home). With sea views teasing you from every room, the beauty of Sicily will infuse every moment you spend here.

When you need to cool down, you can choose either the small private pool, or take a short drive down the steep country path down to the sea. An outdoor shower lets you rinse away the sand before you rejoin the group. Have a barbecue out on the reclaimed railway sleeper deck, made easy by the additional sheltered outdoor kitchen. When you retire inside, you'll gather on the low purple sofa to sip Sicilian wine and plan the next day's adventure.

This holiday villa sits an hour east of Palermo, amid many local treasures. Cefalù (4 km) is a hub of ancient architecture and the best beaches in Sicily. Art lovers should visit the Mandralisca Museum and Il Duomo, a 12th century cathedral that dominates the town.