Europe has all sorts of spots to wander around, from busy streets to quiet riversides and coastal paths. You can explore towns, try the food, or just veer off the main route to see how things really work. 

Sicily has layers. Coastlines that glitter, hills that roll into vineyards, markets that fizz with life, and towns where you can happily lose an afternoon. This is a place to slow down, take the side streets and watch the rhythm of local life unfold. One minute you’re wandering past Baroque churches, the next you’re tasting panelle in a noisy market or swimming off a rocky cove.

Luxury here isn’t fuss. It’s space, comfort and experiences that feel honest and unforced. Below I’ve picked five stand-out spots, with what to see, where to eat and the simple pleasures that make each place worth your time. This isn’t a box-ticking tour. It’s about doing Sicily properly.

The best hotel management companies - who they are, how they work and the hotels they own and manage.

Some of the best boutique hotels in the city! A hideaway in Marrakech, a glorious bolthole in London, a cute boutique hotel in Florence, a hip hideaway in Palermo, a little hidden gem in Pimlico, a luxury spa hotel in Bath and an elegant hotel in Lisbon.

2021 is finally here and with it some great new hotel openings in the UK and aboard that we can all look forward to and add to our dream list.

Here are some of my favourite Italian hotels where you can enjoy la dolce vita including Castello Banfi il Borgo, award-winning boutique hotel in Tuscany.

Longing to escape? Look ahead and plan a trip to Sicily and stay at some of my favourite boutique hotels…