1. Casa Talia, Modica
Owned by Milanese architects, this four-roomed bolt-hole slots subtly into Modica's baroque townscape. So subtly, in fact, that you might have trouble finding it at first. It's worth the effort, though. Comprising a collection of small houses that have been restored using much reclaimed material, Talia's characterful and comfortable rooms (mosaic tiles, muslin drapes, bare stone walls) lead off a garden ripe with figs and plums, where breakfast can be taken
Casa Talia, Via Exaudinos 1/9, Modica, Sicily (00 39 0932 752 075; www.casatalia.it). Doubles start at €130 (£108), including breakfast.
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2. BB22, Palermo
A restored 15th-century palazzo, this boutique bed-and-breakfast is decidedly upmarket. The six guest rooms have been given pride of place on the first and third floors of the building (the owner keeps an apartment on the floor in between). They are stylish and sophisticated – think designer bathroom fittings, fancy headboards, lavish modern chandeliers and Philippe Starck furniture. Sicilian cookery lessons with local market visits can also be arranged.
BB22, 22 Largo Cavalieri di Malta, Palermo, Sicily (00 39 09 16 111610; www.bb22.it). Double rooms start at €110, (£86) including breakfast
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3. Villa La Robazza, near Agrigento
Part of Mandranova – a chic estate of olive farm, guest house and self catering flats on Sicily’s south coast – Villa La Robazza sleeps four to six people. It has a terrace and a pool, and combines old stones with modern conveniences. The estate’s restaurant is just a short walk away.
Azienda Agricola Mandranova, Contrada Mandranova, Palma di Montechiaro, Sicily (00 39 393 986 2169; www.mandranova.it). Rental from €1,500 (£1,250) per week
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4. L’Olmo, near Giarre
If you’re looking for a grand Sicilian villa, L’Olmo is hard to beat. Sleeping up to 24 (though you can rent just eight rooms in the main house in low season), and situated between the sea and Mount Etna, it’s surrounded by terraced gardens and a large pool. Inside, it has recently been beautifully restored.
L’Olmo, nr Giarre, Sicily (020 7377 8518; www.thinksicily.com). Rental from €16,000 (£13,333) per week for 16 people, including the services of a cook and staff
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5. Caol Ishka, Syracuse
Just outside the Unesco World Heritage Site of Syracuse, this Irish-Italian-owned hideaway is rooted in history but contemporary in style. Its 10 sleek rooms have Wi-Fi, TV and DVD-players, and six have verandas. Set beside the river Anapo and Fiume Ciane nature reserve, the hotel rents out bikes and canoes, and there’s an infinity pool.
Caol Ishka, Via Elorina, Contrada Pantanelli, Syracuse (00 39 09 31 69057; www.caolishka.com). Doubles from €190 (£158), with breakfast
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7 June 2008, Chosen by Rhiannon Batten
