Hotel Signum

Scientists look at Sicily and see volcanic landforms, geothermal sites and ongoing geologic land-creation, the building of the earth itself. For anyone seeking to indulge their inner volcanologist, there’s not much left to say. But for the rest of us there’s the Hotel Signum. A marriage between boutique hotel and Aeolian farmhouse, the Signum holds its own as a well-designed, memorable experience on the precipice of one of the most unique landscapes in the world.

The Aeolian Islands are sun-drenched and stark and Hotel Signum draws on these characteristics to create a striking décor of bright, unstudied minimalism. White walls and simple, traditional furniture evoke the kind of palpable stillness that works best in such an evolving landscape. Lime trees and cascading bougainvillea make for the kind of punctuation of color and fragrance that interrupt that stillness so our senses don’t get bored. Diversions are minimul, but there’s a fine Mediterranean restaurant and bar, as well as the new Salus per Aquam Spa, which lets you take full advantage of the island’s geothermal talents without having to go spelunking off site. The hotel staff will kindly arrange all manner of excursions, including sailing, diving, and, most charmingly, Vespas for hire.

Please note: Hotel Signum is open seasonally, March through October.