Villa Neri Resort & Spa

If you think of volcanoes in Italy, Mount Vesuvius — Pompeii, and all that — probably springs to mind first. But Mount Etna, on Sicily’s eastern coast, is more than twice its size. Which is part of the reason why so many hotels in the region try to outdo each other, advertising the best views of the towering landmark, an active volcano that was named an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. Villa Neri Resort & Spa is one of the privileged few that’s situated right on the slopes of Etna.

It’s a resort, but with just 24 rooms, a rather intimate one. Villa Neri is more like, well, a villa — albeit a modern one — with spacious, well-appointed guest rooms, a thoroughly civilized dining room, well-tended gardens and quiet courtyards. But the aesthetic is surprisingly minimalist for the Sicilian countryside. Instead of romantic archways and antiques, the lobby has sleek ivory tile, coffered ceilings, and black modular furniture. Upstairs, some guest rooms are similarly modern, with floating beds, Arco lamps, and an sophisticated charcoal and white furnishings, while others feature statement pieces like hand-painted sinks and tiles. All feature marble bathrooms and a private balcony or patio, plus an LED TV and complimentary wi-fi.

There’s a spa, Turkish bath, and lovely swimming pool — of course, the chaise lounges arranged around it are black. Not that Villa Neri is lacking for traditional charm. At an al fresco table at the hotel’s restaurant, Le Dodici Fontane, you can sit at a table covered in white linen and drink wine while enjoying the view of the surrounding vineyards, and, yes, the volcano. Villa Neri might be a modern sort of getaway, but you’re still in the country, and Sicilians are rightfully famous for hospitality. Indeed, even though Taormina and its beaches are a short drive away from the hotel, Villa Neri provides guests access to a private stretch of coastline outfitted with umbrellas and chairs.

How to get there: Villa Neri Resort & Spa is approximately 60 km by car from Catania Fontanarossa Airport via A18/E45 and SS120.