Rocco Forte Hotels has unveiled the newly restored Villa Igiea, a historical Art Nouveau palazzo overlooking the Gulf of Palermo in Italy. Originally designed by Ernesto Basile – commissioned by the influential Florio family – the property has been returned to its former splendour as a jewel of the Mediterranean.

Built in 1900, the palazzo has been renovated by Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairperson & Design Director of Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with architects Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Nicholas Haslam Studios. Over the last two years, the restoration process has enhanced the building’s Belle Époque feel, combining the architectural grandeur of the past with contemporary comfort for the 21st century.

“Villa Igiea is an iconic building which, like its original owner Franca Florio, is a grand lady of charm and elegance and a symbol of hospitality,” comments Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels on the opening. “It has been the focal point of the city of Palermo for over 100 years, hosting artists, emperors and the Hollywood elite, enraptured by the wonders of Sicily. I am so proud to be part of the history of this remarkable hotel and to have had the chance to restore it to its original splendour.”

Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels, Fulvio Pierangelini, will oversee the hotel’s Florio Restaurant, Igiea Terrazza Bar and Alicetta Pool Bar, serving up authentic Sicilian flavours. Each restaurant will portray the culinary history of Sicily – “a simple, but not simplistic cuisine, which is sincere and unrestrained; respect for little everyday gestures which perfect the island’s thousand-year-old culinary art, realising au gout du jour marvels; this cuisine embodies family, generosity and femininity,” says the chef.

The Florio Restaurant boasts a refined yet joyful atmosphere typical of grand seaside hotels, while the muted colours of the interiors and large floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea recall the golden age. Seasonal produce, harvested locally and from the Verdura Resort vegetable garden, along with fresh fish and crustaceans, pasta, fried delicacies and arancini, are just some of the ingredients on the menu.

Suspended between the botanic gardens and the Mediterranean Sea, the Igiea Terrazza Bar is reminiscent of Edwardian high society and features frescoes by Palermo artist Eugenio (Geno) Morici. A wide selection of Florio liquors and drinks from the “Spirit of Igiea” cocktail list – designed by the maestro Salvatore Calabrese – is inspired by Sicilian fragrances and illustrious guests who have honoured hotel the with their presence.

Housed in a pavilion reminiscent of Palazzo Butera meanwhile, the Alicetta Pool Bar offers Sicilian specialities as well as raw fish dishes, sashimi, seafood, fresh fish and crustaceans ready to be grilled. Local steamed and grilled vegetables and mixed salads complete the menu, with pizza and filled focaccias baked in the outdoor oven. A tempting sweet trolley also serves a selection of fresh fruit and homemade ice creams.