THE FACTS ABOUT SOLANTO

Italy Sicily

The owners of this seafront villa outside Palermo are only here from May to October, when they rent out two extravagantly decorated, self-contained suites. The apartments are behind the main villa and have separate entrances and direct access to the steeply terraced grounds, with a stunning swimming pool on the lowest level. From here, a little gate opens to stairs leading down to the sea and a wooden bathing platform. Giorgio, the young caretaker, runs the house very professionally, serves breakfast and also shops for guests (each suite has a kitchenette); the owners of the house are on hand if needed and guests have exclusive use of the swimming pool and run of the grounds. SLEEPS Four in total (two in each suite); there is also a child's bedroom in the larger of the two BEST FOR Two couples who want to be near Palermo but on the coast WHY The view from the pool; more space and privacy than five-star hotel suites of a similar standard (of which there are few on Sicily) WHY NOT This stretch of coast is very busy in high season, as is the water-sports club next door COST 380 euros per suite per night, including breakfast, May-October only CONTACT thinkSicily (020 7377 8518; www.thinksicily.com)