Hotels

They Say This Island Is Kind of a Secret

But We’re Sure Giorgio Armani Won’t Mind Sharing It with You

By Chris LaMorte ·
None 14 Photos Sikelia
Pantelleria is:

A. An ’80s hair band.
B. A burgeoning chain of fast-casual restaurants.
C. An ancient and alluring island of black volcanic rock situated somewhere between Africa and Italy that also just happens to be a great place to get a massage.
D. All of the above.

As much as we’d like to say D...

The correct answer is C, because Sikelia, a new 20-suite hotel and spa on this discreet Mediterranean island playground, is now open.

Part of Sicily, Pantelleria is the place where folks like Giorgio Armani come to get away from it all. When they want to explore archaeological ruins. Go deep-sea diving. Drink wine made from obscure varietals. Explore primordial caves. Get open-air massages in private walled courtyards.

And you know the saying: when in Pantelleria, do as the Armanis do.

So this hotel is the perfect base to do that. It’s modeled after a local 10th-century building structure called a dammuso—domed roofs, arched doorways, amenities like wi-fi and optional butler service, which were way harder to find in the 10th century. (Please, feel free to poke around the place right now.)

When you’re ready for dinner, head to restaurant Themà for fresh-caught prawns, lemon risotto and whatever fish they happened to pull from the sea that day.

And whatever wine they happen to pour in your glass that night.
Chris LaMorte

Chris LaMorte’s favorite lapel: peak. Favorite bulldog: French. Can you offer him a glass of champagne: yes. Often mistaken for: Zach Galifianakis. Often mistakes himself for: Bradley Cooper.

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