Casa Favonio

A tranquil and elegant 5-room B&B, set in a glorious nature reserve on the island of Favignana

The archipelago of Egadi Islands, off the northwest coast of Sicily, is often overlooked in favour of their big brother. Yet their whitewashed village interiors, pretty beaches and crystalline waters are infinitely more appealing because they’re so quiet (except in August). Once sleepy little outposts, home to tuna-fishing communities, they’ve slowly found their feet over the last few years, and hotels and restaurants have been springing up ever since.

If you want a tranquil hideaway as your base, this is your Eden. Set inland at the foot of Mount Santa Catarina amid acres of lush Mediterranean garden, there are just 5 rooms so it’s a haven of quiet. Close enough to town to pop in for a meal; far enough away that you get a real feel of seclusion. Design-wise it's a blend of natural shades of stone and sand offset by lashings of cool white - discreet but chic. Explore beaches, grottos and volcanic caves; zip around the islands in the hotel's speedboat; sit under shady palms and pines to read. This looks heavenly.

Highs

• It's located in a beautiful nature reserve, 4km from town
• There's a private and exclusive feel; this is somewhere you’ll escape the outside world
• The rooms, each with outdoor space, are very elegant; there are fantastic views from the superior and deluxe rooms
• It's easy to get to: fly to Trapani, and from there it's a ferry hop to the island
• The owners are warm and hospitable and want you to fall in love with Favignana as well as their little hotel

Lows

• There's no lunch or dinner on offer and the nearest restaurant is 4km away
• You'd feel isolated without a car or scooter, unless you're happy getting about on the hotel's bicycles
• There's no pool; quite a downside in the scorching summer months, although you’re only 1km from the beach
• Guests eat breakfast at one big table - but sociable types will enjoy chatting to others