Hotel Signum, Salina - Aeolian island hotels

Hotel Signum, Aeolian Islands

The story of the Hotel Signum, on the Aeolian island of Salina is one of extraordinary persistence and determination - the result is something quite marvellous. Back in 1988, husband and wife team Calra Rametta and Michele Caruso decided to build a luxury hotel in their home village of Malfa, on the north coast of Salina. Although Malfa is one of the island's main centres it is little more than a hamlet and the mayor's office closed them down, issuing a 'seal' (a 'signum' from the Latin 'sigillo'). Fortunately, the authorities had a change of heart. This quite lovely hotel (which certainly enhances rather than detracts from Malfa) went ahead, its new name being an ironic nod to the travails along the way.

From the initial 16 rooms, this Salina hotel has now expanded to 30, created within a grouping of old houses, amidst lush vegetation and the intoxicating scents of citrus and jasmine. The hotel gazes out over the Infinity swimming pool. The pool, restaurant, bar and terrace, in turn, look out over the blue of the Mediterranean. Rooms are carefully created in an antique style, though with all the modern comforts. Minibar, fan, bathroom, safe, radio, satellite TV, phone, air conditioning, work desk, bathrobe and hairdryer - all come as standard.

Salina Island itself is a delight. The second largest of the Aeolian group, which lies off the north coast of Sicily, its central bulk is formed of two extinct volcanoes, the soil providing an extraordinarily rich environment for the vines of Malvasia wine, caper bushes, apricots, almonds, peaches and plums. A very pretty place, with views of volcanic Stromboli, Lipari and Vulcano, and down to Mount Etna on Sicily. With fewer than 3000 inhabitants, most of them clustered in the villages of the coast, there is superb walking and hiking on Salina - your hosts will be delighted to help you plan your stay.

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Double room from €130