Principe di Salina

I've returned to Principe three times over roughly six years, and every visit has been a pleasure. Anita, her family, and the staff are wonderful. The hotel has a tasteful, elegant design, and it's luxuriously comfortable without feeling fussy. Everyone is warm and helpful, and the place makes it easy to enjoy your own time or share the experience with other guests. I love it here and plan to keep coming back.

The rooftop terrace made a real impression on us. Having homemade breakfast and dinner up there was one of the best parts of the trip, with those gorgeous views all around. The hotel itself is beautiful, but it's Annita who makes you feel like a welcome guest in a home you don't want to leave. From the moment we walked in, the view and the warm greeting went straight to the heart. They sort out the details before you have to ask, share great tips for finding the island's authentic side, and make lovely Sicilian cocktails for the afternoon. Leaving feels hard because Annita seems to leave a little piece of herself with you. We're already counting down to a return visit!

Leaving was genuinely hard. This feels like a destination of its own, with luxury that stays relaxed and unpretentious. The hotel's design works beautifully with the landscape, spread over several levels so each area offers a different view. At reception, the sea stretches out in front of you; at breakfast, the volcanic islands frame a very different scene. The interiors mix modern touches with a bohemian feel, cream and rattan alongside a well-placed disco ball. Even the music shifts gently through the day, and the sunbeds are set up for comfort and privacy. More than anything, it has a feeling that's hard to explain, the vibe. Anita has a magnetic presence, and that spirit carries through the service and the way guests are cared for. My partner and I felt calm and looked after from the moment we arrived. Every staff member was sincere, kind, and considerate, never as if they were following a script. We felt part of an eclectic family. The food was delicious throughout, and the family-style meals brought everyone together. It all added to the sense of complete relaxation. The place is elegant without being formal, and memorable in a way few hotels manage. It feels like coming home.

We managed to reach Principe di Salina in early October despite the bad weather, thanks to Anita's efficiency and kindness, and then got to enjoy three lovely days there. The staff were both professional and friendly, and always respectful. Two employees even spotted us waiting for the bus in Santa Marina and kindly drove us to the hotel. We appreciated our room and its view, especially seeing Stromboli in the distance in the morning. Dinner on our last night was a great experience too. Thanks for everything.