Elite Traveler Spring 2023

EXPLORE THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Cuisine at Capofaro in Salina

WHERE TO STAY

CAPOFARO, SALINA Nestled at the base of Salina’s two long-extinct volcanoes, Capofaro is the top choice for a few nights of total escapism on what’s widely accepted to be the prettiest Aeolian island. From the fi rst refreshing lemonade on arrival to the last bottle of Tasca d’Almerita Malvasia wine picked up in the tiny boutique before leaving, everything is understated yet perfectly executed. Of the 27 guestrooms, Suite 21 stands out, its own cottage nestled within the six acre organic vineyards, o ff ering prime sunset views from the spacious veranda. Days here consist of early morning yoga in the dappled light of the orchard, followed by a breakfast of still-warm bread and pastries, ricotta made that morning and fruit picked just a few meters away, as well as the usual lavish bu ff et options. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting in the vineyards, followed by a leisurely swim in the green-blue pool. Suites from $3,000 per night. Contact Antonella Puglisi, general manager, a.puglisi@capofaro.it, +39 090 984 4330, capofaro.it

HOTEL SIGNUM, SALINA Despite its luxurious appeal, Signum is a family-run a ff air. Founded by Clara Rametta and Michele Caruso in the ‘80s, their daughter Martina Caruso now heads up the restaurant (earning it a Michelin star when she was just 26), while her brother Luca is maître d and hotel manager. The gastronomy is one of the island’s main appeals, and her work with local fi sherman and foragers to devise a local and strictly seasonal menu has earned her a coveted Michelin Green Star this year. Star dishes include bagna cauda with raw sea urchins and her favorite smoked mackerel with pomegranate, caper leaves and mint. The spa — the most glamorous in the Aeolians — uses Signum’s own organic essential oils for alternative massages with things like sea salt, honey and oil from the island. Opt for Villa Suite 26, which has a freestanding bathtub, living room and large private terrace with far-reaching views of the town of Malfa and the gulf. Suites from $850 per night. Contact Luca Caruso,

THERASIA RESORT AND SPA, VULCANO A Leading Hotel in the World, this fi ve-star destination is more about pure luxe than pared-back wilderness with two in fi nity pools, four restaurants, a wellness and yoga center, and direct access to the hotel’s private beach. It’s also the only place in the archipelago from which you can see all seven islands. The top room is the newly renovated Eolie Suite, with a living room and its own mini hydro-massage pool on the spacious sea-facing terrace. Michelin-starred Il Cappero is a must, with Sicilian chef Giuseppe Biuso bringing inspiration from his varied Italian and European culinary endeavors. I Tenerumi, the fi rst purely vegetarian restaurant in all of Sicily, also makes for a laid-back evening of mezze-style feasting, seated on cushions overlooking the water. From $300 per night. Contact Pierpaolo Tiretti, general manager, info@therasiaresort.it, +39 090 985 2555, therasiaresort.it

hotel manager, info@hotelsignum.it, +39 090 984 4222, hotelsignum.it

Clockwise from above Capofaro; Therasia Resort and Spa; Hotel Signum’s bar; Hotel Signum