Le Calette Hotel in Sicily offers an enchanting oasis tucked away in the most majestic location…
Le Calette Hotel is an idyllic oasis packed away in the cliffs of Cefalù, a coastal city in northern Sicily. Located a one hour and fifteen minute drive from the island’s capital city Palermo, the five-star resort is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to swap a touristy holiday for an authentic Sicilian experience.
The family-run hotel recently hosted a lavish soirée in honour of its 50th birthday, and we just so happened to be invited The special event was held at Calette Beach, one of the hotel’s private beach spots. Just a short walk from the main building, the expansive space – equipped with two bars and comfortable seating areas – delivers a fantastic view of the postcard-worthy harbour. Guests were treated to a cooking show, courtesy of Michelin-star chef Pino Cuttaia. After the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea, those in attendance moved over to an outdoors nightclub area, where they partied the night away with Italian DJ Giorgio Moroder. And while birthdays may only come about once a year, there is always plenty to see and do at Le Calette Hotel, regardless of when you visit…
The room
Much like the hotel, the rooms at Le Calette are a perfect mix of the new and old. While the cosy spaces have all of the modern fixtures one might desire — such as flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms and hairdryers in the bathrooms – the old beams are still visible in the ceilings, giving the room a traditional feel. As the hotel only has two floors, all rooms come with an outdoor space, offering an unparalleled view of the on-site swimming pool and the glistening sea that lies beyond the coastal line. Bedrooms on the ground floor open up to the swimming pool area, where guests are encouraged to take advantage of the daybeds and soak up the Sicilian sun. Visitors who have booked an upstairs room are treated to their very own balcony, which comes equipped with sun-loungers, a large outdoor umbrella and a table with chairs. Only too aware of their guests’ needs, the hotel supplies each room with a stylish straw bag, complete with two large beach towels.
Breakfast with a view
As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Le Calette certainly knows how to do it in style. Guests staying at the hotel on a B&B basis are invited to kickstart their day at Calaluna, an outdoor restaurant just a staircase away from the main pool area. The setting is most definitely one you’ll remember, as the tables and chairs overlook the harbour and its seemingly never-ending crystal waters. The self-service food stations offer a variety of options. While health-conscious visitors can help themselves to fresh fruits, cereals and flavoursome yogurts, those looking to indulge can tuck into the straight-out-of-the-oven croissants, bacon and meat arancini balls. Adding to the tropical feeling of the alfresco dining excursion, guests are encouraged to make their own fresh orange juice using the speedy machine in the open kitchen.
Private beach
One of the most trying factors of a holiday can often be finding a good spot on the beach. If you get there too early, the weather isn’t always at its best, but leave it too late and you risk missing out on a decent space to relax and unwind. Luckily, there’s no need to worry about that at Le Calette, as they have not one, but four private beaches open to hotel guests. Nearby the hotel is Calette Beach, which is surrounded by hidden paradise coves, ideal for the keen explorer. Those wanting to make the most of the sea breeze can lounge on one of the many large daybeds. With a beach bar serving drinks and snacks, a cocktail is always within arm’s reach. People who prefer to stay active while on vacation can take advantage of the water sporting opportunities. With hotel staff nearby to offer a helping hand, avid adventurers can enjoy a spot of canoeing around the surrounding bays. Alternatively, those with strong leg muscles can show off their paddleboarding skills as they explore the Cefalù coastline.
Cefalù
The city centre is a short ten-minute drive from the hotel, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque cobbled streets of the seaside destination. With independent clothes shops, fragrant delicatessens and gelato cafés, there is something for everyone to partake in. Those interested in diving into the city’s steeped history will want to pay a visit to the spectacular Cefalù Cathedral. Fronted by dual towers, which can be seen from many places in the city centre, the cathedral is famous for its presbyterium mosaic. The tranquility of the cultural building is juxtaposed by the hustle and bustle of Cefalù’s nightlife. The coastal city boasts a number of authentic wine bars, many of which feature little balconies, whereby customers can experience an uninterrupted view of the sunset. Le Calette Hotel also owns a spot of the Cefalù beach, offering guests a private space to sunbathe, whilst enjoying an aperitif from the seaside bar.
Nightlife
While the city centre of Cefalù offers many options for an evening out, guests of Le Calette don’t have to leave the resort in search of a party hotspot, as there is a nightclub on-site. On Saturday nights, Calette Beach is transformed into a Disco Club, with visiting DJs performing in front of eager crowds. Visitors can treat themselves to a cocktail, or two, whilst soaking in the view of the harbour at night.
Hotel Hopping
Le Calette guests have access to a shuttle bus, which travels to the resort’s sister destination, Hotel Alberi del Paradiso — translated in English, this means the ‘Trees of Paradise Hotel’. Located just a ten-minute drive from Le Calette, the serene space is somewhat hidden among the tall trees. The outdoor pool transports visitors to a rainforest-of-sorts, with the lush greenery pouring out onto the surrounding sunbathing area. The hotel is also home to a decadent spa, a tennis court and a bar with a terrace that opens out among the towering trees. If you’re ready to be at one with nature, this may well be worth a day visit.
Le Calette
Via Cavallaro, 12
90015 Cefalù PA
Italy
Prestige Holidays has a two night stay from £774 per person departing London Gatwick on 10th September with Easyjet including private transfers and B&B accommodation in a Classic room at Le Calette No.5, Tel: 01425 480400, https://www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/sicily/cefalu/hotel-calette-n-5
