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F
or all that it’s part of Italy, Sicily, the largest island in the
Mediterranean, is another country. It wears its history on its
sleeve with rich relics scattered almost casually. The food has
hints of Arabic spices; the vegetation is exotic with oranges, lemons
and palms; the pace of life slow, warm and friendly. Historical riches
include show-stopping Greek temples, Baroque churches, and
medieval mosaics. No visitor can resist the pull of Mount Etna’s eerie
volcanic landscape or the south coast’s sandy beaches. Or, of course,
a glass or two of Marsala.
Spectacularly perched on the side of a mountain, Taormina is Sicily's
most popular summer destination, lying in the shadow of Mount
Etna. A cable car descends from the town centre to the beautiful Isola
Bella Nature Reserve, a striking coastal area within which
La Plage
Resort
, a luxurious but eco-friendly hotel, sits in pride of position on
the beachfront surrounded by maritime pines and fragrant gardens
with breathtaking views of the beautiful bay and its famous islet.
The rooms, bungalows and suites of the La Plage Resort are designed
and furnished with modern, informal design and take into account
the surrounding nature, aiming to have a minimal impact on it. The
resort has extensive amenities including eclectic cuisine at Fusion
Restaurant and a wide range of treatments and facilities at Expure
Spa including Turkish bath, Jacuzzis and massage cabins.
Prime Position at Isola Bella
A beachfront retreat below bustling Taormina
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ildly beautiful Capri has always been a popular island for visitors. The
Roman Emperor Augustus exchanged the Island of Ischia for Capri so
that he could build a dozen villas, no doubt so that he and like-minded
nobles could enjoy bathing at the famous “Blue Lagoon”. Today the island is
much favoured as a luxury destination with glitzy resorts and high-end shopping.
J.K.PlaceCapri
is one of surprisingly fewhotels on the island to boast a true sea-
edge location, just a fewmetres from the port of Marina Grande and Capri's
largest beach. The atmosphere which pervades the hotel is pleasantly
relaxed and the service is flawless and efficient. The ultra-chic hotel,
the stylish interiors of which were designed by Florentine
architect, Michele Bonan, has a total of 22 spacious bedrooms
and suites decorated in classic seaside combinations of navy
blue and white or soft pastels and patterned wall coverings.
Excellent Mediterranean cuisine is served all day long at
the hotel's
JKitchen
, an intimate restaurant that spills
out on to a breathtakingly panoramic terrace. Leisure
facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre and
spa and a large heated swimming pool.
A Contemporary Classic
Laid back glamour at the cliff edge in beautiful Capri