A bird's-eye view of Palazzo Musmeci's gorgeous pool.
The leafy al fresco dining area in the first part of the secluded courtyard.
The sociable lounge area by the pool.
The shady sitting area outside the ground-floor bedrooms.
After a day's sightseeing, what could be better than a refreshing dip in the pool?
Breakfast at Palazzo Musmeci.
The pool has the feel of an oasis.
The second of three reception rooms on the ground floor, an elegant salon.
Looking towards the entrance hall, with its antique, richly decorated Sicilian cart.
The first of the three reception rooms on the ground floor, an atmospheric bar and sitting room.
The same room seen from another angle.
Anyone for a cocktail? Another shot of the first reception room on the ground floor.
The "room of curiosities", the third of the ground-floor reception rooms.
The guest WC on the ground floor.
The impressive central gallery from which the ground-floor rooms are accessed.
The first of the four bedrooms on the ground floor is a double-twin. (Bedroom 1)
The same bedroom seen from the courtyard.
Its voluminous en-suite bathroom comes with tub and separate shower (and an abundance of space).
The shaded sitting area in the courtyard outside the ground-floor bedrooms.
The second bedroom on the ground floor, a double. (Bedroom 2)
The same bedroom seen from the first bedroom. The interconnecting door can be locked or left open depending on requirements.
The en-suite shower room of the second ground-floor bedroom.
The third bedroom on the ground floor, a super-spacious double. (Bedroom 3)
Looking towards its en-suite shower room.
Its en-suite shower is tiled to perfection.
The rest of its en-suite bathroom.
The last bedroom on the ground floor, a double. (Bedroom 4)
All the ground floor bedrooms have direct access to the courtyard garden.
The en-suite shower room of the fourth ground-floor bedroom.
The superb, character-filled main kitchen, where the resident chef will prepare your meals.
The convivial dining room.
The grand staircase connecting the ground and first floors. There's also a lift.
The magnificent Blue Room on the first floor.
The same room seen from a different angle, with its grand piano in the background.
The remarkable master suite on the first floor, with its gold wallpaper, chandelier, frescoes and sleeping alcove. (Bedroom 5)
The sleeping alcove in the master suite is a classical example of Sicilian baroque architecture.
Heading through to the master suite's en-suite bathroom.
A lustrous detail from the master suite's bedroom.
The master suite's majestic bathroom with its access to the first-floor terrace.
The master suite's bathroom has both self-standing tub and walk-in shower.
The long terrace on the first floor of the palazzo, accessed from the master suite.
A colourful floral scene on the master suite's terrace.
The second bedroom on the first floor, a double, is also very generously proportioned. (Bedroom 6)
Japanese-style Sakura (cherry blossom) wallpaper creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Its en-suite shower room.
Its walk-in, marble-clad shower.
The well-equipped, airy kitchen on the first floor.
The same room seen from another angle.
The sitting area on the first floor near the top of the stairs and the lift lobby.
The incredible ballroom (not included but available on request at an extra fee for special gala dinners).
The little chapel just off the ballroom. (The ballroom is not included but available on request at an extra fee for special gala dinners.)
The kitchen comes with a pizza oven.
Pizza night at Palazzo Musmeci.
The romantic al fresco dining area is surrounded by leafy plants and fragrant flowers.
An enchanting atmosphere. Acireale has some great restaurants, but you might prefer to stay in.
Your chef is busy in the kitchen and its almost time for another memorable dinner.
Charm, old-world style and a sense of wonder.
The pool framed by the arches of its porticoed lounge area.
The poolside bar is yet another thing of beauty.
Aperitif time by the pool.
Could one of those spots be yours?
The shower near the pool with its beautiful tiles.
The pool WC - attention to detail is absolutely everywhere.
One of the first things you'll see on arrival at Palazzo Musmeci is the baroque statue of Poseidon atop a fountain.
The impressive vaults of the covered entrance set the tone for the rest of the palazzo.
Palazzo Musmeci's façade features intricate cornicing, broken pediments, goose-breasted balconies, and much more besides.
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Acireale's Piazza Duomo is a few minutes' walk from Palazzo Musmeci.
The little fishing village of Santa Maria la Scala down on the coast below Acireale.
Santa Maria la Scala has a couple of great seafood restaurants and a little harbour where you can rent boats.
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aormina's spectacular Graeco-Roman theatre, with its views out to Mount Etna.
Exploring the colourful, picturesque streets of Taormina.
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Catania's old town centre is full of architectural gems, including this cathedral.
One of three ancient theatres unearthed in the centre of Catania.v
Mount Etna dominates the coastline of eastern Sicily, an ever-present wonder.
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The ravishing beauty of Piazza Duomo on Ortigia, Syracuse's island heart.
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Each year Acireale hosts one of Italy's most important Carnival celebrations.