With the Covid-19 pandemic and its border closures and travel restrictions slowly slipping beneath the horizon, it’s finally time to treat yourself to that luxury villa holiday you have always dreamt of.

Space, comfort and total privacy are the key ingredients for an ideal holiday home. Italy’s southern island of Sicily, separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Messina, definitely has no shortage of deluxe villas offering these luxuries in great abundance.

Sicily is having a moment. As more safety-conscious travellers seek out social distancing-friendly vacations, larger spaces, more privacy, and the sense of safety, freedom and comfort that comes with renting a whole house instead of a room in a busy hotel, stand-alone vacation homes in Sicily are hotter than ever and in super high demand this year.

Specialising in providing exclusive vacation rentals with incredible architectural styles, state-of-the-art amenities, and all the modern facilities of a multi-million pound home, Select Sicily is an upscale vacation-rental company known for its top-of-the-line rentals, the likes of which have made it into the pages of Haute Living.

Based in vibrant and eclectic Palermo, Select Sicily was founded in the mid-2000s and has since established itself at the forefront of the luxury villa rental Sicily industry.

Select Sicily’s careful attention to detail, unwavering commitment to white-glove service, and close cooperation with property owners make it the ideal holiday rental agency from which to book your private villa.

The company boasts an impressive portfolio of gleaming pool villas in secluded locations. From super-chic hideaways and authentic, spacious baglios in true Mediterranean style, to ultra-luxurious, architect-designed villas with tennis courts and in-house private chef, its exclusive properties are handpicked for location, space, charm and character.

Here is the first look at some of the most spectacular Sicilian villas now available with Select Sicily. It was difficult to narrow down this list, but we’ve selected three of the most beautiful properties for you to have a memorable vacation on this sun-kissed island in the middle of the Mediterranean. Prepare for some stunning images of these uber-luxe locations.

Villa Sciutìa – Scordia, eastern Sicily

A three-building estate nestled in the green countryside hugging the picturesque village of Scordia, some 15 miles northwest of Syracuse, Villa Sciutìa is the perfect destination for a luxury escape with a large group of friends, or a multi-generational family holiday.

This opulent mansion to rent in Scordia, in the province of Catania, can sleep up to twenty people, and includes two buildings: the Main House with eight bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a garden guest house with two additional rooms. You’ll also find the Dining Pool House, with a palatial living and dining space that enjoys views over the magnificent Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe.

Featuring a 50-foot-long swimming pool, a children’s playground, a full-sized tennis court, a wooden sauna, and even a wine cellar, Villa Sciutìa is a top-level luxury villa that offers a variety of VIP services that will guarantee an unforgettable stay, including a 7-hour concierge service, in-house private chef, and daily housekeeping.

Villa Orizzonte – Noto, south-east Sicily

Set in a panoramic position above the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO treasure in Sicily’s southeast corner, Villa Orizzonte is an exquisite masterpiece of absolute perfection that never ceases to delight.

Highlights abound at this stylish four-bedroom villa, featuring a covered panoramic porch with seating for a large group, an open fireplace, and an inviting 60-foot stone swimming pool surrounded by manicured gardens.

An atmosphere of pure tranquillity pervades both the well-designed internal spaces and shady alfresco areas, allowing you to slip immediately into the holiday mood and relax, recharge in style, and spend quality time with your loved ones.

One of the most requested rental properties in this part of the island, Villa Orizzonte is an elegantly furnished summer house within easy striking distance of the extraordinary Baroque riches, excellent restaurants, and fine beaches in the Val di Noto region.

Prestige – Syracuse, southeast Sicily

Always seeking out the smartest properties, Select Sicily has found a gem of contemporary architecture in Prestige, a short drive from the ancient city of Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes, on the southeast coast of the island.

A real jewel, Prestige is like a window to paradise. Designed for lovers of contemporary living, this four-bedroom modernist villa is the epitome of high-class luxury, and offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, on-point interior décor, and direct, private access to the striking blue waters of the Ionian Sea.

With its contemporary design, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, seaside tennis court, high-tech telescope, and gorgeous infinity pool with jacuzzi and heated plunge pool, Prestige is a top-range luxury villa that lacks for nothing. I’m pretty sure these images speak for themselves.

Go to www.selectsicilyvillas.com for inspiration, and to view the latest holiday rental listings for your dream 2022 vacation.

Words by Jessica Maggi