May 2008

May and June, last minute availability in Sicily

We are delighted to still have a limited number of weeks available in some of our fabulous villas for May and June.

If you subscribe to our newsletter and are thinking of a last-minute getaway, then we strongly recommend you speak to one of our London team to see how we can help you book the ideal villa for a break in the warm Sicilian sun!

Call us on +44 (0)20 7377 8518 or send an e-mail to info@thinksicily.com...

...you may be in for a pleasant surprise!

When three is a crowd! Romantic villas...

Some of thinkSicily's finest villas in Sicily have "couple" written all over them. It might be their size (though not all are small), it might be their setting, or it might be that al fresco dining area by the pool... What they all have in common, however, is a heightened sense of romance and a voluptuous atmosphere of intimacy and privacy... So, for a honeymoon to remember, a special anniversary or a long-awaited romantic break...

... just take your pick >>

The warmth of the sun, the call of the sea...

"The English winter - ending in July. To recommence in August,"  wrote Byron in Don Juan. If this rings true to you, then you couldn't find a better place to spend August than Sicily, where sun is guaranteed, the sea is luxuriantly warm and where long summer evenings are accompanied by that most mellow of Mediterranean musical genres - the gentle chirruping of a thousand crickets...

Call us on +44 (0)20 7377 8518 and make your Sicilian summer happen!

A unique architectural fusion

When the Normans ousted the Saracen forces from Sicily in 1090 there was to be no obliteration of all things Arabic. Indeed, north African habits were adopted by many Normans as they acclimatised to life in the Mediterranean. Souks prospered, cool Arabic internal courtyards were de rigueur and many of the new rulers, including some of the sovereigns themselves, lived more like Emirs than like knights.

Read more about the Arab-Norman fusion in Sicily >>

 Recipe of the month - Involtini di Melanzane

Involtini di melanzane is a perfect Spring treat that can be served both hot and cold. It uses Sicily's favourite vegetable, the aubergine, and one of the islanders' preferred culinary techniques: rolling delicious foodstuffs around other mouthwatering ingredients! Fillings vary from town to town and house to house but this month's recipe is maybe the most classic. Serve as a starter or a main course and watch your guests swoon!

See this and many more delicious Sicilian recipes >>

3 of the best villas to rent this summer...

...in the Aeolian Islands

Aphrodite, on Panarea, is all that one could hope for in an Aeolian villa - hypnotic views of Stromboli smoking away in the distance, a fabulous, panoramic pool, cool shady terraces and a full staff ready to satisfy your every need...

Belquis House, on Filicudi, oozes charm, style and ingenious design touches that leave guests in no doubt that they are in a special place... And then there's the peace, tranquility and stunning views...

Vulcanello, on Vulcano, is the ultimate summer house - cool white walls,  simple, elegant furnishing and perfectly positioned within easy walking distance of beaches, bars and restaurants.

It's easy to choose when you can't go wrong!