Review of Hotel Signum, by Kamin Mohammadi

Of all of Sicily's hidden gems, the Signum Hotel is probably one of the most brilliant. Situated in Malfa, the town on the north shore of the lush volcanic island of Salina, this boutique hotel is a small family-run affair that oozes charm from its every brick. Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands scattered off the northern coast of Sicily, is home to two ancient dormant volcanoes forming the twin peaks of the island. Accounting for its lush verdant covering, it is home to some unique varieties of flora and fauna.

Unlike the chi-chi shopping opportunities of nearby Lipari or the nightly fireworks of the active volcano on Stromboli, Salina is a place for lazing around, trying Sicily's best granitas at Bar Alfredo in Lingua, feasting on improbably brilliant menus at Nni Lausta in Santa Marina Salina, sunning yourself on the black sand beach made famous by the film Il Postino, or just drifting through water as clear as gin. Salina is fertile and fecund and as naturally beautiful as you could imagine.

The Signum Hotel fits in beautifully. To find it you have to veer through a narrow alleyway shaded by walls of burnt umber, and passing through a gate, walk down a jasmine lined path to reach the room which doubles as reception. The family who owns the boutique hotel are friendly and full of advice, but they also make sure to give the guests plenty of privacy. Throughout, it is filled with beautiful antiques and loads of taste.

The facilities

The restaurant is set on a beautiful terrace with a traditional terracotta floor and tables made of local tiles. There is no menu so you have to make your dinner choices in advance but every dish uses the freshest local ingredients and chef Michele Caruso excels at bringing traditional Aeolian and Sicilian dishes to life, making this one of the best restaurants on the island.

The pool stretches into infinity, seeming to tumble into the sea beyond, and the nearest beach is only a few minutes' walk through the descending walkways of the town below - scattered with huge round pebbles and lapped by clear azure water.

The spa is equally gorgeous, and is focused on the unique geothermic water supply used throughout. It follows the old Euolian structure of thermal baths, believed to be the most ancient in Europe. Speciality steam baths, water therapy and loads natural body scrubs are all on offer here.

The rooms

The 30 rooms at this boutique hotel are all individually decorated, with understated elegance, high on comfort and arranged around their own private terraces. The traditional white cubic Aeolian buildings are scattered through a garden alive with fluttering butterflies and a riot of colourful plants while bougainvillea and vines entwine over the private terraces. Unbeatable.