Salt-Kissed Venus

Sitting on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this villa in Scala Torregrotta has a private jacuzzi, sun-soaked terrace and direct access to the sea. If swimming in sparkling waters and sunbathing on golden sand is on your to-do list, this is the perfect place to call home – simply wander down to the edge of the garden and you'll be right on the beach.

Inside, you'll find a breezy open-plan living space, comfy bedrooms and sleek bathrooms with hydromassage showers. But it's the garden that really shines here. After a day spent in the sunshine, tuck into an alfresco meal on the terrace as the tide ebbs and flows just beyond the palm trees. Pasta is a must, given the location, and national dishes like pasta alla Norma and pasta con le sarde are easy to rustle up in the kitchen. Toast your getaway with a post-dinner digestif, then finish the evening with a soak in the jacuzzi under the stars.

For a change of scenery, explore Northern Sicily with ease. Plunge into the Pool of Venus (a thirty-three-minute drive) and admire the stunning views from the tip of the peninsula. Or, for a bit more buzz, Messina is twenty-nine minutes by car – we think the historic streets are perfect for a wander.

Home truths:
*A cot and high chair are available on request
*One guest will sleep on a pull-out trundle bed – we think this is better suited for children
*The bedrooms are all upstairs and have sloped ceilings – the floating staircase may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility
*There's an outdoor shower here to rinse off sandy toes
*We suggest renting a car to make exploring easier – there's private off-road parking here
*Bath towels, beach towels and bed linen are changed once a week – the bedrooms and bathrooms are also cleaned weekly
*If needed, the dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace