Get lost in the rundown neighborhood of Kalsa among Byzantine mosaics and Renaissance palaces. Buy on the street arancini, focaccias, and cannoli filled with ricotta. Visit the Ballaró market, the oldest in Palermo, and get intoxicated with its oriental aromas. And, of course, be amazed at the Palatine Chapel inside the Palazzo dei Normanni. All of this can be done by Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, and their guests, who are arriving today in the capital of Sicily to celebrate the "I do" of one of the most talked-about couples of the moment.
We couldn't expect anything other than a destination wedding for Dua Lipa, a passionate reader and seasoned traveler as evidenced by her Instagram account. Many of her fans call her "Vacation Queen." Vogue magazine ensures that the pop star has become the best indicator that good weather has arrived: just pay attention to her glamorous trips, from the Amalfi Coast to the African savannah. Many travel influencers would envy her pull.
Above, the exterior of Villa Igiea in Palermo, and one of its frescoed lounges.
For their big day, Dua Lipa and Callum Turner have chosen two venues in Palermo, both with dreamy views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Villa Valguarnera, in Bagheria on the outskirts of the capital, is the majestic palace that will host the ceremony, as reported in the UK press. Owned by Princess Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, a descendant of one of Italy's oldest noble families, it houses one of the most significant examples of an 18th-century Sicilian private garden, which has been the set for movies and commercials on numerous occasions. For example, the Dolce Rosa Excelsa perfume by Dolce & Gabbana, starring Sophia Loren and featuring music by composer Ennio Morricone, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It can be rented through www.sicilyluxuryvillas.com.
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, on the other hand, would be the accommodation chosen for the couple's guests. This is another historic palace, also chosen by film directors like De Sica and Sordi as the setting for their films. It's not surprising. Nestled in an idyllic location between the city, Mount Pellegrino, and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Igiea retains all the charm of the past. The Michelin Guide describes it as "a work of Art Nouveau art."
It was once a family residence: the charming modernist palace transformed by the Florio family of Sicily into the epicenter of Belle Époque society. It has hosted renowned dignitaries, royalty, and Hollywood stars. Today, it is one of the great hotels that make up the impressive portfolio of another great Italian family, the Forte, who have brought the palace back to life by injecting the spirit of modern Palermo.
At Villa Igiea, the British couple's guests can enjoy a delicious Sicilian breakfast with cassate, cannoli, granitas, pastries, and excellent local products. For a more gourmet treat, the Florio restaurant offers a seasonal menu also very Sicilian, curated by chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Between dips in the relaxing pool, a visit to the Irene Forte spa can recharge energy after a night of celebration or a stroll through Palermo. There is much to discover in the Sicilian capital: get lost in the rundown neighborhood of Kalsa, try the arancini on the street, visit the Ballaró market...