Hotel Signum
Hotel · Malfa
V. Pastificio, 98050 Malfa ME, Italy
Highlights
Michelin-starred dining, spa, pool, gardens, sea views, Aeolian charm
Michelin-starred dining, spa, pool, gardens, sea views, Aeolian charm
"Situated in the Aeolian Islands, this charming inn is home to young chef Martina Caruso who, having practically grown up here, has returned home to take up the reins at Signum after formative experiences elsewhere. Today, this young chef leads a team of nine in the kitchen, while her brother manages the charming hotel built to resemble a typical Aeolian hamlet. Martina knows exactly how to bring out the best of the vibrant ingredients sourced from the region, her own kitchen garden and the nearby sea – she allows the power of these ingredients to shine forth yet manages to make light and playful use of their intense flavours, showcasing their qualities instead of trying to hide them. Luca and cousin Raffaele enhance this gourmet experience with excellent wines (some home-produced), also available by the glass, and superb cocktails." - Michelin Inspector
"Another fixture of the boutique hotel scene in Malfa, this high-end hotel with vintage touches is a choice stay for anyone looking for a serene spa with geothermal treatments and an open-air steam bath." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Hotel Signum offers a view of the gulf of Malfa, a geothermal spa and a restaurant with a Michelin star. The rooms at the Signum comes with air conditioning and a mini-bar, and some feature views of the sea and Panarea Island. The Michelin-starred restaurant serves local cuisine, including homemade pasta and fish specialties and the à la carte breakfast is signed by the Chef Martina Caruso. Both lunch and dinner can be enjoyed in the terrace. The infinity pool at Hotel Signum looks over the Salina coastline. Guests can also enjoy a herbal treatment in an antique copper bath, or catch up with emails for free in the hotel reception." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"If you thought the Aeolian Islands were all about summer crowds, noisy parties and arid landscapes, then think again. Tucked away on the quiet side of Salina, the largest and greenest of the 7 islands, Hotel Signum lies half-hidden among Malfa's citrus groves, flowery fields and winding lanes. From its jasmine-scented gardens and sunset-facing terrace, you look up to looming peaks and down over indigo seas - which are 10 minutes away, if you fancy a dip.The hotel itself (a restored residence with newer pastel-coloured extensions) has something of the French country house in its sofa'd drawing room, oil paintings, fer forgé beds and balconies opening onto blossom and birdsong. Bedrooms may not be the most contemporary in style, but they're spacious, comfy, and elegant (in an old-fashioned, rustic way). It's also family-run, family-friendly and refreshingly unpretentious, with a long 8-month season which appeals to discerning travellers. Highs Superb Sicilian food in the Michelin-starred restaurantWelcoming family owners and good service from 20+ young staffA secluded retreat from the summer crowds, and well-placed for boat trips, hikes and the gorgeous Pollara beach (the cast stayed here when filming Il Postino)Beautiful gardens, plus a big (though rather enclosed) pool and a terrace-bar with views to Stromboli Spa with thermal steam baths, mineral-rich hydrotherapy and intoxicating beauty treatments Lows Rooms, though charming, are quite simple and rustic; some are a little darkThe pool gets busy in summerMost Superior Rooms have garden views; for sea views you need to pay extraThere are occasional (small) groups, and some rooms get noise from the breakfast areaFood can be pricey - but the Michelin star proves it's worth it" - Michael Cullen
"Scientists look at Sicily and see volcanic landforms, geothermal sites and ongoing geologic land-creation, the building of the earth itself. For anyone seeking to indulge their inner volcanologist, there’s not much left to say. But for the rest of us there’s the Hotel Signum. A marriage between boutique hotel and Aeolian farmhouse, the Signum holds its own as a well-designed, memorable experience on the precipice of one of the most unique landscapes in the world." - Tablet Hotels
