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Open March 28th to end of December 2025

An hour away from Palermo in the seafaring town of Cefalù, the hotel Le Calette is named after the small, secret coves nestled along the rocky Sicilian coastline. The name is quite fitting: Le Calette feels like a secret gem, and the hotel was specifically engineered to follow the bends and inlets of the Caldura Bay, winding around the aforementioned calette. In the 1960s, engineer Santino Cacciola decided to build an oasis along this beautiful landscape not only for his family and friends, but for guests from around the world. Three generations later–Francesca (Santino’s daughter), her husband and architect Angelo Miccichè, and their daughter Gaia–Le Calette continues to embody and share the familial warmth, nature, and generosity of Sicily, as well as unparalleled views of the coast. (You might even recognize the sea from The White Lotus; all of the beach scenes were filmed here in Cefalù!)

 

The Cacciola-Miccichè family has taken great care to ensure that you feel as though you are staying at your own Mediterranean villa. It’s a perfect place to choose-your-own-adventure, and the hotel is ready to help you craft any activity–whether you spend the whole day lounging on the convertible king-size sunbeds of the Calette Reef Club, kayaking around the bay and its inlets, participating in a restorative yoga class amongst the olive trees, training inside the submarine gym, or relaxing by the jacuzzi and infinity pool overlooking the crystal clear sea, heated during the cooler months of the season and equipped with hydro-massage chairs.

 

Although you might be tempted to never leave the property (and we understand why!), you would be remiss not to explore Cefalù, nestled between the Tyrrhenian coast and the UNESCO Madonie Park, and founded in Magna Graecia in the fifth century BC. The island’s various invasions over the centuries have peppered the town with can’t-miss architecture and art, including the 9th-century BC Temple of Diana, the 12th-century Arab-Norman Cathedral, and the Mandralisca Museum. Adventurers will love joining fishermen on their boats, exploring the island via dinghy or vintage car, and riding Italy’s highest zipline over the coast. Those interested in learning more about Sicilian culture can meet local producers, attend cheese-making courses, knead terracotta clay, and learn to make cassata with Le Calette’s pastry chef. Don’t miss watching the sunset while dining on a boat in front of the ancient town.

 

If Cefalù is “the head” of Sicily, Le Calette is the heart. Fully inspired by the island, the interior design enhances the simplicity of Sicilian beauty with Ragusan stone, natural wood floors and furniture, and a color scheme that harmonizes with the spectrum of blues of the ocean beyond. The hotel’s numerous private beaches and beach clubs, two outstanding restaurants (a Michelin-guide-recommended fine dining and a bistro by the sea) that emphasize the island’s gastronomic culture, and carefully curated local excursions all draw attention back to the island. The Cacciola-Miccichè family hopes that each guest leaves their hotel feeling cared for, rejuvenated, and just as in love with their slice of Sicilian paradise as they are. 

 

A few segreti (secrets) from Le Calette:

 

Mon Chou-Chou – This pastry shop and laboratory offers a variety of cakes and pastries made according to traditional recipes, along with artisanal ice-creams and granita. All products are crafted using natural ingredients and the finest raw materials from Sicily, and there are sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. Must Order: Cassata light and almond parfait.

 

Al Capone – The restaurant in the Gardens of Paradise at sister hotel Alberi del Paradiso showcases love for Sicily in every dish. You can dine under white breezy curtains in the garden, enjoying fresh fish, local vegetables,  traditional preserves and pastries, organic products, and the three Slow Food Presidia of the Madonie Park. Plus the wine list features over 100 labels from some of the most acclaimed Sicilian wineries. Must Order: Savoury pie with aubergines, ragusano cheese fondue, and cream of tomato, and, when in season, lampuga (Capone fish) cooked in the traditional way. 

 

Qualia – Located on a quiet side street in the town center, this restaurant offers regional produce and fresh fish often served using ancient techniques like fermentation. The dining room offers glimpses of the open kitchen amidst exposed brick walls. Must Order: Spaghetti alla carrettiera with garum and ‘nduja; cappelletti filled with tenerumi (courgette leaves), basil, and almonds. 

 

Donna Pidda Lab – This charming boutique in a courtyard facing the sea specializes in handmade jewelry inspired by Sicily’s heritage.