HOTEL QUARTARA

Barefoot island chic on hip Panarea

THIS TERRIFIC LITTLE FIND on the ultra-hip island of Panarea is the epitome of chill-out chic. Set back in a narrow lane, Hotel Quartara is a magnet for well-heeled bohemians hankering after a taste of island life. A dazzlingly white sugar-cube villa with pillared whitewashed terraces, its seductive mix of oriental teak furniture, Latin American antiques and simple cool lines lend it a brilliantly original feel.

Every room at Hotel Quartara has a balcony – four having their own wide terrace and stunning sea views of the volcanic isle of Stromboli – with side-by-side sunloungers, tall terracotta urns trailing flowers and fat white candles to light at dusk. Antique Asian beds and four-posters are the centrepiece of uncluttered rooms, set off by moody lamps and ethnic splashes.

Each room at the Quartara has a different feel, be it colonial (our favourite), grand Chinese or minimalist. Kilims, lava stone floors, hand painted tiles and oriental art set off the lounge and dining areas, while the terrace bar, lulled by chill-out music and complete with hot tub, is just the place for a sundowner.

Champagne seduction

You’re spoilt for choice here: will it be a champagne seduction on the terrace, in the bedroom or by the open-air hot tub? It's also a place for intimate dining à deux indoors or out. House specialities include fresh-landed grilled swordfish, carpaccio of prawns and pumpkin risotto. When you're ready, hire a boat, pack a picnic (a bikini if you must) and spend a day at sea.


Hotel Quartara was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter

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Dining in
Dining is an absolute pleasure in the Quartara's Broccia restaurant, where you can gaze out to sea while biting into cuttlefish ink spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes and wild mint, and other creative Mediterranean dishes rustled up by chef Daniela Cappelli. It doesn't get much more romantic than this.

Dining out
Stroll down to the Hotel Raya and start your evening with tapas on the rooftop bar.

See & Do
Explore the island for starters: there are a few wonderful little beaches (though you'll probably swim straight from the rocks too) and viewpoints like the Calcara ridge, where there are spectacular views of volcanic Stromboli, the next island. Hire a boat and swim or snorkel from some of the offshore islets, or take a sunset cruise and snap the brilliant  volcanic eruptions from neighbouring Stromboli.

Shop
You'll find a few chic little boutiques selling island beachwear and bags.

After dark
Have a cool aperitivo on the terrace, an intimate dinner and then hit one of the trendy late-night bars in the San Pietro port area. You can party from midnight till morning if you're up for it.

Dates
June
Locals flock to celebrate the Festa di San Pietro with outdoor entertainment and pyrotechnics.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via San Pietro, 98050 Panarea, Aeolian Islands

Parking
The island of Panarea is car-free.

Trains
Milazzo station – 90 minutes away on the Sicily mainland.

Boats and hydrofoils
There are regular departures from the Sicilian ports of Milazzo, Messina and Palermo, as well as Naples.

Taxis
Call ahead with your ETA and the porter will pop down to the quayside with a buggy for your luggage.

Airport
Catania – 110km, or Palermo – 190km. Helicopter transfers can be arranged.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 200 - 300

Open/closed
Closed November – end of March

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 11am

Room service
Available morning and evening

Children
No restrictions

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Languages
English, Italian and French

Wedding license?
Yes – for parties of up to 50 guests. Exclusive hire is recommended.

Eco conscience
The hotel uses solar panels

Coming soon
Look forward to a private beach in 2008

Your contact
Maria Pia Cappelli – owner