Hotel Signum

GREENEST AND HIGHEST of the Aeolian islands, Salina was the film location of Il Postino, that hymn to romantic longing. The cast all stayed at Hotel Signum, and it's not hard to see why.

There's something wild and untamed about Salina, with its secret bays, silent volcanoes and sheer cliffs. A clutch of ancient rural buildings make up Signum. Vivid Mediterranean blues and sun-bleached whites add to that feeling of Mediterranean ecapism, while tumbling jasmine and bougainvillea add vibrant splashes of colour.

The Signum is simple charm personified. This one-time derelict little farming hamlet blends effortlessly into the landscape, descending in tiers along the hillside among the citrus groves, with shaded terraces and little paths meandering through the grounds. The location is idyllic, with a dramatic mountain backdrop behind and breathtaking views out to sea. We felt we had stumbled on a hidden treasure.

Untamed seascapes

Everything about the Signum reflects its simple elegance and attention to detail. There's not a hint of pretension anywhere and you slip effortlessly into chill-out mode. Various low-rise buildings house the bedrooms, where we gazed out at lemon trees, vines (be sure to try the sweet Malvasia wine during your stay) and the bluest of seas.

No two rooms are the same but all share a sense of space and light, pared-down but elegant furnishings – big wrought iron beds, white embroidered bedspreads and cool tiled floors. Welcoming touches abound – whether it's the home made biscuits, beautifully presented fruit bowls or big thick bathrobes. Impeccably clean and compact bathrooms are stocked with Solo Soprani bottles.

Days and nights at Hotel Signum revolve around the gorgeous suntrap infinity pool set with loungers and its fabulous views towards the neighbouring islands of Stromboli and Panarea. There are plenty of other spots for sitting out, and if you need to escape the heat there's a little library and sitting room on one of the lower floors.

The Signum's bar is open to the stars and there’s candlelit dining (with excellent home cooking) under a canopy of vines on the terrace. Fresh fish and spaghetti in local caper sauce are  specialities. Friendly service and genuine smiles at this family-run hotel are the icing on the cake.

© Room for Romance