Belli Spa Resort, a New Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sicily, Italy

One of my trusted Sicily Insiders, Rossella Beaugie, raves about this new boutique hotel & spa, which opened in early 2009. "Belli Spa Resort is a little jewel in the heart of Gratteri, a very pretty medieval village in the Madonie Mountains," she says. "The hotel is actually several houses which have been cleverly put together ... a really central location so you can walk to the church, fountain, bakery. It's run by a Sicilian family who are lovely, very welcoming. Everything in the hotel is about attention to detail ... the little touches in the rooms, the food and service ... it's a nice mix of luxury amenities with an authentic local feel."

The 17 guest rooms and suites blend modern design elements with more traditional artisanal pieces which create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The rooms vary in size - standard, superior and junior suites - and all have satellite TV, a mini-bar, air-conditioning, under-floor heating for cooler months, Internet access, hydromassage showers, and beautiful views of Gratteri.

There are two pools, a pretty private garden, decking and lawns ... lots of space for al fresco aperitifs and dining. The restaurant is large and airy, serving lunch and dinner on request; if you just want a glass of wine, there's a bar with an open fire.

The spa is well equipped for a small hotel, featuring a Turkish bath, a sauna and massage room, and opens directly to an outdoor hydromassage pool. The spa menu features Tibetan massages and beauty treatments using Dr Hauschka products, one of my favorites!

"Belli Spa Resort has a great location for exploring Sicily's north coast," says Rossella, "ideal if you want to visit villages, mountains, hiking and trekking. This is for people who don't want to be among the crowds on the coast ... and it's very reasonably priced."

Rooms from €93 (about $130) per night; 90 minutes from Palermo Airport.