BENSON ABROAD | SICILY WITH EMILY MORELLO
We caught up with RUSSH Beauty Editor and Content Creator, Emily Morello, to get the insider tips for one of Europe’s most in demand destinations; Sicily! An industry tastemaker with a loyal following, we loved Emily’s insights on where to stay, eat and play on this island known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture.
ONE QUOTE ABOUT WHY YOU LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE/ VISITING THIS DESTINATION!
"There's nothing like the Italian summer and I think Sicilians do it best. It's slow, warm, luscious and sensorially rich."
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR CONNECTION TO THIS DESTINATION?
My husband's family is Sicilian, but regardless it's heaven on Earth. I love the slow pace plus the diversity of the island. You can experience a lot in one place.
IF SOMEONE ONLY HAD 24 HOURS IN THIS CITY, WHAT SHOULD THEY ABSOLUTELY DO?
It's a huge island, but if you were only spending one day, I'd probably suggest hiring a boat and loading it with provisions like arancini, paninis, wine and fruit. There's plenty of spots worthy of a boat day, but I particularly love cruising around Lipari and Salina (two small islands off the northern coast of the mainland). It's easy to hire a small boat without a license, and the water is so calm — it's easy to navigate. BLISS.
THE ‘IT’ HOTEL AT THE MOMENT IN SICILY
SUSAFAIT
Tempted to keep it under wraps but I love Susafait. It's quiet and incredibly beautiful. Also Tonnara di Scopello — a rustic but incredibly charming fishing port turned into a boutique hotel. It books out 12 months in advance so you need to be organised. It's worth it! I'm also particularly fond of Ravesis in Salina, and Villa Barone di Grande up in Mt Etna.
THE COUNTRY’S DRESS CODE?
If you're visiting in summer it's HOT, so as little as possible. I love a great black bikini, some sort of breezy cover-up and Havaianas. It's daggy but a reef shoe is also VERY practical to have on hand...
THE ONLY PLACE FOR AN EARLY MORNING WORKOUT?
I feel like every Italian coastal town has a church up a hill — so maybe a hike before that sun gets too hot? Now that I think about it, I've been to Sicily three times and not once have I encountered a hotel gym...
THE ONE PLACE ONLY LOCALS KNOW ABOUT?
I wouldn't say it's locals only but Favignana is another island I love that's much quieter than other parts of Sicily. It feels really wild and untouched. I stayed at Dimora Cala del Pozzo and there's a beautiful beach club right out the front, Cibo Chiacchiere e Vino. The sunsets are unmatched. It's the best.
THE COOLEST NEIGHBOURHOOD OR ISLAND FOR PEOPLE WATCHING?
Taormina for glamour, Palermo to watch the locals play cards and drink wine well into the night.
THE BEST PLACE FOR A WEEKEND BRUNCH?
Anywhere for brioche and granita. Bam Bar in Taormina is a classic.
THE OUT OF TOWN GETAWAY WORTH MENTIONING?
I'll cheat and say Susafait again. It's almost smack bang in the centre of Sicily but literally incredible. If you're in Taormina, heading up into Etna for lunch or wine tasting it also worth doing.
THE RESTAURANT WORTH BOOKING IN ADVANCE?
I've been to Signum in Salina three times and to this day it's still some of the best food I've ever had.
BEST COFFEE SPOT…
You literally won't find bad espresso in Italy... You'll only run into trouble if you drink alternate milks.
THE BAR YOU ALWAYS END THE NIGHT AT?
I love the bar at Villa Sant'Andrea in Taormina. The most gorgeous spot for a negroni EVER.
ANY OFF THE RADAR FOOD MARKETS, STREET FOOD STALLS OR BAKERIES YOU SWEAR BY?
The scfincione at Scopello Pane Cunzatu in Scopello is life changing.
THE NEXT PLACE I’M HEADED TO?
I'm going back to Italy for Christmas, but this time Cortina instead... But the next time I get to Sicily, I really want to visit Pantelleria and Lampedusa. I also want to spend a week totally off the grid on Filicudi....
WHAT I ALWAYS PACK WHEN I TRAVEL?
Literally the kitchen sink, I am a TERRIBLE packer. But always my camera, sunscreen, a hat, sarongs and a few good books pre-loaded on my kindle. An adaptor and hand-held fan are also smart.