Spectacular 17th-century palazzo, featured in The White Lotus, could rival a museum, renovated by well-known interior designer
Nestled among the wild maquis near Noto, Sicily, stands a remarkable estate - Villa Elena, formerly a 17th-century Jesuit refuge reborn as a Mediterranean haven. Despite its starring role in the second season of The White Lotus, this grand abode is now offered for private vacations through Le Collectionist, operating under the new moniker, Villa del Tempio.
Is Sicily on your travel itinerary? Here are some handy guides to help you plan your journey:
- Hiking on the slopes of Etna offers one of the most breathtaking hikes worldwide
- Discover the dazzling Baroque jewel, the stunning cathedral of Noto, a testament to Sicily's architectural beauty
- Archaeologists unearth the oldest Greek school in Sicily, a historical treasure
- Be awed by the ancient site of Selinunte, one of Italy's most impressive archaeological sites
A Treasury of History and Symbolism
The Villa's history dates back to a Greek villa, later transformed into a Moorish palace, and then onto a Norman residence. After serving as a Jesuit monastery, it was spectacularly reimagined by decorator Jacques Garcia. Impressed by the unique fusion of monasteries, the sea, and a seemingly ethereal monument, Garcia saw it as more than just a villa, declaring, "It's not just a villa, it's a transcendent testament of architecture."
Externally, ornamental mosaics, sculptures, fountains, and encaustic frescoes have been meticulously restored. The ensemble harmoniously integrates ancient marbles, stuccos, and paving, creating the impression of a timeless Sicily.
The layout, designed around spacious loggias and patios, adheres to the logic of a classic domus. Each portico offers views of the Ionian Gulf or the surreal Sicilian landscape, while fountains and pools bring the liquid element to the heart of the experience, emphasizing the sanctity of water.
A Temple of Opulence
Jacques Garcia's distinctive style shines in the luxurious interiors. Gilded salons adorned with brocades, ceramic pathways from Caltagirone, 18th-century furnishings, Venetian chandeliers, and Pierre Frey carpets juxtapose modern comforts with museum-like elegance. Frescoes inspired by Roman palaces pay homage to the artistic and theatrical influences of the designer.
A grand marble salon opens onto an antiquities-filled cabinet, while the bedrooms revel in lavish velvets and ornamental draperies. Each chamber plays on the contrast between the Baroque and the antique, the result of an engaging dialogue between different temporal periods.
A Screen Star and a Lavish Retreat in Sicily
This exquisite setting, enlivened by ornate decor, captivated the creators of The White Lotus, who chose it as the backdrop for the most dramatic moments of season 2. Today, having been renamed Villa del Tempio, it finds a home in Le Collectionist's portfolio, rentable for high-end vacations in Sicily.
This stunning residence - complete with seven bedrooms, a reception salon, shaded garden, and pool - awaits travelers eager to bask in splendid luxury for a few unforgettable weeks in Sicily.
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- Immerse yourself in the opulence of Villa del Tempio, once a 17th-century Jesuit monastery now transformed into a Mediterranean haven, offering a unique blend of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle experiences amidst home-and-garden luxury during your in-flights to Sicily.
- After exploring the historical treasures of Noto and Selinunte, unwind at Villa del Tempio - a screen star from The White Lotus, providing travelers with a fashion-and-beauty retreat, complete with the elegance of travel, lifestyle comforts, and home-and-garden tranquility during your Italian sojourn.
