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Sicily is one of those destinations that appeal to every demographic: luxury travellers, backpackers, singles, couples and, especially, families. With a wonderfully eclectic culture, a spectacular landscape and a fabulous year-round climate, what you find the most attractive is certainly a matter of personal taste. However, if you're travelling with young children, the one thing I can guarantee you'll find gratifying is the island's inclusive, child friendly accommodation. While there is a huge range from which to choose, here are a few of the best family friendly Sicily resorts and hotels I can personally recommend. Hotels with Dedicated Children’s Clubs The bonus of booking into one of the Sicily resorts with an onsite children's club is that it affords you a little free time to explore, while knowing the kids are safe, happy and well-supervised. The following two have received rave reviews from young visitors I've encountered. Verdura Resort: Situated in the west of the island, the 5-star Verdura Resort is a little slice of heaven for both parents and kids. Along with a fabulous 60-metre pool, tennis courts (including tennis academy), golf course (ok, that one's for you!), and football pitch, young guests can sign up to the Verdura Kids Club or Verdura Teenagers Club. Both offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment, so the kids will be kept happy while you might like to head out to visit the Greek temples at Selinunte and Agrigento. The resort also offers special discounts when booking a second room for children under 18. Belmond Villa Sant' Andrea: Taormina is one of the most popular locations on the island, renowned for its beauty, beaches and idyllic ambience. The Belmont Villa Sant' Andrea offers a true taste of old world luxury nestled into this gorgeous Mediterranean paradise. If the kids tire of the beach or fabulous infinity pool, the dedicated children's club, which operates from May through September, is the ideal way to keep them amused. Youngsters will also love riding the cable car that takes you up the hill to the very centre of town. Hotels With Connecting Rooms Staying in one of the Sicily resorts or hotels where you can book connecting rooms is the ideal scenario, allowing you to keep an eye on the kids without having to stay on top of each other - after all, it's your holiday too. Grand Hotel Villa Igiea: Ah, Palermo – there's no better way to immerse in the culture and history of this wonderful city than by staying at the renowned Villa Igea. And who couldn't love this grand old beauty situated at the foot of Mount Pellegrino? Truly one of the island's finest hotels, what's wonderful is that its grandeur never detracts from the warm hospitality – including for children. Situated on the waterfront, youngsters have free run of the beautiful gardens, the sun terrace and there are also tennis courts onsite. Connecting rooms are available. The hotel offers discounts for a second room for children under 18, as well as credits to be used in the restaurant. Hotel le Calette: Located on the headland just out of Cefalu, the tranquil ambience of the Hotel le Calette is enhanced by the wonderful beach platform overlooking the ocean, where you can relax and take in the sun while the children play. The hotel is set over just two levels, allowing for excellent accessibility for younger kids, and the terraced gardens and large pool area provide plenty of room to run around. The establishment has a very homely feel about it, but we should all be so lucky that our home was this beautiful! Connecting rooms are available so the kids can enjoy their own space – and so can you. Excelsior Palace: In the heart of beautiful Taormina, with spectacular views of Mt Etna and the Bay of Naxos, young guests will love the prospect of the Excelsior Palace, set on a promontory overlooking the ocean. The large gardens allow for plenty of room to stretch their legs and they lead down to an outdoor pool that's a real showstopper. Full of charm and character, the hotel is extremely welcoming to children and, with interconnecting rooms available, you'll be able to take advantage of the old world luxury without tripping over each other. Italy is renowned for its warm culture of 'family first', and I've found this lovely attitude is reflected in much of the best accommodation you'll find in Sicily. Resorts go out of their way not only to welcome younger guests, but also to actually cater especially for them. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Sicily resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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