Italy: Rocco Forte Hotels is expanding into Baroque Valley in Southeastern Sicily with the announcement of its third Sicilian hotel opening in the historic town of Noto.
Scheduled for 2026, the hotel will transform Palazzo Castelluccio into a 31-room residence comprising 50,000 square feet of restored 18th-century architecture.
Joining two existing properties in Sicily [Villa Igiea in Palermo and Verdura Resort in Sciacca], the Palazzo Castelluccio hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, garden lounge, meeting and events space, spa and gym. Having collaborated on recent projects for Rocco Forte Hotels, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen will again join forces with Olga Polizzi, deputy chairman and director of design at Rocco Forte Hotels, on the Palazzo’s interior design.
Polizzi said: “Sicily has a special place at the heart of our brand and the beautiful town of Noto is a destination in itself. The Palazzo Castelluccio is a perfect fit for us, with an inspiring history and enchanting aesthetic that tells the story of its location.
“Each room will blend inherited charm and contemporary luxury to evoke the same timeless grandeur that fills the rest of the Palazzo,” added Polizzi.
Located in the heart of Noto, Palazzo Castelluccio was originally built by nobleman Marquis di Lorenzo del Castelluccio in 1782. The initial design intended to provide enough rooms [105 in total] to cater for the family, servants and big gatherings, housing a music room, chapel, and ballroom, and the palace first opened to the public in 2018.
Moschino and Vergeylen said: “Palazzo Castelluccio is more than just a luxury hotel—it’s a journey through time, where guests can immerse themselves in the splendour of Sicily’s golden age. Every element has been thoughtfully selected to ensure that the past is not only remembered but celebrated in every detail.
“The hotel will transport guests to a time when grand balls and princely receptions filled its magnificent halls. Stepping through its doors will feel like entering another era—a time when opulence was the norm and elegance a way of life,” they added.
Rocco Forte Hotels is planning four new openings in the next three years [Milan, Sardinia, Sicily and Naples].
Director of development at Rocco Forte Hotels, Charles Forte, said: “The acquisition of Palazzo Castelluccio is an exciting event in our company’s growth. In line with our focus on intimate and beautiful hotels in prime locations, the 31-bedroom hotel will deliver a unique charm and authenticity which are characteristic of Rocco Forte Hotels.
“The signing speaks to Rocco Forte Hotel’s brand power in Europe, where we are uniquely equipped to source and revive celebrated buildings that add value to the community and that create unforgettable experiences for our guests,” he added.
