Glass visits Club Med Cefalu, the luxurious all-inclusive resort in Italy

TUCKED away in the historic town of Cefalu lays Club Med, an expansive terrain of luxury food, accommodation, and views. Discovered in 1957 the resort was originally opened under the name Village Magique until a fire destroyed the site two years ago. Taking it in their stride the Club Med team have been painstakingly rebuilding the site to meet modern tastes whilst simultaneously incorporating a sensitivity to its history and traditional design. Using locally sourced wood and materials, but with modern architects and interior designers, the holiday resort in Cefalu has been reborn and revitalised. Club Med Cefalu is now the first five-Trident standard Club Med resort in Europe and part of their exclusive collection, and I was honoured to be invited before its official reopening.

Club Med Cefalu, Villetta room terrace

I arrived late evening to immediate concierge service and a glass of champagne in hand – a fitting welcome to the luxurious three days that ensued. Prior to departure from London, I had begun to gather my own predictions of what Club Med Cefalu may offer. As a pioneer in all-inclusive holidays since it began in 1950 Club Med now operates in 80 destinations globally, so naturally, my expectations were high. I was pleasantly surprised to find the resort exceeded my expectations. With a pool, gym, spa, beach club, eco-zen pool, island excursions, the first ever paddleboard academy, and with three different type of room to choose from, Club Med Cefalu is a steady option for couples, families, and even solo-travellers.

A stand-out moment of the trip was my attempt at electric surfboarding – the newest watersports technology that is yet to hit the commercial market. Although it took me three tries to master simply standing up on the board, it was an exhilarating experience that I’ll never forget. The electric surfboard not only makes you think you’re part of the exclusive try-before-you-buy club but it also gives you the false illusion that you’re a professional surfer.

Club Med Cefalu

For every meal of the day we were treated to a sublime selection of dishes from around the world at The La Rocca restaurant, an international buffet service with live cooking. My personal favourite? The seafood linguine. If you’re by the beach and don’t fancy the walk back to the restaurant you can head to the La Riva Beach Restaurant which features an open-air grill and bbq with fresh seafood on demand. The resort also offers the opportunity to indulge at the Palazzo Gourmet Lounge, an all-day dining area, where a specialised a-la-carte menu designed by renowned chef Andrea Berton is served.

Andrea Berton and the a-la-carte menu at the Palazzo Gourmet Lounge, Club Med Cefalu

Nestled within lush vegetation and panoramic views sat my deluxe Villetta room. With a king sized bed, lounge area, private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows the design was spacious and accommodating. Designed by French interior designer Sophie Jaqmin, the room played with clean tones and structures that drew your attention to the views. Sophie Jaqmin also masterfully designed the Palazzo Gourmet Lounge to have the same effect. When walking through, the details that celebrated Cefalu’s history and it’s natural beauty, such as the tiles and photographs, were enhanced.

Club Med Cefalue, Villetta room interior

In the late afternoon, when the air is cooler and a sunburnt nose is less of a concern, you can take a 15-minute stroll down to the centre of Cefalu, rich with historic architecture and traditional cuisine. Known for its Norman Cathedral,  a 12th-century fortress-like structure with elaborate Byzantine mosaics, the city centre makes you appreciate Club Med for putting Cefalu on the map. For those who would prefer not to walk, Club Med Cefalu offers a 5-minute car transfer departing every half an hour from reception. Excursions can also be arranged at an extra cost, chose between a trip to Castelbuono (a town off Palermo),  a hike at Parco delle Madonie,  an Italian regional park, or explore the Aeolian Islands, the volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian sea, UNESCO-protected.

Club Med Cefalu, Villetta room terrace

With #nofilter sunsets and views, 3 locations to swim in, a Club Med Spa with hair, sauna, steam room access, and superior accommodation and dining, the Club Med Cefalu is back with a vengeance. Now open to guests, make sure you book your trip and be the first of your friends and family to try Club Med’s first Trident resort in Europe!

by Lily Rimmer

Starts at £1,753 pp for adults this summer
Nearest airports: Palermo (1.5 hours away), Catania airport (2.5 hours away)
Closed from Jan 6 until March 3
Book at here or through travel agents, or by calling 08453 676767

 

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