Resort Review: Club Med Cefalù in Sicily, Italy
/Just one hour from Palermo on the northern coast of Sicily, Club Med’s newest 5-Trident Exclusive Collection resort recently opened and is welcoming guests to live La Dolce Vita on this stunning peninsula. Club Med Cefalù has maintained a deep connection to its historic location, which is apparent in its architecture intentionally mirroring the natural surroundings, the locally sourced ingredients served in its restaurants, and the impressive views offered from all of its north-western facing spaces.
La Rocca di Cefalù from the Watersports Deck at Club Med Cefalù.
The Club Med Experience
Before visiting a Club Med Property (my first was Club Med Turkoise earlier this year), I had no prior experience or reference for staying at all-inclusive resort. However, it didn’t take long before I quickly fell in love with the concept. By reserving your stay at a Club Med resort, you can be confident that all the details of your vacation are left in good hands. Everything from food, drinks, desserts, and activities are all included in addition to accommodation. And with Club Med Cefalù being the first 5-Trident Exclusive Collection resort in the Mediterranean, guests can enjoy the finer things in an upscale environment that is not pretentious or stuffy, but rather warm, relaxed, and accommodating.
I had the opportunity to visit the resort during its opening celebration, and true to Club Med’s philosophy of having a good time- they really know how to throw a party! The best way to describe Club Med Cefalù’s night time entertainment is that there is surely something for everyone. The events usually span different areas of the property, which especially when staying at the resort for multiple days or over a week, can make each night can feel like something different. With multiple bars, restaurants, and decks, you will never tire from the seemingly endless options offered.
When it comes to food, I am not exaggerating when I say that every single meal was even more delightful than the last. Though Club Med’s usual dining options include a buffet style concept, the set-up at Club Med Cefalù takes it to the next level with chefs preparing your dishes at the moment as it is served. The fine-dining menu is designed by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, and everything from classic Sicilian favorites to more inventive dishes and diverse cuisines are included in the offerings. My personal favorites were the Burrata-Caprese stand and the full Gelato bar; between the two I truly felt as if I was in heaven.
The rooms are designed to be unassuming from the exterior, but once you step inside any of the suites or hill-side villas, you will see that no detail has gone unnoticed. Each interior is bright, airy, and designed for guests to get a restful sleep each night and leave their vacation feeling refreshed. However, as comfortable and tempting as the beds are, there is simply too much to be enjoyed outdoors to spend the day in the room!
"Deluxe Villetta" independent bungalows blend into the surrounding landscape. Photograph by Mauro Puccini
Something for Everyone
For those who prefer to relax, the resort features a main infinity pool and a natural Zen pool, as well as several seaside decks for sunning and swimming. For those who prefer to be pampered, guests can book treatments at the Spa by Carita and choose from their menu of massages and facials, or spend time in the sauna and Turkish bath. For those who prefer to be more active and adventurous while on vacation, guests can enjoy the watersports deck, fully equipped with sailboats, paddle boards, kayaks, electric surfboards, and more.
One of several sunning decks along Club Med Cefalù's western coast.
One of my absolute favorite amenities of the resort is its walking path directly to the historic town of Cefalù. Much of the resort, including the terrace of the La Rocca Restaurant, some of the treatment rooms at the Spa by Carita, and the Watersports dock offer panoramic views of the town nestled under the iconic La Rocca di Cefalù. What is beautiful about enjoying these views from the comforts and privacy of an Exclusive Collection Resort is knowing how easily the town can be accessed by foot. The 15-minute walk will lead you easily down the bluff and along the beaches until you reach the historic century town full of beautifully curated artisan shops, gelato and granita stands, pizzerias and cafés, and a 12th century cathedral. At the very end of the walk way along the concrete wall protecting the bay from the Mediterranean Sea, you will find the most inviting water that is both tranquil and crystal clear, and you will not be able to resist jumping in for a swim.
The sicilian town of cefalù is a popular beach amongst travelers and local italians alike.
There is always more to be explored at Cefalù, and stays of at least a week are recommended to be able to take in all the offerings of the resort and surrounding landmarks while still living La Dolce Vita at an enjoyable pace. To reserve your stay or for more information, visit Club Med Cefalù’s webpage by clicking here. Rates start at just $163 per night per adult. For any questions about my personal experience, please reach out via the contact page or leave a comment below!
Classic Italian streets lined with Balconies in the town of Cefalù.
The swimming deck along the rocky coast at Club Med Cefalù.
