Shades of Sicily
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Shades of Sicily

Welcome to our FAQ page

Welcome to our FAQ page. Here you can quickly find answers to all the most common questions about your stay — as well as information for owners interested in collaborating with us. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, simply reach out — we’ll be delighted to assist you.

Guest FAQs – Staying in our Villas in Sicily

How can I book a villa?

Booking is simple! Go to the villas page, select your dates and number of guests, and follow the steps.

A 50% payment is required at the moment of booking, and the remaining 50% is due 7 days before your arrival.

You can also find us on Airbnb®, Booking.com®, VRBO® and Google VR, but you’ll always receive our best price and conditions when booking directly with us


How does the 10% non-refundable rate work?

If you are certain about your stay, you can save 10% by choosing our non-refundable option.

At the moment this rate is not bookable online, but you can request it simply by sending us a message.

Once we receive your request, we will ask you for:

  • full name

  • number of guests

  • check-in and check-out dates

  • email

  • phone number

After that, we will send you a secure booking link for the non-refundable reservation.

The payment schedule stays the same:

  • 50% at booking

  • 50% 7 days before arrival

The difference: the first 50% becomes non-refundable in case of cancellation.


What payment methods do you accept?

We accept secure credit card payments directly through our website.


What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel up to 30 days before check-in and receive a full refund of your deposit.


How does the tourist tax and online check-in work?

After booking, you’ll receive a link to complete the online check-in and pay any applicable tourist tax.
This process is required by Italian law and needs to be completed by all guests prior to arrival.
Once completed, the system will automatically send your villa access instructions.


What are your check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: from 4:00 PM
Check-out: by 10:00 AM

If available, you may purchase early check-in or late check-out (a few days before arrival or departure).
All additional services are listed inside your Welcome Book.


Can I arrive earlier to leave my luggage?

Yes — you may always drop your luggage from 11:30 AM onwards on check-in day.
Please inform us in advance.


How does the damage deposit work?

A €500 deposit is pre-authorized on your card at check-in and released within 7 days from departure.


What is included in the price?

All essentials: electricity, water, gas, and final cleaning.
Tourist tax (if applicable) is requested through the online check-in.


Are your villas family-friendly?

Absolutely—cribs and high chairs are available upon request.


Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, all villas offer high-speed Wi-Fi.


Do I need a car?

We warmly recommend renting a car to explore Sicily at your own pace.


Can you arrange transfers or taxis?

Yes, we can arrange private transfers or taxi services for you.


Can you arrange experiences or activities?

Yes — we can organise private chef dinners, horse riding on the beach, boat tours, wine tastings and other local experiences.


    What should I do if I need assistance?

    We are available 24/7 via WhatsApp.


    Is smoking allowed?

    All villas are non-smoking indoors.
    Smoking is allowed only in the outdoor areas.

    Still unsure? Send us a message! WhatsApp available 24/7.

    Owner FAQs – Managing your villa with us

    On which channels will my villa be listed?

    We publish on Airbnb®, Booking.com®, VRBO®, Google VR and our own website.


    What type of properties do you manage?

    We manage up to 7 luxury villas per year in Sicily.
    We focus exclusively on private villas with swimming pools to ensure a high-level boutique service.
    We do not manage apartments or B&Bs at this time.


      Do you operate only in Sicily?

      Our main activity is based in Sicily.

      Recently, we launched a sister brand called Mediterranean Holiday Homes, with the goal of managing a wider range of villas in the rest of Italy and Europe.

      If interested, feel free to contact us there.


      What is your management model and fee?

      We offer full-service management, taking care of absolutely everything on behalf of the owner.
      Our management fee is 30% of the rental income.

      Full details and inclusions are explained in the dedicated page of our website.


      Do you require exclusivity?

      Yes — we require exclusivity to guarantee consistent quality in management and marketing.
      Contracts are for one year, with the option to renew based on mutual satisfaction.

      For more details, please visit our Work With Us page or contact us directly.

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