Shades of Sicily
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Shades of Sicily

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about our villa holidays, along with general information for property owners interested in collaborating with us. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to 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 Vacation Rentals, 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.


What happens if my flight is delayed or I arrive late in the evening?

No problem at all. All our villas offer self check-in, allowing you to arrive at any time, even late in the evening or at night. There are no extra charges for late arrivals.


What is included in the rental price?

All essentials are included: electricity, water, gas, bed linen, towels, and final cleaning. Upon arrival, you will find all beds made up and towels provided for all guests. Pool and/or beach towels are also included for your use. For stays of two weeks or longer, a change of bed linen and towels is included every 7 days.

Tourist tax (if applicable) is requested through the online check-in process.


Will I have internet access at my villa?

All our villas are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi.


Is smoking allowed?

All villas are non-smoking indoors.

Smoking is allowed only in the outdoor areas.


Do your villas accept pets?

No, pets are not allowed in our villas.


Are your villas family-friendly?

Absolutely. All our villas offer generous outdoor spaces and, in most cases, private gardens where children can play safely while parents relax. Each property is fully fenced. Upon request, we can also provide amenities for families traveling with young children, such as a baby cot, high chair, baby bath, safety gate, and other essential items to make your stay more comfortable.


Do I need to rent a car?

We strongly recommend renting a car to get around and explore the surrounding area and tourist attractions, as public transportation is often limited or unavailable. We can also arrange private transfers or taxi services upon request.


    I'm arriving late on evening - the shops will be shut. What can I eat?

    In all our villas, you will find a small welcome pack with basic essentials, though it is not intended to replace a full meal. If you are arriving late, we can also arrange a grocery welcome shop for you in advance, so you’ll find food and drinks ready upon arrival. A small fee applies for this service.


    Do you only arrange accommodation?

    No. We are also happy to arrange enriching experiences for you, including private chef dinners, horse riding on the beach, boat tours, wine tastings, and other local experiences.


    Do you provide a guide to explore the area? 

    After booking the villa, you will receive a detailed guide with information about the surrounding area, the villa, and our carefully selected recommendations for places to visit.


    What should I do if I need assistance?

    We are available 24/7 via WhatsApp.

    Have more questions? Feel free to contact us — we’re available on WhatsApp 24/7.

    Owner FAQs – Partnering With Us

    On which channels will my villa be listed?

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


    What type of properties do you manage?

    We manage a limited number of villas with private pools in Sicily, selecting up to 7 properties per year to ensure a high-level, boutique service.

    At this time, we do not manage apartments or B&Bs, as we specialise exclusively in villas to rent with private pool.


      Do you operate only in Sicily?

      Our core activity is currently based in Sicily, where we manage a curated selection of private villas with swimming pools.

      Recently, we launched a sister brand, Mediterranean Holiday Homes, created to manage a wider range of holiday villas across other regions of Italy and selected destinations in Europe.

      If you are interested in property management outside Sicily, you can explore this opportunity through Mediterranean Holiday Homes.


      What is your management model and fee?

      We offer a full-service property management model, taking care of every aspect of the rental on behalf of the owner. 
      Our management fee is 30% of the rental income.

      Full details and included services are explained on our Partner With Us page.


      Do you require exclusivity?

      Yes — we require exclusivity in order to guarantee consistent quality in both management and marketing.

      Our contracts are for one year, with the option to renew based on mutual satisfaction.

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

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