Sicily, Italy
Picture a tropical island – gentle waves spilling onto sandy shores, sunshine gleaming off a sparkling sea and volcanoes spurting steam in the distance. Add to that image: lush, rolling hills, topped by ruins from antiquity like those at the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt. And then you need to imagine the rich tastes of fresh seafood, decadent pastas, and desserts. This is Sicily – a balmy, laid-back refuge with an Italian mentality, especially seen in its cuisine and zeal for life. You'll find this large, triangular island, which happens to be the largest island in the Mediterranean, at the toe of Italy's boot, surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean and Ionian seas.
Some things to know before you go!
Climate & Temperature
In mid-May, Sicily enjoys a pleasant spring climate. Temperatures typically average 77°F/25º C in the daytime to around 68°F/20º C during the evenings.
Attire
Resort casual is recommended throughout your stay with the exception of the Awards Dinner. Temperatures may be a little cooler in the evening, so a sweater or light jacket is recommended for evening functions. We encourage layers to accommodate the change in temperature and comfortable walking shoes for activities. Restaurants and daytime activities invite smart casual attire. Tank tops, shorts or flip flops are not permitted in dinner restaurants.
The Awards Dinner will be cocktail attire. Jacket and tie are optional for men and dress, dressy pants or skirt is appropriate for ladies. This evening will be an indoor and outdoor event, so pashmina or wrap for ladies is encouraged as well as flat shoes or wedges. We discourage heels for any daytime or evening function due to the uneven cobblestone stone streets.
Time
Sicily is operating on Central European Summer Time (CEST) which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. 12:00 PM in Sicily, is 6:00 AM in EST - New York.
Currency
The currency used in Sicily, like in the rest of Italy, is the Euro (€). The exchange rate fluctuates daily, for updates on the daily exchange rate visit www.x-rates.com. Major credit cards are accepted, but Visa is preferred among most local shops. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or exchange shops although the best rates are typically available via ATM transactions.
Electricity
Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs. The electric current in Italy is 220-volt, 50 cycles AC. For 110-volt appliances, it is necessary to bring a current converter appropriate for the wattage of the appliance and a two-prong. Travelers from the US will likely need a power adapter. While the hotel may be able to provide one, it’s always recommended to travel with your own in case the availability of the hotel’s adaptors is limited.
Helpful tips while in Italy...
Aperitivo (Happy Hour) is a serious business and is not to be missed! Let’s meet at the bar at 6:00 PM.
Cappuccino is only a breakfast thing, or at least before noon!
Bread, use it o “fare la scarpetta” (using bread to soak up the last of a sauce).
Spaghetti and Meatballs is not a thing (neither is Alfredo Sauce).
Buon Appetito is our pre-meal saying to wish someone “a good appetite”.
We like pizza simple and plain (pineapple is not legal!).
Greet people in shops, restaurants and bars with a 'buongiorno' (good morning) or 'buonasera' (good evening); kiss both cheeks and say 'come stai' (how are you) to friends.).
Shopping – Most stores are open from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, except for some in the city center which are open all day along with major supermarkets and department stores. Many stores are closed on Sunday. State and city-owned offices close for the day at 2:00 PM.
