A new boutique hotel on the Italian island of Pantelleria is opening next month and will later house a natural, open-air spa facility.

Sikelia is a luxury retreat created from an ancient dammuso – the original stone houses built on the volcanic island. The 20-suite hotel, is located 100km (62 miles) southwest of Sicily on the island known as the ‘black pearl’ of the Mediterranean.

The hotel has been created by Giulia Pazienza, owner of Pantelleria’s Coste Ghirlanda Estate and producer of its Zibibbo and Grenache wines, and features monastic African architecture.

“The idea for Sikelia came to me some time ago,” said Pazienza. “Pantelleria has so much to offer and it needs to be shared with people who care about fine things.”

The Sikelia Spa will open next year, and will feature natural hot springs, mud from the Lago di Venere, and the Benikula Cave natural sauna.

The conversion and extension of the property was done by Italian architect Gabriella Giuntoli, and the interior design was a shared effort between Pazienza and Katherina Pazienza Gelmetti, who share a taste for simple elegance.

“For the last 10 years, I have worked to create an artistic and emotional residence that reflects the wild beauty of Pantelleria, using metal, glass and the highest quality fabrics,” said Pazienza. “Each of the 20 suites has its own unique design and identity, which links the property’s original monastic architecture with refined contemporary elegance.”

Artist Gennarao Avallone’s paintings, furniture and decorative objects feature throughout, and Avallone was heavily influenced by archaeology in the decoration, reflecting ancient pottery, glazed painted tiles and predominantly dark shades throughout the property.