The bottles appeared magically from luminous trays before our bewildered eyes. Truly a spectacle to behold. We inhaled the fragrance, replete with the freshness of orange tea leaves and twigs and mandarin.

As Mount Etna sizzles in the background, Priyanka Sippy Nagpal witnesses the unveiling of Bvlgari's new perfume in a sumptuous Sicilian setting.

The Phoenicians founded Palermo; the friendly ghosts of the ancient Greeks hover in the temples at Agrigento; the Romans are responsible for the villa at Piazza Armeria; the Normans built cathedrals; the Swabians created castles; the Spanish fashioned the palazzi. Everyone endowed Sicily with something magnificent and memorable.

Taormina is a town on the island of Sicily in Italy and was many aeons ago a Greek colony (Tauromenium). Taormina, which attaches itself to Mount Tauro, is also called ‘island in the sky’ and is a melange of charming churches, winding streets, castle ruins and striking balconies.

I am here for the launch of Aqva Pour Homme, the latest fragrance from Bvlgari.

Day 1: After a long but extremely comfortable Alitalia flight from Mumbai, terra firma at last! I looked around me and was quick to spot the smart women in Bvlgari scarves who were only too pleased to be of assistance. Efficiently, we were bundled into a smart Mercedes and whisked away to the quaint Hotel Atlantis Bay, a jewel nestled on the banks of a lake.

Barring the summit of Mount Etna, most of Sicily is sunny all winter long, making it a fabulous holiday destination. During the off season months, the island can be a truly ‘enchanted’ place as you round a curve and chance upon a deserted castle, church or temple. It is easy to imagine oneself transported into the fifth century BC! At most restaurants and cafes, you're likely to encounter local residents who have plenty of time and the inclination to chat.