For a company that was only founded in 2006 by Sue Townsend – formerly of that excellent company, Crabtree and Evelyn – Ortigia feels like it’s been around for ever. It’s based in Italy and the inspiration is Sicily. The scents are lovely, made by Lorenzo Villoresi, and the products are based on natural ingredients: olive oil, vegetable glycerine, and organic colours. But it’s the packaging which is so fabulous, designed by Sue Townsend, and based on historic Sicilian motifs, one favourite being the leopards on the Ambra Nera. The bergamotto, like the others, has a palm tree stamped on the soap and comes at 25g in an inviting little tin, but consider too the Jungle set of six olive oil soaps for £35, if you can’t make your mind up. (£9, ortigiasicilia.com)
