Masseria Degli Ulivi Val Di Noto

Immersed in the Iblea countryside of Val di Noto, rich with olive trees, carob trees and Mediterranean plants, Masseria degli Ulivi is a scenic hospitality structure that sits within an ancient master estate. Thanks to its location on the Ibleo plateau, about 500 metres above sea level, the Masseria degli Ulivi boasts a pleasant, mild climate.

In particular, during the hottest summer months, unlike Noto and other coastal towns, which are characterised by high temperatures and high humidity, here you will never feel smothered by the weather: we have dry heat and sweet, cool evenings.

For the cooling and heating of the inner area, Masseria degli Ulivi uses natural energy sources such as the sun, through its solar panel, and geothermal energy. Our spa (remember that spa stands for salus per squam, “health through water”) also expresses the concepts of environmental compatibility and sustainability, at the base of the philosophy that has inspired the building of the complex.

The reception, the restaurant, the sitting and reading rooms, the cafeteria are all characterised by the warmth of local materials: dark wood for the ceilings and Sicilian cotto from the Etna furnaces, hand-made just like they were a century ago.

ROOMS
Soft Noto calcareous rock and Modica hard stone, light clay tiles, dark wood for the ceilings, Sicilian cotto for the floors, give the rooms in Masseria a timeless atmosphere.

The furniture is also typical of old peasant homes: Beds with iron frames, dark wood chests of drawers, rough fabrics, ceramics from Caltagirone and Santo Stefano di Camastra, are mixed with contemporary elements, such as handwoven tapestries mixing natural fibres and materials, with a sober and yet sophisticated taste.

This voluntarily traditional aesthetic is accompanied by energy-saving solutions, all characterised by high standards of comfort and functionality, such as underfloor heating and smart devices. The main parts of the rooms, away from the common areas, ensure quietness and privacy, giving guests an experience of an unforgettable stay.

SUITES
Larger and with superior comfort standards, such as underfloor heating, as well as superior materials, such as handmade Sicilian cotto on the floor, our Superior room offers high comfort and sophistication. The bathroom is larger as well.

Special attention is dedicated to guests’ rest and well-being, with the presence of top-quality ergonomic mattresses and different types of pillows, to satisfy all requirements and personal preferences.

THE RESTAURANT
Comfortable halls, with traditional plaster and cane ceilings, cosy light from the candles, and discreet, affable service, always with an eye on guests’ requests and demands. In the warmer months, the day begins with breakfast on the outdoor terrace, amongst the fragrances and colours of the countryside, and wraps up with dinner in a very evocative atmosphere, overlooking olive trees bathed by moonlight.

A wide and accurately selected range of traditional foods, re-elaborated with taste and lightness, thanks to the use of local products such as PDO Sicilian cheeses, olive oil from Val di Noto, fresh fish from our seas, fresh and cured meats from local farms, organically grown fruits and vegetables.

Special attention is dedicated to desserts, the apple of the eye of Sicilian cuisine, and to the preparation of gelato, fresh jams and semifreddo desserts, using ingredients such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, lemons, oranges, fresh ricotta cheese and wild thyme honey. Upon request, special needs can be attended to, especially regarding food intolerances and allergies.

The kitchen of Masseria degli Ulivi counts on the produce from its organic garden, where we plant local vegetables which are harvested fresh every day to prepare our dishes. Thanks to a collaboration with the Maìdda artisan workshop and laboratory in Noto, every single day we serve bread made with ancient stone-ground Sicilian grains.

THE WINE CELLAR
We carry the island’s best labels, especially those from Val di Noto, whose autochthonous production of reds and whites focuses on Nero d’Avola, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Etna (red and white), Insolia and Grillo.

Our selection is made even more precious by the addition of sweet and meditation wines, such as Moscato di Noto, passito, late harvests and also dry spumanti, the new promising frontier of modern Sicilian oenology.

SPA & WELLNESS
For moments of relaxation and for sports, our guests can enjoy a large swimming pool surrounded by olive and carob trees, with a sunbathing area and cots, and a sports area with an official tennis court, bocce courts and ping-pong tables, all with night lights so guests can play in the evening as well.

The Health Itinerary, consisting of 18 stations, 6 of which are intended for floor exercises and 12 for use with equipment, follows the estate’s tracks and pathways and offers signs in 4 languages illustrating natural gymnastic moves.

Perfectly inserted in the surrounding landscape, the spa consists of three “bio-pools” of different shapes and sizes, built with technology specifically designed to result in low environmental impact.

Equipped with an aerotherapeutic system and Jacuzzis mineralised with potassium and magnesium salts, in different temperatures, the pools offer an outdoor wellness itinerary that is fully immersed in nature.

There are also water’s edge areas, stainless steel showers and relaxation areas with cots. In a reserved nearby area, in the shade of a gazebo, it is possible, upon request, to experience massage sessions and specific treatments for the entire body.

THE TERRITORY
The Masseria degli Ulivi is located in the heart of Val di Noto, a territory spread between the provinces of Syracuse, Ragusa and Catania, acknowledged by UNESCO for its evident identity and homogeneity of cultural elements regarding architecture, city planning, landscape, traditions and culinary art.

The areas with significant architectural and natural attractions are no more than one hour away from Masseria degli Ulivi.

These areas include Noto, with its impressive Baroque buildings, Syracuse, an immense set of archaeological and monumental testimonies, Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli, all beautiful enough to be worthy of a trip to Sicily, Palazzolo Acreide, the ancient Greek Akrai, Caltagirone, rich with churches and nobility buildings, Marzamemi, an ancient fishermen’s hamlet and the home of an important art film festival, held every year, in July.

Places of interesting regarding nature and landscape include the Cava Grande Natural Reserve, with its typical “ponds” generated by the waterfalls of the Cassibile river, and the Pantalica Natural Reserve, also the seat of a necropolis, as well as the Vendicari Natural Park, with its sweet water swamps, a refuge for migrating birds, and its beautiful beaches that characterise the entire shore south of Noto. Another place worthy of a visit is the nearby archaeological site of the ancient city of Noto, destroyed by an earthquake in 1693.

Rooms: 34

Price: from 99 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriadegliulivi.com