Villa Neri Resort & Spa is an exclusive hotel which offers elegant rooms, gourmet restaurants, a welcoming and intimate Spa and a large saltwater swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden.

The hotel was built according to the bio-architectural criteria. As in the ancient noble houses, the exterior is characterized by two colours, classic light blue and brick-red: the main colour is the light one, the dark colour indicates the area destined to run the ground.

For the construction, Sicilian natural materials were used such as the cocciopesto for the light blue plasters, combined with the white stone of the Ragusa area, the fire red and black lava for the courtyards, the Taormina sandstone for the external flooring and the white marble for internal ones.

Of the 24 rooms, 9 are enoteca suites with hot tubs, loggias and terraces, and they also have some small private cellars, with a selection of white and red wines, produced both by the family company and by the local companies, accompanied by different specific wine glass formats for each type of wine.

THE HISTORY
For over a century, the Neri family has lived Etna through its various activities. It was the beginning of the 20th century when the brothers Vincenzo and Salvatore, the latter promising tenor, emigrated to the United States to seek their fortune.

Fortune that arrived in a very short time thanks to the many sacrifices, but in particular to the beautiful voice of Salvatore, passionate interpreter of Italian opera in New York theatres. But unfortunately, the signer passed away due to an incurable disease and Vincenzo found himself heartbroken and alone.

He decided to come back to his homeland and, with the money that he saved up with his brother during the years abroad, he purchased a plot of land in the municipality of Linguaglossa, on the slopes of Etna.

Here he married a local girl and together they started to take care of their estates, dedicating the cultivation of the land to vineyards and olive groves and thus throwing themselves in the trade of olive oil and wine.

Nowadays the company, now well-known also abroad, is managed by the grandchildren Salvo and Fabio who, with the consent of their parents Santo and Nina, since 2000, have expanded the family business first with the opening of Casa Arrigo, a country house dedicated to the reception and tasting of organic products from the agricultural Neri, and later, in 2012, with the creation of Villa Neri Resort & SPA , exclusive hotel with 24 rooms, gourmet restaurant, Spa and a large salt-water swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden.

SUSTAINABILITY
There are several ways in which Villa Neri Resort & Spa supports the environment, following the company policy that the Neri family applies to all its activities. Starting with the use of energy coming from renewable sources which cover 95% of the hotel’s energy consumption.

With solar thermal, hot water is produced, with photovoltaics, with a power of 210 kWp which reduces CO2 emissions by 158 tons per year, electricity is produced.

The heating and air conditioning systems are powered by high efficiency heat pumps, while the swimming pool is sterilized with salt and not chlorine. All waste is separated and the wet part becomes the green fertilizer.

ROOMS & SUITES
Our windows look out onto the crater, and when you look at the moon you can spot the slow movement of the clouds that embroider the sky with the sea, the light with the dark. Inside our hotel, the rooms have the charm of a bygone era, with murals on the walls that evoke the rich history of Sicily and Southern Italy in a timeless game of colours.

MASTER SUITE
Breath taking scenery for the exclusive suite with Sicilian style in our resort, one of the gems that our hotel can brag with pride.

Three areas: from the bright living-room you can access to the two indipendent bedrooms with private bathrooms one with tub and shower, the other with big cabin shower, both with room view and characterized by hand-made marbles and ceramics.

The equipped terrace of 60 sqm has a six-seaters Jacuzzi and views from Mount Etna, to the Nebrodi mountains and to the sea at the horizon.

SUITE
A newfound silence for a couple to experience harmony and relaxation. The suites have two communicant levels: on the groundfloor, the living area with sofa bed, bathroom finished in precious marble and ceramics, and shower with view to the room.

On the upper floor, the night area with bathroom and tub. Big windows offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside or to Taormina and the magic sea of Sicily in the distance. The suites are characterized by wine cellar with a selection of red and white wines and coffee machine.

JUNIOR SUITE
Comfortable 37 sq m room tastefully furnished in a perfect combination of traditional and modern amenities. Elegant bathroom clad in precious marble, large tiled ceramic basin, large bath and a generous-sized shower opening onto the room.

Sweeping views of the surrounding countryside with Taormina and the sea in the distance. The Junior Suite are characterized by wine cellar with a selection of red and white wines and coffee machine.

SUPERIOR ROOMS
Spacious rooms with elegant furnishings, such as the refined approach of the bed headboard in gray / ivory to recall the ancient wrought iron beds typical of the Sicilian tradition which, combined with the dominant color of the walls and furniture, gives a unique and unmistakable style. In the Deluxe ones, there is a cabin shower for two persons with chromoteraphy. Rooms have a private patio or a terrace.

12 FOUNTAINS ETNA RESTAURANT 
And the flavour of our cuisine has the ancestral gesture of women, the yearning for the ancient dish that has become contemporary. Like a small jewel inside a casket, the “Dodici Fontane” restaurant could not have been located anywhere else from Villa Neri.

Set on the slopes of Etna and immersed in the beautiful surrounding landscape, of that territory it brings products and recipes to the table with an eye to catering outside Sicily.

The chef Elia Russo thus interprets perfumes and aromas with a strong Sicilian character through preparation and cooking techniques in step with the times. His dishes trace the history of the island through current and, at times, surprising combinations.

In the menu, there some typical dishes of the Sicilian traditional kitchen, like the “peperone abbuttunatu”, today reviewed by the chef and served together with a beef raw, olive and anchovy.

The new 2023 Carte it’s a real and great exaltation of territory’s products, starting from the Sicilian pistachio and chocolate findable in “Veal mignon in Bronte’s pistachio crumbles, filled of Ragusano cheese, mixed vegetables and Modica’s chocolate sauce” and the local Nocellara dell’Etna olives in the dessert ““Olive inspiration”: ricotta cheese bavarese, heart of candied olives, meringues, olive leaves gel and chocolate foam”, without forgetting to take a look to the most modern kitchen, like the “fusion” one, findable in the starter “Cold soup of pea sprouts, smoked red prawn and caviar”, where the Mazara’s prawn perfectly marries with the sprouts cooked in a Dashi broth.

All always accompanied by a punctual and wide-ranging wine list that starts from the Etna area and explores the most distant countries. A sensorial journey between the Island’s flavours and smells, to be discovered!.

WELLNESS & SPA
In the wet area of the welcoming Petra Spa you can experience a path based on water and heat, combined with lights, sounds and colours. With mini hydromassage pool, sauna, steam bath, emotional showers and ice fountain, the Spa has also three treatment booths and a break room with heated water beds and an herbal tea corner.

It is available a menu of programs and treatments that use typical Sicilian products as main ingredients, massages with organic oil produced by the Neri family or Sicilian orange scrub.

The treatments follow the cycle of the seasons and the natural cosmetics are the protagonists of the pleasant and effective treatments of the Spa. The wet area includes salt hot tubes, sauna, steam bath, emotional showers and break room with heated water beds. The spa is also open to external customers, upon reservation.

EVENTS
Enchanting place surrounded by centuries-old olives tress and vineyards dominated by the solemn Etna volcano, Villa Neri Resort & Spa offers the perfect setting to live your most important and unforgettable moments.

The house extends, on the one hand, from the front towards a magnificent view of the sea giving the immensity of the horizon, on the other, towards the unique scenery of the majestic volcano and the lush green woods of the Etna Park. Our resort is available for private events and it can be booked on an exclusive basis.

WEDDINGS IN SICILY
The most beautiful day of your life will be unforgettable thanks to a reception in grand style. Villa Neri has several spaces among which two banquet halls, terraces, large gardens and finally the splendid poolside ideal for elegant buffets.

The “Dodici Fontane” restaurant offers a unique experience, through the reinterpretation of traditional genuine Sicilian cuisine with the use of the ingredients of our land.

PRIVATE EVENTS
Your special occasions such as a birthday, a baptism, an anniversary, are moments that remain etched in memory, and therefore Villa Neri will be the ideal setting to make them. A highly specialized staff will assist you during all stages of the organization with discretion and competence, advising you on the ideal solutions for every need.

MEETINGS
Villa Neri, with its refined interior and the corners of its garden, is the ideal place to carry out your corporate events. The Resort, located in a strategic position, is easily accessible both from Catania airport and from the Giardini-Taormina railway station.

The spaces dedicated to meeting are equipped with wi-fi connection and acoustic amplification and all the rooms have large glass windows that allow the entry of natural light. Our staff will take care of meeting all your needs from organizing private transfers to renting any equipment, from preparing the furnishings to preparing any catering services.

ETNA
Landscapes on the slopes of the Etna between valleys and volcanic deserts. Etna is a landscape with an unrepeatable naturalistic charm. An adventure between volcanic claves and lava flows where you can discover the impetuous soul of Sicily.

A trip to admire, from the slopes to the craters, the harmony of vegetation and the destructive and generating force of the volcano. The broom, with its yellow flowers, fills the air and paints the black earth of the volcanic lava with contrasts, where luxuriant endemic species grow, pine, birch, beech and olive trees.

The wealth of the ground allows the development of a rich agricultural variety, among which vineyards that give birth to wines of the DOC Etna denomination, one of the most important wine-growing areas in Sicily.

In this landscape we can admire oasis of peace and beauty, valleys, woods and volcanic deserts. A succession of monumental trees, lava flows and caves, where the nature becomes the sole protagonist.

Unique experiences, for wine and food lovers, for athletes, for those who want to discover the territory and its history, and for those who are simply looking for relaxation and well-being.

Rooms: 24

Price: from 257 EUR per night

Source: www.nerietna.com

Welcome to Monaci delle Terre Nere, an 18th century aristocratic villa, in a 25 hectare estate, a unique magic place where Nature and Man live together in harmony.

Let us show you round our exclusive Wine Resort at the foot of “The Volcano” overlooking the Ionian Sea. Have a look at our independent lodges with private swimming pool (hotel formula) where you can enjoy Etna’s mysterious power and top “your energy card” up!

The estate develops through old vineyard terracing, olive tree groves, a big vegetable garden with aromatic herbs and 150 different types of fruit tree. This place of wonder is where we get food for thought… and for our guests!

The central Villa, an 18th century building is surrounded by our restaurant Locanda Nerello, the Convivium bar, the pool bar, some of the most beautiful suites and pool lodges.

Monaci delle Terre Nere is an organic farming project. The rescue of ancient local plant species has favoured the production of fruit trees, vegetables and aromatic herbs. We also produce some slow food types of vegetables such as “cavolo trunzo”.

In the Estate, while you walk along the rows of vines, you can taste Guido Coffa’s organic wine. As a matter of fact, Etna is one of the most suitable areas for viticulture, as well as one of the most famous producers of extremely refined Sicilian wines. Nerello Mascalese and Carricante (from a special type of Sicilian grapes) are among the varieties produced in our vineyard at Monaci.

We believe in the tenets of slow food philosophy: good, clean and fair food. Monaci revolves around the respect for Nature and the environment, we produce and buy slow food items. By the term “good” we mean high quality food at all meals. By “clean” we mean having low environmental impact and finally “fair “ food refers to fair trade conditions for the producers.

THE HISTORY
From the Augustinian Monks of the 17th century, “It was this place which chose me! I ‘ve only brought its hidden beauty to light.” “I wanted a home on Mount Etna, a place where I could enjoy the “third slice” of my life in the company of good wine and an amazing countryside. On my very first day of “quest, I came across an old run-down villa immersed in pure beauty and lots of brambles. We definitely hit it off!”

“Back home, I kept thinking about that old villa and how I could bring it back to life. Since imagination is creative thought, I set off to buy that estate which eventually became Monaci delle Terre Nere.

So far, I’ve devoted my life to its rebirth: the former project of a group of Augustinian Monks from Valverde (The Monks of the Black Lands) who had previously chosen this place because of its extraordinary energy.

The Estate is located at the foot of the largest volcano in Europe, bordered by Etna’s National Park, at 500mt’s altitude. My innermost desire has been that of protecting its historical and natural identity; rather than simply a wineresort, Monaci is a Home, whose intimacy I’ve been enduring to preserve.”

IN THE NAME OF NATURE
Monaci’s project is based on the restoration of pre-existing buildings, thus reducing its environmental impact. We’ve turned to bio-architecture to restore both the central villa and the independent side buildings.

Respect and sustainability have been at the core of any demolition or rebuilding we’ve implemented, therefore Monaci’s project has resulted in an authentic example of respect for both tradition and environment.

It mingles traditional Sicilian Architecture with Contemporary Art. All premises have been preciously furnished and gifted with such comforts as whirlpool baths, fireplaces and glass walls which create a full immersion effect in the natural surroundings.

ECO WINE RESORT
Etna’s breath and the view of the Ionian sea. Monaci is flavours and colours , wide spaces and long walks . Monaci is the tale of our Identity with its silence and its lively sounds. Wine is our way to express and convey our love for this Land.

A glass of Guido Coffa’s wine at sunset, a signature’s cocktail at the Convivium Bar is our lifestyle; one which highly values the luxury of self expression in an atmosphere of total freedom and exclusiveness, yet always in perfect harmony with Nature.

THE SUSTAINABILITY 
Monaci delle Terre Nere, set between the volcano and the sea, across the terraced hills of Etna countryside. Faithful to its green philosophy, it has long been committed to an environmental sustainability project which has a low impact on the territory.

In the full respect of the environment we can still create the welcoming hospitality of a luxurious resort. The restoration of the central villa and the independent lodges has been carried out by local craftsmen in the respect of bio architectural principles such as the use of natural plaster, chestnut wood , old copings as head boards.

In our room you won’t find neither tv sets, nor disposable products. We offer an ecofriendly toiletry line, and we kindly recommend using towels more than once, when it is possible.

BIODIVERSITY
We welcome spontaneous vegetation in some areas of the estate and we have 150 different types of fruit tree, many of which are endangered species, such as the Mastrantonio Cherry tree DOP, the Tabbacchiera Peach tree, and the Sbergia tree, the Coscia Pear tree and the Baccibbedda tree, the Cola Apple tree, the Damaschino Apricot tree, the Vinnignola Fig tree, the Muscateddu Plum tree; we pick wild vegetables such as Cannatedda, Caliceddi, Caccialepre, Coscivecchi, Portulaca etc.

We are active members of Slow Food, we believe in its philosophy and grow some special plants such as Cavolo Trunzo. Our vineyard and its entire productive process is absolutely natural. Our beloved 120 hens run around happily in their 3000 mt “playground”.

During your stay, you ‘ll be able to meet them personally, by booking egg collection with Rosario, our Minister for Agricultural Affairs. You will eventually be able to enjoy a delicious omelette for breakfast. Last but not least, we are really into recycling and engaged in producing less and less wastage.

MONACI AND THE TERRITORY
Monaci is a full immersion in Etna countryside, across an 18th century terracing system, restored by the wise expertise of local workers. It’s also a rural farm active in the bio-business of recovering the original value of its territory. It’s also a rural farm active in the bio-business of recovering the original value of its territory.

We produce most of what we use and buy the rest from neighbor farmers, in order to keep faith to our philosophy: only 0 Km made in Sicily products! Sorry then, no Parmesan on our kitchen table! Our bread is organic, made with local flour. We offer seasonal seafood, no room for endangered species, only local ones.

ROOMS & SUITES
Our rooms suites and pool villas offer different solutions and are characterized by a unique style and a strong local identity. They have been conceived to give back value to the original structures which host them. They offer the unique comfort of a luxurious hotel in the middle of nature.

Every room is the result of an accurate restoration aimed at preserving original elements, for example the lava stone walls and the old millstones, thus maintaining the original identity of the antique structure and providing it with a unique timeless style; a wise balance between the antique and the modern.

FIVE BEDROOMS VILLA 1730
To experience suggestions from the past together with modern comforts in a luxury accommodation. Only 655 feet away from the main building , this villa embodies Monaci’s Spirit. History, tradition and unique luxury altogether in perfect harmony. An old millstone turned into a suite vineyards and sea view, private garden iconic rooms for an unparalleled stay experience.

The Villa develops over a surface of 223 mq, it has three suite rooms and two deluxe rooms all characterized by the predominance of lava stone, and original furniture enriched with valuable items. The Villa can accommodate up to 15 guests. Perfect to spend your holiday with friends or for a family reunion.

FOUR BEDROOM POOL VILLA PERSIMMON 
For a full immersion into the colours and perfumes of an embracing nature. Only 492 feet away from the main building, this villa is a jewel of style and comfort. Wide interiors in warm colours overlook a big private garden thus offering a perfectly intimate oasis.

The Villa develops over a surface of 205 mq, it has four bedrooms: two large Suites, a Junior Suite and a Deluxe room. All the rooms are warm and cozy and have huge glass windows; the ceiling is bejeweled by chestnut wood beams. It can host up to 15 guests. Perfect to spend your holiday with friends or for a family reunion.

MONACI POOL SUITE
2.625 feet from the central building, the pool suite Nobile is located in a late xixth century rural cottage together with other two beautiful suites. The suite has a large bedroom, a living room recalling a country style dining room, which opens up onto a gorgeous veranda (porch) overlooking the wood in front.

It has two bathrooms with a bath tub and a shower respectively. The vaulted ceilings, the Etna chestnut wood floor, the walls in the natural shades of white are all elements which represent the distinctive style of Monaci.

These latter together with the fireplace, the Italian design furniture and the works of the Brazilian painter Olivier Mourao create a simple, warm, yet refined atmosphere. A splendid pool, shared with the guests of the other two Nobile suites, offers moment of relaxation surrounded by the luxuriant oak wood.

Enjoy the pink and grey exteriors overlooking a large private garden with a splendid sea view. Monaci pool Suite, together with the other two suites of the same building becomes a three bedroom villa: it is the ideal choice for people who are looking for privacy in an extremely beautiful natural context; a true lava amphitheatre. It can host up to 5 guests.

ESTATE SUITES
Our Estate suites fully express the exclusive identity of Monaci delle Terre Nere: some are located in xviiith century buildings surrounded by furnished gardens; others are located in recently restored cottages and offer the possibility to enjoy large and cozy rooms together with furnished gardens overlooking the splendid sea, the vineyards and the volcano Etna.

Some of them are close to the main building, others, deployed on natural terraces, offer the opportunity of a total privacy-stay while they remain easily reachable by our golf cart service or by private car.

DELUXE ROOMS
The deluxe are our signature rooms. Small masterpieces, great charm and strong personality where classic style is elegantly matched to modern style furniture in perfect harmony with the original structure of the buildings.

LOCANDA NERELLO
Locanda Nerello offers local tradition cooking based only on fresh products, coming mainly from our estate or from the surrounding areas. We serve only seasonal top quality food.

The atmosphere at the Inn is warm and cozy, yet very exclusive at the same time. In the magic colours of a summer twilight, the breathtaking panorama of our outdoor terrace magnifies the flavour of our delicious courses.

A candid cooking style which brings old local wisdom back into life, an informal inn, a home to old traditions and to guests. The connection with Slow Food will allow you to get to know the numerous strongholds of the Sicilian territory.

THE POOL RESTAURANT
The pool Restaurant offers a simple fresh menu that you can comfortably eat around the main swimming pool of the hotel. Fresh genuine salads, typical garden dishes, good wine and gorgeous cocktails.

THE POOL BAR
Our pool bar opens everyday from 11:00 to 18:00. The ideal place for a total relax day, it offers cocktails, smoothies, aromatic floral waters, drinks and a simple menu you can enjoy as you cool off at the poolside.

CONVIVIUM BAR
Located in the central building of the estate, the Convivium bar welcomes its guests in a unique space which is both a meeting spot and a place for your spirit to feel at home.

An ambitious visionary project , born from the common intention of Guido Coffa and his Bar Manager Paolo Sanna to infuse” the Spirit of Monaci in a glass” , a process by which skilled hands turn the fruits of Nature into delicious drinks.

The Convivium bar has its special way to convey the enigmatic energy of the volcano, the sea, the land with its outsprings , its herbs and its perfumes mixing these ingredients to create powerful drinks, the drinks of Monaci’s wisdom.

MIXOLOGY BAR
Harvest, transformation, desiccation, mixing, syrups, perfumes, distillates and tinctures. Everything rigorously hand made and drawn from the black lands of the Monks.

All its organic outsprings flow into Paolo Sanna’s Cocktail list, whose every drink is a fluid experience, a sip of Monaci’s essence to be enjoyed through all five senses.The old wine cellar of the estate is a cozy place, furnished with modern design furniture and gifted with a massive fireplace to keep our guests warm in winter.

THE WINE CELLAR
Guido Coffa’s precious collection celebrates the strong bond with the territory: vertical winetasting and bumper years for the most famous Sicilian labels enriched by a careful selection of local producers.

Thanks to Guido’s passion for biodynamic champagne, you‘ll be able to find special labels such as Fleury, Selosse, Pascal, Agraparte. Not to mention other premium Italian and international products which complete his collection.

Great wines are jealously preserved in our innovative wine cellar, whose glass and iron structure has been set inside an old water cistern, which is still visible thanks to the light material the cellar is made of. You can visit our wine cellar guided by our sommelier.

GUIDO COFFA’S WINE 
We till the land the way our fathers used to do : we use our hands! We don’t use any pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. We highly value wild weeds which contribute to the oxygenation and regeneration of the vineyard land.

We use the clone of the local vine varieties, and together with Etna DOC, we produce wine from the so called “uve reliquie” (relic grapes) or pre-phylloxera vineyards. Grape harvest is carried out manually and implies a double step selection of the best grapes, in the vineyard and later in the wine cellar.

Etna is the third most important Italian region for wine production, thanks to the extraordinary variety of its lands, its micro-climates and the amazing quality of its wine.

The oenological production of the region is characterized by unique conditions of the land and of viticulture techniques: the volcanic soil , the grape growing up to 900mt above sea level, local vine varieties both red and white; as to red wines: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio; as to white ones: Carricante and Catarratto.

WEDDINGS IN SICILY
A magic frame with the majestic Volcano behind and a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean ahead. Luxurious indoor premises, luxuriant gardens will be the white canvas you ‘ll paint with flying colours, those of a perfect weeding party.

For the couples who look for a special location Monaci is “the” place! We’ll take care of your wishes and desires, while we implement them item by item with our expertise and make of your wedding party an unforgettable experience.

Since Monaci is a “Casa Comunale“, we can officiate civil weddings; you’ll have the possibility of exchanging your rings and vows in one of our splendid terraces, in the olive grove, or in the warmth of our Convivium bar.

Under the expert guide of our Maitre, our chefs will help you decide about a delicious menu made of authentic Sicilian flavours accompanied by our wine list which includes Monaci’s winery production as well as classic or creative cocktails. Celebrate your dream wedding in a breathtaking scenery , in elegance, refinement and natural beauty. We’ll make your “wedding” day. One off the charts!!!

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Monaci is a special location for private or business meetings. The perfect place for those who look for an exclusive location together with the assistance of a specialized team. The background scenery of Etna’s majestic line, the blue sea and the green Estate will add magic to a meeting brunch in the old millstone or to a private party amid the olive tree grove.

THE WELLNESS
Restoring body and soul, feeling in tune with Nature. Slowing down life rhythms, breathing in the Mediterranean breeze, feeling the energy of the Volcano, eating healthy food, grown in respect of the natural rhythms of the earth and with no contamination at all. Enjoying a beauty therapy, awakening one’s senses.

Raw materials enhanced by the skilful hands of those who make cooking a gesture of love. Monaci delle Terre Nere experience is to indulge in a holiday of pure vitality and quality. A true approach to physical, mental and emotional regeneration that can also become a wellness routine.

Every single moment spent at our wellness area is a tender loving care of body and soul. Cares get even more special after a long walk up the volcano.

Give yourself a present, one of our signature treatments, get your energy back by inhaling the perfume of our essential oils, organic products, in the hands of our most expert therapists. Come in Monaci’s wellness world: we’ve chosen the products of our land to create face and body treatments which will delight your senses and give you new energy and strength.

HOLISTIC MASSAGE AND TREATMENTS
Among the wide range of services offered by Monaci delle Terre Nere, Wellness hotel at the foot of mount Etna, you can choose various treatments and massages.

Spend some time to take care of yourself during your stay in Sicily, book a room massage. It will help your body and muscles to be relaxed and flexible especially during hard physical activity or mental stress, last but not least ,it will keep you in a good mood.

ETNA YOGA RETREAT
Try a yoga session at Monaci, and let the energy of the volcano and of the surrounding nature invade your whole being and restore your inner balance: pure wellness for body and soul.
At the end of the course, special attention can also be paid to nutrition with genuine, vital menus to promote energy balancing and meditation.

SPORT, RELAX, ORGANIC DIET
Monaci’s 25 hectares allow us to organize walking tours around the estate, nothing too challenging , just a way to enjoy the surrounding nature and discover the cultivated areas of the estate such as the vineyards.

For the more adventurous ones we do organize challenging tours of the volcano along its wonderful paths; we tailor them on your requested levels of difficulty. Once back to your lodge, book a “deep tissue” to relax muscle tension.

“Nerello Inn” promotes local genuine ingredients. We like to call Monaci’s cooking “food for your soul” since it favours a proper energetic balance , the ideal diet for those who practice sports.

EXPERIENCE IN SICILY
Monaci delle Terre Nere is a 25 hectare Estate with huge outdoor areas where you can do various activities and have great fun. During your stay , make sure you try at least a couple of the experiences we suggest: private cooking lessons, wine tasting ( our own wines), cocktail masterclass, horse rides, guided tours of the Estate, private dinners, helicopter tours and a lot more….

BOTANICAL WALK
A walking tour of our garden can turn into an extraordinary sensory experience, a peculiar way to come in touch with Nature trough your smell: learn how to recognize the different varieties of aromatic herbs, inspire and be inspired by Monaci’s true essence.

COCKTAILS MASTERCLASS
Learn the secrets of Sicilian cooking tradition straight from our Chef. You and your loved ones can learn the art of making pasta and ravioli with (grani antichi) ancient Sicilian wheat.

PRIVATE DINNERS IN NATURE
Enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight on a private hill overlooking a breathtaking sight, with personalized service. Enjoy this unique experience with your significant another.

HORSE RIDES
On a beautiful Sicilian horseback feel free to explore the estate and the amazing countryside around it.

MONACI HELICOPTER TOUR
An unforgettable, extraordinarily exciting way to admire the splendour of the majestic Volcano from above and/or fly to the Eolian Islands

A CYCLING TOUR
Explore the entire estate on the bicycle, you can even risk further by following other surprising naturalistic cycle paths around Monaci. ( reserve your bike and equipment).

ETNA & THE SURROUNDINGS
Mount Etna is a place loaded with energy. It’s the largest active volcano in Europe , UNESCO World Heritage; its special position offers the possibility of enjoying both mountain and hill sights as well as a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea.

Exploring Etna, is the ideal trek in the middle of a magic, seducing, mysterious landscape, able to arouse sensations: you can reach up 300mts altitude and be amazed by the sight of the sea below, you can also go skiing in winter.

During your stay at Monaci, we suggest that you take some time to explore the artistic treasures of Eastern Sicily together with its breathtaking naturalistic sceneries. Sicily has always been a melting pot of peoples and cultures, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty.

A fully-fledged world heritage, Etna is famous for its scientific relevance together with its cultural interest. Its high craters , its cinder cones, the lava caves, the depression of the Bove Valley, its frequent eruptions both from the central crater and from side cracks, they all fascinate and attract scientists and tourists from all over the world.

ETNA WINE ROADS
The “strada del vino dell’Etna” is an association which promotes the discovery of Etna through its vineyard and wine path. Etna is a rich generous land; the activity of the volcano provides its fruits with a unique swing.

The Association embraces the best wine cellars and wineries of the territory, and offers travelers unforgettable experiences along the wine path. Monaci is a proud member of this Association.

CATANIA
If you happen to go to Catania, don’t forget to visit “la Pescheria”, the traditional fish market, next to the Duomo square with its white Obelisk on top of the Elephant, symbol of the city of Catania, which stands out against the city cathedral Saint Agatha.

Ten minute walk from the Duomo, you’ll discover the Monastery of Saint Nicolò l’Arena , a late Sicilian baroque jewel and one of the largest Benedictine monasteries in Europe.

ALCANTARA GORGE
Its formation goes back to 300.000years ago. The river has patiently carved the magma from within, this last one has gradually got cold and has originated deep irregular cracks. A breathtaking natural landscape to be enjoy by going hiking or body rafting.

EOLIAN ISLANDS
The seven sisters seduce! Visit them all, if you can: Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Vulcano, Alicudi e Filicudi. Each sister has its own peculiar characteristics; they all share the same wonderful sea! From Monaci ‘s Elipad you can reach them by private helicopter.

TAORMINA
Between the majestic volcano and a breathtaking coastline, Taormina is one the world’s wonders. Before visiting the Greek Theatre, stop at Isola Bella and enjoy its sea and sun. At sunset have a drink in one of the fantastic hotel terraces which overlook the sea.

SIRACUSA, NOTO, MARZAMEMI
Siracusa is a jewel from the past, In its archeological area you can admire Archimedes’ tomb and the Greek Theatre where classic tragedies and comedies are still nowadays staged by the INDA (National Institute for Ancient Drama).

The Isle of Ortigia is the oldest part of the town, its precious core. You can get to Ortigia by crossing the Umbertino Bridge. Then keep walking till the Aretusa Spring a natural freshwater spring a few steps from the sea.

World’ heritage, Noto has the richest baroque citycentre in the world. You can’t miss its “Infiorata” , an amazing event which takes place on the third Sunday of May. Marzamemi is a typical sea village not far from Noto. A fairytale village built with yellow stone little houses around two natural harbours.

PIAZZA ARMERINA
La Villa del Casale, in Piazza Armerina, offers one the most preciuos displays of Roman mosaics in the world. The room with female figures playing ball games wearing an “ante litteram” bikini is worldwide known.

Rooms: 8

Price: from 432 EUR per night

Source: www.monacidelleterrenere.it

Imagine a landscape flourishing with vitality and authenticity. People who are lucky enough to live on this island experience this every day. Mount Etna, the sea, the natural landscapes, the historic sites, all these views will always make your heart skip a beat!

The beauty of Sicily’s unparalleled historic heritage is animated by the authenticity of its inhabitants. Here you will find Shalai, in the heart of the old town of Linguaglossa, on the slopes of Mount Etna, near Catania.

Shalai is a boutique hotel with 13 exquisite rooms and suites, which hosts a Michelin 2023 restaurant headed by chef Giovanni Santoro, and a refined SPA and wellness area. It used to be a noble mansion in the 1800s, and is now owned and administered by the Pennisi family.

The cousins, Luciano Pennisi, Leonardo Pennisi, Maria Concetta Pennisi and Rosario Pennisi, have inherited the family’s philosophy: “These places are like a magnet, they attract and envelop you in their magic. We will be waiting to welcome you, between the Mountain on one side and the sea on the other, to offer you the warmth of Sicily!”

Discover the energy of Etna, experience the hospitality of a Historic Palace, today a design boutique hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant and private SPA. Get ready to live an experience of pure hospitality and elegance with Shalai. We have prepared exclusive benefits with special offers and packages, which vary in every season of the year.

Sicily, in fact, is also unique in terms of temperatures. In the middle of autumn we still breathe summer, in summer we enjoy the mild climate of the high altitudes, in spring nature is a triumph of vitality and in winter there is all the magic of the snow-capped peak of Etna. Get inspired…

THE HISTORY
Shalai is elegance and sicilian nobility: frescoed rooms, vaulted roofs, fine majolica. The story of Shalai, a charming and design boutique hotel on Etna, seems like a modern day fairy tale. A family story that connects Tuscany with Sicily as its protagonist.

The story begins with a glass of good wine, a dinner and the bet made by Lucia and Rosario Pennisi to transform an ancient mansion with a nineteenth-century flavour into a charming hotel.

The building dates back, in its current structure, to the early 1800s, when the owners of the time decided to aggregate, in a single body, several residential units with the annexed service spaces. At the beginning town hall, later a 19th-century Sicilian noble palace, today Shalai is still a home where Luciano and Leonardo celebrate hospitality as a pure experience.

Design rooms and romantic suites with frescoed ceilings welcome guests in environments of precious charm. The restoration project of the historic residence was followed with sagacity and professionalism by the architects Lucia Papa and Paola Mariotto who gave life to a boutique hotel with a contemporary flavour.

THE DESIGN
Contemporary taste for design and furnishings. Protagonist light. These two elements are highlighted by the designers’ architectural choices and by their use of light, to bring out details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Harmonious spaces, captivating details, palatial staircases and intimate, elegant rooms.

Shalai’s spaces are like a universe, every object is designed to fit in with the ensemble. Even the design of the two rooms that host the Michelin star restaurant follows this vision; the walls are decorated with a selection of valuable works of contemporary art.

The only sounds that can be heard in the quiet indoor garden are those of birds chirping, the ballroom on the first floor is flooded with light, and the wellness centre’s services will complete the relaxing picture that is drawn by the hotel’s spaces.

THE PENNISI FAMILY
The Pennisi are a large and tight-knit family that has worked together for more than fifty years to write beautiful pages on the subject of gastronomy, excellence, selection and quality of ingredients, and the art of hospitality.

The head of the family is Saro Pennisi, a flamboyant butcher from Linguaglossa who, with the support of his family, wife, sisters, children and grandchildren, has managed through the decades to create beautiful things and to convey a strong sense of belonging to the new generations, as well as a passion for locally grown products and a knack for hospitality.

Saro Pennisi is still is an important point of reference for the family; he oversees the family’s butcher shop, to which the family annexed a restaurant not far from Shalai, which is called Dai Pennisi – Macelleria con cucina (The Pennisi’s: Butcher Shop with Kitchen).

Today, the second generations have taken up the management of the family businesses: Luciano Pennisi, Leonardo Pennisi, Maria Concetta Pennisi and Rosario Pennisi, all siblings and cousins. Having been raised together, they are very close and are always looking for new projects, upholding the family traditions and heritage.

THE TEAM
Excellence above all! This is the motto that unites all the professionals that make up the Shalai team today. From the waiting and kitchen staff in the restaurant, to the professionals working in the boutique hotel and the wellness centre, everyone focuses on providing a well-rounded hospitality.

The staff is hired by the Pennisi family not only for their high professionalism, but also for their love for their work, to give guests a sense of belonging and well-being here at Shalai every day.

Our team is cohesive, young, engaged and helpful, able to fulfil any request, arrange your tours in the area and provide any helpful or necessary service. These professionals can be by your side for the length of your stay, anticipate your needs and answer any question.

ROOMS & SUITES
Jewels with a unique history. This is the best way to describe the rooms that will host you inside the Shalai boutique hotel. Each one has a history, a distinctive feature, a design object or an arrangement that makes it unique. Shalai’s rooms offer an evocative, personal experience.

Each room has character, it has that elegance, that discreet whim, that harmony so authentic that staying in the room is a magical experience, which is complemented by the excellent service rendered by the housekeepers and by the concierges, always intent on ensuring your stay here will be immersed in the spontaneous and authentic Sicilian hospitality that defines the Pennisi family.

Guests will enjoy the scent of Sicilian oranges in the rooms, a fragrance that Shalai has exclusively custom-made, to render the Sicilian experience in every way.

FAMILY EXECUTIVE
The family executive on the second floor offer all the comforts of home. Each family executive has two rooms: a living room and a double bedroom. Every step of the room is arranged to maximize comfort and enjoyment. Its refined details are a harmonious mix of contemporary, classic and modern styles.

The beautiful mansard roof with automated windows make you feel like you are in a mountain chalet, but with stylish details, light colours and lovingly arranged features that make the environment authentic yet familiar. In a place like this, it’s easy to lose track of time! The family executive are ideal for guests who prefer more space or for families.

JUNIOR SUITE
There are two junior suites in Shalai Hotel, and they are magical. Shalai’s junior suites will take you to an enchanted world of ladies and knights, kings and queens, of stories from a distant time. This feeling is created by the breath-taking original 19th-century frescoed ceilings, which you can also find in the first-floor lounge.

Lying on your comfortable double bed you can contemplate the ceiling in all its beauty, made even more striking by the naked wall that shows its original components.

Savouring the history and aesthetics of the 1800s in a decidedly contemporary setting is a wonderful experience. A boutique hotel that cherishes history and elegance, focuses on hospitality and will make you want to come back to these intimate, charming rooms!

DELUXE ROOM
Elegant, simple and cosy, with an outdoor balcony overlooking Shalai’s inner garden. Each deluxe room has a shower with full-height glass doors, a unique design element.

This room is made for comfortable living and has a small window in the bathroom to allow the sunshine in, and to fill the room with that energy that can only be found on the slopes of Mount Etna. The room has a cosy armchair for relaxing after a shower or an excursion on Mount Etna or a day at the beach. The deluxe room will charm you from every angle!

DINING
Santoro never forgets the iconic authenticity that is natural to the local cuisine, the type that brings back childhood memories. In the end, this level of cuisine can only be made by men and women who find a lifelong passion in this work.

Each dish has to represent the context in which it was created, otherwise it risks becoming stylish but frivolous. Giovanni Santoro knows this, and his dishes reflect a heartfelt and personal passion.

THE RESTAURANT
The restaurant of the Shalai design boutique hotel is the laboratory of chef Giovanni Santoro. His work is maniacal research of the raw material: precious meats are selected from native farms by the prestigious family butcher and processed by the kitchen brigade.

The vegetables are always in season, controlled and harvested by small producers, flank a fish that arrives daily from the local fish markets and is processed both from cooked and raw using the most modern blast chilling standards. So much effort and great passion have been rewarded with the achievement of the first Michelin star in 2015.

THE STARRED CHEF
The chef, Giovanni Santoro, was born Linguaglossa in 1983, a town on the slopes of Mount Etna, close to Catania. His hometown, on the slopes of ‘A Muntagna’ (as the locals call Mount Etna) taught him a sense of taste that draws from the harmony between the land and its products, which he has spent years refining all through his previous experiences in restaurants all over Italy and along the Sicilian coasts.

In his cuisine Santoro brings together the defining elements of his hometown, dressing them in his cherished memories of cosy Sicilian Sundays with family, and his grandmother’s sauces. Santoro’s style has earned him a Michelin Star in 2015, which has been reconfirmed year after year up until today, as well as other important awards.

In his dishes, Giovanni Santoro tells stories of Sicilian village festivities with loved ones, of the generous and welcoming world in which he grew up. The match between this chef’s sensibility and the concepts behind Shalai was natural, almost destiny.

The newly-founded restaurant offered Santoro the opportunity to continue cultivating his talent with the richness of the products offered by the slopes of Mount Etna.

LEONARDO PENNISI
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable here at Shalai’s tables, and let Leonardo Pennisi be your guide. With his easy smile and open personality he will be at your service for the length of your stay. He will elegantly and discreetly guide you on a journey through delicate, unforgettable tastes.

Leonardo’s knowledge and expertise will also delight you with carefully chosen selections of the best Sicilian wines of Mount Etna. Pennisi knows how to appear and disappear at the right moments, as a good host does.

He will be at your service through the meal, suggesting interesting combinations, and if you are interested, advising you on the places to visit in the area and on how to get the most out of your experiences. He can convey the love he has for these places and the hospitality that is such a point of pride for the Pennisi family.

THE MENU
Elegant with a touch of irony, deeply connected to its setting on Mount Etna, looking benevolently out to sea, intuitive and calming, with some contaminations of Japanese cuisine.

These are only some of the concepts that describe the menu signed by chef Giovanni Santoro here in the Pennisi Family’s Michelin starred Shalai restaurant in Linguaglossa, near Catania, Sicily.

The menu is a crescendo of surprising and captivating sensations, alternating between fish and meat, but also with a range of exclusively vegetarian dishes. The cuisine is linking two worlds that blend in perfection: on one side Mount Etna (or as the locals call it, ‘A Muntagna), on the other the sea.

The menu is the result of years of passionate and rigorous research on the natural products made in this area, through a combination of ingredients that combine spectacularly under the aegis of chef Santoro’s creative vein.

Some common threads bringing the dishes together are the citrus notes, given by garnishes and jams, which gives a defining character to the dishes, and mark the signature of Giovanni Santoro and the Pennisi family.

THE WINE CELLAR
A magical and careful selection of hundreds of bottles that celebrate and tell the stories of Sicily and of Etna’s flourishing vineyards. We can offer some excellent and rare vertical tastings of our local wineries’ vintage choices, from the special reserves.

There is also a wide range of champagne from distinguished national and international maisons, selected for your pleasure, to complement the dishes proposed by chef Giovanni Santoro, and to accompany your enjoyment of this magical and intense moment.

The Cellar has been developed, year after year, to offer a wide-ranged overview of the best selections the market has to offer, and also some hidden treasures for true connoisseurs!

THE LOUNGE BAR
Imagine a Sicilian living room, with red sofas to relax on and enjoy an aperitif or a late-night cocktail. The counter is finely decorated with original nineteenth-century majolica tiles.

An avant-garde and sophisticated menu offers sweet wines from Sicilian, German, French and Portuguese wineries, as well as signature spirits such as peated whiskey, bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, and Armagnac and Calvados brandy.

You can also choose among a selection of grappa and rums. If you are craving a digestif, you can choose from a wide range of bitters, or Amari.

THE BREAKFAST
You might choose to accompany that with the season’s freshly picked fruits. Or home-made Italian breakfast bread with butter, jams and spreads. But maybe you might prefer a savoury breakfast.

All you have to do is ask your waiter and you will be served a variety of breakfast dishes, from pancakes to omelettes. You can also choose any warm drink, coffee, tea, cappuccino, latte, espresso, or a Sicilian red-orange juice. Your day is finally ready to begin!

WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Shalai is an increasingly popular venue for couples who want to celebrate their special day. The wedding reception can be hosted in the restaurant’s dining halls as well as in the ballroom.

Many couples consider it like a family home, as these spaces make for a truly magical setting, with frescoed ceilings in the intimate charm of the old mansion, which have a strong personal importance. But Shalai does not only host weddings.

The familiar, intimate and elegant setting created by the curated interiors of this distinguished estate has become dear to the hearts of many, and makes it the preferred venue for many types of events to celebrate the important milestones of life.

Moments that have a sense of uniqueness, which will have the character of tailoring and which become the glue of aggregation, fun and charm. Shalai plays a leading role being a natural aggregator of beauty, good food, entertainment and elegance at the service of its guests.

Shalai dates back to the Ballroom with a ceiling decorated with original 19th century frescoes which is suitable for private events, small ceremonies and moments of fun.

In addition, Shalai and the Pennisi family are well versed in external catering services for unforgettable moments to which to affix the Shalai signature to be sure and certain of an excellent result.

SPA & WELLNESS
Shalai’s SPA is an intimate, elegant, romantic space. Equipped with all the services you could expect of a SPA, what makes the difference is the dedication of the highly trained staff to making you feel at ease and at peace with the world.

All you need to do to get there is cross the hotel’s little indoor garden, and you can pamper yourself with a sweet and relaxing experience. Shalai’s SPA is designed to have an intimate environment, and has a romantic charm that is perfect for couples.

Delicate fragrances, the bubbly sounds of the saltwater hot tub, the Turkish bath and sauna are ready to welcome you. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of activities, or to relax and prepare before a long-planned dinner. Currently it can only be accessed with a reservation!

Shalai’s spa is an intimate, cosy setting for a couple or a small group of friends. Tailored and focused, Shalai’s spa has all the amenities that make the difference. The program includes a sauna, Turkish bath and a saltwater hot tub. It lasts one hour, during which guests are offered a relaxing herbal tea.

You will immediately feel a sense of well-being, especially after your time in the sauna and the Turkish bath, which work to eliminate toxins. The salt water in the hot tub is good for your skin because it hydrates the body, as opposed to chlorine.

Finally, the relaxing herbal tea will give that ultimate, relaxing touch. The spa staff will offer you the menu with herbal teas, from which you can pick according to your tastes and desired effects.

Your long-cherished dream can finally come true. A moment to set aside for yourself and your well-being, a time free of disturbances of any kind. A moment to pamper yourself. Wellness treatments and spa services should be a part of any vacation or leisure time.

Shalai’s spa can be exclusively yours for one hour. All you need to do is arrange it in advance with the front desk. In this time slot there will be no other guests, and the entire spa area will be at your complete disposal, including the spa’s staff to whom you can request in advance the treatments you would like to benefit from.

Shalai is always attentive to its guests’ well-being, that is why it provides the option of experiencing the SPA with only those you want with you. Because it’s not about what you can explain, but about what you can experience!

MOUNT ETNA
Mount Etna is not only the largest active volcano in Europe. It is also the archetypal symbol of Sicily’s untamed, ancient nature and history. It is no accident that Etna is a woman’s name; for the inhabitants of its slopes, it is simply ‘A Muntagna (The Mountain).

The volcano’s beauty is multifaceted, with snow-capped craters, lava caves, lunar landscapes, biodiverse forests and thriving citrus groves and vineyards. An incredibly diverse landscape, in which nature blends with and challenges human presence.

It is no surprise that this extraordinary volcano, a World Heritage Site since 2013, attracts and charms thousands of visitors, hikers, scholars, and passers-by. When Etna awakens and begins to mutter, the columns of smoke, the explosions of fire, and the fountains of lava are always a captivating spectacle like no other. Contact our staff to arrange a unique excursion.

LINGUAGLOSSA
People visiting Linguaglossa for the first time are always amazed by the beautiful landscape, which encompasses the mountain and the sea at once. The small Etnean town of Linguaglossa is located on the north-eastern slope of the volcano, 550 meters above sea level.

Its great position has made it an important destination for visitors in this area of Sicily. It is 19 km away from the Piano Provenzana ski resort, and only 15 km from Taormina, making it an ideal place for a vacation in any season.

The town’s streets are embellished by the historic heritage of the town’s many churches and palaces. Strolling through them it’s almost like being in an open-air museum of contemporary art: the streets are decorated by about 50 murals created by 24 artists from the 1990s to date, each image telling a local story and tradition.

A visit to Linguaglossa would be incomplete without a food and wine tour to give you a taste of the local specialities, starting with the al ceppo sausage, handcrafted by expert local butchers on a large oakwood board, with selected pork morsels seasoned with wild fennel seeds harvested on Mount Etna.

With its distinctive taste, this dish has recently been included in the Slow Food presidia for biodiversity. Another typical product of Linguaglossa is the prized Etna DOC wine. We can suggest guided tours to the many beautiful wineries of Etna, we guarantee it would be a delightful experience!

TAORMINA
Taormina is a true jewel, and one of the most enchanting places in the world. Its architecture, art and culture are set in a breath-taking landscape. Here the Ancient Greek soul of the town, the Tauromenion, is surrounded and embraced by the medieval architecture of the rest of the town.

The Mediterranean vegetation and the shimmering blue Ionian Sea offer a palette of breath-taking colours, as the town acts as a natural terrace from which to contemplate the beauty of the scenery. No one travelling to Sicily should miss the opportunity to see Taormina.

Taormina is a cosmopolitan town, not only for the thousands of tourists that visit it every year, but also because it sets the stage for many international festivals and cultural events.

Its ancient Greek theatre is the second largest in Sicily after Syracuse, and it will host the Taormina Arts festival from June to August, with an impressive line-up of ballet and dance shows, concerts and theatre plays.

The Taormina Film Fest will also take place in June, one of Italy’s most renowned film festivals, with international guests. And then the concert season will open in town to host talented artists from around Italy and the world!

Last but not least, it’s important to note that Taormina also has beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water, restaurants, shopping venues, and a vibrant night life.

CATANIA
Catania brims with history and culture. This extraordinary city encompasses Sicily’s complexity and diversity, and is a true window into its multifaceted soul.

Under the Archi della Marina, that start in the central station and continue all the way to Porta Uzeda, the door to the old town, you can find the old town’s fish market, surrounded by little restaurants, dining places and bars of all sorts. Nearby, the city’s Duomo stands in an elegant piazza that leads into the ancient Via Etnea.

All around, historic palaces, or palazzi, cafes and shops lead curious travellers towards sites such as the grand Theatre Massimo, or the medieval Ursino Castle, or the popular neighbourhood of San Berillo.

Catania and its port have always been an important economic hub for the island, but also a place where different cultures have met and mixed over the centuries. A melting pot that never stops changing, at the feet of the great Mount Etna, which the locals affectionately call ‘A Muntagna (the mountain).

THE ALCANTARE GORGES
Visitors should not leave North-Eastern Sicily without having visited the Alcantara River Park, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, between the towns of Castiglione di Sicilia and Motta Camastra, It’s only about thirty minutes from Linguaglossa.

Over thousands of years, the Alcantara River has carved a natural canyon in the lava rocks of this majestic place, creating steep and narrow gorges. The walls of the canyon are up to 25 meters high, and they are carved in so many shapes and curves that they are truly an extraordinary natural wonder.

The Alcantara River Park offers a range of different activities to match every preference: the sporty and adventurous can try body rafting, or a quad bike ride along the river, while those who prefer a more relaxing and meditative experience could sign up for biking and walking excursions.

Because of their unique beauty, the Alcantara Gorges have been the set of a number of movie productions, for example Matteo Garrone’s 2015 award-winning movie “Il Racconto dei Racconti”.

THE SKI SLOPES
If you are passionate about winter sports, Mount Etna offers the incredible and unique opportunity to ski on an active volcano. Every now and again, Etna reminds her human inhabitants that she is alive and powerful.

On the northern slope, about 19 km from Linguaglossa, you will find one of Etna’s two ski resorts, Piano Provenzana, with an altitude ranging between 1800 and 2300 meters. The skiing area is equipped with a 4-seat chairlifts and 3 ski-lifts that can take skiers up to four red slopes and two blue slopes.

The view from here is almost moving. On one side, the snowy mountain, on the other the shimmering blue Ionian Sea, and in between the green pine groves, the mountain lodges and the chalets; sometimes, the glowing red lava fire of the volcano. This colourful and varied landscape comes alive with extraordinary beauty, as the light changes its angle through the day.

WINE TOURS
The fertile soil of Mount Etna, nourished by the volcano and the sea, is a perfect place for vineyards – and of course, for good wine. Etna DOC is produced here. Its white, red and rosé varieties are crafted from four different types of vines: Carricante, Catarratto, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.

To showcase the richness and variety of the wine-making traditions in the area, we prepared a special Wine Tour of Mount Etna, La Strada del Vino, designed to guide you through vineyards, farms, wine cellars, wineries and museums on wine-making.

For this tour, we picked 20 wineries that stand out for their ability to bring together age-old knowledge and methods with modern technologies. This Wine Tour will also guide you through the rolling hills and fields of the area’s beautiful country-side, between old towns and farmhouses, aristocratic estates, orchards and fields citrus groves.

THE GOLF CLUB
A vacation on Mount Etna does not only offer opportunities for winter sports. Inside Etna’s Park, there is a golf club with 18 golf holes, the first one this large on the island, between the municipalities of Linguaglossa, Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo, only 10 km away from the Alcantara Gorges.

The Picciolo Golf Club was designed in 1989 by the architect Luigi Rota Caremoli. He made the holes fit in the lava stones that solidified with the 1916 eruption, and maximized the potential of the 44 hectares of hillside on which the golf club is located.

At Picciolo you can play any season of the year, it’s only at 650 meters of altitude, on the north-eastern slope of the volcano, about 30 km from the sea. Here, the ground never freezes and the temperature stays mild during the summer. It offers golfers a captivating view of Mount Etna, from close to its lovely vineyards, oak and hazelnut groves.

EXPERIENCES & ACTIVITIES
Shalai can also arrange amazing outdoor experiences. Thanks to its great location between the natural wonder of Mount Etna and the Sicilian coastline, Shalai can arrange fun tailored experiences, between the services offered inside the hotel and activities outdoors, immersed in nature.

Shalai can arrange different elements to into the perfect, one-of-a kind vacation experience, custom made for you. These experiences will fill your heart to the point that you will have to leave it in Sicily. With experiences such as this one you will be so astounded you will get the feeling of “the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.” (I. Kant)

COOKING CLASS
Spending time in the kitchen with the chef Giovanni Santoro is a great opportunity for everyone who loves to learn and experience the joy of cooking. These cooking classes can be reserved at Shalai, and are offered for food lovers and all guests who are interested in knowing more about the art of cooking alongside a Michelin-starred chef.

Cooking classes are also opportunities to break out of the formality of dining services and immerse yourself in every step of the preparation of a dish. You can ask questions and stand by Santoro’s side for the entire experience.

WINE TASTING
Shalai’s Cellar is a quiet, evocative place, where elegant signature bottles are kept alongside local and international sparkling wines, and vertical vintage selections of Etna’s wineries that often date far back.

Guests can reserve a journey through taste, while sitting comfortably in the restaurant or in the ballroom. Let our sommelier Dario De Salvo and our director Leonardo Pennisi entertain you with the canteen’s secrets and prized possessions, while they share gems that are worthy only of the most daring hearts.

HELICOPTER TOURS
The world offers a very different perspective when seen from the sky, onboard a helicopter. If we then drive the helicopter over Mount Etna, the fascinating view that will unravel at your feet can hardly be described.

You will have a chance to admire and photograph the ever-changing colours of the rocks and the vegetation, the volcanic landscapes, under the undisputed reign of nature as you fly over the Volcano’s summit.

Beauty acquires a different dimension from this perspective. This active Volcano is the tallest in Europe. Its massive size does not make for a static view, as the volcano’s activity brings it to life!

EXCURSIONS ON QUAD BIKES
This adrenaline-filled adventure will not give you time to catch your breath. You will experience up close everything nature can offer. Excursions on Mount Etna with quad bikes are a timeless treasure hunt, an experience that connects you to nature in its wildest and most primal forms.

Usually, you drive off road to cross through the undergrowth to the historic solidified lava flows such as the one that destroyed Piano Provenzana in 2002. These unbeaten paths will allow you to experience untamed nature, and that extreme environment that is unforgettable and special.

VISITING THE CRATERS
A fabulous experience for hiking enthusiasts. Reaching the summit craters of Mount Etna means getting to about 2,500 meters above sea level. Every step will be a discovery along an untamed natural landscape, where you will savour silence, beauty, energy, and ever-changing colours.

We recommend that you go in the company of a specialized guide, who would know the routes and certainly give you the best experience of this journey, immersed in the absolute beauty of a place that changes with each passing season, and with the frequent lava flows, that mould the landscape into new shapes, paving the way for new and exciting paths.

WINTER SPORTS
During the winter time, Mount Etna has the largest ski resort destination in Sicily, thanks to the skiing slopes and lifts Etna Sud and Etna Nord. If you are staying in Shalai during winter you should certainly schedule at least one skiing or snowboarding day.

The snowy slopes will excite you and fill you with wonder. During the spring, summer and autumn there are many activities to enjoy, such as mountain biking, hiking and trail running.

The trail paths set up through the years lead you through lush vegetation and ancient solidified lava flows that define the landscape and your journey through it. Mount Etna is beautiful even on an unplanned, inspired walk, that can be savoured step by step.

Rooms: 13

Price: from 125 EUR per night

Source: www.shalai.it

Kepos Etna Relais welcomes you in the heart of the Etna coast, between sea and nature, history and archeology, exclusive locations and sparkling nightlife. We recommend this splendid Relais for the impeccable service, without sacrificing the authentic Sicilian hospitality. Located in Santa Venerina, Kepos Etna Relais & Exclusive Spa offers an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant , a spa, a sun terrace and free WiFi.

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The Suites have a lounge / living area and a kitchenette. In the morning, a rich buffet breakfast with sweet and savory products is served. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

The wellness center includes a hot tub, Turkish bath, sauna and sensory showers. A massage service is available upon request. Kepos Etna Relais & Exclusive Spa is 31 km from Catania. The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, a 40-minute drive away.

ROOMS & SUITES
The hotel rooms are large and bright rooms, characterized by a modern design and a refined and essential atmosphere. Tutte le camere dispongono di bagno privato con doccia, aria condizionata, connessione Wi-Fi, TV satellitare e minibar.

ROYAL SUITE
2 connecting rooms with 1 double bed and 2 single beds 60 square meters soundproof room, two connecting rooms, a living area and 2 bathrooms, sea view

SUITE ETNA
1 double bed or 2 single beds Room of 36 square meters soundproofed, garden and Mount Etna view.

FAMILY SUITE
Two conneting rooms with one double bed and two separate beds. 60 square meters soundproofed room, two connecting rooms, a living area and 1 bathroom, furnished patio and garden and pool views.

RESTAURANT
From breakfast to the organization of banquets, catering is a service that Kepos offers its guests, with its cuisine suitable for all needs.

SPA & WELLNESS
The Relais offers its guests an intimate and reserved corner, in which to spend regenerating moments of relaxation: heated outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, emotional shower, massage area.

The Spa of our resort offers a particular approach to wellness and physical fitness through a rich menu of programs and treatments that include the use of typical products also present in our garden and which are the emblem of our land, from fig extracts of India, to the use of olive oil, sea salt, Etna grape musts, Sicilian spices and citrus fruits.

SERVICES & ACTIVITIES
Guests have free access to the common areas of the structure and can complete their stay with the many services offered by the Kepos Etna Relais. Parking and Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel are included in the price of the stay.

It is possible to rent a bicycle or spend unforgettable days discovering the area, thanks to the numerous tours, activities and nature trails available in the surroundings.

Rooms: 15

Price: from 245 EUR per night

Source: www.keposetnarelais.com

Donna Carmela is a historic residence between Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is a Resort surrounded by a lush garden of 10,000 square meters overlooking a nursery of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Next to the Sicilian beam there are 8 lodges surrounded by vegetation that makes them unique and makes experience in full contact with nature.

A privileged location for a relaxing holiday and at the same time an ideal starting point to discover the beauty of eastern Sicily: Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Catania and Piazza Armerina.

IMPERIAL SUITE
A luxurious historical Villa located a few meters away from the Resort Donna Carmela, with a large swimming pool, a splendid view of the sea and the Etna. A dedicated staff will take care of the daily shopping and breakfast. The Imperial Suite is ideal for an authentic Sicilian hospitality experience.

JACUZZI GRAN SUITE
The Jacuzzi Gran Suite is located in the highest point of the Resort and have a breath-taking view of the sea and of the Etna volcano. Their indoor design and luxury comforts are embellished with the outdoor heated jacuzzi overlooking the entire Resort from the 150 sqm terrace.

The suite has a private entrance, 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, 1 living area with electric hob and on the terrace it is possible to organize private and special dinner on request.

FLORA LODGE
Nestled in a lush paradise of Mediterranean and tropical plants, the Flora Lodge are situated in a privileged panoramic position on the nursery and the Ionian Sea, and have been designed to guarantee guests discretion and privacy.

They are design dwellings, nests suspended from the ground, where nature and contemporary living coexist.

SUPERIOR ROOM
Simplicity and sophistication are the key elements for the design of Superior rooms. Each room has a suggestive view of the Etna volcano and the garden. Welcoming and comfortable thanks to a scrupulous attention to every detail and services provided.

DINING
La Cucina di Donna Carmela, pure exaltation of the flavours of Sicily and authentic Italy thanks to our chef Piergiorgio Alecci. A work of eno-gastronomic research that goes deep and beyond the raw material declined in different tasting proposals that seal taste, understanding and experience.

SINTESI
Sintesi is a compendium of the best local tradition. From appetizer to dessert the Restaurant Sintesi is designed for those who love the flavors and authentic tastes. From the raw materials of our garden, to the products of the area, to enhance the traditions of the typical Sicilian cuisine.

RIZOBAR
Rizobar is the space dedicated to the art of drinking well. A modern and sophisticated location where you can taste a wide selection of fine distillates skilfully mixed by our barmen. The taste for aesthetics is embodied in the creativity of garnish and the elegance of every single drink.

WINE CELLAR
The tip of the diamond of the restaurant, in order to enhance the culinary proposal, is the <strong>Wine Cellar</strong> with vault at sight.

A treasure chest with more than 300 labels inside which stands out the elegance of the rocky and evocative minerality of the volcano of the award-winning Pietradolce labels, winery of the Faro family located on the northern side of Volcano Etna.

Wide space for a range of national and international proposals, from large French maisons to local producers.

WELLNESS
In a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere you can let expert hands wrap you for feelings of pure relaxation. Our therapists will advise you on the best treatments to give your body the right vigor, through the use of exclusive products that respect the environment and the body.

For sports lovers who do not give up the perfect physical fitness even on holiday, our fitness room is the ideal place. Equipped with modern Technogym equipment, it allows you to take time to take care of your body at any time of day, in a warm and bright environment.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Donna Carmela is the ideal location to organize any type of event, in a context of ease and tranquility, with the guarantee of a high quality services. A world of sensations and creations tailored, for an exclusive event in a dream like setting with incomparable charm.

Donna Carmela offers a gathering and elegant meeting room, equipped to accommodate up to 40 people, ideal for business meetings, immersed in the green of the countryside and in the blue of the sea. Our boutique resort is ready to host any type of corporate event. Our restaurant offers solutions for every need.

EXPERIENCES
The nature of our island is ready to welcome new guests, to live it fully make sure you enjoy the many experiences we offer. A path on Mount Etna on board a quad is ideal for exploring the landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions, where nature is reborn from its ashes.

Sailing aboard a sailboat will give you the scent of the sea breeze, and the panorama of the stacks of Acitrezza, of the Aeolian coasts, of the majesty of the Greek theatre of Taormina will make you vibrate your heart and feel the desire to return even before leaving.

DISCOVERING PIETRADOLCE WINES
In Solicchiata, a small village just a few kilometres from the hilly town of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the Northern slope of the Mount Etna, rises Pietradolce. The estate covers 18 hectares located in different plots within the Contrade Rampante, Zottorinoto and Santo Spirito, at an altitude between 700 and 950 m a.s.l.

The soils are a rather stony, light, sandy loam, with plentiful mineral elements of volcanic origin, which give born to wines with unique characteristics.

Our wine tours include the guided visit of the pre – phylloxera vineyards, of the cellar and of the barrel room where the wines age. During the visit we love to tell our guests the company philosophy, the story and finally make them have a taste of our wines.

RADICEPURA GARDEN FESTIVAL
Radicepura Garden Festival is the first international event dedicated to garden design and landscape architecture of the Mediterranean that involves great protagonists of landscape, art and architecture, young designers, scholars, institutions, companies and companies.

It is an experience immersed in nature, where thanks to the botanical installations and artistic elements it is possible to make a sensorial journey through the scents and colours of the five thousand varieties of plants coming from Sicily and from all over the world.

Rooms: 26

Price: from 169 EUR per night

Source: www.donnacarmela.com