Bought in September 2009, Dimora delle Balze is a nineteenth-century estate in which time doesn’t seem to have passed. The walls, the floors and the ceilings tell fascinating stories filled with a Mediterranean scent, eager to be listened to.

The estate has a big quadrangular courtyard which, on its left side, is overlooked by the rooms formerly destined to the farmer’s dwelling, to the storage, and to the stables. In the right wing, instead, an ancient gate leads to the manor-house.

The interior is composed of a large number of rooms, where there are authentic and suggestive Rinascimento frescoes, brought back to their original splendour.

Last but not least, the Manor Garden, formerly enhanced by stone benches, today hosting the remains of the pre-existing classical columns and terraces, set up with armchairs and custom-made design objects.

Through a preservative restoration characterised by a detailed research of unique objects, vintage and design elements, the fascination of the Mediterranean past is passed down.

The estate extends to about 25 hectares, cultivable for the most part and 100% Bio certified. Inside it and in the many adjoining areas, ancient caves can be seen. In addition, the estate is situated between the extraordinary beauty of Noto and the ancient city of Siracusa.

It is the attention to details that makes this place so magical; this is possible thanks to the cooperation between the owner Elena Lops and the designers Draga Obradovic and Stefano Guidotti.

The magic released by this place makes it the ideal location not only for wedding ceremonies, but also for private events, exhibitions, vernissages, events which could be hosted both in the internal salons of the main building and outdoors.

ROOMS
The Dimora is composed of 11 rooms of different sizes, from 20 to 45 square metres, each with different colours and designs, specifically designed for them. Each room has its own concept and a story to tell.

The names chosen for the rooms refer to Sicilian works and artists, from cinema to art, from poetry to opera. In this way, the property wanted to pay homage to the extraordinary performers who made the name of this wonderful region great all over the world.

As to the floors, handmade cementines from Morocco have been designed in different forms and Mediterranean colours, such as mid-blue grey and the shades of green.

Seven rooms are situated in the central court and each of them has a terrace, from which you can overlook the first court, and you have the possibility to interact with the other estate guests, as if you were in an ancient village.

Inside the Dimora we find two special rooms: one is situated in the manger, while the other is set on the little tower from which you can see Viale dei Carrubi, the Valley and the swimming pool.

In the manor house there are four rooms with original ceilings and elegant furniture, all of them with a beautiful view of the valley, while two of them have a private terrace, an intimate area with a view of the nearby wood.

Inside these scenographic residences you can breathe the atmosphere of the local workshops and of the manufacturer productions of the place, that in a blend of elegance and welcoming give a sense of belonging and family.

EVA (GIOVANNI VERGA)
“You need to dream to achieve glory and money; I have nothing but my youth, and I need to take advantage from it…”.

With his novel Eva, Giovanni Verga denounces the inability of the public to understand the refinement and the delicacy of art, and it does so by narrating the short passion between the painter Enrico Lanti and the lively dancer Eva.

The room which carries the name of this work is situated in front of the manger and it has a surface of 35 square metres.

POESIE (SALVATORE QUASIMODO)
The hermetic poet Salvatore Quasimodo was born in Modica in 1901. He soon left Sicily and it seems that it was the distance from home who brought him to dedicate himself to writing. In his numerous poems, the Island becomes the symbol of lost happiness.

The difficult estrangement, however, also allowed him to become a part of one of the most exclusive circle of artists and writers, among which there was Eugenio Montale.

In 1959 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The room Poesie, with a view of the court, has an adjacent terrace and it is 35 squared metres wide.

LA SCONOSCIUTA (GIUSEPPE TORNATORE)
La Sconosciuta is a 2006 film by Giuseppe Tornatore. The moving story of Irena reveals the terrible destiny of some eastern Europe girls, exploited in order to give their children up for adoption.

The result of the work of the master from Bagheria is a story of an incredible fortitude, of affection and courage. Situated on the main court, the room La Sconosciuta is 35 square metres wide and it has a small terrace.

EXPERIENCE
The unforgettable moments need to be kept for saving precious memories. So Dimora delle Balze teaches to our guests the best skills in order to learn in a weekend the principal techniques of photography and other Arts.

The Academies mean much more… Who appreciates the traditional Cuisine will experience Cooking and Pastries Classes. Enjoy your passions!

SEA
Dimora delle Balze lies in an “harsh land surrounded by the immense and jealous sea”. Our guests will have the opportunity to reach the most beautiful beaches around 30 minutes far, such as Fontane Bianche, with wild cliffs and white sandy beaches. Do not miss the Vendicari Reserve: over 7 km of coast rewarded with 4 Blue Sails!

SPA / RELAX
An unforgettable vacation means also “relax”. Dimora delle Balze offers to our guests a fitness area near the swimming pool and on request a wellness program which includes SPA and regenerative activities.

Our swimming pool has been made with salt water for the extraordinary effects on the skin and to eliminate any kind of contact with the chemicals typical of the “chlorine” swimming pools.

ART
Dimora is surrounded by the wonderful places of art. Our reception is at your complete disposal to organize excursions to the ancient cities of Noto, Syracuse and Ragusa Ibla, relying on expert local guides and trusted transfer services, to reach these places full of charm and history. and enjoy the view of the ancient Baroque and Renaissance buildings.

EVENTS
Have you ever thought of living inside a film? We hope so, since our imagination has no boundaries; your wedding, your birthday or any other event you would like to share will be organised like a fairytale.

Dimora delle Balze is a magical place with a great evocative power, the estate is situated between two of the most attractive Sicilian cities: Noto and Siracusa.
The owner, Elena Lops, is specialised in author scenic designs and together with her coworkers, she tries to satisfy every kind of request.

With its 27 hectares of extension, Dimora delle Balze is the perfect location to host events specially created for our clients, the spaces for the events are comfortable and refined, with the possibility to choose between the many internal courts, the gardens, the swimming pool area and the lemon orchard.

This place was created with care and attention and in the same way our staff will take care of the people who live there. Dimora delle Balze and its staff will make your dream come true, a unique moment that you and your guests will always remember.

WEDDING
The wedding is the dream of every lovers. Here you can organize a magical event, between the scent of the Sicilian fruits. You can stay near the swimming pool with your family or in the Courtyard during the Summer. You can even enjoy the warm of the lounges during the Winter. Let your dream comes true!

SET DESIGN
“Dimora delle Balze is a place where hearten the soul, where I would like to make happy all the people who have the opportunity to spend some days in”.

The idea that inspires Dimora delle Balze’s set design is the research for harmony between the magic of the estate and the desires of those who choose it as a big day framework.

The meticulous care of details, from the definition of a color palette to the development of a thematic concept, makes Dimora delle Balze a location where creativity, excellence and elegance are blended creating an atmosphere as a great film set.

The spectacular farm from the 1800s, located on the hills between Noto and Palazzolo Acreide, allows to set up large spaces, both inside and outside, for every occasion.

PRIVATE PARTY
A Private event at Dimora delle Balze is an unique event, tailored to our guests. There are 120 seats in the lounges and 300 seats in the external area near the swimming pool.

It is the perfect location for theme parties, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries and for any special moment that you will remember for the entire life.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
Special projects is the section in which Dimora delle Balze commits itself promoting the cultural vision that has guided the recovery of the estate, developing initiatives that may live by themselves.

Dimora delle Balze has the ambitious aim of presenting itself as ideas and project gather to promote and make culture, becoming in this manner a place where built valuable experiences creating moments of meeting and trustful relationships.

Day after day Dimora Delle Balze will commit to plan and support an artistic project that narrates Sicily and its tradition, with a language that crosses the borders of “picture-perfect tourism” and that expresses itself by promoting the contamination with the territory , the research of the local authenticity and respect for Nature.

The first project born within this commitment consists of a series of workshops, where guests will be accompanied in a unique reality and will live them personally.

We believe also that cross the thresholds of other cities and other projects bring growth and wealth: so during the design week part of Dimora delle Balze’s staff will move to Milan to follow the design week, where the careful attention of the estate will select best moment to share.

CULINARY LAB
Curiosity, exploration, passion and attention to raw materials, these are the keywords to involve our guests in a fascinating journey towards taste, a complete immersion in the flavors of Sicily.

With the culinary lab of the Chef Solaika Marrocco, Dimora delle Balze offers to its guests the opportunity to learn the secrets of the newly elected Emerging Chef 2020, where tradition and innovation come together in an overwhelming combination.

The culinary laboratory will last for three days, from 8th to 10th of May 2020. The Chef Marrocco will offer our guests the unique chance to experience the culinary culture of the island and a complimentary dinner that will be offered by the property, where the protagonists of the dishes will be the products directly coming from the organic garden of our estate.

During the cooking class, the guests will experience firsthand the recipes of some Sicilian specialties, revisited in a contemporary key by the chef Marrocco, with elements borrowed from other regional traditions.

I am very respectful of the very essence of raw materials, the exaltation of the characteristics of the food is the foundation of everything for me. Through this, I manage to build harmony and balance in my dishes.

My cuisine is emotion and story: I create without limits, but certainly starting from flavors, gestures and rituals that I know since I was a child.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 399 EUR per night

Source: www.dimoradellebalze.com

Seven Rooms Villadorata Luxury Hotel, in the heart of the baroque town of Noto, offers its guests a taste of the real Sicilian artistocracy powerful fascination and refined hospitality.

For centuries, residence of the illustrious Villadorata princely family, the palace, with its historical suites, is the ideal context to appreciate the charm of the Val di Noto where time left its track in the stones of the churches, convents and palaces today part of the suggestive landscape of the area.

Between the crystalline blue waters of the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the rich golden hue of the historic monuments, our charming hotel constitutes an inescapable “relais” worth the “Grand Tour” of the last centuries.

We yearned to recreate the “soap from the past” with local ingredients, ancestral recipes and simple gestures. In the often-neglected handmade skills, our unique soaps are fashioned in such a way to transcend their main purpose and become small works of art.

ROOMS & SUITES
Refurbished with the upmost respect of the atmosphere of a princely 18th century private residence, each room exudes a distinctive charm.

Private balconies overlooking the palace private courtyard beautifully adorned with a symbolic pair of palm trees, views that stretch from market loggia to the coastline passing through the nearby city Hall and some remarkable churches, the owners made a point in taking care of every detail and with a flawless selection of exclusive Italian and French linens and furnishings, not only they made each room luxurious and comfortable but also one of a kind.

Highest quality furnishings and accessories were chosen for the rooms with the intention of offering guests a timeless and elegant experience comparable to which of a large luxury hotel while remaining welcoming and intimate as only a small family structure can be.

Impeccable service and a great sense of privacy complete the offering. The aim is to meet with the needs of our most “travelled” guests in Sicily for business or for leisure.

MASTER SUITE
An elegant and sophisticated 75 sqm Suite where furniture’s become an emotional experience and every detail evokes suggestive corners of oriental inspiration.

The accommodation offers a generous living room with decorations inspired by gorgonians and objects of curiosity and a large bright bathroom with a comfortable double shower.

GRAND SUITE
“Home away from Home”, a refined and well-designed 70 square meter Suite. Six-meter-high ceilings in the generous master bedroom, a private lounge and a second bedroom: an ideal place to share the experience with your family or friends.

JUNIOR SUITE
Four rooms of exceptional size and volume located on the noble floor of the palace. One can admire frescoed ceilings and antique objects collected and exhibited as in an extravagant Wunderkammer.

All rooms have a private balcony with breathtaking views of the heart of the Baroque town, a perfect place to enjoy an intimate aperitif at sunset.

DELUXE WITH PRIVATE TERRACE
A charming room with a beautiful and spacious private terrace in pure baroque style with a sitting area and a bathroom decorated with a collection of corals.

RESTAURANT
Because we really care to offer our guests a unique and unforgettable experience, we undertook the restoration of what use to be the annex building and the stables of the palace and transformed it in a restaurant. A suggestive suite of rooms with big cap vaults and powerful stone walls.

Enthused by the spirit of “good food” (buon cibo) and good table, Manna restaurant chef masters the art of combining flavours and aromas in traditional Mediterranean dishes made from local ingredients of the highest quality and presented in a creative manner, sure to delight even the most demanding palates.

PRODUCTS FROM AN ERA LONG PAST
We yearned to recreate the “soap from the past” with local ingredients, ancestral recipes and simple gestures. In the often-neglected handmade skills, our unique soaps are fashioned in such a way to transcend their main purpose and become small works of art.

The undisputed protagonist of our soap is the “liquid gold”, as Homer called it. We use only organic extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality produced in our 20 hectares organic farm and rich in many nutrients and antioxidant properties for the skin.

Officine Villadorata is a small soap company born in Noto, in the south-eastern tip of Sicily, from our passion for local craftsmanship and the excellency of raw materials one can find in the area.

We strive to recreate the “soap of long ago”, crafted with local ingredients, ancestral recipes and simple gestures. In the skills of making by hand, often disregarded, one create unique soaps able to transcend its main purpose and become small pieces of art.

CRAFTSMANSHIP MADE IN SICILY
The passion for everything «hand made» is what guides us throughout production process. The craftsmanship of the artisans we met along our path is priceless and we wish to preserve it as long as we can.

So we don’t just select the finest raw materials that surround us, we also allow the wise Sicilian craftsmen to transform them, because only in this way we can pass on all their qualities to the final product.

ORGANIC (BIO) EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL MADE IN SICILY
The undisputed protagonist of our soap is the “liquid gold”, as Homer called it. We use only organic extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality produced in our 20 hectares organic farm and rich in many nutrients and antioxidant properties for the skin.

VAL DI NOTO
We are located in a historical building in Noto, symbol of the Baroque architecture characteristic of this city.

The palazzo stands out for the plethora of eighteenth century masterpieces, for its location just steps from the cathedral and for its picturesque views of the Noto Valley, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002.

It is hard to express in just a few words what lead us to create this hide-away. Our desire was to find an ancient building to restore back to life, with the aim of creating a rejuvenating holiday resort for friends, guests, as well as for ourselves.

THE SUD EST AND ITS WONDERS
The hotel is located within easy reach of both the seaside and the inland, allowing guests to benefit from nature, archaeology and history of the area with excursions to Syracuse, Modica and Ragusa, including the locale of famous fictional stories involving character and chief of police Montalbano.

Within a ten-minute drive, guests can reach the Vendicari marine reserve, surrounded by its maritime villages and farmhouses and can taste first hand the elements that make the famous ‘dolce vita’.

Within driving distance is also the promontory of Capopassero, set on the very last strip of Sicily and on the same latitude as Tangier and Tunis.

Rooms: 7

Price: from 299 EUR per night

Website: www.7roomsvilladorata.it

The Terre di Vendicari Resort is a wonderful location to enjoy moments of relaxation and get back in shape wrapped around blooming nature, immersed in the charming atmosphere our Oasis.

Treat yourself to a pure wellness holiday in our beautiful farmhouse immersed in an oasis of peace, nature, luscious lemon and olive groves, centuries-old carob and almond trees, where you can walk in absolute tranquility, enjoy a leisurely swim in the pool with panoramic views on the Vendicari Oasis or a refreshing sauna among centuries-old olive trees, or even ride a mountain bike.

The Terre di Vendicari Resort dates back to the height of the Bourbon period, and its current condition is the result of skilful restoration and renovation efforts of the splendid 1740 farmhouse featuring a beautiful adjoining mill, which was built forty years later.

The Resort is just a few kilometers from the village of Noto, a small baroque jewel perched atop a plateau overlooking the Asinaro valley, where at dusk lights turns the color of majestic buildings into gold, and whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage site and a “Baroque” world capital.

The Resort also boasts culture and beautiful beaches overlooking crystal clear waters and fishing villages, like that of Marzamemi, rich of timeless charm. Born as a farm estate filled with organic Primofiore lemon groves, centuries-old olive and carob trees, and the famous Avola almond trees, the Resort is a magical place chosen by many swarms of bees that produce honey on site.

The luscious garden full of plants and flowers of every kind also includes 1800 specimen of paddle cacti (typical of Sicily) that seem to stand guard to the oasis of peace in which the Resort is located.

BACK IN TIME
In Vendicari, guests travel back in time, rediscovering scents, colors and dormant feelings, finding themselves in a particular dimension that set our Resort apart from all others.

THE HISTORY
The current owners of the Terre di Vendicari Resort discovered by chance the beauty of this place wrapped in the charm of an unknown and unspoiled Sicily, with its dry stone walls that cut unpaved roads, tiny villages, shouts at fish markets, but also the deafening silence of the countryside.

STRENGHT & ENERGY
Fascinated by these unique traits, they decided to invest strength and energy to restore the ancient rural buildings on the property to turn structures into an elegant resort, while also preserving their authenticity and historical value.

FICO D’INDIA ROOM
Spacious double room with bathroom featuring both bathtub and shower stall. Its tasteful decor is inspired by the Sicilian landscape, and includes also a wood stove which gives the room its unique flair.

MELOGRANO ROOM
Double bedroom equipped with all comforts including bathtub and shower, with great views over the pool and the Codalupo terrace. Coupled with the overall originality of the decor and attention to detail, the canopy bed makes this room perfect for a romantic getaway or a memorable vacation.

BRUNCH
Brunch is served at the edges of our splendid swimming pool, in a charming and unique setting; it offers tasty and appetizing dishes, many of which are typical Sicilian specialties.

WELCOME COCKTAIL
Many services made available to our guests, for a pleasant, relaxing and fun stay in a unique and exclusive setting: parking with video surveillance, meeting room with Internet access, sauna, laundry, use of mountain bikes, newspapers, scuba diving and tours of local wineries.

RELAX & WELL-BEING
The Terre di Vendicari Resort makes available to its guests a beautiful Olympic-size swimming pool to relax in absolute privacy, surrounded by luscious nature and in a unique and exclusive ambiance.

PURE DESIGN
Located next to the Farmhouse, the pool was built with utmost attention to be perfectly integrated to its surrounding environment. Its 30 meters are entirely covered in stones harvested from the nearby quarry of Noto. These typical stones are also known as the tufa of Noto, a limestone formation that, over time, acquires the yellow-gold color so typical of many Sicilians monuments.

RELAX & COMFORT
The pool is surrounded by unique and exclusive furnishings carefully selected from Balinese antique dealers: chairs, sofas and gazebos complete the pool’s natural setting in a play of colors and harmony that give guests moments of relaxation in full comfort.

THE GARDEN
Luscious lemon and olive groves, centuries-old carob and almond trees, where you can walk in absolute tranquility, enjoy a leisurely swim in the pool with panoramic views on the Vendicari Oasis or a refreshing sauna among centuries-old olive trees.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Terre di Vendicari extra virgin olive oil is a 100% Italian product produced in Sicily. Produce with the use of olives from our trees of the “Terre di Vendicari” estate which fall into a territory with a very high olive-growing vocation: south-eastern Sicily.

The careful selection of the olives and the passage to the milling within the same day, give our oil an absolute quality. Rich aroma and unique green olive flavor, ideal for enhancing any dish, served after cooking or raw.

It does not contain preservatives or other artificial essences. The dark colored bottle maintains the characteristics and peculiarities of the product unaltered. Format 75 cl. packaged in an elegant light green box.

LIMONCELLO
Terre di Vendicari limoncello is produced using the best lemon peel from our estate, the “femminello siracusano”. To guarantee its yellow-green color, we only use “verdello” or also called “summer lemon”, known precisely for its characteristic green color, with an intense aroma produced by the essential oils present in its peel.

Balanced taste and intense aroma typical of Sicilian lemons. The production method is artisanal: the lemons, immediately after harvesting, are selected and peeled by hand, in order to obtain a very thin peel, without the white part that would make the liqueur bitter.

The skins are immersed in pure alcohol and remain there for a few days. Subsequently, the infusion is mixed with a solution of water and sugar, without adding flavorings or dyes. Includes an elegant yellow box

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
The Terre di Vendicari Resorts offers its guests a variety of different local excursions. Those who love the sea and culture can easily reach the nearby beautiful Val di Noto, a “Sicilian Baroque” center designated a World Heritage site.

Particularly beautiful are Noto (with its fabulous its Baroque center), Ragusa (both old and new town), Caltagirone (well known for its beautiful ceramics), Scicli (at the confluence of 3 beautiful valleys) and Catania (historic tradition of the town).

ELORO BEACH
Located in the northern portion of the Vendicari Oasis reserve, close to the Noto beach. The Eloro beach features a sandy coastline, with a floor sloping gently out to sea, but also rocky stretches in the area near the mouth of the Tellaro River.

Guests can park their car in the dedicated area close to the beach, and walk on the wooden walkway, passing through remains of the ancient Greek city of Eloro, among dunes and finally reach the sandy shoreline where they can dip into crystal clear water. The beach is also equipped with bar and showers, useful after an intense day at the beach!

MARIANELLI BEACH
Located in the northern portion of the Vendicari Oasis, between the beaches of Aeolus and Clamosche, the Marianelli beach is wild and unspoiled, nestled among lemon and almond trees and sand dunes adorned with a very unique flora.

It is one of the favorite destinations for locals, and especially for naturalists who love peace and privacy: the beach offers a sandy coastline with some rocky sections, and pure crystal water.

CALAMOSCHE BEACH
It is the most famous beach of the Vendicari Oasis, located on its northernmost portion. It is known by the locals as “Funni Musca” (Cala Mosche).

The beach is a sandy cove bordered by two rocky headlands which shelter it from currents, and, therefore, features calm crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkelers: deep seabed, caves, hollows and ravines are home to a diverse marine life and a beautiful natural pool. In 2005, it was dubbed “Italy’s most beautiful beach” by the Blue Guide of Legambiente.

VENDICARI BEACH
Located in the southern portion of the Oasis, between the beaches of Calamosche and San Lorenzo, this beach is one of the most fascinating of the entire Reserve.

Very long sandy beach with shallow and blue-green water, enhanced by the proximity of the Swabian Tower (fortified structure dating back to the fifteenth-century) and the remains of the Tuna Reserve, a charming archaeological area surrounded by the ancient fishermen’s houses. A unique landscape and one of the most fascinating coasts of the Vendicari Reserve.

SAN LORENZO BEACH
Located just outside the southern boundary of the Vendicari Oasis Reserve. It features blue and deep sea bottom, great beaches and small sandy coves. Fine clear sand lapped by crystal clear turquoise sea.

It is ideal for families: it also allows younger children to enjoy the sea in complete safety and tranquility. The coastline is well equipped with facilities and services that ensure full relaxation.

Rooms: 4

Price: from 163 EUR per night

Source: www.terredivendicari.com

Masseria della Volpe is an old manor estate, restored to offer the charm and comfort of a boutique hotel, where you can stay in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Discover the fascinating holiday experience in the restored manor estate, with the perfect balance between nature, comfort and sustainability.

An enchanting property, perched on a hill looking out over the entire Val di Noto and two seas, still respects the heritage of the land and its traditions. Old manor estates or masserias appeared in Sicily between the 16th and 18th century, when Spain granted a license for resettlement to the nobility of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Big farms the size of small villages were often inhabited by the landowners as well as the farmworkers. Masserias were divided up into several sections including manor house, stables, storage barns for fodder and harvested crops and the buildings for their processing like mills, oil presses and dairies.

Grain, high quality oil and grapes were the principal and most sought after produce of masserias from the 1800s onwards, as documented by the annals, including the stories of historic owners the Ignaccolo family and Luigia Sipione, the baroness of Rosolini.

RESTORATION
Restoration of the original building and an expert reinterpretation, with style and good taste, have returned Masseria della Volpe to its former glory. What was once the barnyard now has elegant hammocks where you can relax and enjoy the warmth of the Sicilian sun.

The wells for drawing water have been restored internally and externally, and the old gutters have been repaired to carry water to the wells. Respect for nature and sustainability are the key words of the project. The Masseria makes ample use of solar energy, reuses rainwater for irrigation and has reduced the use of plastic in every possible way.

All in line with the organic philosophy, with respect for the land and the nature tides.  The citric grove has more than 1,000 citrus trees and includes almost all the varieties that exist in nature.

The organic garden bed, the vinegrove, the orchard and the olive and carob trees guarantee the freshest vegetables and fruits as well as the finest extra-virgin olive oil which are masterfully used and interpreted in “Codarossa” restaurant.

FORGED FROM SICILIAN NATURE
The founders who had fallen in love with Sicily wanted to breathe new life into the masseria and they wanted to do up the masseria, so they commissioned the architect Gabriele Tumiati to study the renovation of the original building and settle a boutique eco-resort.

Besides plenty of notable design solutions Gabriele took a hand in projecting of 250 m2 pool area with bar as well as wellness centre where a single 600kg block of Etna lava stone has been carved into a hammam bed – a work of art forged from Sicilian nature.

LOCATION
Staying at Masseria della Volpe makes it easy to organize day trips to discover the famous South-Eastern part of the island, with the sites and locations that uncover its fascinating history.

Sicilian Baroque architecture, an expression of the island’s extraordinary cultural heritage, can be seen at its finest in Noto, Modica, Ragusa, Scicli and Siracusa – UNESCO certainly didn’t make these cities of art into World Heritage Sites by chance.

The resort helipad is available for guests who prefer an alternative means of getting around and plan to visit places a bit further afield, like the impressive ancient theatre of Taormina, the gorges of Alcantara, the highest active volcano in Europe, her majesty Mount Etna, or the seven jewels of the Aeolian Islands.

What’s more, the whole area around Masseria della Volpe, both on the Ionian and Mediterranean sides of the island, is dotted with beaches, some small and private, others long and wild, and a few are even WWF nature reserves.

The resort lands are perfect for discovering an area that’s second to none for its nature, history and traditions, and the renovation and restoration that has preserved the charm of an old Sicilian masseria.

The most romantic place in Masseria della Volpe is definitely the Belvedere lounge deck, where you can look out over a breathtaking view of the entire Noto valley. The Belvedere can be reserved as a unique exclusive venue to celebrate special occasions in an unforgettable way.

Nature is the real and undisputed star of Masseria della Volpe. You’ll love walking along the paths in the park and getting lost in the scents of lemon and carob trees. The sturdiness of the centuries-old olive trees and the sea breeze, which tickles the senses, create an energy that can’t be reproduced anywhere else.

ECO-RESORT IN NOTO VALLEY
Masseria della Volpe has a green heart and an environmental philosophy that runs through everything, and makes it unique. A large proportion of the energy used is self-generated, and all the services fully respect the unspoilt natural environment of the estate. The colourful citric grove, the olive and carob woods, the organic orchard of the Secolo 21 farm keep the organic spirit alive.

The comfortable rooms and suites, the excellent Codarossa Restaurant, the exclusive wellness centre and SPA, the pool, and the sports facilities fit in perfectly with the traditional Sicilian farm buildings, which have been carefully restored in their original forms and with the original materials.

ROOMS & SUITES
Every room and every suite in Masseria della Volpe has been designed with the utmost respect for the old historic building, combining eco traditions with the high-end comfort and modern technologies. Choose your ideal room and start your holiday in Sicily.

APARTMENT
The independence of an apartment without missing out on hotel service, that’s what Masseria della Volpe offers with its Apartment accommodation. The apartment has the size of 120 m2 on 2 floors and consists of 3 spacious bedrooms with King size beds, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious lounge area.

Both bathrooms have a distinctive design with Modica stone and Sicilian Majolica tiles with a natural appeal, perfectly adapted for walk-in showers. Comfort is also about the details: bath robe, flip-flops and organic toiletries. Independent temperature control in every room ensures maximum comfort in every of Sicilian seasons.

The apartment has its own small garden and the private patio. The apartment can accommodate up to six people, which makes it ideal for a large family or a group of friends.

ROYAL FAMILY SUITE
The Royal Family Suite consists of three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a spacious sitting room, all are furnished with sought after fixtures and exquisite works of art from the founders’ collection.

Two private terraces on different levels overlooking the park and the swimming pool may turn your stay in the resort into absolute. Perfect if you’re looking for the warmth of home for yourself and your loved ones, with plenty of luxury and complete privacy.

This suite has respectful size of 120 m² on two floors and furnished in contemporary style with an emphasis on materials: wood, stone, high quality fabrics, Sicilian Majolica tiles. All the details have a local touch and help you tune in with the land and its culture.

The Royal Family Suites is equipped with maximum comfort: independent air-con, various density pillows, mini bar, safe and 42-55” LCD TVs with satellite channels and Sky Sport + Sky Cinema.

Three bathrooms have a distinctive design in stone and Sicilian Majolica tiles with a natural appeal, perfectly adapted for the spacious walk-in showers. Comfort is also about the details: bath robe, flip-flops and a natural organic courtesy toiletries. All the rooms are non smoking and have a 24h reception service.

LUXURY SUITE
Luxury Suites offers you all the comforts of home, so you can enjoy the summer in a state of complete relaxation. The suite consists of two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and a spacious sitting room, all are furnished with sought after fixtures and exquisite works of art from the founders’ collection.

Being the part of manor house the suite has the direct access to old rose garden and fountain. Perfect choice if you’re looking for the warmth of home for yourself and your loved ones, with plenty of luxury and complete privacy.

This suite is about 70 m² and furnished in contemporary style with an emphasis on materials: wood, stone, high quality fabrics, Sicilian Majolica tiles and art, with superb paintings by local and international artists. All the details have a local touch and help you tune in with the the land and its culture.

JUNIOR SUITE
The Junior Suite is the result of the main building’s careful renovation. The rooms are on 2 connected floors, with two bathrooms and private terrace that offers a completely private area to take a sunbath or enjoy the elevated view of the countryside with the sea in the distance.

Junior Suites is an ideal choice if you’re looking for comfort and privacy, including a choice to have your lunch or dinner at ground floor patio. This is a spacious room of about 50 m² on two floors, furnished in a contemporary style with an emphasis on materials: wood, stone, high quality fabrics and Sicilian Majolica tiles.

All the details have a local touch and help you tune in with the land and its culture. On the ground floor there’s a cosy lounge area with a convertible sofa bed that’s perfect for two younger guests, so the Junior Suite could be the ideal solution for a family travelling with children.

CLASSIC ROOM
Classics are about 20 m2 and situated near the entrance and the old part of the hotel, the most of rooms share spacious sitting area. They are furnished in a contemporary style with an emphasis on materials: wood, stone, high quality fabrics and Sicilian Majolica tiles. All the details have a local touch and help you tune in with the land and its culture.

CODAROSSA RESTAURANT
Codarossa restaurant is a place where the organic produce of the estate’s farm and the highest quality local products are combined with the passion of award-winning chef Giorgio Di Rosa to become pure eating enjoyment. Innovative dishes that reconceive Sicilian culinary traditions can be also enjoyed on the open terrace of the restaurant or on the pool deck under old olive trees.

POOLSIDE BAR
The Poolside bar is an oasis that turns the swimming pool area of Masseria Della Volpe into a real earthly paradise. At lunchtime it’s a great alternative for a quick bite or a snack while you keep relaxing in the sun. In the afternoon or after dinner you can try one of sophisticated cocktails or sip on a drink of your choice.

An exclusive “delle coccole” post-dinner menu is a perfect way to finish your day enjoying the breeze from the park and listening to night birdsongs. On request, the Poolside bar can organize exclusive events at the Belvedere.

THE WINE CELLAR
Masseria della Volpe is just a stone throw away from world-renowned Sicilian wineries, which is why Codarossa restaurant’s wine cellar can propose you the best from the best of Sicilian wines while not forgoing other fine Italian and international labels. To celebrate any special moment at Masseria Della Volpe or simply enjoy a bottle of Etna DOC at the dinner- you won’t be disappointed with our choice.

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
The Belvedere lounge deck at Masseria della Volpe with its fantastic view over the Noto valley can be transformed into a private lounge bar or become a special place for a romantic dinner. That’s a unique way to make any private event unforgettable, transforming your evening in the resort into a very special experience.

WELLNESS CENTRE
Secolo 21 estate farm welcomes the guests of Masseria della Volpe to its cosy wellness centre designed for discovering physical and spiritual harmony​. Secolo 21 brings its experience of organic cultivation, particularly in the production of the highest quality olive oil, to wellness and to the SPA, offering regenerative treatments.

HAMMAM AND SALT SAUNA
Begin a voyage of discovery in search of inner balance with the stimulating sensation of alternating hot and cold water. The Turkish hammam, sanatory salt sauna, hydro massage and ice fountain are the a treatment basis for rediscovering inner harmony.

MASSAGGES
Transform your holiday at Masseria Della Volpe into a total relaxation for your body and mind, restore and renew your sense of health and well-being. Confide in our highly qualified specialists and listen to the soothing sounds of Sicilian countryside in one of the resort’s massage pavilions offering a serene space to relax and re-connect.

COMFORT ZONE FOR MASSERIA DELLA VOLPE
We have chosen Comfort Zone spa treatment products as being perfectly consistent with the resort’s philosophy of environmental sustainability and constant commitment to excellence. While continuing its constant research Comfort Zone uses natural ingredients and high-quality formulas for its products to best guarantee beauty and vitality of your skin.

PRIVATE SPA
Private SPA is an opportunity to transform wellness treatment into a special time just for you and your beloved ones. Reserve the wellness centre exclusively for yourself and find complete and undisturbed relaxation. Indulge in exclusive wellness treatments for couples and enjoy saunas and jacuzzi.

You can test herb teas and fresh organic fruits just delivered from our Secolo 21 farm or have an exclusive selection of bubbles for a truly memorable experience. Advance booking is compulsory.

SWIMMING POOL
Surrounded by the orchard and carob and olive trees, the resort’s twenty meters (sixty feet) long swimming pool is a perfect place to revitalize yourself in the warmth of the Sicilian sun, listening to the sounds of nature and contemplating the timeless beauty of the Val di Noto.

Refreshing cocktails and a selection of Sicilian wines offered by the Pool Bar will delight the senses, and you can also try light dishes and seasonal specialities made with organic ingredients from our Secolo 21 farm. Lounge in the chaises or private cabanas and just enjoy the luxury of “dolce far niente”.

GO FOREST BATHING
Nature is a relevant part of every experience inside the resort: smell fragrances of citrus fruits and pick some, find a heaven of refuge under mighty olive trees, sense a light sea breeze, listen to birdsongs. And keep your eyes wide open as you can encounter one of local fox families which gave the name to Masseria della Volpe estate.

STAY SPORTIVE
Masseria della Volpe is a perfect place for people who love sport and make it an important part of their lives. In the resort you’ll find the illuminated tennis court, the beach volleyball court, the gym room, 250 m2 swimming pool and the jogging and cycle routes along more than one kilometre of estate road in the midst of the Sicilian countryside.

ENJOY BBQ NIGHT
A crackling fire, glowing charcoal embers, the breeze in the olive branches, everything you need for a stylishly informal evening. Barbecue nights at Codarossa restaurant are perfect for tasting the freshest organic meat and local seafood cooked over an open fire and accompanied with specially selected Sicilian wines.

WATCH CINEMA UNDER STARS
The soundtrack of a movie echoing around the olive grove accompanied by the night time sound of crickets, this is an informal venue on the lawn which does not require a ticket for the perfect evening to remember.

Cinema under stars at Masseria della Volpe is an unforgettable experience for adult guests, but also a magical adventure for children who, enchanted by the screen, give adults a moment of intimacy at the restaurant.

SAXOPHONE NIGHTS
Bouncing off the water of the swimming pool musical vibrations of Fabio Costantino’s sax captivate a soul and turn you on a romantic mood. Fabio Costantino, internationally renowned musician and the friend of Masseria della Volpe, periodically presents our guests his exclusive concerts.

OUTDOOR YOGA
Start your journey to discover inner peace and natural harmony by practising one of the most ancient oriental disciplines, guided by our instructors, with the Noto valley as the background.

It will be the perfect opportunity to try out yoga in a group, surrounded by unspoilt nature. On request, the yoga courses can be combined with a special menu of Codarossa restaurant based on organic products from Secolo 21 farm.

ETNA AND THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS BY HELICOPTER
Start your discovery of Sicily and some of its UNESCO heritage wonders from top view and take an exclusive helicopter tour. Take off from Masseria della Volpe’s private helipad to fly around Etna volcano and discover its craters, fumaroles and lava fields.

Then head for Aeolian Islands where you fly over Lipari and its famous sea stacks and pumice quarries, then lay a course to Panarea and finally visit spectacular Stromboli volcano and its lava flows.

UNESCO HERITAGE CITIES
Masseria della Volpe is luckily surrounded by the Baroque cities included in UNESCO world heritage sites list- Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli. All these cities are masterpieces of late Baroque style and it’s definitely worth making a trip to discover them.

See pink limestone walls of Noto palaces at sunset, try Modican chocolate made per ancient recipe, dine in one of Michelin-starred restaurants in Ragusa- we are at your disposal for the best suggest.

WINERY TOURS
It looks almost impossible to be on the island without trying famous Sicilian wines. The soil, the warmth of Southern sun and the sea breeze give the wines of the Val di Noto an intensity of taste and aroma that evokes the essence of perfection.

Masseria della Volpe resort is at the centre point between the most renowned vineyards as Planeta, Feudo Maccari, Baglio di Pianetto and Riofavara. We are always glad to organize for you a visit to these and other vineyards for wine testing or custom wine experience.

BEACHES AND RESERVES
The nature of Eastern Sicily can be explored at its best in several nature reserves, including Cavagrande, Plemmirio and Oasi di Vendicari. We must also mention some nearby attractions as UNESCO heritage site Pantalica with its BC chamber tombs and Cave d’Ispica reserve with Paleo-Christian catacombs.

This part of the island is blessed with unspoilt beaches where you can spend memorable days by the sea enjoying sandy sea beds interspersed with rocks and crystal clear shallow water. Alongside wild stretches of coastline there are also lidos and organized beaches for those who look for maximum comfort.

FISHING AND SEA TOURS
Marzamemi is a cute fishing village and the site of an old tuna fishing station. Bluefin tuna appears in these waters in good numbers still, so do not hesitate to step on board of one of fully equipped fishing boats and enjoy half- or full-day fishing trip. Alternatively, spend your perfect day on water letting your skipper deliver you to hidden pristine beaches and special snorkelling spots.

Rooms: 25

Price: from 202 EUR per night

Source: www.masseriadellavolpe.it

Castello Camemi is a boutique five stars hotel in one of the most beautiful areas in the heart of Eastern Sicily: the hills of Val di Noto, a long time World Heritage Site.

All the 14 charming rooms of Castello Camemi are unique and elegantly furnished, featuring stone floors, private bathroom, TV, safe and Wi-Fi. Our suites are harboring pearls and provide guests with extraordinary facilities, such as separate living room, fireplace or Jacuzzi.

Our restaurant serves a lavish buffet breakfast every day and always offers varied menus for lunch and dinner. Our chef carefully selects fresh, local ingredients for our deliciously tasty dishes. Castello Camemi fills the heart with echoes from the past and modern comfort, where elegance is perfectly combined with the informal and intimate warmness of the well-known Sicilian hospitality.

The magic of the rooms and the kind, professional and discreet staff make guests feel at home while traditions, culture and art attractions of the surroundings will enrich the spirit and allow for a memorable stay at Castello Camemi.

THE STRUCTURE
Its impressive front view adorned with merlons and a triumphal arch opening into a courtyard, once used for horse-drawn carriages, invite guests to cross the threshold of the Castle and experience a trip into the past embellished by its unique charm.

The Castle is square-shaped and features a majestic facade including the “piano nobile” and a magnificent, green, inner courtyard with flagstone pathways. Its center point is shadowed by an old carob tree, heart and symbol of the Castle.

Outside, gardens and pool are surrounded by an elegantly quiet and simple country scenery, where the scent of the land, the colors of nature, the fresh, smooth grass, create an intimate, regenerating paradise. The charming hall features medieval architecture and classic furniture. Here, in the colder days the big, old fireplace is like a magnet and invites guests to linger for a while.

HISTORICAL FACTS
Castello Camemi was a fourteenth century fortification owned by the noble family of the Ventimiglia, and a summer residence of the viceroys since 1412 until 1830. The Ventimiglia were an important noble family, owner of many castles in Sicily, just to name a few : Geraci, Gangi, Castelbuono, Buscemi and the principalities of Belmonte, Buonriposo, Castelbuono, Grammonte, Ventimiglia.

At the beginning of the Aragonese period they were so powerful that succeeded to opposethe power of the king, with the help of other noble families. The County of the Ventimiglia extended over half of Sicily from the Madonie Mounts until the foothills of the Nebrodi Mounts.

The earthquake of 1693 destroyed a large part of eastern Sicily. Castello Camemi was thus built again in the XVIII century. Camemi mansion has always played a central role in the life of the surroundings, and has often been cited by Giovanni Verga in the novel “Mastro Don Gesualdo” and in the tale “Pane nero”.

After a long, careful conservative restoration using original materials according to bio architecture concepts, Castello Camemi is now a wonderful boutique hotel and a well-known location for events, appreciated by guests from all over the world.

THE POOL
Our pool is located in the garden in front of the reception lying on the lawn like a white and blue rectangle. It is the ultimate “relaxing area”, the place to enjoy the sun, swim, read or meditate. Here you can breathe the almost forgotten pure air, and let the breeze blowing even in the warmest days cuddle you.

In the sun or under the shadow of a gazebo you will enjoy the quiet of these hills while listening only to sounds of nature, with a good cocktail in your hand…why not! For lunchtime, it is the ideal place for a light meal and a glass of wine. During party nights, in the charming setting of lighted lanterns and candles, the pool gets bright and colorful while guests chill out, have drinks and food, talk and listen to music.

THE TERRACED GARDEN
On the right side of the walkway to the courtyard, a magnificent terraced garden stands on two levels offering a stunning view from the surrounding pastures to the nice village of Mineo, until Mt. Etna. Our guests can relax, have an invigorating massage, play ping pong, bocce or mini-golf, a small outdoor playground for children is also available not far away.

Bicycle and horse excursions can be organized from here. The terraced garden is also the setting of elegant buffet dinners, dancing parties, open bar nights and much more…It is also a place for civil wedding for some lucky couples.

THE COURTYARD
The courtyard is a big square place surrounded by the walls of the Castle. It features a lush lawn and a flagstone pavement. Most of all, it is the heart of Castello Camemi life, in fact it is the way in and out to rooms, lounges, restaurant and “piano nobile”.

At the same time the courtyard is our guests’ favorite place, the area of the Castle they want to live and enjoy more, should it be for relaxing, an aperitif, a dinner in the candle light, or welcoming guests for their banquet.

Our big carob tree is the centerpiece of the courtyard, and of Castello Camemi. It seems to embrace and protect all the court with its leafy fronds. The enlightened carob tree at sunset is a breathtaking view for those who enter the main gate, it rises on the place where the old well was, like a Life Tree it is the source of all the magic energy of this place.

IMPERIAL ROOM
Located in the “piano nobile”, this gorgeous Suite was once called “the room of secrets”. The big fireplace in front of the bed and the precious furniture make it majestic. It features a private entrance from the courtyard and a view over the gardens and the hills around, King-size bed, double pillows, elegant antiques, pitchstone bathroom with bath.

The kitchen on this floor can also be rented for private use. Imperial Suite n.14 is ideal for those who love relaxing in front of the enchanting heat of the fireplace in a large, confortable and exclusive room, with luxury complimentary toiletries, perfumed candles and impeccable

JUNIOR SUITE
Made of wood and local stone, Junior Suite n.7 differs from other rooms due to its cosy character and the feeling of intimate shelter that creates. It consists of a lounge with sleeper sofa and a comfortable mezzanine with Queen-sized double bed, it is thus ideal for family stays allowing for privacy. Here also, the bath is “open” and made of stone with a big Jacuzzi.

DINING ROOMS
Where the old granary store was once, nowadays you find the main hall of our restaurant. Here, a careful restoration and a refined decor have created a unique and charming hall, made of high barrel vaults, thick walls of white local stone, pitchstone floor from the XVII century, bright colours and large picture windows to admire the beautiful Sicilian landscape with the Etna in the background.

Guests can also dine in another hall of the Castle, more elegant and formal, the “piano nobile” lounges, and enjoy the unique pleasure of tasting our dishes in an intimate and charming home atmosphere, among sofas, armchairs and old books. In good weather, our guests love having lunch in the shadow of the carob tree or dinner under the stars in the courtyard, breathing the unique, pure air of this place.

GOURMET EXPERIENCE
Passion for gourmet food is another distinctive feature of the style, philosophy and hospitality of Castello Camemi. High quality ingredients, respect for seasonality, search for organic and “farm-to-table” foods are the basic principles of our menus, cooked to perfection by our skilful and passionate Chef Anna Sinagra.

Beef is sourced from local farms using non-intensive breeding, where animals pasture in the open air, daily fresh fish is sourced from Catania Gulf, vegetables are chosen according to season and taken wild when possible, like farmers used to do, finally many Italian food excellences enrich our menus.

Our cuisine wisely combines Sicilian culinary tradition with innovation in techniques and combinations, and aims at enhancing taste and beauty of the dishes, without useless elements. The wine list is the result of a careful selection of the best Sicilian labels and most important national wines, it has been studied to finely pair your food. Restaurant is open at lunch and dinner, reservation is requested.

A MAGNIFICENT DELIGHT OF SCENTS AND TASTES
Between the scent of readymade coffee and sun rays that introduce the oncoming day, our guests’ wake up is delighted by a gorgeous buffet breakfast made of sweet and savoury food, with a large variety of homemade marmalades and honeys, typical bread, juices, yogurt, muesli, fresh fruit, eggs, cold cuts, typical cheeses and everything you can wish to start in the best possible way a day of vacation. On request, we can prepare our valued gluten free guaranteed recipes.

THE ART OF MAKING YOUR SPECIAL DAY A FABLE TO TELL
Castello Camemi, so rich in charm and history and with its professional staff, so careful to guests’ wishes, is the ideal venue for unforgettable weddings and any kind of event, in good taste and great style.

Whether intimate or big parties, success is assured by beauty and elegance of our spaces. Whether summer or winter, morning or evening, gardens and halls of the Castle allow for varied and dynamic parties in order to involve guests arousing their curiosity and marvel.

From welcome aperitif until desserts, we create gourmet routes to satisfy all our guests’ senses, with a perfect use of all spaces accordingly with the event. Outside, terraced garden, pool and solarium where a lush lawn lies as a carpet, are spacious, simple and elegant at the same time.

The courtyard is enchanting and reminds country style and noble ambiances from olden times, however we are sure that our services, always up to date, will take you back to present time.

The impressive restaurant hall can contain from a small number of guests to several hundreds thanks to its peculiar shape, while the old fireplace lounge in the Hall and the classic style lounge at the “piano nobile” ensure a warm welcome even in winter. Success of our events is not olny due to the beauty of the Castle, in fact our gourmet cuisine, varied buffet menus, skilled staff committed to the job, are our real source of pride.

A NEW STYLE FOR MEETING
Castello Camemi is an old fashionedcountry resort with the welcome attitude of olden times, capable to hostevents that are normally organized in other kind of resorts, in fact we have our own style. Conferences, company meetings, art exhibitions, photo shooting, movies, spots, video clips are the events we host and succeed to organize.

TERRITORY
The Sicilian art, cultural and natural heritage is so rich in art attractions, historic sites, nature amenities, food and wine routes that can meet all travelers’ expectations. Besides art and cultural itineraries many holiday alternatives are available for those who are fond of nature, sport, health and fitness, tranquility and meditation, or traditional food.

Castello Camemi is located in the area of Vizzini, birthplace of Giovanni Verga, the famous writer. It is 30 minutes far from Catania and Comiso airports, and many tourist attractions are easily reachable, such as Etna, Caltagirone, Catania, Modica, Noto, Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Scicli, Siracusa and Taormina. Our staff can organize transfers and guided tours for all the excursions.

TAORMINA
Taormina has been the most famous tourist destination in Sicily for decades. It was founded by the Greeks in the IV century BC and built on a promontory, surrounded by an astonishing panorama from the Volcano Etna to the Baia di Schisò. Taormina is known as “the pearl of the Ionian sea”

At the beginning of ’900, Taormina became famous all over the world both for its natural beauties, colors, panoramic view from the snowcapped, smoking Mt Etna to the sea, and for its coteries, transgressive lifestyle and unrestrained “dolce vita”.

This is the reason why the most famous noblemen, businessmen, showmen and artists, and all those in love with the “good life” chose it as their home place. Its exclusive character has been decreasing in the last decades, but it is definitely coming back again over the last years. Take a walk in the main street full with shops and among its steep narrow streets, or enjoy the lively nightlife.

Historic and cultural amenities are available too, such as churches and old palaces that join Arab and Norman styles and above all, the Greek Theatre, a magic scenery that today is the venue for several concerts. Seaside is beautiful too, particularly the famous beach of Isola Bella.

AGRIGENTO
Agrigento was founded around 580 BC. Over the centuries, it has suffered many dominations that left traces all over the island. Its historic center is located in the west summit of the hill, where the ancient Girgenti rose.

Nowadays many medieval buildings remain, such as churches, monasteries, convents and noble palaces. It is worth to mention the Cathedral of San Gerlando from XI century and the Sanctuary of San Calogero What makes Agrigento famous all over the world is the Valley of the Temples, Hellenic age wonder and the most important archeological site in Sicily.

It comprises the remains of ten Doric temples, three Sanctuaries, a huge group of necropolis, several water works, such as the Kolymbetra Garden,Hypogea, fortifications, part of a Roman Hellenistic neighborhood built in Greek plan and two important meeting areas, the lower agorà and the upper agorà; it contains also an Olympeion (Temple of Olympian Zeus) and a Bouleuterion (council house) from the Roman age, in Greek plan. The Archeological site of Agrigento is the largest in the world, spreading over1.300 hectares.

CALTAGIRONE
Caltagirone is a little town perched on the top of Erei Mounts. It dates back to very ancient times, as it is proved by many prehistoric necropolises found in the area. Its history has always been linked to pottery production. The name is due to the Arabs, who conquered the town and named it”Qal’at-al-jarar”/ Kalat al Ghiran”Castle of jars”,for the flourishing production of pottery craftworks.

It appears that Arabs introduced new working and decoration techniques and so enhanced the industry that had been flourishing since the prehistoric age, as it is proved by many artifacts contained both in the local “Museo della Ceramica” and in “Museo Paolo Orsi” in Syracuse.

The typical style of Caltagirone pottery has always been recognized and appreciated all over the world. Caltagirone pottery, both classic and modern style, is the flagship of Italian craftwork.

Caltagirone houses important architectural pieces of art: from rich palaces in the historic center to the Borbonic prison, from the uncountable churches, such asCathedral of St. Julian, church of “San Pietro”, of San Francesco di Paola, to San Francesco bridge and staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, masterpiece realized by local ceramics masters, real symbol of the town.

PIAZZA ARMERINA AND VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE
The monumental complex known as Villa Romana del Casale is about 5 km far from Piazza Armerina. It is a luxury dwelling dating back to the late-Roman age, that has been found out just at the end of nineteenth century, and brought to light between the 1920s and the 1950s. It consists of a majestic and asymmetric complex of buildings with a pleasant sinuous design made of gradients, exedras and staircases.

The lowest levelcomprises a thermal complex and a big exedra-shaped lavatory; the second level includes the peristyle and the living areas; the third level contains the room with the tri-apsidal triclinium and the xystus; a fourth group of buildings contain private apartments and the basilica hall that opens on a longambulacrum

The Villa features over 3.500 sq metres mosaic floors and the most extraordinary and largest example of mosaic decoration, whose complexity has no comparison even in the big group of mosaics of the Tunisian Roman Villas. Once visited Villa Romana del Casale, it is worth visiting the near, little city of Piazza Armerina.

There, take a walk along the streets of its historic center and the medieval streets, you will be astonished by the impressive bulk of the Cathedral towering the city, the austere Aragonese Castle, the elegant Trigona Palace, and many other palaces and churches you can find at every turn.

MODICA
Modica is a magnificent town,included in the Unesco World Heritage list. It is located in the Southern side of Iblei mounts and consists of two urban centres: “Modica alta”, upper Modica, whose buildings are perched on the rocky mountain; “Modica Bassa”, lower Modica, in the valley below where the main street Corso Umberto is located now.

Few testimonies of the “former town” remain: the gothic portal of“Chiesa del Carmine”; ruins of “Chiesa di Santa Maria del Gesù” from sixteenth century; “ Cappella delSacramento” from fifteenth century; ruins of the old castle. The rocky church of “ San Nicolò inferiore” from twelfth century has been recently found out and contains important decorations dating back to 700 until 1500

The late Baroque is the architectural style that characterizes Modica,due to reconstruction after the earthquake in 1693. Many churches and palaces of great architectural value are spread around the town, above allit is worth to mention “Duomo di San Giorgio”, “ Chiesa di San Pietro”, “Palazzo della Cultura” that houses “Museo Civico Archeologico” with the famous bronze statue of “Ercole di Cafeo” from the III century BC, “Palazzo Polara”, “Palazzo Grimaldi”, “Teatro Garibaldi”

Modica is unique and charming not only for its elegant baroque style but also for its fascinating narrow streets andlively, refined atmosphere. It is also well known for its food excellences, above all for the Chocolate of Modica, that distinguishes for the cold working, in which sugar does not melt but remains in its crystal form. In addition to classic recipe, several types are available enriched with varied aromas: cinnamon, chili, vanilla, ginger, citrus etc.

RAGUSA
In the last few years Ragusa has become more and more popular among tourists, all over the world. The city wasdivided in two urban areas after the catastrophic earthquake in 1693. Ibla, the old town was built in the same place as the former one, while the first group of buildings of “Ragusa Superiore” (upper Ragusa) rose on the hill.

Ibla looks like a beautiful, large crib when you approach it from the street above, especially in the night, while when you walk along the streets downtown it looks like an elegant party, because of all nice clubs and cultural events.

Among the places to visit we mention “Duomo di San Giorgio”, “Portale di San Giorgio” a magnificent arch from fifteenth century and “Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria”. Downtown in “Ragusa Superiore” is interesting too, full with things to see and do, it spreads around the “Cattedrale di San Giovanni” from eighteenth century.

SCICLI
Scicli is another Word Heritage Site in Sicily. It is more than an elegant small town, it is like a pearl nestling among three valleys and steep rocky hills. It goes without saying, here the scenario is unique. Its origins are very old, probably dating back to more than three thousand years ago, in fact signs of rocky settlements can be found in many caves and grottos.

In addition to the prehistoric settlement of Grotto Maggiore, the late byzantine settlements of Castellaccio and Chiafura are noteworthy too. Above all Scicli is famous for its baroque style: Palazzo Beneventano is stunningly beautiful,as well as Palazzo Fava and Palazzo Spadaro, and all churches are enchanting too, such as San Bartolomeo, San Giovanni,Santa Maria la Nova, the little rocky churches. A walk through these wonders and many museums, exhibitions and art galleries, makes it clear that Scicli is also a place for contemporary art and painting.

NOTO
Noto is considered the capital of Baroque, its stunning, harmonious beauty makes it look like a theatre scene. It was built again after the earthquake of 1693, 10 km far from the former one. Its three main streets run east to west so that the sun can always shine on them. Each street is thought for different social class use, the highest for the nobles, clergy in the middle, the people in the lowest.

Buildings are majestic and built with local calcareous stone, tender and compact, whose whiteness has been darkened by the passage of timethus creating the present, impressive golden and pink shades, daily enhanced by the sundown light.

Entering through “Porta Reale” you can admire masterpieces of art such as the Cathedral,“Chiesa di San Carlo”, “San Domenico” and only to cite a few, Palazzo Ducezio, Palazzo Nicolaci and “Tina Di Lorenzo” Theatre , and every corner of this small city is interesting. The Flower festival held on every third Sunday of May is very beautiful.

VIZZINI
Vizzini lies on the southern border of the province of Catania, surrounded by the typical landscape of Iblei Mounts. It was one the most ancient settlements in Sicily, over the centuries it has suffered many dominations leaving a considerable art heritage that can be seen nowadays despite the catastrophic earthquake of 1693.

Exquisite churches and palaces are scattered along the steep streets climbing the mounts, their baroque style merges with rural buildings’ style from early XX century. Among the most famous attractions we recommend the visit of “Duomo di San Gregorio Magno”, “Basilica di San Giovanni Battista”, the “Madonna Bianca” inside“Chiesa Santa Maria di Gesù”, and the staircase in the main square with its ceramic painted stair risers.

Vizzini is also the birthplace of Giovanni Verga, the famous writer father of Italian Verismo.Squares and narrow streets are the setting of some of the most important novels of Verga, such as Cavalleria rusticana ( Rustic Chivalry), Mastro don Gesualdo, La Lupa, Storia di una capinera ( History of a capinera ).

Many inscriptionson city walls recall these novels. The town’s vertical design offers superb views, from the upper side of the town a parched panorama merges with the view of the centenary roof tiles, giving a feeling of traveling back in time.

MARINA DI RAGUSA AND PUNTA SECCA
For those who wish to spend some time on the beach, we suggest to go to Marina di Ragusa, the best equipped and well known seaside city in southwestern Sicily, whose long sandy coastline offers many beach clubs and bars and a modern tourist harbor too.

For several years now Marina di Ragusa has been awarded with the Blue Flag by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) for the seawater and coastline quality as far as services, safety features and environmental education are concerned. It has been awarded also with the “Bandiera Verde”, an assignment proposed by the Italian pediatricians that award the child friendly beaches in Italy.

Some kilometers away from Marina di Ragusa you find the little and quiet fishing village of Punta Secca and its beautiful sandy beach where the famous house of Commissario Montalbano is located,destination of thousands of tourists fond of this television series and Camilleri stories. It is also a place for spectacular sunsets.

Rooms: 14

Price: from 224 EUR per night

Source: www.castellocamemi.com

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