Sicily

Monaci delle Terre Nere

Name: Monaci delle Terre Nere
Address: Sicily

Gorgeous Sicilian estate in the shadow of Mount Etna

For those after a slice of Sicilian countryside bliss, the historic Monaci delle Terre Nere estate on the slopes of Mount Etna is just the ticket. Here it’s all about dialling back the pace and taking time to fully appreciate your natural surroundings.

The estate dates back to the 19th century, and within its 46 hectares you’ll find ancient cherry, peach and apricot trees growing as well as organic vegetables for the kitchen and vines for producing their own wine.

Monaci delle Terre Nere consists of the main building and various outbuildings where you’ll find the 27 guestrooms. Within the old stables and former wine press are beautifully decorated rooms and suites which combine traditional materials, such as lava stone and chestnutwood, with contemporary Italian furnishings for a old-meets-new feel.

All the rooms are unique and offer views of the estate and Mount Etna or the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout the estate you’ll find original pieces of artwork and colourful ceramics from nearby Caltagirone and Santo Stefano di Camastra. TVs have intentionally been omitted from the rooms, and guests are instead encouraged to take the time to appreciate the sights, sounds and scents of the estate.

The restaurant, Locanda Nerello, is set on the terrace during the summer and offers gorgeous views out across the sea. Bread, pasta and pastries are made at the on-site bakery every day and much of the organic produce comes from their own garden. The hotel is committed to the Slow Food Movement and as such you can expect the menu to be a real celebration of local, seasonal produce. The Convivium Bar is the perfect place for an aperitif and their drinks list includes lovely concoctions made from fruits and herbs grown on the estate.

Within the grounds of the estate is a swimming pool and during your stay here you can also enjoy bike rides, horse riding, yoga, indulge in a massage and even watch a film under the starry night sky.

Highlights

Horse riding

Cycling

Yoga

Cooking class

Wine tasting

Outdoor film screenings

Stargazing

Massage

27 rooms and suites

Restaurant

Bar

Outdoor swimming pool

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Places to combine Monaci delle Terre Nere with

Sicily

Villa Athena

The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is one of the world’s most impressive and important archaeological sites. Villa Athena is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site just 200m from the Temple of Concodia.

The temples are spread over 1,300 hectares of land, the remains of the ancient Akragas, founded in 582 BC and one of the largest Greek cities on the Mediterranean. With such a magnificent backdrop, the Villa Athena is one of the best locations to view these spectacular temples.

With just 27 rooms and suites, the hotel has an intimate feel and prides itself on its true sense of Sicilian hospitality. The 18th-century architecture has been lovingly preserved so the hotel maintains its charm while offers guests all the services and amenities associated with a luxury boutique hotel.

Rooms are decorated with a soft, neutral colour scheme and come with views out across the olive groves or of the temples themselves. Serving traditional Sicilian cuisine, the restaurant features a terrace, from which you can see the temples of Concorida and Juno. There is also an open-air bar for sunset drinks.

A spa is located in an ancient building used for storing wheat and olive and is built around a Greek cistern. Here, guests can relax and unwind in the perfumed showers, Jacuzzi or steam bath. There is also an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens to explore. As well as discovering the temples, it is well worth exploring the town of Agrigento itself with its pretty streets and churches.

Sicily

Baglio Soria

On Sicily’s north-western tip, a little outside the historic port of Trapani, Baglio Soria is a wonderfully restored estate cooled by sea breezes.

Surrounded by 110 hectares (27 acres) of vineyards and olive groves, the rustic farm buildings look out to the Aegadian Islands and old salt pans where birds such as flamingo flock.

The 17th century buildings, set around a courtyard, house 11 spacious rooms, modern in their comfort but retaining their historic charm.

There is also a rather lovely swimming pool, a restaurant celebrating Trapanese cuisine’s blend of cultural influences, a wine bar in which to indulge in the estate’s produce and a view point for some spectacular sun sets.

Guests can learn all about Sicilian wine with expertly led tastings and vineyard tours. There are a range of culinary classes with the chef and excursions to nearby attractions or out to sea can also be arranged.

Sicily

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Set high in the rocky hills on the east coast of the island, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has been delighting guests since 1863. Sweeping views across the sea and out to Mount Etna make this hotel a real jewel in Sicily’s crown.

Each of the hotel’s 71 rooms and suites is decorated in Sicilian style, with white linens, Italian marble and rich wood. Your days get off to the perfect start as the sunlight streams in though your window, beckoning you outside. Start by stepping back in time and exploring the Greek theatre, a wonderfully preserved amphitheatre located next to the hotel. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, then the heated swimming pool surrounded by terraced gardens is a good place to start.

Admiring the view is best done with a cocktail in hand and a crisp glass of the aptly named Etna Martini is the perfect refreshment as you drink in your surroundings. With the ocean’s bounty on its doorstep the hotel’s restaurant serves fresh seafood and Sicilian specialties to be enjoyed in the elegant dining room or on the terrace on a balmy summer’s evening. Italy is famed for its love of food and togetherness in the evenings the pool bar is transformed into a traditional trattoria complete with local dishes and live music. As darkness falls, you’ll be charmed by the twinkling lights of Cape Taormina and the Bay of Giardini Naxos.

You won’t be short of things to do with an array of excursions and activities on offer. Jump in a Fiat 500 and channel your inner movie star with a Godfather tour of Savoca; walk through the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of the region’s wine; or take to the skies with a helicopter tour offering views of Mount Etna, the Aeolian Islands and the Agrigento Valley with its ancient Greek temples. Guests will also enjoy use of the private beach at sister hotel, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea.

Sicily

La Foresteria Planeta Estate

La Foresteria Planeta Estate is nestled in the heart of the Sicilian countryside, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Located in the south west of the island, you can enjoy both the rugged beauty of the mainland and the crystal clear waters of the coast.

Each of the 14 rooms is named after one of the herbs grown in the garden; fling open your windows and enjoy the aromas drifting in on the breeze. The décor is inspired by the natural surroundings and a mix of antiques and bright textiles add plenty of character.

The surrounding countryside is typically Italian and you can enjoy the panoramic views from the infinity pool. Close to the hotel are the hills of Capparrina, home to their very own 98-hectare olive grove. A visit is recommended particularly during the harvesting and milling season when the new oil is ready for tasting.

The Planeta are a winemaking family with a 500-year history of farming in Sicily. Wine tasting is the perfect way to get an insight into their rich history, so enjoy a glass on the terrace while watching the sun set. With great wine comes great food and the hotel’s chef, Angelo Pumilia, is truly passionate about Sicilian cuisine, adding his own touch to age-old recipes and making use of the island’s natural larder.

You’re situated just 4km from Porto Palo Menfi, home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re lucky, you might experience the annual hatching of the Caretta Caretta sea turtles who return to the beach to lay their eggs. There are plenty of cycle paths and nature trails for exploring the island and you’re in close proximity to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento and the Salt Road of Mozia.