Foodies will flock here – you can join in with the creation of such splendour, or sit back and eat (and drink) your way through serious breakfasts, lunches and suppers before conking out in comfortable bedrooms. You wend your way up the volcanic slope of Mount Etna to this noble retreat: a dusky pink 1800s palazzo overlooking the Med. Guests can learn the secrets of making homemade pasta and gnocchi together with the chef in the kitchen, and then have a delicious lunch. Inside, stunning black lava rock walls and gargantuan timbers frame suspended staircases and glass-panelled bathrooms, with striking paintings and objets d’art adorning the simply sumptuous suites. The imaginatively restored winemaking cantina has chestnut beams, a wood-burner and bar… perfect for secret, Sicilian soirées. Feast on house honey, olive oil and wine, fresh croissants, meats and cheeses – with spoiling treats from the organic vegetable and herb gardens – or visit the seriously good restaurant in the next village. There’s a bakery too, where the bread, pasta and pastries on offer to guests are made every day.
We liked the spacious and thoughtfully decorated room, excellent breakfast of fruit, cakes and cheeses. Guido's passion for his place, farm and Sicily shines through. We also dined here and enjoyed great cooking with high quality ingredients, most of which were from the property. Guido clearly knows his wines. This is undoubtedly a special place and one to which I fully intend to return.