Santa Maria

We spent a lovely week at the villa Santa Maria and cannot recommend it highly enough. The villa is as elegant and spacious as previous reviewers have described. Meals in the lemon grove were a joy. It was hard to tear ourselves away from the pool but worth the effort as this is a very interesting region of Sicily. We recommend a trip to Selinunte and popping into Mazara del Vallo for dinner. Home cooking by Antonella on two nights took the stress out of self catering and was a lovely treat. That said, the kitchen facilities were excellent too. Overall, a wonderful place to stay.

We had a terrific holiday at Santa Maria with our 3 teenage children. The property is a beautiful very large farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, and it proved a very convenient base for exploring the south and west of Sicily, within easy reach of Selinunte, Segesta, Marsala, and many other fascinating sites. The accommodation is spacious, stylish and comfortable, with access to an enclosed orange grove where one can eat outside in the shade, a superb pool set within manicured gardens, and a tennis court. Marcello and Caroline, the owners, were charming and friendly hosts.

We greatly enjoyed staying at Santa Maria. The house has been tastefully restored. Particular features we appreciated: (a) eating in the shade of the lemon trees (b) elegant courtyard and sitting room (c) being able to play tennis in August because of the shaded tennis court (d) the beautifully tended garden and pool (e) the local olive oil and tomatoes (f) visits to Segesta and Selinunte (g) Alessia's attentiveness if there was anything that we needed.

A magical place steeped in history yet beautifully done up. Very stylish interiors and a gorgeous orange grove where we ate lunch every day. Weather was perfect in October so we were able to appreciate the garden and pool area too. Very comfortable rooms and great big kitchen which made cooking a pleasure! Lots of things to see and do nearby - loved medieval hilltop town of Erice and the Greek temples of Segesta. A hit with the whole family. Will definitely come again!