Nestled

Nestled
in the foothills of Mount Etna, this 19th-century
mansion sets the benchmark for boutique boltholes. A dusky pink
main house with picturesque wrought-iron balconies and ornate
window frames takes centre stage on the hotel’s 16-hectare organic
farm. Here, you can roam among olive trees, citrus groves and
vineyards – just watch out for the chicken pen. Spacious,
individually designed suites are scattered throughout the plot in a
way that makes it feel like it’s all your own. With sweeping views
down to the sparkling Mediterranean, Monaci delle Terre Nere gives you the best of
Sicily’s coast and countryside at your fingertips.

Rooms

Each and every room has been carefully curated to take into
account the bucolic surroundings. The romance of the old house is
combined with contemporary-cool design features; old beams, exposed
lava-stone walls and grand fireplaces meet quirky furniture, glass
sinks and modern light fittings. Double doors open out onto winding
pathways which may either lead towards the old house, the secluded
pool or alfresco restaurant.

What’s for breakfast?

A rustic breakfast buffet offers up all the farm’s
bounty with fruits, cheeses, cured meats, eggs and fresh pastries,
tarts and cakes made that morning using whatever is in season. It’s
all organic, of course. Pick up a newspaper and take your time over
it in the hotel’s leafy garden – just mind the wasps.

How about lunch and dinner?

The hotel restaurant, Locanda Nerello, sprawls over the terrace
in the summer months and fills an understatedly grand dining room
come winter. The menu follows the resort’s ‘eco-bio’ identity, with
much being made of offerings from the vegetable patch and herb
garden. Expect seasonal, locally sourced produce alongside pasta
and risottos, with a vegan-vegetarian menu on request. Wash it down
with some excellent Etna
wines, cultivated practically beneath your feet.

Is there a bar?

Of course. Friendly staff at the poolside bar will keep you
topped up throughout the day, while there’s a moodily lit wine room
(complete with spirits bar) in the main house where you can sip in
style. You’ll also find a well-stocked minibar in your own bedroom,
which (gloriously) has regular-sized wine bottles rather than the
dinky ones you’ve probably come to expect.

Amenities

This is a place to unwind among nature, so while all rooms have
free wi-fi, there is no TV or telephone. You’ll find plenty else to
entertain, however, with wine and olive-oil tastings, cooking
classes, bike tours, an outdoor pool, reading room and solarium
(where you can book yourself in for a massage).

Things you should know

These guys have plans for expansion, with several more suites
being built throughout winter – though they promise to retain the
luxurious charm of a small hotel. We also recommend renting a car
so you can make the most of the surrounding area.

Within a short walk you can find

As it’s in the hills, strictly speaking there are no
‘destinations’ in the immediate area. But it’s lovely to wander
through the charming village surroundings. The idyllic seaside town
of
Taormina is also just a short drive away – pack your swimming
costume and a slip dress to throw on the end of the day because
you’ll want to check out the local restaurants.