Description Donna Carmela

The Masseria

One of the living areas

Small cellar

Living area

Living area

Indoor restaurant area

Swimming pool

Swimming pool and garden

Garden and the Masseria

The Masseria at sunset

Gardens in the Italian style

Another view of the Masseria at dusk

The gardens and fountain

Area in the garden for relaxation

Illuminated swimming pool

Vineyard belonging to the property

Private terrace belonging to the suite

This striking resort is loated at the foot of Etna in the "Timpa" nature reserve facing the Ionian Sea surrounded by luxuriant vegetation which flourishes in the volvanic soil. The old Sicilian fortified estate or "Masseria" dates back to the 19th Century and has been converted into a place where Sicilian hospitality can be experienced at its best. The atmosphere and warm welcome will ensure that you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Here you will be pampered by the staff at every opportunity. The large gardens of the property contain a nursery covering an area of 10,000 square metres which is filled with rare sub-tropical and Mediterranean plants. Inside every detail has been studied with great care and attention and the tasteful, elegant surroundings will make you feel at home.

The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens which contain a magnificent swimming pool and a large, comfortable solarium which is surrounded by ancient olive trees. The property has the features of a typical fortified Sicilian farmhouse or "baglio" with small inner courtyards on different levels from which you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful sea which bathes this part of Sicily. There is a large dining area in the garden where you can have breakfast, lunch or a romantic candle-lit dinner. Inside there is a living room with a fireplace next to the dining room. Inside the main building there are a further two living rooms and a reading room. The property also has a small cellar where the hotel staff will allow you to taste some of the best wines that Sicily has to offer. There are a total of 17 bedrooms, each individually decorated and furnished, 3 "Suites" with terrace, 9 "Junior Suites" each with a sitting room (four of these suites have two bathrooms and are spread over two floors) and 5 "Superior" rooms which comprise a bedroom and a bathroom. All of the rooms are equipped with fittings of the highest quality and are furnished with great attention to detail. All rooms have air conditioning and satellite LCD television.

The resort is located in the middle of a large nursery next to the sea at Carruba in the territory of Acireale on the slopes of the volcano Etna. The coastline in this part of Sicily is formed from volcanic rock interspersed at various points with small beaches of pebbles. The area is covered in thick Mediterranean vegetation. The "Timpa" nature reserve is located towards Catania on a rocky outcrop covered in dense vegetation which borders the charming and well-kept seaside town of Santa Maria la Scala which has a delightful harbour and some excellent fish restaurants. On the other side, after a few kilometres, you come to the most famous tourist destination on the island, Taormina, and its numerous sandy beaches. The beach at Isolabella is outstanding but becomes very crowded in summer. There are numerous attractions nearby: the Etna National Park, visits to the craters at the summit of the volcano, the river basin of the Alcantara river and the Picciolo golf course at Castiglione di Sicilia. A visit to the lively and exuberant city of Catania is also well worthwhile.