Italy Italy | Page 75

Sicily and the Aeolian islands
“ A wonderfully individual little property offering excellent personalised service ”
“ A first class hotel in a splendid location ”
Eremo della Giubiliana Ragusa
This unique guest house lies on the fertile plains between the historic town of Ragusa Ibla and the seaside resort of Marina di Ragusa ( ten and seven kilometres away respectively ). The architect Sr Nifosì , whose family inherited the property , converted it from a 15th Century convent with great respect for the original structure and opened it to guests in 1997 . Heirlooms such as portraits and antique furniture , which have been passed down from generation to generation , feature in both the bedrooms and the public rooms . Even the original kitchen of the convent , with its ancient hearth and cooking utensils , has been preserved for display purposes . The thick stone walls , which were once used to protect the property from pirates , now create a cool and tranquil atmosphere . The hotel ’ s restaurant specialises in local cuisine and many of the herbs and vegetables which are used as ingredients for the generous meals are to be found growing in the grounds surrounding the Eremo . The menu changes daily . A bountiful selection of fresh local produce also features in the full buffet breakfast . In the Eremo ’ s cellar , which was the crypt of the original convent , there is an impressive collection of Sicilian wines . The bedrooms , converted from monks ’ cells , are simple but very comfortable and have beautifully elaborate wrought iron beds , fresh white walls and tiled floors . Guests also have access to a swimming pool in the private garden of the Nifosì family . The hotel also offers a selection of excursions in its own light aircraft , by mountain bike , Land Rover or on foot and suggested itineraries are available . Eremo della Giubiliana provides a wonderfully homely base , ideal for short stays as part of a tour of southern Sicily .
EREMO DELLA GIUBILIANA IE243 Official category 5 star deluxe . Open All year . Location About one and a half hour ’ s drive from Catania airport . Distances in miles Catania 68 , Siracusa 50 , Agrigento 86 , Enna 86 , Taormina 100 , Messina 125 , Milazzo145 , Palermo 166 . Nearest airport Catania . At hotel Swimming pool open May-October , Restaurant , Bar , Terraces , Excursions by light aircraft ( bookable locally ), Complimentary
Grand Hotel Ortigia Siracusa parking , Wellness treatments , Cycle hire , Room Service , Private beach 8km from hotel . Bedrooms 19 rooms , each with bath and wc , satellite television , air conditioning , mini-bar , safe , hairdryer , telephone . Local interest The baroque town of Ragusa Ibla with its 18th-century Church of San Giorgio and the beaches of Marina di Ragusa , Siracusa ( outstanding Greek and Roman remains and archaeological museum ), Piazza Armerina ( 3rd century Roman villa with superb mosaics ), Taormina ( picturesque streets and Greek
This fine hotel is marvellously situated right by the seafront in Ortigia , which is the historic centre of Siracusa , where some of the best examples of Sicilian baroque architecture can be found . The cool , spacious interiors of the hotel are decorated in Liberty style and an atmosphere of calm elegance pervades . Floors are of pale marble and furnishings are in serene pastel shades . In the original cellar , where the bar is now situated , original Greek remains have been discovered and carefully preserved . The restaurant , which provides an excellent standard of regional and Mediterranean cuisine , is on the top floor of the hotel and commands wonderful views of Ortigia ’ s harbour and sea front ( the ‘ parfait ’ is the speciality dessert of the house and well worth tasting ). The attractive bedrooms , which have wooden floors and soft furnishings in fresh , crisp colours , have been equipped with the latest in modern comforts and some have views out to sea ( available at a supplement ). For guests wishing to relax between sightseeing visits , the hotel also offers a Spa with a range of treatments and a boat service to and from its own private sandy beach nearby .
Exterior of the Eremo from the gardens
amphitheatre ), Agrigento ( Valley of the Temples , birthplace of Luigi Pirandello ). Sports nearby Walking and mountain bike riding ( hotel provides suggested itineraries ) Tennis , Archery , Fishing , Swimming , and watersports on the beaches at Marina di Ragusa . Italian Expressions include Bed and buffet breakfast . Holiday prices From about £ 1290 per person for 7 nights including scheduled flights and hire-car . Private transfer possible . Ask our sales consultants for full price details .
Grand Hotel Ortigia
GRAND HOTEL ORTIGIA IE242 Official category 5 star . Open All year . Location About one hour ’ s drive from Catania airport . Distances in miles Catania 37 , Ragusa 50 , Taormina 69 , Enna 88 , Messina 97 , Milazzo 117 , Agrigento 132 , Palermo 170 . Nearest airport Catania . At hotel Panoramic restaurant , Bar , Private beach with charged transport service by boat from hotel , Room Service , Lift , Parking , Spa , Small museum . Bedrooms 58 rooms , each with bath or shower and wc , air�conditioning , satellite television , radio , telephone , Wi-Fi , mini-bar and safe . Local interest Siracusa where there is outstanding Greek and Roman remains , an archaeological museum , Catacombs and the Fountain of Arethusa . The baroque town of
Ragusa Ibla , with the beaches of Marina di Ragusa , Taormina and its picturesque streets and Greek amphitheatre . Piazza Armerina has a 3rd Century Roman villa with superb mosaics and at Agrigento there is the Valley of the Temples and birthplace of Luigi Pirandello . Sports nearby Riding , Golf , Tennis , Watersports at hotel ’ s private beach . Italian Expressions include Bed and buffet breakfast . Holiday prices From about £ 1320 per person for 5 nights including scheduled flights and hire-car . Private transfer possible . Ask our sales consultants for full price details .
Grand Hotel Ortigia
Phone 01392 441250 to make a reservation or to discuss your holiday plans 85