Join us for a tour around the Donna Coraly Resort: a glorious Sicilian country escape…
Drifts of snowy white roses fringe the approach to Donna Coraly Resort, where the sleek lines of the wide verandah offer shelter from the glorious Sicilian sun. And there’s an even warmer welcome from charismatic Lucia Pascarelli, owner of this elegant hideaway. Set among the fragrant orange groves of Cassibile in the Syracuse countryside and just an hour’s drive from Catania airport, this oasis of calm forms part of the family-run San Michele estate. Steeped in 600 years of history, echoes of the past include a moat and La Fortezza watchtower; while in more recent times, the estate played host to the signing of the armistice between the Allies and the Italians on 3rd September 1943.
With just five individually designed suites around the covered verandah, this is a place to kick back and relax. The rooms are sumptuous and spacious, with dramatic Caltagirone ceramics, vivid blue and gold hand painted tiles, contemporary art, restful white walls, and carefully chosen pieces of antique furniture. Walk-in wardrobes and generously-stocked bathrooms (Ortigia bath goodies, towelling robes, even toothpaste and razors) cosset you further into relax mode.
Fling open the French windows onto delightfully secret gardens, one for each suite, where you can take breakfast and gaze across the lush gardens to the pool, musing on your options for the fresh new day. A treatment at the resort’s own spa, a dip in the pool or a wander around the estate – the choice is yours. Further afield, there’s the baroque splendour of Noto (catch the spectacular Infiorata, 19-21 May) or the exquisite island city of Ortigia. Off the beaten track, charming Marzememi, a traditional fishing village with excellent restaurants is close by, as is the spectacular Vendicari nature reserve.
In such an immaculate setting, expect nothing but amazing food (breakfast is included, lunch and dinner on request): abundant fruit and veg come from the organic kitchen gardens, olive oil and cheese are made here and as much of the produce is sourced as locally as possible. In-house chef Guiseppe creates his menu from whatever the market has to offer that day. Enjoy an aperitivo with Lucia as the sun goes down before you are served Sicilian fare like pasta alla Norma, seafood and sweet treats like cannoli and cassata on the verandah, or in your private garden.
Opened in 2016, Donna Coraly Resort sets the bar high. It acknowledges the very best of its illustrious Sicilian heritage and blends it with modern comfort and style in a tranquil setting. A sophisticated slice of la dolce vita for the independent traveller, it’s a place to rest and recharge on your travels in the south-east corner of Sicily.
More information
Donna Coraly Resort
Contrada San Michele – 96100 Syracuse, Sicily
t: + 39 338 6376121
e: info@donnacoraly.it