In a nutshell: A luxurious blend of Sicilian style and sustainability nestled in an oasis of lush greenery, with stunning views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Location
Sicily is no longer the secret it once was. Long gone are the days when you could wander along Agrigento’s beaches, roam the streets of Taormina or admire Noto’s architecture without bumping into another tourist. Yet this region still manages to appear distinctly unspoiled.
Despite the proliferation of five-star hotels and luxury resorts, take a drive along the picturesque coastline or wander among the sleepy hilltop towns, and you can still find a spot that feels undiscovered. Donna Carmela is one of these.
Tucked away in a sea of greenery, this boutique hotel has relaxation and restoration at its core. It’s situated on Sicily’s eastern coast, less than an hour from Catania airport, and three to four hours from Palermo. Taormina is just 20km away, while Piazza Armerina, Noto and Syracuse are also close enough for day trips. The hotel is ideally located to visit Mount Etna and explore the wineries and vineyards in her foothills.
The resort’s eco-lodges have views of Mount Etna or the Ionian Sea
(Donna Carmela)
The vibe
Luxurious yet unpretentious, the hotel is effortlessly stylish without being ostentatious. There’s a strong emphasis on the environment, with the outdoors seeming to spill into the rooms, and lush greenery encasing the entire resort. It’s the ideal place for a romantic break, but you’d also feel comfortable bringing children or a group of friends to the hotel.
Significant measures have been taken to improve the sustainability of the resort. This year, Donna Carmela was fitted with solar photovoltaic panels, and the hotel is moving to eliminate plastic in its everyday use.
The service
The attention to detail is near-flawless at Donna Carmela, and guests enjoy five-star service without the stuffiness. Staff are relaxed and friendly, and genuinely seem to care about their guests. It’s the sort of hotel where you feel spoiled but also at home.
The rooms are decorated in simple Sicilian style
(Donna Carmela)
Bed and bath
There are just 26 rooms at the resort, which adds to the feeling of privacy and exclusivity. The accommodation includes eight eco-lodges, which have their own small pools, and are surrounded by thick, fragrant gardens, which…
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