Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, Sicily

Sympathetically restored and extended by its current owners, this beautiful mansion offers a relaxing, tropical haven from which to relax or explore the island of Sicily.

Location

The hotel is located in the centre of a plantation and as such surrounded by 100 acres of lush mediterranean and subtropical plants. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary style with distinctly Sicilian touches throughout.

Rooms are split over several buildings and more recently exclusive villas and lodges have been added. The grounds of the hotel have been beautifully landscaped with a stunning pool to relax by after a day exploring the surrounding towns or Mount Etna. Once you have tired of sampling local wines and eating there are many activities available from cycling, horseback riding, wine tasting, or perhaps just a short drive to the nearby villages of Taormina or Acitrezza.

Accommodation

All the rooms are individually decorated and furnished using high quality materials and are equipped with satellite TV, minibar, WiFi, air conditioning and en-suite shower room. The Deluxe rooms are on two levels featuring a living area and terrace with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape to the sea or Mount Etna.

In the grounds is a Dependence (villette) situated deep in the nursery, sleeps up to 4 and has bedroom, lounge, kitchen, bathroom, veranda and a sunken jacuzzi on the terrace. The Lodges with either garden or sea view, sleeping up to four these rooms are surrounded by greenery with a terrace. The Romantic Lodges all have a small heated hydro massage pool on the terrace (saltwater). There is also an Imperial Villa for those seeking exclusivity with its own private pool and staff.

Dining

The hotel has created a lovely bar and restaurant in the original stable block, with an inside dining area with lounge, wine cellar and outside terrace surrounded with lawns, olive trees, flowering scented shrubs and views over the nursery.

The elegant à la carte restaurant specialises in traditional Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist, using only locally sourced, seasonal produce to create an imaginative à la carte menu. The restaurant also offers guests an extensive local wine list including wine from the hotel's own vineyard.

Facilities

The hotel is approached from country lanes and there is a driveway with parking outside the main building. There is a lovely reception area where welcoming multilingual staff will guide guests to their room and offer information about the hotel and local area. In the gardens is an outdoor swimming pool and terrace with sunbeds and parasols, overlooking the nursery.

The hotel can organise wine tasting events, vineyard tours, botanical visits and excursions to Mount Etna, as well as various excursions to other points of historical and cultural interest such as Taormina, Acireale and Syracuse. Complimentary bicycles are available for guests use.