Italy
Monaci delle Terre Nere, Sicily
Utterly enchanting and superbly intimate, Monaci delle Terre Nere is a love-letter to Sicily. Set amongst vineyards on the rich slopes of Mt. Etna and overlooking the glimmering Mediterranean Sea, this 19th-century villa is Italian luxury at its most captivating. With just 20 unique rooms and suites scattered across a 40-acre private estate, Monaci delle Terre Nere offers a peaceful hillside sanctuary with a Sicilian twist.
Location
Following a gentle 35-minute drive into the countryside from Catania airport, the world will seem to slow down at Monaci delle Terre Nere. Enjoy vibrant orchards, organic farmland and every inch of your Italian getaway drenched in romance. With strolls through charming coastal towns, jaw-dropping views from Mt. Etna and the azure waters of the Mediterranean all on your doorstep, what’s not to love?
Your Room
Lovingly revived following its stint as a monastery, rooms at Monaci delle Terre Nere harmonise traditional rustic elements with colourful modern flourishes. Elegant and spacious, expect pastel hues, oak-beamed ceilings and lava stone walls paired with sleek Italian furnishings and showstopping views. For the ultimate retreat, escape to the secluded Sontuoso suite, boasting a private garden and a king-size bed atop an old palmento wine press.
Why we like it
Owners Ana and Guido are seasoned hosts and know how to make a visit to Monaci delle Terre Nere one for the books. Their bespoke sunrise service celebrates their unrivalled east-facing hillside haven. Start your day with hot drinks served beneath blushing Sicilian skies before taking a bike ride through sun-kissed vineyards. With a setting that seems heaven-sent and service so divine, is it any wonder the monks made this their home?