Masseria della Volpe

The Province of Syracuse doesn’t need much to improve on its native panoramic grandeur: a few plates of fresh eats, room to walk around, something hearty to decant, and the silence in which to contemplate it all. A restored 19th-century manor farm sums those right up, if we do say so ourselves, and Masseria della Volpe fits the bill nicely. Set on a verdant, rambly patch of earth just southeast of Rosolini, it’s a fine example of la dolce vita Siciliana; with vineyard-bearing, weathered limestone hills in one direction and the untroubled Ionian Sea glinting in the other, it’s close to the dictionary definition.

The fertility of the land is obvious as one roams the grounds. Besides the extant citrus groves, there’s a botanical garden’s worth of olive trees, carob trees, palms, and cypresses lining the paths. By spacing the facilities out — rooms here, tented pavilion here, heated pool there, bocce and tennis courts way over there — the owners found a clever way to subliminally put guests in touch with their arboreal bounty. That ecological commitment runs deeper: the entire hotel runs on solar power, all the stone was responsibly quarried, and much of the food and wellness amenities were sourced right here with organic practices. Speaking of which, definitely opt for meals on the terrace at Codarossa, weather permitting, in order not to deprive yourself of one spectacularly romantic sunset. Or stay a week and make it seven; they’ve certainly got the stocked cellar to keep your glass entertained.

You should probably head inside at some point, so good thing the rooms match those visual expectations. Handmade Sicilian tilework and rustic stone accents blend with harmonious pastels, sustaining a light, breathable feel as one transitions indoors. Framed artwork and tasteful crafts make appearances throughout, tying the spaces together without introducing clutter. Bedrooms come with large flatscreens, complimentary wi-fi, and sound systems if you can’t bring yourself to unplug, though the private gardens and balconies in some rooms will most likely be all the convincing you need. And taking a cue from the name, your inner fox would probably prefer a dip in the hot tub — or a late-night lover’s stroll. Decisions, decisions.

How to get there: Masseria della Volpe is just over an hour's drive from Catania Fontanarossa Airport via A18 and equidistant from Comiso Airport via E45.