Masseria Agnello

It might not sound relaxing to travel halfway around the world to stay on a farm, but agriturismo is among the most charming ways to experience authentic, rustic Italy. You won’t even get your hands dirty here: the Masseria Agnello, tucked just off the Realmonte coast on the island of Sicily, is an ex-farm, no longer a working producer. But despite a major renovation to turn it into the modern luxury hotel it is today, it maintains the property’s agricultural and historical roots everywhere you look.

Take the 10 guestrooms, for instance. They’re found in the stables and peasant workers’ quarters, but with fully modern touches introduced during the renovation process: en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and a curated mix of modern and antique decor. The style is simple but elegant. The stone facade of the exterior sneaks indoors too, and it serves as the perfect design complement to the exposed wooden beams and chandeliers. And the views are part of the package, too: each room looks out onto the garden and the ubiquitous olive groves — and, farther afield, onto the sea.

If you want to get more in depth with your surroundings during your stay, the staff here is happy to arrange activities that help you connect with the land and with this part of Sicily. Learn about local agriculture, take a Sicilian cooking lesson with the hotel chef, take a day trip to the local Greek temple ruins — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re among the world’s best preserved — or scale (or admire from a distance) the famous Scala dei Turchi, a postcard-perfect white cliff next to the beach.