Zahir Country House

Not far from the city of Noto, near the southern tip of the island of Sicily, is an unusual place with an Arabic name: “zahir” means something like “visible” or “manifest,” plus an implication of something like “unforgettable.” And Zahir Country House is all of these things. From the outside it’s a classic Sicilian farmhouse, and a lovely example of the form, beautifully preserved. And on the inside, where some hoteliers take things in a more tranquil direction, Zahir Country House is colorful, bold, even a bit dramatic — unforgettable indeed.

The rooms, at very least, are decorated with romantic 18th-century furnishings and eye-catching contemporary art; some are unusually dark or colorful, while all of them are as comfortable as can be, and open either onto a little balcony or directly onto the gardens.

Zahir’s sensibility is for sale, in fact — there’s a small shop selling artworks and housewares, as well as fragrances, jewelry, and wines. Spa and beauty treatments can be arranged, as can yoga lessons and personal training sessions, and the hotel’s sailboat is available for excursions. The most memorable experience to be had here, though, may be the culinary one: chef Bonetta Dell’Oglio prepares breakfast, lunch, aperitifs, and an optional light dinner, and shares her knowledge via in-house cooking classes.