A slick architect-designed converted masseria, with a heavenly pool and holistic spa, set amidst the olive and carob tree covered countryside overlooking the Noto valley.

A lovely rural setting, yet only a 20 minute drive from the sandy beaches of Vendicari.

A gourmet restaurant and sport facilities to work out those extra Cannolis

Surrounded by a large estate dotted with citrus, fruit, carob and olive trees, it is superbly placed for exploring the region, with views across the Noto valley and hovering between a string of beaches and the magnificent baroque towns of Sicily’s south east.

Restful, refined and with a strong focus on eco-sustainability, the hotel’s re-design comprised locally sourced materials including lava stone from Mount Etna and the white stone that is typical of the area. Despite its elegant appearance, the hotel is visibly rooted in its farming environment, with age-old olive and carob trees providing shade around the pool, olive oil produced on the estate and fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant.

Situated on the ground and first floors of new buildings, bedrooms and suites are decorated in neutral shades, some with exposed stone walls and white beams. Choose from a Classic or Superior room, with a view over the courtyard, a private garden or with a balcony.

Suites have one or two bedrooms/bathrooms and the largest Suite has a roof terrace and separate external space. The apartment offers spacious family accommodation in three bedrooms, with two bathrooms, a kitchen, living-room and private garden.

Start your day with fruit juices squeezed from the fruits in the orchard, locally-sourced ricotta, cheese and ham, pastries and home-made jam.

Meals are served in the hotel’s Ristorante Coda Rossa or, in spring and summer, on the terrace overlooking the pool against the backdrop of the Noto valley. Dinner is a Sicilian treat – with antipasti of tartare di tonno, ricotta-stuffed ravioli, grilled fish and pistachio-based desserts featuring on the menu.

The Province of Syracuse does not need much to improve its natural beauty: a couple of fresh dishes, enough space to move and a bit of silence to contemplate everything. This beautifully restored 19th century building encompasses them all nicely.

Located in a verdant area south-east of Rosolini, Masseria della Volpe is a fine example of Sicilian sweet life; with exposed vineyards, limestone hills in one direction and the serene Ionian Sea in another, it seems the definition of paradise.