Wine-tasting and gastronomy on a prestigious wine estate close to the sandy beaches of south-west Sicily.

Relaxed, happy, easy-mannered staff who really help you get into that ''holiday mood''.

The view from the pool and solarium: a great place to watch some blissful Sicilian countryside with the sea in the distance.

Stood on a green hill with a splendid view over the Sicilian countryside, La Foresteria is a luxury resort owned by the Planeta family and is situated near their Menfi vineyards.

Whilst hard work takes place on the vineyard to produce beautiful, high-quality wines, in this boutique hotel, your visit will be all about relaxation and having an authentic Italian experience.

Embrace the copious facilities on offer, from the 14 rooms with views over Menfi’s stunning countryside of never-ending olive groves and vines, to the enchanting Mediterranean gardens and swimming pool, which you can take a dip in before you head to the onsite restaurant to try some Sicilian gastronomic delights, with dishes including ricotta and mint ravioli and silver scabbard fish with herbs. All accompanied by a glass of the estate’s own vino, obviously.

There are also a plethora of activities to take part in, including wine tastings (of course!), cooking classes and trekking and bicycle routes!

Or, if you fancy venturing off-site (though it may be hard to pull yourself away from this delightful destination!), you can head to the hotel’s private beach and swim in the crystal-clear sea surrounded by cool green pine trees and golden sand dunes. You are also ideally located to visit some of Planeta’s other wineries – Ulmo and Dispensa – and the nearby olive groves of Capparrina!

The fourteen rooms are spacious, each with their own private terrace and uniquely decorated. Styles range from pastel-hued–mint, chamomile, rosemary, lavender and evocative of local scents to the stronger shades of red, ochre and blue that are associated with ceramics from Burgio and Caltagirone.

It is the food that lifts Planta Foresteria high into the ‘special’ category; its restaurant opens to hotel guests daily, and also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to devoted local foodies.

Head chef Angelo has many years of creative culinary experience and resolutely sticks to a ‘keep it fresh and local’ formula when sourcing his ingredients.

The staff is friendly, helpful, courteous and, as you would expect, knowledgeable about the wine.

For the freshest fish and seafood head down to ''Ristorante Salisa' by the beach of Lido dei Fiori.

Surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves of Menfi, Planeta Foresteria promises peace and tranquillity.

Only 5 km away there are the sandy beaches of Porto Palo while those who like to explore can discover Greek Temples, Salt Pans and centuries old towns all within a hour drive.