Country House Villadorata

The rolling hills of the Sicilian countryside just outside of Noto are a picturesque setting for this luxury hotel. Nestled within a vineyard and plentiful citrus and almond trees are the hotel's three residences, with wistful, winding paths running between them. Guests can choose between private rooms or an entire suite with its own pool. Many of the rooms offer a verandah overlooking the verdant gardens and there is a large pool for communal use. Rooms are simply dressed in soft pastels with large windows, allowing the original heritage buildings and the natural surroundings to do most of the talking. The restaurant Orti di Villadorata is the crown jewel of the hotel; seasonal dishes are produced using locally sourced ingredients, many coming from the grounds of the hotel itself. Traditional Sicilian cuisine gets a contemporary facelift in this menu; guests can give the dishes a go with cooking classes available with the chef. With an idyllic setting, well-appointed rooms and great facilities, this hotel is certainly within the cream of the crop in this part of Italy.