The peaceful pool amongst the vibrant gardens of the Monaci delle Terre Nere, with numerous sun loungers scattered around the hotel, engulfed by the lush scenery of the Sicilian countryside, Italy.

The elegant pool amongst the lush garden of the Monaci delle Terre Nere, lined with numerous sun loungers, and three colourful seats at the shallow end of the pool, in Sicily, Italy.

The stunning, stone wall behind the plush bed in the luxurious room at the Monaci delle Terre Nere, with the dramatic wooden beams of the roof stretching over the old, wooden furniture of this room in Sicily, Italy.

Monaci delle Terre Nere

Sicily

Nestled on the lower slopes of Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere is an intriguing blend between a rustic farm stay and a contemporary design hotel.

Set within a 25-hectare Sicilian country estate and organic winery, this Relais & Chateaux property straddles an 18th century aristocratic villa and several outbuildings. With a bio-eco ethos, home-grown organic food, and a laid-back pace of life, it offers the perfect rural retreat in Italy.

The estate has expanded over the years and now comprises 24 rooms, suites, and villas. Heart of the hotel is a dusky pink Baroque villa, beautifully restored with traditional materials and a blend of antiquity and avant-garde décor. Newer additions, including the estate suites and pool villas, are scattered around the grounds, blending lava-stone walls and rustic beams with sleek, elegant design.

A champion of the Slow Food movement, Monaci delle Terre Nere specialises in farm-to-fork cuisine, with most of the produce coming from the estate. The artsy Locanda Nerello restaurant serves creative versions of traditional Sicilian cuisine, complemented by wines from the estate. There’s also a pool restaurant serving simple, fresh cuisine.

Enjoy a leisurely dip in the infinity pool, take a botanical walk around the gardens, or enjoy an open-air yoga session in the shadow of Mount Etna. Guests can also explore the grounds by bike or on horseback, and savour wine tastings.