Sicily is by far one of the most sought after region of Italy and now thank to new Delta direct flight from New York to Catania, it is getting easier and easier for the Usa tourists to explore and experience this unique destination where food, customs and landscape create a winning combo for those who want to experience authentic Italian/Sicilian lifestyle.
Our President, Sabrina Anna Massari, with this clearly in mind, left for Sicily, on a crispy January morning to fly to Catania, where two of her best local guides, took her to Ragusa Ibla,
to discover Locanda Don Serafino, a very nice boutique hotel in the historical heart of the ancient city, that is more than just a place to stay—it’s a journey into Sicily’s cultural and culinary heritage. The trip from Catania to the Locanda took us around rolling hills, ancient olive groves, and golden wheat fields, which in the winter will be covered with a dreamy, dormient look.
As you leave the bustling city, Mount Etna’s majestic silhouette, covered with snow and with its smoking top, dominates the horizon, its slopes dotted with vineyards and citrus orchards. Hour by hour, the scenery transitions into quaint villages with rustic stone houses and starts to be telling tales of a bygone era.
The winding roads, (not always large enough for big cars, so we warmly suggest not to rent a big car, while travelling in Sicily), lead us past dry-stone walls and verdant valleys, offering glimpses of azure skies blending with the distant, but always present, sea that reminds us that we are on an island.
While approaching Ragusa Ibla, we noticed that the landscape became more dramatic, with baroque architecture crowning the hilltops, framed by lush greenery and steep ravines and the pace slowed to let us absorb the new scenery.
Locanda Don Serafino staff, assisted us during the whole trip with useful tips and info: they told us where to park and how to manage in the narrow Baroque streets of Ragusa Ibla, to have the smoothest of check in.
Once we get there, the nicest porter took our luggage, parked our car and led us to the road and we were welcomed by the most charming and well-dressed Sicilian men, Gabriele, the GM and Eugenio, the Resident Manager that welcomed us with a drink and a story, the story of the Locanda.
It was immediately clear to all of us that what sets Locanda Don Serafino apart from other hotels in Sicily is its unique ability to immerse guests in the authenticity of the region.
Each of the 11 rooms and suites is one of a kind, featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed stone walls, and elegant furnishings that blend contemporary design with traditional Sicilian craftsmanship.
The rooms, some of them, are carved into the natural rock, creating a serene and evocative ambiance rarely found elsewhere.
The hotel’s proximity to Ragusa Ibla’s baroque treasures is another hallmark. Guests can easily walk around the winding alleys and visit the majestic cathedrals, the piazzas that define this historic town, all just steps away from the property.
After the check in it was time to explore and walk and see and discover and we went by car to Marina Di Ragusa, only 20/25 kms from the ancient city, where the Lido Blu, the elegant private beach club owned by Locanda Don Serafino, introduced us to the Sicilian beach life and the Don Serafino’s Villas, provided Massari Travel, with another great chance to sell this destination.
At dinner, it was time for us to experience food, since Locanda Don Serafino’s reputation is also deeply rooted in its gastronomic excellence, being as it is, home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Chef Vincenzo Candiano.
Here, guests can savour innovative reinterpretations of classic Sicilian cuisine, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and paired with an exceptional wine list and by exceptional, we truly mean one of a kind, with limited edition bottles of wine and champagne from various regions of the world.
A meal here is a real experience that can be, in itself, a good reason for driving from Taormina or Palermo or Agrigento or any of the places you may have chosen to stay, in case you have not chosen ( sorry for you 😎) to stay at Locanda Don Serafino,
Two days went in a jiff and we left with the distinct feeling that Locanda Don Serafino isn’t merely a hotel; it’s an invitation to experience the soul of Sicily through its architecture, history, and flavours, making it an unforgettable destination for discerning travellers and we, at Massari Travel, will be happy to lead you around and share with you our knowledge.
