Villa Val di Noto

A sun-soaked, architect-designed retreat for luxurious family getaways, in Sicily's beautiful south-eastern province.

Drenched in fascinating history, and famous for its breath-taking baroque buildings that date from the early 18th century, Noto is a largely undiscovered gem - and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - on Sicily's south-eastern tip.

It's amongst this tranquil, ancient landscape that you'll discover Villa Val di Noto, a stunning family retreat.

You'll feel as though you've uncovered a delicious secret, as you drive past the stony outcrops and grazing cattle, down to the end of a charming lane strewn with olive trees, towards your elegantly secluded villa.

Decked in simple white with turquoise shutters, Villa Val di Noto is a perfect picture of understated Sicilian luxury, and you'll find it comes complete with all the joyous trappings of laid-back, sun-drenched family life lived al fresco.

Not only is there a sparkling, lounger-flanked outdoor plunge pool with hydro massage, and a dedicated children's adventure playground, but a wild olive wood-fired pizza oven, sizzling barbecue, and a huge marble dining table on the terrace.  

And if that wasn't quite enough, you even can sit back and enjoy a star-studded movie under the stars themselves, at your own outdoor cinema (which, sensibly, you'll find inside during winter.)

Inside, polished style and cosy comfort reign supreme. The sitting room is equipped with a selection of books, an irresistibly snuggly sofa, and a wood-burning stove to warm cooler evenings, while the spacious, gleaming kitchen is perfectly equipped for all your culinary needs.

Two peaceful, understated bedrooms sleep up to four guests - an additional two can sleep on the sofa bed if needed - while the monochrome bathroom boasts an enormous shower that promises to super-charge those morning freshen-ups!

It'd be easy to think there isn't very much to do here... and while that could be true if you want it to be (just take a good book and a glass of wine out to the hammock in the trees, and you're all set), a mere ten-minute drive will lead you to paradise-like white sandy beaches, with clear blue water that's ideal for snorkelling or sailing.

You're also ideally located for exploring not only Noto, but the historic cities of Modica and Ragusa, the latter of which boasts origins that date all the way back to the second millennium BC.

Meanwhile, nature lovers will adore the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve - a stop-off point for hundreds of vibrant flamingos - as foodies revel in the mouth-watering local food market, bursting with fresh fish and home-grown vegetables.  

Serve back at your villa with a glass or two of local wine, for a perfect introduction to la dolce vita... the Sicilian way!

Things to note

Check in from 4pm, check out by 9am. Please note that the swimming pools in the villa are not fenced, so children must be supervised at all times. The pools are not available during the winter months.