Masseria Della Volpe

We had four nights at this beautifully renovated masseria, and enjoyed our stay in relaxed surroundings around the extensive estate. There is a large pool, pool bar and small gym, and a good walk can be done around the perimeter of the estate amongst olives and fruit trees. The wonderfully located and peaceful panoramic viewing point which is equipped with comfortable seating and canopy well away from everything was much enjoyed by us. The restaurant food was also much enjoyed, although wines, whilst good, we found quite pricey. The menu is varied and offers some excellent choices. I would recommend the fish cooked in salt casing, which was really nice and served with much theatre. Also welcome was the barbecue night when we chose a huge and delicious steak which was truly wonderful. On one night we made a change and ate out at neighbouring Rosolini, a small town close by where we were able to find something different. Our room opening onto the shelter of the courtyard was spacious and well equipped, as was the bathroom. Whilst there is a pool bar, it is not always manned, although you can call someone easily enough. It’s a bit strange that there is no other bar area, except for a small space with a few comfortable chairs behind a screen in the restaurant. Staff were always friendly and welcoming. Breakfasts were attractively laid out and offered good choices, although the usual buffet scrambled eggs were less delicious. Special orders were available at extra cost, but it would have been nice to have those options available within the breakfast price rather than as extras.

A truly lovely place to stay. The staff are super friendly, the breakfast is wonderful (and good value at 16 euros per person), the bed was insanely comfortable and our room was very quiet. The Masseria is beautiful, we wandered around the fruit orchard and the olive trees and played basketball on their tennis court! Pool is enormous and it's never very busy. Nothing is a problem! Oh except for our first day, when we visited the pool bar and were excited to see granita on the menu. Sadly, we were told by the manager very seriously that 'it's too cold for granita now, we've moved on to cappucino'. That's fine for you - but I am the customer, I'm on my holiday and it's 27c! Almost every other cafe was still serving granita. And if you are no longer serving it, maybe take it off the menu? The only other disappointment was the lack of any kettle, tea or coffee making option in the room, which I haven't seen for years and was missed dearly. But the pros more than outweighed the cons - this is a charming and luxurious place with really lovely people and perfect for a relaxing retreat.

The hotel is wonderful - has the best pool I have ever seen. We were in the smallest room and it was still large, clean, airy and so comfortable. The Staff are charming and the spa is exceptional! It's a very good value hotel. The pizzas (lunch menu) and pasta are really very good but the only negative comment would be the rest of the menu was not good. Too fussy and a waste of Italy's perfectly simple, delicious ingredients. Had we been there for more than 3 days, I think we would have gotten a bit fed up of the same, inadequate dishes but as mentioned the pizza and pasta (that we stuck to!) were very good and overall this place is well worth a visit. Also very near beach and the town of beautiful Noto. I would return.