Monaci delle Terre Nere

Monaci delle Terre Nere has a prime location in the foothills of Mt. Etna between Catania and Taormina. It is a gorgeous property, both the building itself (a beautifully restored 18th century-era villa) and the surrounding estate which comprises organic vineyards, olive groves and vegetable gardens, and has sweeping views over the Mediterranean 10km to the east.

The gently elevated slopes that surround Mt. Etna produce some of Italy’s best wines and among them is the produce of the Monaci delle Terre Nere Estate. Under its Guido Coffa organic label it makes whites and reds from local grape varieties such as Carricante, a grape that can still only be found in the Etna wine region, and Nerello Mascalese.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

It has a choice of rooms and suites at the main building and a number of detached suites and villas, converted from old farm outhouses, dotted around the estate. They range from 27 square meter classic double rooms to a 200 square meter, two-bedroom villa which can sleep up to seven with the help of two sofa beds in the lounge.

All are spacious, bright, stylish and elegant, their interiors display a confident mix of the historical and the contemporary, though leaning more towards the latter – modern art trumps classic art on all walls for example – but overall not too much interferes with the grandiose historical charm of the place and having no TVs in any of the accommodation certainly helps.

Despite the wealth of space on offer at the villas none have self catering facilities beyond coffee makers, kettles and mini-bars. The food here though is highly praised, and a major focus of the estate – Monaci delle Terre Nere is as well regarded for its food as its wines. It is not cheap though, be advised.

Their on-site restaurant, which has a large outdoor terrace and sea views, is also fully organic with much of the ingredients coming fresh from the estate’s kitchen gardens. Their menu is proudly Sicilian and if you feel you might miss it when you’re gone you could join the chef’s regular cooking classes.

Guests can also take advantage of the resident sommelier at dinner and so too enjoy vineyard tours and wine tasting and pairing sessions.

Then there is the Convivium Bar which has a range of local grappa, liqueurs and cocktails (cocktail making classes are available) to add to its wine, in an intimate, atmospheric setting.

Other ways to spend your time at Monaci delle Terre Nere include lounging around, or in, the infinity swimming pool and just taking in the views, going on meandering walks around the estate, partaking in yoga classes, enjoying a massage or one of a selection of on-site wellness treatments.

The staff can also arrange lots of outside activities for you too such as hiking or cycling, tours of local wineries, horse riding, day-trips to nearby beaches, helicopter tours around the crater, sailboat tours and more.

WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:

“This was a unique hotel offering a unique experience. The farm was vast and well-tended. The rooms are in small houses almost and quite private. From the welcome drink, fruit bowl in the room, the swim in the infinity pool overlooking the grounds, the “slow food” dinner on the balcony (dessert was my favorite!), very comfortable bed in a large suite, delicious breakfast overlooking the vineyard…all was fantastic!….”

“Monaci is a fantastic place to stay near Etna. The facilities and property were super stunning and clean. Our room (which was in a former wine press) was very comfortable and cozy, and fantastically decorated. The bed was great and the bathroom and bathtub were immaculate, and being able to sit just outside of our room and drink a glass of wine while looking across vineyards was delightful…..”

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