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.
The estate comprises organic vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable gardens, with sweeping views over the Mediterranean off 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.
It makes whites and reds under its Guido Coffa organic label using 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 several 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.
You’re more likely to see modern than classical art on the walls, for example, but overall not too much interferes with the grandiose historical charm of the place. having no TVs in any of the accommodation certainly helps.
Despite the wealth of space at the villas none have self-catering facilities beyond coffee makers, kettles, and mini-bars.
There will likely be no need, as food here 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 fully organic with many 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 enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings, and pairing sessions.
Then there is the Convivium Bar, which offers wine, of course, among a range of local grappa, liqueurs and cocktails (cocktail-making classes are available) 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.
We’d also recommend some meandering walks around the gorgeous 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. This could include 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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