Follow the country roads through spectacular carob and olive trees, and you'll reach a farmhouse made of stone, a masseria, which stands proudly on a ridge, with magnificent views of the sea and the southern tip of Sicily. This is Rifugio Lanzagallo, literally a refuge, and more specifically a small, contemporary B&B with wonderful historical bones.

Its owner is a Sicilian architect who has been working in Brussels for many years but remains passionate and nostalgic about her homeland.

The three suites in this small luxury hotel in Sicily are as follows:

L'Edicola is a small temple with a niche in the wall that was built specifically to house the image of a saint, the Madonna or Christ. It has separate access and an elevated terrace overlooking the main courtyard. If wished, it can be connected to La Centrale.

La Centrale is a bright room with two entrances, one from the main courtyard and one from the backyard, as well as a view across the sea. With its mezzanine, this room can easily accommodate a family of four.

La Cisterna sul mare is the largest room, with panoramic views extending to the southernmost tip of Sicily, the Isola delle Correnti. With its mezzanine, this room can also accommodate a family of four.

Start the day here with a breakfast buffet composed of steaming pies, Sicilian specialty biscuits, yogurts, fruit salads, jams, omelettes, ricotta, fresh cheeses, milk, juice and cereals. Dinners are also available on request.

The owners love nature, art, architecture, photography, literature, music, dance (especially Argentine tango), and good food. They can organize seminars on site, including yoga retreats, exhibitions, course, poetry readings, and dance classes.

AROUND THE VAL DI NOTO

The house is located in the middle of Val di Noto, close to the most interesting tourist routes and places. From here, it's easy to make day trips to the UNESCO-protected towns of Modica, Ispica, Noto, Siracusa, Marzamemi, Scicli, Ragusa Ibla and the natural reserves of Vendicari and Cava Grande. 

One of the most beautiful beaches in the region, Santa Maria del Focallo, is 7km away. The owners provide a digital guide filled with recommendations of things to do in the region.

LOCATION

Modica, Sicly, Italy. Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa, Comiso

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall