Site Inspection at Susafa in Sicily, Italy

THE FOOD

Each meal starts with two types of delicious homemade bread served with Susafa’s own olive oil (which you can buy - among other things like tomato sauce and fresh pasta - to take home and remember your experience!). The breakfast buffet has a cold-press juicer available alongside a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for guests to press their own juices. The poolside restaurant features an open kitchen where guests can see the food being made and speak with the chefs. While simple, but always a classic, the linguine with tomato sauce for lunch was one of the best I have ever had. Additionally, poolside, they have a selection of gelato and granita available to cool off in the Italian heat. The hotel also has a gorgeous and unique bar area. You can choose to enjoy your drinks inside, or take them up to a terrace area complete with pillowed benches and other lounge options to take in the surrounding nature.

EXPERIENCES

Susafa provides guests with the opportunity to partake in a series of cooking classes and offers a weekly wine tasting of local Sicilian wines. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to participate in any of the classes because of the days I stayed and availability. That is one negative of Susafa; the activities only take place on the scheduled days, so if you wanted to take a pasta class, but are there on a Friday, you are unable to do so. Susafa does offer spa treatments, but does not have a designated spa space yet. Although, they said it is something they are looking into developing more. Susafa features a beautiful clear pool that is surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and bean bags for sunbathing and relaxing. Additionally, guests are welcome to explore the gardens and take in nature.

WHO WOULD LOVE IT

This hotel is perfect for couples, honeymooners and overall romance. All of the rooms on the property are for two people max. Additionally, the tables in the restaurant are all set for two people, and around the pool the loungers are grouped in twos. The quiet and serene nature of Susafa provides couples with an opportunity to spend quality time relaxing together while connecting with nature. It is good for couples who appreciate sustainability, and are interested in taking a break from the tourist bustle in other areas of Sicily. Alternatively, it could also be great for a relaxing girls' trip, a relaxing break from bustling city life and tourism or as a stop during a Sicilian road trip.

THE ROOMS

Susafa has 17 rooms, and six room categories: classic double, superior double, junior suite, classic suite, superior suite and deluxe suite. I stayed in a classic suite, which was set off to the side of the main building. The classic suites allow for increased privacy and space. It also had a king-sized bed, a living room area and a large bathroom with two sinks, a rain shower and a luxurious bathtub. The deluxe suite has its own in-room sauna. Most of the rooms have views of the expansive gardens.

Susafa is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital city of Palermo. The hotel itself is isolated deep in the Sicilian countryside, and situated down a long, winding and somewhat bumpy road. There are many signs guiding visitors to find the hotel, but it is definitely off the beaten path. Its location does allow access to day trips to other popular areas in Sicily, such as Cefalu and Agrigento. However, I doubt you will want to leave the sanctity of Susafa once you arrive!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sicily, Italy. In need of further inspiration? Check out Melissa Elliott’s guide, Visit to Susafa in Sicily.