Eremo Della Giubiliana
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
At a Glance
Eremo della Giubiliana was once an ecclesiastical feudal hold of Renna and dates from the 12th century
The cookery courses at the hotel are amazing, blending a mix of modern day and ancient local recipes
Eremo is a 20-minute drive to Ragusa, a Sicilian town with UNESCO World Heritage Site status
The hotel's cuisine is delicious, plus it is within easy reach of four Michelin-starred restaurants
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Insider's View
The owner of the estate is the pilot of two airplanes, stored at the hotel's private airstrip. Take a tour of Sicily from the sky or hop over to one the neighbouring islands.
A must to take half board at the hotel, as the food is some of the best in the whole of Italy! Be sure to try a cookery class from the talented young chef at the hotel which you can tailor to your interests.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this renovated thirteenth century monastery during your stay.
Buy some of the hotel's delicious produce handmade there to take home, the olive oil is so tasty and the red wine dangerously good!
Enjoy the fresh Sicilian cuisine of the delicious tasting menu with wine pairings either al fresco in the historic courtyard or inside in the hotel's atmospheric restaurant.
Make a trip to the nearby town of Ragusa to explore the beautiful baroque architecture or drive the short distance to the coast for a day at one of the excellent beach clubs here.
To start planning your holiday to Eremo Della Giubiliana
Description
A real find in Southern Sicily, close to Ragusa, Eremo Della Giubiliana is well worth a visit. Carob trees, rustic stone walls and olive groves dominate the landscape with the Mediterranean sea forever glistening invitingly in the background.
Eremo della Giubiliana is located on the Hyblean plateaus of Southern Sicily. Medieval towers, courtyards and cobbles set the tone for a stay in this historic property once an ecclesiastical feudal hold of Renna dating from the 12th century.
The buildings are steeped in history with stints as an Arab home as well as a defensive fortress against the Barbary pirates who once stalked the coast. Not to mention of course, its links with the Knights of the Order of San Giovanni who graced the Convent building in the 16th century. Now Eremo della Giubiliania operates as a luxury 5 star destination and is run by the same family who acquired it in the 18th century, the Nifosì's.
Eremo della Giubiliana's unique history means that no one room or suite is the same. Each one has incredible idiosyncrasies, for example the Torre del Canonico Suite, named after the owner’s uncle, the “Canonico” Ignazio Nifosì, boasts a three-storey tower dating from the 14th century. Or the Frate Nero Suite which takes its name from the black cross etched into the white stone walls of the room.
Dining at the hotel's restaurant, Don Eusebio is a real treat. You can sample dishes that take their inspiration from an amalgam of recipes from ancient Hyblean aristocracy to modern day cuisine. Above you is the magnificent vaulted ceiling of the hall refectory used by the Knights of the Order of Saint John or on a perfect summer evening, venture out to enjoy the Hortus Conclusus garden to enjoy the heady scent of jasmine while sampling stellar Italian cuisine.
Eremo della Giubiliana is the perfect Italian retreat, a departure from the norm for sure but one that will appeal to those seeking something a little bit different but while also wishing to explore the truly wonderful island that is Sicily.
Accommodation
An eclectic mix of rooms, suites and cottages are dotted around the resort. Each one is different due to the unique structures that house the rooms as well as the heritage decor that has been individually applied to each boudoir. Rustic Sicilian furniture sits alongside exotic French tapestries and gilt mirrors.
| Classic Room | Classic rooms are restored out from cells of the monks and are furnished with old furniture and wrought iron beds. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; bathroom with bathtub |
| Superior Room | Superior rooms are different from each other, with the original pitch stone floorings, wrought iron beds and old furniture. Some on the first floor, others on the ground floor, they look over the aromatic "Hortus" characterised by many typical Mediterranean aromatic plants, centuries-old olive trees, and an old "Arab" fountain. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; bathroom with bathtub. |
| Deluxe Room | Deluxe rooms have a large bathroom with Jacuzzi and a lovely private terrace which overlooks the Hyblean countryside. Original old furniture and Persian carpets characterize these intimate rooms, particularly fit to honeymooners. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; bathroom with jacuzzi and a private terrace. |
| Suite Grande | This Suite is particularly fit for families with children; it overlooks the stone courtyard and it develops on two levels: connected through a stone staircase with a chestnut wood balustrade. 1 Double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; bathroom with bathtub, toilet; living area on the ground floor; bedrooms on the first floor |
| Suite Frate Nero | It owes its name to the black cross engraved on the white stoned wall telling about knights of Malta. It is characterised by thick stone walls and white stoned floorings, old furniture, Persian carpets, damask arm-chairs. One double bedrom with air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe and a bathroom with jacuzzi. |
| Suite Torre Del Canonico | The tower of the XV century consists of three floors with a living area –studio on the ground-floor, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. The big terrace overlooks the garden and the "Corte Araba". From the tower's terrace you can clearly see the highlands, the coast and Malta as well. One double bedroom with the possibility of adding 1 or 2 beds on the ground floor. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; living area with toilet on the ground floor, bedroom with bathtub on the first floor. |
| Suite Della Guardia | One of the oldest parts of the Eremo della Giubiliana, it is all on the ground-floor, with stone walls and floorings; the sitting area is characterized by the stone fireplace and a wonderful sofa of the XVIII century with damask tapestry; big drawers and chests of the XVII century, old oriental carpets and antique furnishings complete this charming suite, making it one of the most elegant of the Eremo. With air conditioning/heating; satellite TV, minibar, safe; bathroom with Jacuzzi and a fireplace |
| Stone Cottage | These charming stone cottages are located on the estate, 400 meters from the main building and offer amazing views to the Highlands and the sea. Styled on shepherd's cottages, each one is fenced with typical stone walls with its their own parking, private garden and veranda with big stone barbecue. The interiors are traditionally furnished and finished with white stone floorings, exposed beam ceilings, stone fireplace, kitchenette, mini bar and air conditioning. They are open plan. Bathrooms have a large bath-tub with windows overlooking the garden. These cottages are perfect for those seeking privacy. Room service is not available in the cottages. |
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Eremo Della Giubiliana. However, there are no specific facilities available for them.
Facilities
Don Eusebio is the hotel's gastronomic restaurant has french windows overlooking the parkland of olive trees creating a Mediterranean backdrop. The spa which takes its influence from local produce is the perfect if you want to indulge in a bit of relaxation. There is an ancient archaeological site which gives you an insight into the history of the area.
Activities
Food enthusiasts can sign up for a cookery course under the watchful eyes of both the head chef and the owner, Lady Vincenza Iolanda. Ancient recipes from the Hyblean aristocracy are melded with modern Mediterranean dishes and you can try your hand at making home made pasta.
Flying tours, wine tasting, boat trips and excursions to Malta and the Aeolian Islands are all possible. Or stay put and unwind in the Asphodelus Spa with views over the ancient archaeological site that dates from the 8th century B.C.
Reviews
Alice Fuller (Staff)
Every moment of our stay at this beautiful historical property was excellent. Upon arrival we were welcomed with a drink of local sparkling wine (for arrivals before 7pm the welcome drink is a glass of their freshly prepared almond milk), and then given an introduction to the history of the buildings and the hotel. The history and heritage of the property is all around, from the original furnishings in the tower suites where Maltese Knights once lived, to the simpler dcor of the rooms of the thirteenth century monastery. All of the staff which we encountered during our stay were extremely friendly, knowledgable and attentive - Lorenzo, the head of concierge was superb - nothing is too much trouble! We enjoyed a delicious tasting menu with wine pairings at the hotel's restaurant. The food was fresh Sicilian cuisine created using local ingredients. Breakfast was also a real treat - a fantastic cold buffet spread with a focus on local dishes created from local meats and cheeses, as well as a small selection of hot eggs and bacon, many different fruits, yoghurts, cakes, pastries and biscuits, as well as freshly squeezed juice and their own almond milk. This really is the perfect rural place to base yourself for exploring all that Siciliy's beautiful south has to offer.
Lily Cai (Staff)
I couldn't speak more highly of the Eremo hotel in terms of service, personality and food at the hotel. The hotel is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway in rural Sicily and looking for some great cultural and historical trips. Full of character, the hotel is mainly designed in old traditional stone and the hotel even showcases traditional cooking techniques. On the food front, some of the best I have eaten in the whole of Italy. The staff really make the hotel a home, incredibly friendly and helpful you will feel part of the family.
Experiences
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Explore the Valley of the Temples
Step back in time as you explore the Valley of the Temples with your private guide and admire the ruined Greek temples and tombs that once made up the ancient city of Akragas.
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Private walking tour of Noto
Renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture, Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting some of the most picturesque streets in Sicily. Explore the town with your private guide and discover the history behind the architecture.
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Sicilian cooking class
Discover the art of Sicilian cooking in a private masterclass with a local chef. You'll visit the market to purchase your ingredients before heading to the kitchen and learning how to cook traditional Sicilian recipes.
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Visit Villa Romana del Casale
An impressive Roman villa dating back to the 4th century, Villa Romana del Casale boasts a stunning complex of Roman mosaics, almost perfectly preserved due to a landslide during the 12th century.
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Walking tour and chocolate tasting in Modica
Explore the charming town of Modica and its medieval centre with your private guide. Discover its elaborate architecture and picturesque streets as you wind your way through the city.
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Walking tour of Ortigia
The historical heart of Syracuse, the island of Ortigia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to beautiful Baroque architecture. Explore this stunning island with your private guide and learn about its fascinating history.
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Walking tour of Ragusa
Visit the magnificent town of Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting incredible Baroque architecture, and discover the beauty of the city with your private guide.
Holiday Ideas
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Imagine Sicily
Menfi, Ragusa & Taormina
from £4000 pp inc flights & transfers for 7 nights
- Discover the beautiful streets of Taormina and enjoy the breathtaking views from the city
- Explore the fascinating towns of Ragusa, Modica and Syracuse in southern Sicily
- Scale the heights of Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano
Location & directions
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
South of Ragusa, Eremo della Giubiliana is located at the centre of southeast Sicily, in the heart of Val di Noto.
How to get there
It is a 3-hour British Airways scheduled flight to Catania International Airport Fontanarossa, from London Gatwick. From the airport it's a 1-hour drive to the hotel.
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