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.
