Masseria degli Ulivi

A peaceful and remote hotel in the hills above gorgeous Noto, with a stunning pool and simple, rustic rooms

A short drive up a winding road to the hills above the stunning town of Noto brings you to the remote and incredibly tranquil 'Farmhouse of Olives'. You enter through a cool, dark archway where, on our visit, an old dog slept peacefully in the shade.

The nineteenth-century farmhouse is built around a baglio (courtyard), with an old olive tree providing shade. The reception, restaurant and breakfast room are off this central space, with the accommodation in newly built blocks across the lawn. Modern edges are softened by the dusky pink colour of the walls and the jasmine, honeysuckle and rose plants climbing up the sides. Across the lawn is the beautiful infinity pool: semi-circular and surrounded by sun-loungers shaded by olive trees. Simple, comfy rooms have high beamed ceilings; some are split level, which will suit families. But it's the setting which makes it: you're in the depths of nature, with Sicily's most spectacular river gorge and her loveliest Baroque town both on your doorstep.

Highs

• Peaceful rural location and idyllic setting amongst olive and carob trees
• Fantastic large infinity pool for those hot summer days (it can reach 40 celsius)
• Good base for exploring Noto (a Unesco World Heritage Site), Siracusa and Ragusa, plus the gorge of Cava Grande and the sandy beaches of Vendicari
• Triple and quadruple rooms available
• Some excellent Sicilian wines on offer in the cantina
• Friendly, discreet service

Lows

• Rooms lack that X-factor and - by our high standards - verge on the bland
• The hotel is very remote and only accessible by car; there is no public transport up from Noto (8km / 15 mins' drive away)