A garden of palm trees, cascades of olive groves, and the ‘gebbia’ (the original cistern for agricultural irrigation) converted to a small swimming pool. For the casual, relaxed feel of simple things done very well, we like Mandranova in southern Sicily.
The owners, Silvia and Giuseppe di Vincenzo, are hands on. Giuseppe manages the famed olive oil production. Silvia’s unrivalled taste is reflected in the selection of antiques and pottery that decorate the villa. The atmosphere is convivial with al fresco dining most of the year. We like to sit on the patio with trees spotlit by strategically placed lights, enjoying wild-fennel pesto, eggplant caponata, and Silvia’s signature almond cake.
There are just 16 rooms in the farmhouse and in the old winery, a mix of traditional (with antique carved beds and quartz floors) and more modern (with that marvellous Italian style).
Mandranova is located off the beaten track but still just a twenty-minute drive from the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. We’ll be staying there on our Classical Pursuits trip to Sicily in November 2021, a good time to sample the fresh olive oil of the season.
Amunninni! (Let’s go!)
