Sicily Italy

Casa Arrigo

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This eco-hotel is the perfect chance to experience ‘slow tourism’ in a 19th-century farmhouse.
The top-quality service and close-knit community, dating all the way back to the farmers who worked the lands here in the first half of the last century.
Breath-taking views of Mount Etna and Sicilian countryside including vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees.
The terrace around the swimming pool, where you can enjoy the view of the volcano while sipping a drink.

Casa Arrigo

A tranquil life beckons in this Sicilian countryside eco-escape.

By Sophie Lawrence, VeryChic correspondent

As someone who’s lived in London, I can easily spot who’s a local and who’s not – the trick is to look for that glazed yet slightly manic look in their eyes that comes with a life that’s a constant race against the clock. For those that dare to venture outside of the urban bubble, a whole new world awaits nestled in the Sicilian countryside. Seemingly locked in time, the Casa Arrigo offers you a chance to experience “slow tourism” at its finest. Savour stunning natural landscapes and a backdrop of Mount Etna when you reconnect with your natural side at this quaint eco-retreat.

Sicily has been a honeypot location for explorers and travellers for thousands of years, and it’s hardly difficult to see why. On my way to the Casa Arrigo, I cruised past undulating emerald hills stretching far into the distance, peppered with relics of the Roman Empire and cypress trees and bathed in the late summer sun. Somehow everything here feels slower already – the warm breeze carries with it the faint scent of olive trees and a promise of tranquillity. The country house reminded me somewhat of old farms I’d seen in vintage Italian films, with bare stone walls and soft shades of terracotta and olive green reminiscent of the drive here. In the distance I heard the delicate rustle of the wind in the cypress trees, and nothing more. I was worlds away from London - and I loved it.

The elderly couple who own the Casa Arrigo welcomed me like an old friend and showed me to my room straight away. Those that prefer the “less is more” approach to décor would love this hotel; each of the six rooms are individually decorated in a style that stays authentic to the house’s rustic roots. My own room (which, to my delight, came with a complimentary bottle of local wine) had gorgeous timber panelled ceilings and soothing earth tone furnishings, a simplistic luxury and beauty that speaks for itself. This hotel proudly states it is part of a sustainable eco-tourism movement, so you can rest assured that you’re doing what’s best for you as well as the environment.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day wherever you are, but I’m often guilty of skipping it in favour of a muffin or an extra sugary coffee on the daily dash to work. At the Casa Arrigo they know that you can’t feel your best without a delicious healthy breakfast, which is why nearly all the produce they provide is organic and grown on site – even the honey! There’s no need to rush here as you dine with views of the glimmering pool and the staggeringly beautiful Mount Etna, set to the sound of... well, nothing. While away the days in total bliss and learn to love the slower side to life when you stay at the Casa Arrigo.