Monaci delle Terre Nere

At the estate’s center is an immaculately-renovated, historical villa that houses grand reception rooms, a fine-dining restaurant: Locanda Nerello and Convivium bar, which offers a lively and charming atmosphere for evening cocktails. Twenty-three individual villas and guest houses are scattered across the estate, showcasing historic features with contemporary comforts, sleek Italian designed furniture, and gorgeous original art, including pieces from the owners’ private collection. Slow food, seasonality, and Sicilian-origins are the cornerstones of the cuisine at the restaurant Locanda Nerello. Whether it’s served on the scenic summer terrace overlooking the sea, or in the cozy, fireside dining room, fresh, farm to fork cooking takes center stage. Adopting a healthy, refined take on Sicilian culinary traditions, ingredients, and techniques to produce delightful and delicious dishes, the kitchen team provides magical recipes, and a carefully-curated wine list demonstrates some of the most innovative small producers on the island, including owner Guido Coffa’s vintages.

An aperitivo hour at Convivium Bar is the perfect time to test mixologist Paolo Sanna’s imaginative concoctions laced with syrups and oils derived from the wild herbs, citrus and flowers plucked from all corners of the estate. Beyond the grassy gardens, peaceful terraces and elegant infinity pool, there is much to explore in and around Monaci delle Terre Nere: from dramatic climbs, hikes and skiing on Etna; horseback rides and donkey treks; swimming and snorkeling in the shimmering waters of Acitrezza; the high culture and classicism of Taormina and the discovery of secret sides of Catania. Excellent wine trails, scenic coastal drives, challenging mountain cycling routes, and the chance to tour Etna and the nearby volcanic islands by helicopter offer other memorable viewpoints of this spectacular landscape. Monaci delle Terre Nere is a wonderful destination wedding venue as the entire estate can be booked for exclusive use if required, and the hotel has an in-house wedding planner experienced in arranging every detail.

The estate has many entertaining and picture-perfect spaces to host festivities, from the swimming pool and pool bar to the natural terraced amphitheater on the grounds. A herb garden, sunny terrace, and a sweet children’s playground are perfect for the littlest guests.