Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco

A truly exceptional experience! The historic Abbey is situated on a beautiful mountain side. Words cannot describe the spectacular hallways,courtyards, refractory dining room with frescoes on the walls, and splendor of the antiques adorning every room. The bedroom was massive by any standards, especially Sicilian, and the bathroom bigger than many hotel rooms we’ve had during our three week travels. Fabulous food and wine. Breakfast setting makes it easy to speak with other guests. Too cool to use the pool, but it looked wonderful as well set in an orchard. For flat road Canadians, the drive up was a bit windy, but well worth the effort!

The hotel boasts extraordinary vintage architecture set against the stunning backdrop of the Sicilian countryside. The food is exceptional, with many ingredients sourced on the farm. The host's family so warm and welcoming while respecting guests' space, making the stay impeccable.

We stayed for 2 nights at the Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco the ancient Benedictine abbey dating back to 1300. The former monastery is immersed in the green of the natural reserve of Mount Genuardo. It’s quiet, isolated and serene. The rooms are large en-suite and extremely comfortable. We stayed 2 nights and had two delicious evening meals in the large dining room on a shared table and enjoyed to company of other guests including a couple who were artists from France travelling the world who told us about their work. All the staff were friendly and helpful including Marcia who took us in a tour of the monastery and the grounds.

Where to start? Upon arrival you won’t believe your own eyes. This is such an amazing place. High ceilings, hallways nicely decorated with antique objects, the clair-obscure in the hallways, etc. A very special spot indeed. Staff is very friendly and helpful and they provide a guided tour through the building itself during your stay. You get the opportunity to make guided tours through the neighbourhood as well, and there is of course the swimming pool, hidden in the garden. The location in this ultra quiet place has some inconveniences though. It takes time and a bumpy road to get somewhere. Luckily you don’t have to leave for dinner if you don’t want to, ‘cause Marcella will host you, if you like. The distance will probably be the reason why breakfast is rather basic: toast, cake, pastry, biscuits, but no fresh bread for exempel. The rooms, in the former cells of the monks, are a bit Spartan. The bathroom’s accommodations in particular. Very small shower (with a broken shower head). Overall: great location, friendly staff, silence and peace, but the inconveniences of a distant place and the structure of the building itself.

Perched high on a hill with 360 degrees of breathtaking views, this centuries old abbey has charm and history in every room in its massive structure. Whether enjoying a drink or coffee in the library, eating Sicilian delicacies in the period dining room, or relaxing in the spacious accommodations, you will not be disappointed in the quality of the experience.

The friendly staff are superb, and so very helpful. The swimming pool is a great addition. The food is first class, and interesting. Our stay was delayed since before Covid, so we were really looking forward to it. The wild flowers and wildlife are spectacular, we heard nightingales, owls, skylarks, and we saw a fox cub, lizards and much besides.