In the middle of the Sicilian countryside, in Syracuse, lies an old but tastefully renovated farmhouse. The manager of the Boutique Hotel Donna Coraly, Lucia Pascarelli, has spent her life between Milan and London, but felt the call of her homeland, of her family and of the lands that have belonged to her ancestors for centuries.
Her return to Sicily led her to give new life to her childhood memories at the farmhouse, creating this charming luxury hospitality project. The property’s name itself is a tribute to her grandmother Coraly.
Renovated with great skill and respect for tradition, Donna Coraly is a luxury boutique hotel which houses 10 suites, each with its own garden or patio. The property has stayed true to its Sicilian roots and displays lots of Caltagirone majolica and Testa di Moro (Moor’s Head) ceramics.
The boutique hotel is designed to feel like a home away from home. It is a magical place, permeated by a romantic atmosphere, where you can experience authentic sicilian hospitality.
Outside the elegant decorated rooms, Donna Coraly’s parc is a true gem. It has a luxuriant botanical garden, a thermal pool and a fragrant garden filled with vegetables, as well as medicinal and aromatic herbs.
The suites’ private gardens offer direct access to 5000 square meters of nature: a corner of paradise where peace and relaxation take centre stage. The ideal spot to regenerate, relax and enjoy the scents and colours of the most authentic Sicily.
The centre of the park is dominated by an ancient carob tree. This symbol of the Mediterranean and of south-eastern Sicily in particular was mentioned by poet Salvatore Quasimodo in a nostalgic poem on his native land: “I have forgotten the sea, the solemn/ shell blown by Sicilian shepherds,/ the lullabies of the carts along the roads/ where the carob tree trembles in the smoke of the stubble…”. Next to it stands a memorial stone honouring the armistice that decreed Italy’s surrender during World War II.
This beautiful outside space is not only full of history: it’s also a haven of peace where you can relax and refresh yourself. Set within the botanical garden, the biopool stands out for its vivid blue colour: a stunning pool with hydromassage where you can swim and relax completely, immersed in nature – the rare plants, tropical specimens and aromatic herbs making up the garden.
Donna Coraly recently reopened for the season on 30 March, with the jewel in their crown being their new restaurant. La Zaituna: a feast for the eyes and the palate. The menu by Chef Vincenzo Di Falco reflects the passing of the seasons and all dishes are prepared with fresh, organic products. The vegetables and aromatic herbs are cultivated directly in the hotel’s garden and harvested by the Chef before using them to create a refined and delicious cuisine. The restaurant offers a wine list with regional and local proposals, as well as an excellent selection of Champagne.
If you stay at the Donna Coraly Hotel, don’t miss the chance to discover Syracuse. Situated on the east coast of Sicily, it is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, offering visitors a multitude of fascinating sites to explore. Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, Syracuse flourished as one of the most powerful cities in the Mediterranean, and its heritage is reflected in its well-preserved ancient ruins. One of the most emblematic sites is the Neapolis archaeological park, where visitors can admire the famous Greek theatre, the largest in the ancient world, as well as the Ear of Denys, an artificial grotto cut into the rock.
The old town of Syracuse, on the island of Ortygia, is a maze of narrow streets lined with Baroque buildings and medieval remains, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, built on the foundations of a Greek temple.The hotel organises tours of Syracuse and other cities in eastern Sicily and boat trips along the ionian coast. You will also have the opportunity to be guided on an exclusive 3-stage tour to discover the ancient masseria where the Armistice of Peace between Italy and the USA was signed in 1943.
If you wish to celebrate a special day in Syracuse, Donna Coraly’s Orangerie is a stunning reception hall that can be used year round. Easy to decorate, it’s ideal for all kinds of banquets, and the hotel’s staff will help you organize your dream event or wedding reception. It is an extremely private and spacious solution that can be completely personalised and fascinating place for one of-a-kind function.
If you’re travelling through Sicily, be sure to let yourself be enveloped in the comfort of this luxurious estate. You’ll feel like you’re in a second home, but surrounded by all the delights that an establishment of this calibre has to offer. To discover Syracuse and its rich history, the Donna Coraly Luxury Hotel is a dream come true.
CONTACTS:
Contrada San Michele
96100 Siracusa – ITALY
info@donnacoraly.it
reservations@donnacoraly.it
Phone +39 0931 17 99 925 or +39 345 70 18 083
CREDITS:
Images: Donna Coraly
Text: Malena Cortizo A.
