As you may know, the Dining Traveler recently renewed her vows in a wonderful event at a vineyard near Noto, Sicily. As a Dining Traveler contributor, I attended the memorable event. While in Sicily, I visited the Sicilian countryside with my husband before the festivities. Here is a review of Susafa, a sprawling family-run estate located in Polizzi Generosa, a village in the Madonie Natural Park.
The History of Susafa
This family-owned estate, which once served as a village, has hotel rooms, gardens, a fully functional farm, and a farmhouse that serves as a kitchen and restaurant. Located in the Sicilian countryside, Susafa is the most beautiful retreat for guests visiting the area. Fun fact: Domineco Dolce, of Dolce & Gabbana, hails from Polizzi Generosa.
The Hotel
With just a handful of rooms, guests can choose from standard rooms to suites. Each one includes comfy beds, a spacious shower, and an outdoor area complete with patio chairs for lounging. The estate at large features a bar that includes a verdant outdoor garden, a massive stone farmhouse where guests enjoy breakfast and dinner, a rooftop above the check in area where guests can enjoy a drink while admiring the surrounding farms and rustic landscape, and a picturesque pool with lounge chairs that give you unlimited views of the Sicilian countryside.
The Vibe
The aura at Susafa epitomizes the Sicilian countryside and is one of utter relaxation and indulgence. The gardens are beautiful and perfect for relaxing. The pool offers an exquisite and serene ambiance. And the restaurant is truly elegant and refined.
The Food
The majority of the food at Susafa is made from ingredients from the farm, resulting in fresh and delicious fare. Your day begins with a sublime breakfast buffet complete with made to order eggs, smoothies, and various breads. Local specialties such as brioche with granita are also featured. Lunch is a buffet served outdoors by the pool. The vegetarian buffet is in line with the hotel’s sustainability focus. The buffet is rife with succulent salads, cheeses, breads, olives swimming in fruity olive oil, and pasta tossed in freshly made pesto. Sweets like lemon tarts end the meal. Dinner includes multiple courses from a menu that changes daily. Offerings include dishes like a chickpea and greens soup, pasta swirled in a cream sauce and crowned with buttery bread crumbs, and chocolate cake.
The Activities
Although it may be tempting to simply relax by the pool all day, there are several activities worth indulging in while you are visiting this Sicilian countryside resort. First, a massage. The spa at Susafa is located outdoors, in a glass-enclosed room under the carob trees. It may be the most beautiful place you will ever enjoy a massage. An outdoor bath is offered as an add on. Then, wine tasting at the bar. Sicilian wines are bold and varied; don’t miss this opportunity to learn about them. Finally, foodie activities such as a cooking class where you will spend hours chatting and making pasta and pasta sauce from scratch. There are breaks for espresso and snacks for sampling, and then you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor with accompanying wine. There is also treetop picnic, where you can while away the afternoon in nature while nibbling on cheese and drinking wine.
Getting There
Because Susafa located in Sicilian countryside in the middle of the country you can fly into either Palermo or Catania and arrange for the hotel to send a driver to pick you up, or rent a car and drive.
The Verdict
Quite simply put, Susafa and the Sicilian countryside is a dream.
