Hotel Review
La Foresteria Planeta Estate, Menfi, Sicily
Opening in 2009, this charming country house hotel - on one of key Sicilian winemakers the Planeta family's seven wine estates on the island - is surrounded by gorgeous scenery made up of olive groves, vineyards and the coast beyond. More than 50 herb beds surround the spacious, comfortable rooms, each boasting a little terrace. Delightfully decorated in a traditional Sicilian style with characterful touches such as handwoven kilims and rugs, the public areas are generally equally attractive, and peppered with well-chosen contemporary artworks. There are plenty of cosy places to escape with a book or a cocktail, including a couple of lounges, a pool area with a small bar and seating areas nestled in the gardens amongst the cacti. There's a small gym and steam room too.
Your expert reviewer
THE DETAILS
Location
The views from the hotel are simply stunning.
The hotel is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The nearest town, Menfi is about four miles away. You need a a car to explore the local area and further afield.
By plane: direct flights to Palermo take 3 hours from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh. The hotel is an hour and 25 minutes' drive. Free on-site parking. skyscanner.com
Style & Character
Those interested in wine and good food and seeking tranquillity will love it here. Many guests are in their 50s and 60s but there are younger guests, perhaps on honeymoon or simply wanting a quiet hotel. There's a real attention to little details: for example, we saw staff ironing all the tablecloths before dinner, and delicious fresh homemade cakes were provided for breakfast.
Service & Facilities
We loved that the various seating areas are often tucked away, adding to the relaxing vibe.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Garden
- Swimming pool
- Free bikes
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms
Our Junior Suite Deluxe, 'Lavender', looked out to a field of lavender and then onto gorgeous rolling hills and vineyards, with the sea in the distance. Quite spacious and pretty traditional in décor, features like earthy handwoven rugs, colourful bedspreads and tapestries on the walls really provide character.
Standard Room, Room with a View, Pool Suite, Junior Suite, Junior Suite Deluxe
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, terrace, TV, free Wi-Fi
Food & Drink
The restaurant terrace is charming, with greenery covering the ceiling and boasting wonderful countryside views. The fish and seafood soup with broken spaghetti - a traditional Sicilian dish - is rich and totally delicious, crammed with prawns and various types of fish.
The Restaurant: terrace retaurant, Sicilian cuisine, local ingredients. Open for buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner (tasting menu also available).
Check availability
Rooms available from £279.53 per night
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