Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco

The Abbey Santa Maria Del Bosco is located in a remote, quiet area with several authentic facades, and a realistic, dormitory-like hallway that seemed to go on forever. (The abbey was once home to 120 Benedictine monks. ) The taped-in playing of Vespers in the evening provided a unique, memorable experience. The entire staff was more than hospitable, and most willing to indulge in conversations about the abbey, its phenomenal history and surrounding vicinity. We would like to mention Chiarra with whom we probably spent the most time. She conscientiously attended to our needs and requests, and provided good advice on activities to pursue. She typified the engaging and professional nature of the rest of the staff. Our stay there was truly one for a travel journal!!

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.

The hotel is a unique place to stay, especially if you are interested in an amazing opportunity to stay in a place with a deep historical background. Staying in a centuries old Benedictine abbey being bought back to life by an involved and passionate owner was a rare opportunity

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.