Colle San Mauro

The setting is amazing, and the outdoor pool is lovely. The facilities are traditional and well kept, and although the spa is small, it seems fairly new and felt like a nice escape in the Sicilian countryside. We only came for the spa, so I can't comment on the rooms or other hotel facilities. The massage was poor, with very fast hand movements and so many interruptions that it wasn't relaxing. I had booked a couples massage, but only one therapist was available, so my husband and I had to take turns. She kept leaving the room to serve other customers, interrupting my session. She also left the air conditioning on because she was hot, while I was wet from the pool and felt cold. The therapist didn't introduce herself or explain what would happen. She just stood there as if we were supposed to know the place already, and I speak Italian, so language wasn't the problem. The jacuzzi switched off every 20 minutes. She showed us a small remote in another room so we could turn it back on ourselves, which meant getting out to reach it. There was no one at reception to ask for a hair dryer or anything else. They had tea bags but no kettle, and no laundry basket. There is only one toilet and one shower per gender, so you may have to wait. The spa has a lot of potential, but staff need more customer service training and better massage training. I wouldn't recommend it.

The countryside and grounds are beautiful and peaceful, the huge pool is lovely, the price was great, and the friendly staff and happy owners were very accommodating. Until the first night, we were the only guests. After a busy day sightseeing in Caltagirone and Piazza Armerina, we came back to an 18th birthday party with babies, teens, parents, grandparents, food, karaoke, and a full DJ setup. The speakers were aimed straight at our room, about 35 feet away, and it was LOUD. No one told us about the party at check-in. We were told it would go on until 1 or 2, whenever. All we wanted was a long night's sleep. The rooms were clean and nice, and I'd definitely return to use more of the facilities. But the beds need to be more comfortable. The bathrooms also need hooks and a counter, since we only had a sink and nowhere to put a toothbrush or contact case. Scrambled or fried eggs would be good breakfast options. Please provide directions for getting back to the property. On our first day, GPS sent us across the valley to the wrong back boundary, and we wasted a lot of time finding the place. Google Maps coverage in the mountains is spotty. It would help to have guests meet someone at a general location and be guided to the property.

The staff were amazing and super friendly, but the management and owner weren't very good with customers. We came for one day expecting to use the spa and do other activities. The spa was closed for restoration, and the website didn't mention that when we booked. The food arrived cold. Things weren't very clear, and we got frustrated enough to leave early. I'm sure the owner will reply with excuses.

Our waiter Samuel was a real highlight, attentive and excellent throughout the meal. The food was outstanding, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic Sicilian flavors. The cozy setting has warm lighting and tasteful decor, though it can get a bit noisy at peak times. There was plenty to do beyond dining. We enjoyed the live music nights and themed events, and there was a massage area for relaxing. For something more adventurous, you could ride horses through the vineyard and have complimentary wine tastings afterward. A complete experience, and highly recommended.