I 5 sensi

We spent 22 days here, and the quiet setting made it easy to relax. There were no barking dogs at night or helicopters overhead. The sea and clean beaches are reachable by car. We went to Modica Marina, 5 Km away, and liked Bruca beach, 13 Km away, best. You can stay by the pool or head out to the coast. We tended to use the pool at weekends and go to the beach during the week. There were very few mosquitoes. I got only 3 bites during our 22 days. Our studio, "5F (V F)", was comfortable and spacious, with a kitchen, living room and dining area. Parking was right in front or under the trees beside the studios, and reserved for guests. The kitchen had enough equipment for 4 Persons, though it lacked a large refrigerator, washing machine, wardrobe, toaster and oven. The bedroom was upstairs, reached by stairs, which could be inconvenient for anyone who needs the bathroom often at night. The bed measured 160cm x 200cm, and the air conditioning worked well with the remote. The bathroom was very clean. The shower was roomy, with a spotless white tray, good water pressure and a drain that wasn't blocked. The pool was refreshing, with natural water and a little chlorine, not too much. The landlord's brother cleaned it daily with a pool robot and also looked after the garden. We were told the tap water came from an underground source and was drinkable, and we had no problems with it. Fresh sheets and towels came every 5 days. Rosario and his brother were courteous, helpful and around every day. For shopping, bread, butter, water, beer and other basics were available at the nearby Cash and carry, or in Pozzallo and Modica at Conad, MD, Penny, Lidl and other shops, though prices were high. We had a great stay. Have a nice one! J.Th

The place could be lovely once the remaining work and early teething problems are sorted out. It's peaceful, with attractive gardens and a nice pool, but you'll need a car to get anywhere. The driveway needs a better surface, since it's currently like a bumpy farm track. The accommodation has the familiar style of other places we've stayed in, though lighter wood might have made it feel more current. In the kitchen, the few pans were either very large or tiny, and the moka pot wasn't big enough for four. A proper prep knife would help. The place is set up for 2-4 people, so it needs more basic kitchen equipment. We also had the electricity cut out at random, and the boiler acted up, so hot water wasn't always available. The shower leaked, and the pillows were incredibly hard. The supposed free toiletries were partly used bottles left by the owners or previous guests.

The rooms are rustic rather than dressed up as plastic luxury, and ours had a comfortable bed and effective air conditioning. There's a good 4 burner hob, plus a large barbecue outside, but no microwave or cooker. Everything was spotlessly clean, and Rosario was especially nice, with some English. The garden and pool sit among olive, almond and carob fields. There's no restaurant or breakfast on site, but Terra Nova "Tenuta Sparaceto", a neighbouring Agriturismo 1km away, serves local set menus that are very good and reasonably priced. Coastal towns have plenty of restaurants too, though you'll need a car. The beaches are numerous, sandy and safe for swimming. For architecture, culture and Inspector Montalbano locations, Scicli, Monica and Ragusa are nearby. A lovely place to stay.

We arrived late after a long drive, and the host was still expecting us at midnight with parmigiano, fresh fruit, a good Sicilian wine and chocolate, all on the house. The welcome set the tone. The rooms were beautifully furnished, clean and in perfect working order, with an authentic Sicilian country feel among the olive orchard. It's a great base for day trips around southeastern Sicily. Ragusa, Modica and Scicli, which is an absolute must see, are only a short drive away. Noto and Syracuse take about an hour, and there are plenty of gorgeous beaches close by. The garden has olive trees, flowers and a pool, and the fresh air comes from its position on a quiet hill overlooking the sea.