Zash Country Boutique Hotel

The hotel grounds are beautiful, especially around the pool, and you can see Etna. Our rooms were simple and modern, but comfortable, and we really enjoyed the food, particularly dinner. The restaurant service, though, fell short. At this price for a Michelin starred restaurant, I expected things to be more dialed in. The massages were good, but the spa could use some maintenance. The pool jets were weak, and the water felt like cold bathwater. Still, it’s worth a stay if you’re in the Etna area.

This is one of my favorite country resorts, in a handy spot between Catania and Taormina. The spa and natural setting make it a great place to unwind. There’s a nice mix of history and modern touches across the property. Our suite had its own jacuzzi pool, plus a sauna and Turkish bath area, and the room service was excellent with a good level of privacy. The spa is carved into the rock, and the gourmet restaurant is unique. The chef can make simple dishes impressive with excellent ingredients. Try the crispy egg and fresh pasta.

The atmosphere here is so calm, and we loved being close to nature, the peaceful setting, volcano views, and the space’s warm, refined design. It was one of the most memorable stays of our trip. A heartfelt thanks to the management team for thoughtfully taking care of all our requests and making the visit feel personal. We didn’t manage to try the Michelin starred restaurant, so we have a good reason to come back.

We loved our five days at Zash with our daughter. Room 14 was spacious and clean, with a small private garden just off the hotel. The blossom smelled amazing each morning, and the views were lovely. There was plenty of space for our toddler to explore and watch lizards sunbathe. Since it’s a small hotel, it never felt busy or rushed. The staff were always kind and helpful, especially with our daughter. She got hugs from several of them, and they were happy to warm milk or bring her strawberries. We also really liked the food and the setting. You do need to hire a car, but the main places aren’t too far away. People mention the train, but it passes in less than a second and wasn’t a big deal for us. I live in a city, and the noise didn’t bother or wake any of us. There’s a slight vibration, admittedly, but it didn’t wake me or my family, including our toddler. I’ve seen mixed reviews here, but I loved it, and I’ve stayed in plenty of five star hotels. No place is perfect, but this worked so well for us. Thanks to everyone for a great stay. We’ll be back soon. Huw, Sunita and Penelope.