Casa di Melo - Organic Country Hotel

The grounds are lovely, with tidy gardens and smiling, polite staff. There was one exception, a dog that barked at us for a bit :lol: Inside, the rooms are clean and recently modernized, with some interesting details. Best of all, there’s no TV. The hairdryer could be newer, but who dries their hair in Sicily anyway? The bed, though, was pretty bad. Casa di Melo is a vegetarian organic place in the countryside, which made for an interesting change, but it didn’t feel like the usual Sicilian agriturismo with fig trees, peppers, tomatoes, and vegetables in the garden. The hostess feeds you like a country grandma. We regretted booking a “standard” room. They’re actually called Potato or Onion, and ours looked onto the inner courtyard from the first floor, where staff came and went and deliveries arrived. It wasn’t much of a view. We weren’t able to change rooms, and the booking didn’t explain what these “standard” rooms were like. I hadn’t expected the view to be that poor. The room felt more like storage than a welcoming place to stay. I hope they don’t add more of them. The food was tasty, but nearby Siracusa had meals just as good for half the price. I’d expected more vegetables at breakfast from a vegetarian, organic hotel, things like Sicilian vegetable dishes, salads, and mixed plates. Instead, each day there was a small glass of carrot and zucchini sticks with olive oil and cherry tomatoes, plus dry bread, eggs cooked with varying results, and three or four cheeses. The juice and coffee were good. I had to go into town to find the vegetables I’d been hoping for. There were a few communication and service issues. Staff sometimes seemed short on instructions or professionalism, and things that locals take for granted aren’t obvious to visitors. For example, you’re supposed to order breakfast from a menu, write your room number on it, then hand it to the waiter, but nobody explained that. It led to confusion and awkward waits. Dinner was good. They also offered us a few homemade limoncello shots as compensation for the “terrible” room, and they were delicious. The pool had a strong chemical smell that left my eyes burning for the rest of the day. The plastic furniture and vegetable crates around the beautiful pool terrace also didn’t really match the country, bio, eco idea. A few misunderstandings aside, the Sicilian sun and nearby Fontane Bianche beach rescued the trip. I got a Sicilian experience, but not quite the vegetarian agriturismo I’d pictured. I’d choose somewhere else next time if I wanted vegetarian or eco vibes. For Instagram photos, lovely grounds, and the sea nearby, though, this place does the job.

We spent our final two nights of a week in Sicily here and wished we’d booked longer. The setting, property, and staff were all wonderful. My husband and I usually eat plant based, and it was easy to cater for us. The food was a highlight: we had two dinners with a lovely set menu that changed each day, plus a great wine list. Breakfasts were generous, with local produce and both traditional Sicilian and American style choices. We also treated ourselves to aperitivo piattos by the pool. If you’re staying around Syracuse, I’d absolutely recommend La casa di melo. It’s about a 15 minute drive away and gives you a peaceful break from the busy city.

Two nights here last month went by far too quickly. Our room was bright and spacious, the shower was really nice, and I’ve never slept in a more comfortable bed. It felt like being hugged all night. The gardens and shared spaces are beautiful, full of flowers and places to sit and relax. The pool was magical, and we swam whenever we could, even on the morning we checked out. Alberto looked after us so well, always happy to answer questions or chat. He’s the best, and the other staff were lovely too. We enjoyed the dinners and breakfasts, though the food was a little below what I’d expected, and breakfast included some non-vegan items. The morning wait staff could pay more attention to which guests are vegan. Still, being able to eat right there was convenient, and we didn’t have to go into town to look for vegan food. I’d happily stay again and recommend it to anyone. I’m so glad I found you, Casa di Melo. Such a special place, thanks for everything.

The Sicilian countryside all around was lovely, and the stay was worth every euro. I was here for two nights on a business trip, and the whole place was amazing. The rooms are modern and very clean, with bedding and laundry at a really high standard. It was so quiet at night that I slept like a baby. Breakfast was a gem too, with organic products and homemade baked goods. Thanks, Chiara, for the hospitality, and Alberto, for being such an exceptional host. I’m looking forward to coming back.