Botanical nursery estate
The hotel is an extension of a working nursery, where guests live among subtropical plant collections beneath Mount Etna.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modern timber-and-clay eco-lodges alongside a restored nineteenth-century stone farmhouse.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Donna Carmela retains evidence of its humble beginnings in rough stone walls surrounding the elegant old farmhouse.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In botanical nursery grounds between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, secluded among olive groves.
The rooms
Freestanding eco-lodges sit among the nursery grounds, and select lodges open onto private decks with plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The main swimming pool sits on a solarium deck bordered by lawn, with views reaching the Ionian Sea.
At the table
Dinner draws on produce harvested from the estate's kitchen garden and olive oil pressed from its own trees.
How it began
The Faro family converted their nineteenth-century residence in 2009, naming the property in honour of matriarch Carmela.
Riposto
More like this
Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa
“Volcanic citrus estate”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.