Normally if I was to hear the word ‘glamping’, I would run a mile. I’m a hotel girl and I’m absolutely fine with that! But in Sicily, there’s a family friendly hotel that truly deserves to be written home about. Nestled in an olive grove just outside of Noto and Syracuse, with views down to the ocean, Braccielieri was a stand out eco-glamping stay that none of us wanted to leave.
The whole of Braccialieri is designed by the Sicilian fashion designer Alessandra Enriquez and so it is an aesthetic feast for the eyes. Every detail, from the soft furnishings to the dinnerware had been touched by his unique style.
The Room
We stayed in one of the family eco-glamping pods, with our own private wood-fired hot tub, veranda and kitchen this was definitely on the glam end of glamping! There was a main double bedroom and day-bed sleeping arrangement for our five year old – the beds were deeply comfortable and kitted out with luxurious linens.
I often find the bathrooms my biggest sticking point with glamping as they can be just too far from the bathroom experience I am very much requiring. However, at Braccialieri fluffy robes, piping hot power showers and Votary products were very much the order of the day and I couldn’t have been happier.
The Food
As you might hope for a bolthole in Sicily, the food at Braccialieri is unsurpassed. The hotel’s restaurant, Dodici Zappe, was both an exceptional fine dining experience and deeply inclusive of young guests of all ages. As you walk into the old olive press barn, tables are laid for diners big and small with plastic cutlery and plates and doodle placemats. During the evening you can choose between a la carte and a 7 course tasting menu – but what was exceptional is that the team will also rustle up a pasta dish and gelato to the tastes of young diners meaning that you can all experience Sicilian cuisine that works for you! We shared the a la carte and the light lunch in Dodici Zappe and were blown away by the incredible service and food.
Breakfast was a mix of an Italian continental buffet and fresh hot food served to your tastes. I am always so thrilled when I remember just how accepted it is in Italy to have cake for breakfast!
Amenities
Braccialieri is a grown up affair but has the crucial ingredient required for a successful family holiday – a heated pool. The super stylish red and white chequered pool is heated to near bath temperature and long days here set amidst the olive groves was truly the best. The hotel is situated a stones throw from the historic towns of Noto (15 minutes) and Syracuse (30 minutes) – so if you can drag yourself away from the aesthetic paradise of the hotel there is plenty of exploring to do!
Parents can indulge in outdoor spa treatments over-looking the olive trees all the way down to the Mediterranean… sounds ok doesn’t it!
How to get there
The best way to reach Braccialieri is to fly direct to Catania airport which is around an hours transfer from the hotel. I would strongly recommend hiring a car to make the most of exploring this incredible part of Sicily.
When to go
Shoulder season is the charm here – a May stay would serve warm, mid 20s temperatures without the fierce heat of a July and August Sicilian Summer. We stayed during the Easter school holidays (April) and the weather was patchy with some sunny and some overcast days, so head across a little bit later for guaranteed sun-filled days.
Length of stay
I would recommend at least 3 to 4 nights staying at Braccialieri to really settle into the slow rhythm of life there – waking up in the olive groves is truly magical. I would extend the trip either in Syracuse or Taormina which are incredible beach towns commutable to Catania airport.
Overall
This Sicilian family hotel surpassed all of my expectations. Stepping into Braccialieri was a feast for the eyes and other senses and this incredibly grown-up bolthole was more than just accommodating of families, it welcomes young travellers with open arms. We left with bags full of gifts from the hotel as they want you all to take a little of the estate home with you – and that tells you everything you need to know about how charming and welcoming it really is.
That Holiday Mum x