Villa Del Lauro

Villa Del Lauro is a unique boutique hotel in Ragusa Superiore. An amazing find! Boutique designer B&B, slap-bang in the middle of a famous Baroque town, with a glorious pool and garden.

Ragusa, in Sicily’s famous Baroque south-east corner, is less than half an hour from Comiso airport and only one and a half hours from Catania airport, so is a perfect choice for a break, or for the start or end of a Sicilian itinerary. Part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a great base for exploring, within easy striking distance of so many interesting and beautiful Baroque towns. Modica, reached within half an hour, is fabulous, with tiers of houses spreading up a steep ravine, like layers of a cake, and churches dominating the skyline. Scicli, also only half an hour away, is one of Sicily’s greatest secrets and a favourite of ours. Set in a gorge, with wonderful churches and noble palazzi, it has a special atmosphere. In fact, the fictional police station of Inspector Montalbano is actually in Scicli. This area is real “Montalbano” country and many of the scenes were filmed in and around Ragusa. You will see why – such spectacular scenery just can’t be beaten.

Villa Del Lauro sits in a narrow street, at the bottom end of Ragusa Superiore, just a five-minute walk or so (uphill) to the main piazza, the Cathedral of San Giovanni and other interesting sights, and just a short distance from one of the best viewing points for Ragusa Ibla and the steps to get to it. It offers a perfect combination for sightseeing and relaxation. It is certainly unusual to discover accommodation with a pool, slap-bang in the middle of a historic town. Villa Del Lauro’s pool and glorious terraced garden, bordered by hedges and high stone walls, are like a secret hideaway, an oasis to return to at the end of your visits to the Baroque gems of the area. In the evening, when lit up, it has a special ambience, too, seeming miles away from the hustle and bustle of the town. In the morning, it is a delight to sit eating the delicious and delicate breakfast, on the terrace overlooking the garden.

A nineteenth century Baroque mansion, Villa Del Lauro has been transformed with elegance and style into a great boutique B&B. Original features, such as the black limestone floors and the staircase, with its deep, steep steps, have been retained. As you enter, the reception area, with an amazing barrel vaulted ceiling of exposed stone, stretches way way back to a glimpse of light at the other end, which comes in from the garden. Highlights of creamy white and flourishes of colour hint at the modern treatment of the renovation. Large comfy sofas and easy chairs invite guests to lounge and relax.

As you might expect of a B&B in a historic town, rooms are often not huge, but they are all charming, often with cleverly compact shower rooms. Neutral colours are the main choice, but colourful highlights add a touch of sophistication. Many overlook the garden.

Nowadays, apart from the Baroque, Ragusa is well known for its gourmet food. There are two restaurants in Ragusa Ibla with two Michelin stars, which is quite something for a small town, especially in Sicily. Actually, needless to say, the usual trattorie and typical restaurants are superb too, because local cuisine is so delicious, but, if you are looking for a “gourmet” break, Ragusa will fit the bill for you.