Baglio Occhipinti

Friendly staff, quiet and idyllic scenery. Delicious breakfast and dinner. A great place to enjoy a slow life

The property was beautiful, the staff were very pleasant and efficient. The meals were outstanding. Would highly recommend the property.

Quite a gem in a stark landscape tucked away in the countryside of Sicily. This part of Sicily is neither lush nor beautiful in the sense of Tuscany, but quite charming, especially on the grounds of Occhipinti, where there is an abundance of vineyards, herb and vegetable gardens and the famous Occhipinti winery nearby. After driving along dry roads with noticeable amounts of dumped trash (due to lack of regular public services), one pulls into the Occhipinti oasis. A lovely old baglio has been turned into a comfortable upscale hotel with clean swept modern rooms, a beautiful long pool, lovely landscaping and comfortable common rooms. While there are sites to see and places within driving distance for day trips, a stay at Occhipinti deserves at least a day on site to just relax and soak in the ambience. Breakfast is served in a beautiful room of former wine crushing vats and is beautifully displayed and varied with Italian cakes and pastries to local specialties. Eggs and bacon and delicious coffee drinks are included and can be ordered. The chef prepares an outstanding and varied lunch and dinner each day based on local ingredients. Never the same menu, one could eat lunch and dinner every day and keep enjoying inventive and superb cuisine. It’s possible to order fewer courses than the full menu, but hard to not try everything. The gardens and grounds are so pretty that eating outside at crisp white linen covered tables with candles and twinkling lights is a must at night. There is a sweet table for two near the kitchen and overlooking the pool that can be requested. As is the case in many places, there are loads of cats around – well fed and friendly, but be advised if you have allergies. The only bothersome thing was the multitude of flies that made it unpleasant to sit by the pool in the afternoon. Occhipinti has a sister winery which can be visited and the wines are excellent.

We visited this property for 3 nights, as soon as you arrive, you know you have happened upon something very special, it is a woman owned and operated property as well as winery! We toured winery, did a cooking class and ate most our meals there! The rooms were spacious and beautifully appointed, immaculate, with very comfortable beds. The services and kindness of the employees stay with you long after you depart! Rebecca, was one of the sweetest, and most attentive! I e mailed her from the states and called her several tomes, always a smile and a quick reply! Cooking class was incredible and very hands on, and we ate our raviolis with fresh tomato sauce as part of our dinner that night. I can only say, this is a very special place, beautiful to the eye, and good for the soul. It is a peaceful retreat, we were treated wonderfully, and many hugs upon our departure! Honestly, if you are in this area of Sicily, do not miss this little gem!!!

A beautiful old house and lovely vineyards and fruit and vegetable gardens. So peaceful tranquil and calm. Delightful staff. Fabulous pool. A wonderful place to relax and recharge and drink local wines and eat produce from the gardens. Wish we could have stayed longer