Sicilian Paradise Found: Unwind in Sole Mare E Relax, Siculiana!
Sicilian Paradise Found? Sole Mare E Relax in Siculiana: A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to lay bare my experience at "Sicilian Paradise Found: Sole Mare E Relax" in Siculiana. Forget the polished brochure – this is the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster. Let's dive in, shall we? (Deep breath…)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… and a Bit of a Scramble
Okay, so let's be upfront. The word "Paradise" is doing some heavy lifting when it comes to accessibility. While they say they have facilities for disabled guests, getting around felt a little… treacherous at times. The entrance wasn't exactly smooth sailing for a wheelchair. I witnessed a guest struggling with the cobbled pathways, making me wonder if they were truly designed with accessibility in mind. The elevator? Thank goodness, a lifesaver. Still, it’s not exactly state-of-the-art. A few more ramps, and less reliance on the hotel staff, would be amazing!
On-site Grub & Giggles: Where to Eat, Drink, and Complain (Quietly)
The food situation? Ah, the food. It was… a journey.
- Restaurants: They boast several eateries. One night, I splurged on the “A la carte in restaurant”, and the pasta was phenomenal. Like, I'm talking tears-in-my-eyes, "Mama Mia!" kind of phenomenal. But the next night? The "international cuisine" felt a little… generic. Like, the same tired chicken breast everywhere. The "Asian cuisine" was… brave. Let's just say my taste buds were confused.
- The Buffet: Breakfast was a buffet, and oh boy, was it bustling! The "Western breakfast" was solid – eggs, bacon, the usual suspects. The "Asian breakfast" was…well, let's just say, if you're craving congee, you might leave disappointed.
- Poolside Bar: The poolside bar was my happy place. A nice espresso, a cheeky cocktail, and the sun beating down… Bliss. The staff were attentive and friendly, although there was, at one point, a hilarious mix-up with my order. I ended up with someone else’s dessert – a weird, gelatinous thing. But hey, it added to the experience!
- Snack Bar: Perfect for a quick bite. The sandwiches were reliably good.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and That Pesky Spa…
Okay, so the "relax" part? That's where they've got it mostly right. But let's break it down:
- The Pool with a View: Stunning! The pool, overlooking the Mediterranean, was breathtaking. I spent hours just floating, gazing at the turquoise water. Pure therapy.
- Spa/Sauna: The spa was… interesting. They had a sauna, steamroom, and a (rather small) pool. The massage? It was… okay. Nothing to write home about, but hey, it's a massage. The body scrub felt a bit… abrasive. Like, my skin was still tingling the next day. Not the most relaxing experience.
- Fitness Center: I glimpsed the "Fitness center." It looked… well, it looked functional, but also like it hadn't been updated since the '80s. The gym was a little cramped, which made me feel self-conscious, as everyone seemed to watch me while I attempted to use the treadmill.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement/Room Service: The staff were flexible with dietary requests, which I appreciated. Room service? Available 24/7, which is a huge plus for late-night snackers (like myself).
Cleanliness and Safety: Disinfecting the Paradise?
This is where "Sicilian Paradise Found" truly shines. They seem to take it very seriously, in all areas.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays: They were clearly on top of sanitizing. I felt genuinely safe. Plus, hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: The lobby, the hallways, everywhere. Kudos!
- Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: All areas that should be.
- Hand sanitizer in rooms and individually-wrapped food options: Nice touch.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms…
Okay, my particular room? Standard stuff, but perfectly adequate.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the heavens. I am always connected.
- Air conditioning, and Blackout curtains: Important.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- In-room safe box: Good.
- The Bed: Pretty comfy. After the first night, i slept extremely well.
- The Shower: The water pressure was a little… erratic. One minute, you're being blasted, the next, it's a trickle.
- Soundproofing: Could be better. I, unfortunately, overheard some… interesting conversations from next door. But hey, maybe that was part of the "experience."
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (Mostly)
- Breakfast [buffet] The breakfast was better than the dinners. I really loved their pastries.
- Poolside bar Great cocktails.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant Good, but they should have had a barista.
- Restaurants Overall good.
- Room service [24-hour] Amazing for late-night hunger.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the “Huh?”
- Concierge: Super helpful! They knew the area and could book restaurants.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless.
- Security [24-hour] Made me feel safe.
- Elevator Thank god.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute but not great. It was a little expensive.
- Air conditioning in public area and Luggage storage: Always a nice thing.
- Food delivery: Great option.
- Currency Exchange Always needed for tips.
- Outdoor venue for special events: The terrace was beautiful and a lovely place to drink coffee and see the gorgeous landscape.
- Invoice provided Easy payment.
For the Kids: Fun for the Little Ones?
- Family/child friendly Kids facilities, babysitting service and kids meal - they have it all, and the kids were very happy!
Getting Around: Navigating the Sicilian Roads (and Parking!)
- Airport transfer: Convenient and easy.
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus. Plenty of spaces.
- Taxi service: Easy to get.
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Essentials (and a Few Extras)
- Oh yes! Toiletries, Slippers, a hairdryer, and of course, the wifi, which allows you to take a break!
My Overall Verdict:
"Sicilian Paradise Found"? Well, “Paradise” is a bit of a stretch. It's more like "Charming, with some quirks and a few rough edges." But overall, did I enjoy my stay? Yes, absolutely. The location, the pool, the friendly staff – these things were fantastic. Siculiana itself? Gorgeous. The imperfections make the experience feel real, and the joy of Italian hospitality shines through. Just… manage your expectations, and be prepared for a little bit of adventure. And maybe bring your own body scrub. 😉
Aster Los Angeles: The Hidden Gem You NEED to Experience!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind tour of… Sicily! Specifically, the sun-kissed, salt-sprayed shores of Siculiana, Italy. Remember that ridiculously optimistic brochure you saw? Yeah, we're throwing that out the window. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, occasionally disastrous reality of a dream holiday. Welcome to my brain dump of a travel itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Gratification (AKA Food, Glorious Food!)
15:00 - Landing in Palermo (PMO) - Or, at Least, Trying To
Okay, first hurdle: getting off the plane. Seriously, why are Italians so incredibly stylish, even at baggage claim? I spent a solid ten minutes just gawking at a woman with a scarf that probably cost more than my rent. Then, the actual getting of my luggage. Let's just say, my suitcase and I had a brief, passionate, and entirely one-sided relationship with the conveyor belt. Eventually, we were reunited. Relief the first.
16:30 - The Drive, The Anticipation, The Wrong Turn (It's all part of the Fun, Right?)
Renting a car. Always a gamble. This time, the GPS lady (who, I swear, has a vendetta) directed us through a series of increasingly narrow, cobblestone streets that would make a mountain goat weep. We finally emerge, shaken but alive, and with a newfound respect for the Sicilian drivers who seem to treat traffic laws like a suggestion. Note to self: Invest in a wider car for the next visit. The scenery, however… breathtaking. Rolling hills, olive groves that seem to hum with history, and glimpses of that shimmering blue sea… pure magic.
18:00 - Check-in at Sole Mare e Relax - Finding the Villa
Okay, finding the "Villa" was not as smooth as in the pictures. A bit of a hike, a bit of a mystery. But finally, Success! The little villa is gorgeous, simple, and peaceful. The balcony? Mwah chef's kiss. I'm going to spend approximately 90% of my time there with eyes closed and the sun on my face.
19:00 - Aperitivo Time! Or: How I Fell in Love with Campari (and Probably Liver Damage)
Right. Before we even think about unpacking, it's time to dive headfirst into Italian tradition. Aperitivo, baby! And here, at a little trattoria down the street. Plates of olives, bread, and weird, wonderful cured meats that I wouldn't normally touch, all washed down with Campari spritzes. Oh, the joy! The bitter, beautiful, slightly dangerous joy. Note to self: pacing needed!
20.00- Dinner/ First meal: Pasta, Pizza, Happiness
I'm not gonna lie: I'm already full from the Aperitivo. Dinner is an adventure. Finding the best pizza in a tiny Sicilian town? Difficult. We picked a random one. The pizza? Actually the best pizza I've ever eaten. The pasta? An art form, all handmade and tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and something they call "love" on top. Okay, I officially want to move to Italy.
22:00 - Sunset Stroll & Stargazing - Or, How I Almost Fell Into the Ocean (Twice):
Walking down to the beach. Stunning golden hour. The waves, the smell of the sea, and then… a rogue wave. I almost ate sand. Twice. But the sunset was worth it. The stars? Unbelievable.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Coastal Caves & (Probably) More Food
09:00 - Breakfast on the Balcony - The Simple Joys
Seriously, I could live on that balcony. Fresh fruit, strong coffee (the Italian way, of course!), and more than a few moments of staring out at that view, feeling a strange sense of peace.
10:00 - Beach Day! - Sun, Sand, and the Tyrrhenian Sea
Back down to the beach. Sunscreen, a book I probably won't read, and an overwhelming desire to do absolutely nothing. The water is so unbelievably clear, so blue, so inviting. I wade in. My toes tingle.. It's bliss!
12:00 - Lunch at a Beachside Chiringuito - Because We Clearly Haven't Eaten Enough
The food is okay (honestly, it kind of tastes like everything here is amazing). The view, however, is incredible. We ate some fried fish and I definitely managed to get sand everywhere
14:00 - Boat Trip to the Caves of Siculiana - Embrace the Unknown (and Possibly Seasickness):
They promised us caves, secret coves, and crystal-clear water. We got them all. The boat ride was gorgeous and made me believe in being alive. The water? Unbelievable. Swimming in it? Even better.
17:00 - Exploring Siculiana Town: The Churches, The Streets, The Hidden Treasures
This little place is lovely. We wandered through the narrow streets, soaking in the atmosphere, getting delightfully lost. The church? Magnificent. The locals? Friendly.
19:00: Dinner and Local Culture
We ate at a local trattoria. Simple, tasty, and the best part? We're eating with the locals. The noise, the energy, the sheer joy of the Italians - pure gold.
21:00 - Gelato, The Italian Endgame
Seriously, I am eating gelato every day. Multiple times a day. Life goals.
Day 3: Valley of the Temples & Wine! & More Food!
08:00 - Breakfast, but this time with a purpose!
Today's plan: the Valley of the Temples. We load up on caffeine.
10:00 - Valley of the Temples - Ancient History and Blazing Sun
This place is an experience. The temples are breathtaking. We walked around in awe. The sun? Blazing, with 100 degrees. Thank goodness for the shade. I'd say we survived.
13:00 - Lunch with a View
We stopped at a restaurant with breathtaking views of the temples. Pasta with pistachio pesto. Delicious.
15:00 - Wine Tasting - Or, How I Became Best Friends with a Sommelier (in Italian, Sort Of):
I have a confession to make: I am not a wine connoisseur. My wine knowledge consists of "red," "white," and "Rosé for the win!" But this wine tasting was genuinely brilliant. We tried local wines, learned about the process. The sommelier (who, bless him, spoke enough English for us to understand) was passionate. I now have a passing familiarity with "Nero d'Avola." And a slight headache!
18:00 - Back to Siculiana, a well-deserved nap (or at least, a moment of horizontal bliss)
I never realized how much history could leave one exhausted.
20:00 - Seafood feast tonight, baby!
We're going to the best seafood restaurant in town. Everyone says so. I am ready to get messy, honestly. Give me the octopus, the calamari, all of it! Bring it on.
22:00 - Stroll under the Stars (Again!)
We can't get tired of this.
Day 4: Goodbye (For Now!), Food Coma, and the Promise of Return
09:00 - Last morning in Siculiana - Full-on Food Coma
One last breakfast on the balcony, savoring every moment, every sunbeam, every bite. I'm already dreading leaving.
10:00 - Last dip in the sea, sunbathing and relaxing
We go to the beach. I spend a solid two hours just staring at the water.
12:00 - Lunch
Eat! Eat! Eat! One last feast.
14:00 - Packing and departure
The only packing I'm doing is trying to sneak my suitcase over the weight limit with Italian food.
15:00 - To the airport… Ciao, Sicily! A Rivederci!
The drive to the airport. The last glimpse of the sea. Departure. The memory of the best holiday ever. Note to self: Book the next trip, immediately. And learn some Italian. And maybe, maybe, stop eating so much. (Nah.)
So there you have it. A slightly manic, utterly honest, completely unedited stream of consciousness designed to capture the real Siculiana experience. Hopefully, it inspires you to go, to discover, to get lost, and to embrace the beautiful, messy, utterly delicious reality of a dream holiday. Ciao!
Mykonos Escape: Unveiling Ftelia Bay Hotel's Hidden Paradise
So, is this "paradise" thing... real? Because Instagram lies, you know.
Alright, alright, let's be real. Paradise? Look, it's Sicily. It's *mostly* paradise. Think sun, the sea, and enough pasta to fuel a small army. But, and there's always a "but," it's also Sicily. That means quirky bureaucracy, stray cats with attitude, and the occasional moment where you wonder if you've accidentally wandered into a Fellini film. Honestly, I spent the first hour fighting off a swarm of tiny, relentless gnats on the beach. They were *evil*. So, paradise with a side of bug spray, sure.
What's the accommodation like? Spit it out. Be brutal.
Okay, the rooms... Well, they're not exactly *minimalist chic*. Let's just say they have character. My room in particular (Room 7, I believe) smelled faintly of lemon (which was nice) and... something else (which was definitely *not* nice. Maybe the previous guest's garlic breath?). The air conditioning? Erratic. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it sounded like a dying whale. But the balcony? Oh, the balcony. That was pure gold. Facing the sea. Coffee in hand. Absolute bliss. Worth the questionable plumbing. Honestly, I spent an hour one morning just staring at the horizon, feeling utterly useless, and *loving* it.
The food! Is it as amazing as everyone says? Because, I'm Italian. I'm judging.
Oh, *mamma mia*, the food! Okay, for an Italian, you might know better because I'm not Italian! But, yes, the food. The *arancini*… crispy, golden balls of heaven, each one a tiny, perfect explosion of rice and ragu. The pasta, usually *alla Norma*... Look, I’ve had pasta *alla Norma* before I went broke, but this one! Oh, this one went into the soul! I could eat a mountain of it. I *did* eat a mountain of it, actually. Okay, maybe not a *mountain*, but definitely a small, delicious Alp. And the gelato! Forget the diet. Forget everything. Just eat the gelato. I'm getting emotional... *gelato*.
Tell me about the beach. Is it packed like sardines or can I breathe?
Sardines? Now, that depends. Weekends? Yes, definitely sardines. Think a vibrant, noisy, sun-drenched can of... *something*. But weekdays? Glorious. Space to breathe, space to spread out your towel, space to *think*. I had this absolutely perfect, quiet morning. I spent all night with my friend, which was something of a disaster when we got back home, but that's neither he nor there. Anyway, I sat on the beach like some sun-worshipping lizard, watching the sea, and feeling… well, pretty darn content. Until the gnats came back.
What's the vibe? Relaxed? Lively? Something in between?
It's a delicious mix. During the day, it's chilled. Lazy lunches, sleepy afternoons. Evenings? Things get lively. People stroll, families chat, and the air fills with the scent and sounds of pasta and passionate conversations. I witnessed a very intense game of cards that nearly ended in fisticuffs, which was both terrifying and hilarious. It's not a wild party scene, mind you. It’s that laid-back Mediterranean vibe. If you're expecting a rave, you're in the wrong place. But if you’re happy with a glass of wine, good company, and a *lot* of stories, you're gold. Perfect for thinking, perfect for *not* thinking.
Is there anything to *do*, other than eat and lie on the beach? (Blasphemy, I know!)
Okay, okay, I get it. You need options. There are boat trips! (I didn't go, seasickness is my kryptonite). There are hikes (same issue). You can explore the local villages (beautiful, but prepare to get lost - in a good way). There's the option of the *siesta*... Trust me, that’s an activity in itself. And you know what? The real activity here, the thing you *should* do, is *nothing*. Just breathe. Do absolutely nothing. Let the sunshine hit your face, the sea breeze run through your hair, and the deliciousness of doing absolutely nothing wash over you. That's when the magic happens. I spent a whole afternoon just staring at a cloud shaped like a grumpy llama. Best afternoon ever.
Any downsides? Be upfront!
Oh, yes. The gnats. The aforementioned questionable plumbing. The sometimes-unpredictable internet. The fact that you *will* gain weight. Probably a lot of weight. The Italian bureaucracy (prepare to feel bewildered and slightly defeated). The occasional power cut (candlelit dinners are romantic, though, I guess). And... the constant, nagging awareness that you will, eventually, have to leave. That’s the worst downside of all. I didn't want to leave. Seriously. I booked a flight back the minute I got home.
Would you go back? And is “Sicilian Paradise Found” actually found?
Hell yes, I'd go back! In a heartbeat. Gnats and all. Is "Sicilian Paradise Found" *perfect*? No. Is it a truly amazing experience? Absolutely. It's not just the sun, the sea, and the stupendous food. It’s the *feeling* of being there. The slower pace of life. The warmth of the people. The way time seems to melt away. And the fact that, for a little while, you can escape the everyday noise and just... *be*. So go. Just go. And bring me back a pistachio cannoli. And maybe some bug spray. Just in case.
What's the *one thing* I absolutely *must* do? Don't be vague.
Right. Here's the goldComfort Inn
