Unlocking Sicily's Hidden Gem: Casa Ancora in the Iblei Mountains
Unlocking Sicily's Hidden Gem: Casa Ancora - My Iblei Mountain Love Affair (and a Few Gripes!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! I just got back from Casa Ancora in the Iblei Mountains of Sicily, and let me tell you, my soul is still humming with sunshine and the scent of oranges. This isn't your average hotel review, though. Forget the sterile jargon and perfectly posed photos. I'm here to give you the real deal, warts and all, because frankly, isn't that what we all want? Let's dive into this Sicilian dream, shall we?
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First things first: Accessibility. Now, listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate places that are thoughtful about everyone. Casa Ancora scores some serious points here. The elevator is a godsend, especially after those pasta-fueled hikes! While I didn't specifically test the facilities for disabled guests, the general layout felt spacious and well-considered. I'd encourage anyone with specific mobility needs to reach out and inquire directly – they seemed genuinely invested in making sure everyone feels welcome. Car park [free of charge] is a massive win, too. Those winding mountain roads can be a bit… intense.
But also, I was dying for a better access and information on the accessibility of each individual room and the route available.
Getting Around: The car park [on-site], specifically a car park [free of charge] is right there, in the premises, and a car power charging station. I did have a car though, so the airport transfer was never on the table, but the taxi service is available as well
The Food! Oh, the Food! (And the Drinks!)
Let's be honest, a trip to Sicily is about one thing: stuffing your face. Casa Ancora did NOT disappoint. The restaurants, plural, offer a delightful experience. The Asian breakfast might have been a bit of a stretch for me (hello, I'm in Sicily!), but everything else was phenomenal. The breakfast [buffet] was a glorious display of local cheeses, cured meats (OMG, the prosciutto!), fresh fruit, and pastries that tasted like they were kissed by angels. I also loved a la carte restaurant, and a western breakfast was also a great alternative.
One evening, I found myself lingering at the Poolside bar after a day of exploring. The bartender, a charming guy named Marco, recommended a local orange liqueur – it was liquid sunshine in a glass. He also makes a mean Espresso Martini, by the way! Don't forget to try the coffee/tea in restaurant, which comes with a lot of other options, like a fresh bottle of water in all rooms! The bar, naturally, served Happy hour, and had a poolside bar. So all in all pretty nice..
The restaurants themselves showcased both International cuisine and, thankfully, a lot of Western cuisine, with a menu that changes with the seasons. I particularly remember a melt-in-your-mouth seafood pasta dish – I'm drooling just thinking about it. There was also a Vegetarian restaurant option if that's your thing. The Desserts in restaurant were a crime against my waistline, but utterly worth it. And, for those late-night cravings, the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. Speaking of the food, I also noticed the safe dining setup, with staff taking precautions.
And for a quick snack, the Snack bar had me covered.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pools & Bliss
Now, about those "ways to relax"… Casa Ancora knows how to pamper. Forget relaxing, I was practically catapulted into a state of bliss!
The Swimming pool [outdoor] with its incredible Pool with view was the star of the show for me. Imagine: crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush greenery and the rolling hills of the Iblei Mountains. I spent hours floating there, just existing. Pure zen.
But it’s not just the great outdoor pools, there's also Swimming pool, which I assume also offers an indoor option.
Then there was the Spa. Now, I'm not usually a spa person, but… I indulged. I mean, when in Rome (or, in this case, Sicily!), right? I got a Body scrub that left my skin feeling like silk and a Massage that melted away all the stress. Apparently, they also had Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Steamroom, and a Spa/sauna. I'm sorry, but I wasn't able to try all of them. They offer a Spa, and they have Fitness center, and Gym/fitness options. And even a Steamroom.
The Rooms: Cozy Comfort (and a Few Quirks)
The rooms at Casa Ancora are… comfortable. The Additional toilet was there, and then there were the Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
They're well-appointed, with Air conditioning, Satellite/cable channels, and all the usual amenities; like Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! However, I wasn't a fan of the Internet access – LAN, or Internet access – wireless speeds.
They're also perfectly clean, thanks to the amazing Daily housekeeping staff.
But the real win? The views! Ask for a room with a balcony overlooking the mountains. It's totally worth it, especially for sipping your morning coffee and watching the sunrise.
Cleanliness and Safety: They Take it Seriously!
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount. Casa Ancora gets an A+ here. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in all the safety protocols (and the hygiene certification is there). You could seriously eat off the floors. I'm talking Rooms sanitized between stays! It was reassuring to see. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, if you need it.
And yes, the Smoke alarms were everywhere, which is a plus.
The Extras That Make It Special
- Services and conveniences: The Concierge was super helpful with recommendations and booking excursions. The Laundry service was great. I also loved the Dry cleaning, Cash withdrawal, and the Gift/souvenir shop.
- For the Kids: While I didn’t travel with kids, the hotel seemed super family-friendly, with Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
The "Meh" Bits (Because I'm Honest!)
Okay, here's my honest critique. The internet, as I've mentioned, wasn't the fastest. So, if you're relying on it for work, be prepared. They have Internet [LAN] and Internet services, but in my experience, they were not up to par.
And one thing that can be improved is the fact that Pets allowed unavailable!
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously!)
Despite the minor quibbles, Casa Ancora is an absolute gem. It's a place where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself (and maybe your travel companions!). The staff is friendly and helpful, the food is divine, and the setting is simply breathtaking. Yes, I found the Desk too small to properly work – but at least it’s there! I also had some trouble with the Audio-visual equipment for special events, and even though I had a Laptop workspace, it was hard to set it up due to a small space.
So, who is Casa Ancora for?
- Couples: For a romantic getaway.
- Families: With family/child friendly amenities.
- Anyone who wants to escape the ordinary: To feel like they've truly discovered something special.
My Recommendation: Get yourself to Casa Ancora, pack your bags, and get ready for an experience you won't
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Casa Ancora: My Iblean Adventure (Or, How I Almost Didn't Survive Chic Sicilian Charm)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-sunburnt truth about my recent foray into the gloriously chaotic heart of Sicily, specifically, the charming (and sometimes maddening) Casa Ancora – Le Chiavi degli Iblei.
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Bewilderment
Morning (Sort of): Arrived at Catania airport, a delightful maelstrom of shouting, hand gestures, and the intoxicating aroma of espresso. Finding the rental car felt like a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. Let me tell you, Sicilian drivers… they don't exactly adhere to the "rules" as we know them. It's more like a ballet of near-collisions and honking. Made it, eventually, to Casa Ancora.
Afternoon: Casa Ancora. Oh, the beauty! Stone walls, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, the scent of lemons and herbs… It's postcard-perfect, until you realize your Italian is about as good as a two-legged cat at a cat show. The owner, Donato, is charmingly enthusiastic, but his rapid-fire Sicilian is, dare I say, impenetrable. Managed to gather the key, and a vague understanding of where the nearest grocery store might be.
Evening: Attempted to navigate said grocery store. Failed miserably. Ended up with a bag of what I think are olives, a mysterious bottle of red wine (turns out, it's amazing!), and a pasta shape that looked suspiciously like little hats. Prepared the makeshift dinner, and then the power went out. Cue panic. Cue the sudden, overwhelming realization that you are utterly alone in a foreign country, and you have no idea how to operate the fuse box. Eventually, Donato’s daughter, Giulia, bless her heart, came to the rescue with a smile and a flick of the wrist. She even shared some of her own mother's homemade ragu, and in the blink of an eye, all the stresses and anxieties were relieved with a warm smile. It felt like being rescued by an angel.
Ramblings: Seriously, the food. The sheer abundance of it. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. You’re expected to eat everything, and I mean everything. My stomach is already preparing for a serious expansion.
Day 2: Ragusa Ibla & the Price of Beauty
Morning: Drove (gingerly) to Ragusa Ibla. This place is stunning. Baroque architecture, winding alleyways, breathtaking views… It's like stepping into a fairytale. Got lost. Repeatedly. This is totally normal.
Afternoon: Found a tiny trattoria tucked away on a cobbled street. Ordered the pasta alla Norma (again, amazing!). The waiter, an elderly gentleman with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, kept trying to get me to drink grappa. I refused, knowing full well I'd be incapable of driving afterwards. He did, however, convince me to try my first cannolo. Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
Anecdote: Stumbled upon a local market and bought a pair of earrings from a sweet, elderly woman. I swear, I’m pretty sure she could tell I didn’t know how to haggle so she gave me a discount. Then, offered me some coffee and a smile that was much bigger than expected. We didn't have a common language, but it felt like we shared a moment.
Evening: Returned to Casa Ancora, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the day's beauty and my own utter lack of navigation skills. Decided to take a dip in the pool. The temperature was perfect, the sunset was glorious. Bliss. That is until I realized I forgot my towel inside so I had to walk butt naked to my room while trying to avoid the gaze of the nearby neighbor. Pure horror.
Day 3: Modica & the Chocolate Obsession
Morning: Decided to brave the drive to Modica, the city famous for its chocolate. I should be honest: I'm not even a huge chocolate fan. Famous last words.
Afternoon: Spent the entire afternoon in Modica, completely and utterly engrossed in chocolate. Met the local chocolatier (a tiny human with a giant personality), sampled everything from dark chocolate with sea salt to white chocolate with pistachios. Walked out with enough chocolate to feed a small army. My self-control evaporated.
Doubling Down on Chocolate: Seriously, Modica chocolate is a life-altering experience. The texture, the intensity of flavor… It's unlike anything I've ever tasted. I tried a chocolate-infused almond croissant. I ate chocolate gelato. I bought chocolate souvenirs for everyone I know. My suitcase is now at least 50% cocoa.
Evening: Sat on my balcony, gorging myself on chocolate and watching the stars. Felt a profound sense of contentment, followed by a slight stomach ache. Worth it.
Quirky Observation: The cats here. They are everywhere. They are majestic. They are probably judging me for my chocolate consumption. I am ok with this.
Day 4: Lost in Translation (and a Cooking Class)
Morning: Attempted to order a cappuccino at a local cafe. Again, my Italian failed me. Ended up with something that resembled hot milk. I think. Decided to embrace the chaos.
Afternoon Spent the afternoon in a cooking class. Giulia helped me again, acting as a translator. We made Arancini (deep fried rice balls). They emerged as crispy, golden globes of deliciousness. Felt like a culinary genius. (I probably wasn't, but I'm not complaining.)
Evening: Had a pizza party with my neighbors. Shared conversation, laughter, and a lovely bottle of wine. Realized that, despite all the initial challenges, I might have found my happy place.
Day 5: Departure & Bitter Sweetness
Morning: Woke up, filled with a mix of sadness and excitement: Excitement for seeing my family and the familiar comfort of home, sadness because I had to say goodbye.
Afternoon: Drove back to Catania airport, navigating the chaos with newfound confidence (or maybe just dumb luck). Said goodbye to Casa Ancora and the Iblea area.
Emotional Reaction: I feel like part of me has been left behind there. I've found a new family. Casa Ancora isn't just a house; it's a retreat, a refuge to disconnect us from the stress of the outside world. This has been my best trip yet.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of utter bewilderment, and moments when I was pretty sure I was going to get lost forever. But it was also filled with beauty, laughter, delicious food, and the warmth of the Sicilian people. It was, in short, an adventure. And I can't wait to go back (and to finally master that fuse box). Arrivederci, Sicilia! (And, to Donato and Giulia, a thousand thanks!)
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Casa Ancora: Your Sicily Adventure (…Maybe?) - Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, so…Casa Ancora. Is it actually *hidden*? Like, do I need a Sherpa?
“Hidden” is a bit dramatic, like saying my sock drawer is “a state secret.” It's in the Iblei Mountains, which, let’s be honest, aren't exactly overrun with tour buses. You'll drive through winding roads, past sleepy villages where the cat looks at you like *you're* the tourist, and then... BAM! Casa Ancora. GPS is your friend, unless your friend is also a disaster-prone navigator, in which case, print out directions. Trust me. Learned that the hard way, getting lost in a seemingly endless olive grove (and nearly running over a very unimpressed donkey). Let's just say I’m still apologizing to Google Maps.
The 'hidden' part is more about the EXPERIENCE, not the location itself. It's a world away from the tourist traps. It's the kind of place you *feel* like you have to yourself.
What's the vibe? Is this a luxury retreat or rustic shack with a view?
Ooooh, this one's good. Okay. Luxury? Not exactly. Rustic shack? God, no! Think…chic, converted farmhouse with character. It's all exposed stone, beautiful furniture, and you know, the *vibe*. It's really, properly designed. Think a very stylish Italian grandma's house, if the grandma had excellent taste, and probably a secret room behind the bookshelf filled with vintage wine. (Okay, maybe not the secret room, but there’s definitely wine.)
The details are great, though. Seriously, the linens! And the little courtyard, perfect for drinking your morning coffee (and then, you know, probably your afternoon *aperitivo* as well). It's the sort of place where you feel instantly relaxed, like all the stress is just…melting off. Until you see a scorpion. More on that later.
Food! What's the deal with the food situation? Do I need to pack my own pasta?
Okay, the food. This is a MAJOR selling point. Forget packing pasta! Sicily is food heaven. You're in the Iblei Mountains, which means fresh, local produce, amazing cheeses, olive oil that’ll make you weep, and… oh, the pasta. Fresh. Homemade. Every. Single. Day. I'm not kidding, I gained five pounds just from the *smell* of the cooking. (Worth it.)
Casa Ancora often offers cookery classes, depending on the season, or at least, that's what I read. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just *begging* them to teach me how to make that pasta. (Spoiler: I failed miserably.) Even if you're not a "chef," get ready to EAT. They can often arrange a private chef, which…. just do it. Treat yo'self.
Let's talk wildlife. Specifically, bugs. How buggy is this going to be? Do I need bug spray that's actually strong enough to fight off a small dinosaur?
Okay, deep breath. YES, there are bugs. It's Sicily! Nature. You want to be somewhere beautiful? You're going to have a few unwelcome guests. I'm talking, you know, mosquitoes, the occasional fly, and…(shudders) a scorpion. Yes, *a scorpion*. I'm not going to lie, it was under the bathroom door, late at night, as I was just stepping out. I screamed like a little girl. My husband, bless his heart, calmly stomped on it. (He's the hero I deserve.)
Bring the industrial-strength bug spray. And maybe a good book. And possibly therapy afterwards, dealing with the scorpion trauma. Don't let it scare you off, though. After the initial panic, it's a funny story. Kinda. Ish.
Can I get wifi? Is it even worth it?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi. Sometimes. It can be a bit… spotty. Let me tell you! This is actually a blessing disguised as a curse. You *think* you need to be glued to your phone, constantly checking emails or your social media. But you quickly realize that you don't. The slow internet is a gift, a beautiful, forcing function. It forces you to disconnect, to look up from your screen, and actually *experience* being there. Trust me on this. I wouldn't be here, reliving the whole scorpion incident, if I hadn't.
Anything else I should know, the stuff they *don't* tell you in the brochure?
Here comes the real talk.
First, the driving. Those roads. You think you're a good driver? Try navigating Italian back roads. They're narrow, they're winding, and there are locals who seem to think the speed limit is more of a suggestion. Breath. Take your time (and maybe get the insurance).
Then, the sun. Sicily is HOT. Bring your sunblock. Drink water. Find shade. And if you're anything like me, embrace the Italian afternoon nap. It's a sacred tradition. Don’t skip it.
Finally, embrace the unexpected. Things don't always go to plan. Restaurants might be closed. The weather might change. You might lose your luggage briefly (kidding, I nearly did). Just roll with it. It's part of the adventure. Italy is about *feeling*. And Casa Ancora, well, it definitely facilitates feeling.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Scorpions and all. Just maybe with extra-strength bug spray. And a new husband. (Kidding!…mostly.)
