Giardino Segreto

A Hilltop Oasis: A Widespread Hotel of Small Suites and Houses

Handcrafted and imaginative, this compound has great heart, style and design sensibilities. A little bit edgy, pleasantly eclectic and very Sicilian, the restorations and artistic vision here are simple and chic. And what a view!

The creation of two Milanese architects and designers, this boutique hotel showcases their unique native style and the historic charm of the original dwellings. Tucked above the maze of central Modica, each of the former individual family homes has been carefully restored in striking detail and now comprise the large and intimate hilltop compound.  

A lovely and simple unification of the old and new, the romantic Baroque characteristics are now paired with a medley of cultural and design influences and great personal style. Using all natural, local and reclaimed materials and decor, along with a stylized use of color, each room is suffused with individuality and interesting one-of-a-kind items and detail. The result is rustic, stylish and wonderful. 

Layout

The ancient houses-as-rooms are accessed via an internal garden, each one restored, with a view-facing terrace overlooking the historic city. The property also features two, larger, independent homes (see Agave and Buendia below).

All suites/homes share a panoramic infinity pool tucked into the garden high above the old city with sight lines to the Duomo of San Giorgio.

Talia: A double, 44-square-meter suite on two levels (lofted) with a small garden overlooking the cathedral. The suite includes a furnished terrace, reed and exposed stone roof, ancient pitch stone floor, one double bed, one single bed, bathroom with shower and bidet, living room, and desk/workspace.

Sundial: A double, 49-square-meter suite on two levels with private shaded terrace overlooking the garden and cathedral. The suite includes reed and exposed stone roof, terracotta floors, one double bed, one single bed, bathroom with shower and bidet, sitting area, and desk.

Sirocco: A double, 34-square-meter suite with an independent garden entrance and private terrace overlooking the garden and cathedral. The suite inclludes reed and exposed stone roof, earth-toned concrete floor, one double bed, two single beds, bathroom with shower and bidet, sitting area, and desk.

Brooms: A double, 37-square-meter suite with a large private terrace and garden entrance. The suite includes wood and exposed stone roof, glazed terracotta tiled floor, one double bed, one single bed, desk, bathroom with shower and bidet, and desk.

Ginger: A double, 24-square-meter room with an independent entrance and small balcony with castle views. The room includes wood ceiling and ancient pitch stone floor, one double bed, bathroom plus beautiful in-room shower in an alcove, and a desk.

Sciara: A double, 30-square-meter room on two levels with a private terrace overlooking the garden and cathedral. The room includes reed and exposed stone roof, terracotta floors, one double bed, one single bed, desk, and bathroom with shower.

Mediterranean: A double, 24-square-meter room with private deck balcony overlooking the garden and cathedral and an independent entrance. The room includes blue and white ceramic walls, reed and exposed stone roof, stone floors, one double bed, desk, and a bathroom with shower and bidet.

Sirah: A double, 23-square-meter room with private terrace and entrance, overlooking the garden and cathedral. The room includes reed and exposed stone roof and antique, cement tile floor, one double bed, bathroom with shower and bidet, and desk.

Agave: A 48-square-meter home for five with a 24-square-meter private terrace overlooking the cathedral. The home includes one double bed and three singles, bathroom with shower, kitchenette with fridge and dining table, living room, and desk.

Buendia: An ancestral, 60-square-meter cave home for five. This home is carved into rock walls on two levels, with a panoramic view and adjoining private garden with relaxation area/conversation pit built into the cave and alfresco dining balcony. It also includes one double bed and three singles, bathroom with shower and bidet, kitchenette with dining table, living room, and desk.

Additional features

Breakfast is served each morning in the "cave" or in the gardens. Concierge services. Wifi throughout, satellite cable TV/DVD and land line phone. Mini bar and safes in rooms. Extra single beds and baby cots available. Spa and massage treatments available. Car service available.  

Other on-site experiences include: in-room wine/Champagne delivery, tour planning (Monalbano, Modica, Ragusa Ibla Scicli, Noto, Siracusa, Caltagirone, Palazzolo Acreide, Piazza Armerina and Catania), guided tours of nature reserves and beaches, Mount Etna trip planning, rentals of cars, electric bikes and scooters, transfer service to airports and ports, driving tours, box lunches, breakfast room service, and chef-prepared dinners.

Event planning (weddings, workshops, photo shoots) is available.

The property offers a small shop of regional artisans’ works and merchandise.

Around

You'll be perched high above the city so be ready for stairs (the view is absolutely worth it). A UNESCO treasure, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the city and you are also just a short drive to "sister" cities Ragusa and Scicli, both stunning examples of the greater Val di Noto Baroque settlements. Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa and Sampieri beaches are some of the best on the island just a half hour drive.

Location

Modica, Sicily. Nearest airport: Catania (117km)

Best time to visit

Summer is high season, with good weather spring through fall.