Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa (TP)
In Mazara del Vallo, from an ancient 19th-century “baglio” and its lush tropical garden it’s born a 5-star paradise with swimming pools, private beach and the largest spa in Sicily, inspired, like its restaurant & bars, to the history of the Saline, symbol of this wonderful territory.
What strikes you, arriving at the Almar Giardino di Costanza, is the incredible park in which it is wrapped which recalls, in all respects, the description of the Garden of Eden. From the long driveway dotted with imperial palms to the patches of Mediterranean flora with olive and banana trees, guests are immersed, at any time of the day, in the wonder of a centuries-old garden of noble origin.
Almar Giardino di Costanza, whose name pays homage to Costanza d’Altavilla, mother of the Emperor Frederick II, a protagonist of the Arab-Norman era and of the history of Mazara del Vallo, in fact developed close to the nineteenth-century villa (Baglio in Sicilian) Fontanasalsa, which was the summer residence of the important family of the Counts Burgio delle Gazzere.
Almar Giardino di Costanza celebrates Mazara del Vallo and its rich tradition that has its roots in its millenary history and in its privileged position on the Mediterranean Sea.
Opened in 2022 following an important renovation plan, the structure is now part of the HNH Hospitality group and extends over 100,000 square meters including 88 junior suites and suites, a spectacular outdoor pool with a play of suggestive fountains, a restaurant, 2 bars and, new for 2023, a spa of over 2,700 square meters which offers a multi-sensory journey through the history of Sicily.
Characterized by pleasant, very large and bright spaces, the resort, after having crossed the reception with lounge area in elegant white marble, opens onto the Turchinu Lounge & Terrace inspired by the turquoise color of the Sicilian majolica of the suggestive terrace which recalls the one described in the famous novel The Leopard by Tomasi di Lampedusa.
Wonderful at sunset for a cocktail, perhaps based on Sicilian limoncello, the terrace reveals a panoramic view of the three-level fountain that divides the wide staircase leading to the swimming pool. Here you can find the Citrus Pool Bar where you can be pampered for lunch under its pergola, seating on the typical tables covered with handcrafted majolica tiles depicting the characteristic citrus fruits, for a “pizza and bubbles”.
Along the stairways, the rooms of the structure are arranged in a semicircle, furnished with precious materials, including velvets, marbles and ceramics, and exquisitely Sicilian touches, such as the Moorish heads filled every day with fresh flowers and the decorative pine cones; all equipped with private balconies and terraces overlooking magnificent portions of the park, such as the expanses of olive groves, the white and purple Agapantus beds or the Ravanea palm of Madagascar cultivations.
And for those who love the sea, the Almar also offers a small “secret” bay, Lido di Costanza, where its private beach is located, 15 minutes from the resort, complimentary for hotel guests and reachable by private shuttle. The Lido offers umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar and a fish restaurant decorated in the characteristic shades of white and blue. Considering the fortunate position, the sunset from the beach in the evening is truly a wonderful sight.
Upon returning, you can book a table at the hotel’s restaurant, AquaMadre Restaurant, inspired by the name of the element of the same name that is created during the salt formation process and then deposited on the seabed of the saltworks, one of the best-known symbols of the area.
While in the morning, breakfast is served “by” the fountain, to start the day in the best possible way by relaxing with the sound of the water, pampered by steaming coffee and delicious Sicilian pastries.
The cooking philosophy is also based on salt and local raw materials: in the preparation of the dishes, in fact, is used a selection of 10 types of flavored salts coming from the ancient Culcasi di Nubia salt pan, a Slow Food presidium and the only one in Western Sicily where, for over 100 years, the salt has been harvested manually once a year.
On the menu, you will find all the wonderful iconic products of the island, such as the red and pink prawns of Mazara del Vallo, the red oranges, the artichokes grown along the cliffs, or the traditional wild fennel.
The same salt also proves to be a precious ingredient in Almablu Wellness & Spa which refers to the tradition of the dominations that have followed one another on the island over the centuries: from the Roman baths, to the Arab patio with the saline Turkish bath, up to the new Norman area, decorated in precious dark woods, with bio-sauna, Finnish sauna, ice room and the plunge, the cold water tub.
While the ancient baglio now houses the resort’s convention center with 8 equipped rooms and a suggestive central square, Piazzetta delle Cento Chiese, perfect for any type of event.
Thanks to its strategic position, served by both Palermo and Trapani airports, Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa is the perfect starting point to enjoy Western Sicily, including the unmissable sunset over the salt pans from Mozia ferry terminal, up to visiting the local wine cellars or the archaeological park of Selinunte, the largest in Europe.
In addition to the many activities and experiences offered by the hotel’s concierge service, Almar also offers a rich program of events, such as yoga and pilates in the park, wine tastings by the pool and evenings with live musical entertainment.
The wonder of the park and the completeness of its services certainly make Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa one of the most beautiful structures in Sicily, the perfect corner of paradise for discovering its many wonderful souls.
The Secret
In 827 the conquest of Sicily by the Arabs began right in the territory of Mazara del Vallo. To them, we owe many “symbols” of the island such as having introduced new crops, including lemons and oranges, and the tradition of tuna fishery.
Useful Info
Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa
Via Salemi, km 7, 100
91026 Mazara del Vallo, Trapani
Tel. +39 0923 675000
Rooms: from 300 euro, rate subject to promo and seasonality