In the Val di Noto, the ancient farmhouse celebrates the past, present and future of wonderful Sicily, for a fairytale stay pampered between the peace of the natural oasis of Passo Ladro and the farm-to-table flavors of its romantic Lumìa restaurant.
La Dimora delle Balze was originally born in 2009 as a Sicilian home chosen by the Lops family, a project that opened up to the highest level of hospitality 7 years later when Elena Lops, together with the designers Stefano Guidotti and Draga Obradovic, brought it back to life through a long conservative restoration that transformed it into a dream retreat.
With a name inspired by the shape of the rocks on which it stands, the farm was built in 1886 by the noble Don Salvatore Zocco along a wild expanse of green land known as “il Passo Ladro”.
During the restoration we were inspired by the glorious past of Sicily, a magical overlap of cultures, arts, legends that find space in the Dimora and dialogue with the surrounding nature.
(Elena Lops)
The estate appears as a romantic fortified complex, with high crenelated walls surrounding a central courtyard and an imposing turret at the entrance, fragrant gardens flanked by Byzantine columns, ornate frescoes on the high vaulted ceilings and impressive neoclassical details on the facades of the buildings.
Restored to its former glory, the structure today has 11 rooms decorated with ceramics and furniture made by local artisans with touches of contemporary elements and each of them inspired by the work of a Sicilian artist, writer, painter or director.
The contributions of famous international designers, from Paola Navone to Patricia Urquiol, have been combined with great refinement with vintage objects sought after in markets and antique shops such as Moroccan tables and lanterns or chandeliers a papilles.
They are just wonderful the saltwater swimming pool, overlooked by the Arome Bar surrounded by 150 different types of aromatic plants, and the Lumìa organic restaurant, open upon reservation also to non-guests of the structure, that offers a tale of Sicily translated into dishes that tell millennia of history and tradition.
The services offered by the structure are completed by the 6.3 SENSES SPA, an uncontaminated oasis of relaxation and tranquility with treatments by Sisley ®, and the possibility of booking or organizing wonderful experiences linked to the territory, such as tastings of typical products and wines, cooking classes or visits to nearby cultural beauties.
Definitely one of the most beautiful retreats in Sicily.
The Secret
Passo Ladro is an enchanting oasis dedicated to sustainability and true organic farming where fruit, vegetables and aromatic herbs used in the resort’s cuisine are grown.
Useful Info
Dimora delle Balze
SS287
96017 Noto, Siracusa
Tel.+ 39 327 9064756
Rooms: from 500 euro with breakfast included
