In Carruba di Riposto, Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, a late 19th-century residence, has been transformed by the Faro family into a luxury eco resort where Sicilian hospitality meets the botanical avant-garde of a charming jungle.

Part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Donna Carmela was founded in 2009 in Carruba di Riposto, in the province of Catania, in a panoramic location on the slopes of Mount Etna and about 3 km from the Ionian coast.

Its owners, the Faro family, have been pioneers in promoting the Sicilian landscape and nature for over 50 years. This world, in addition to the resort, includes an ecosystem made up of the historic Faro Plant Nursery, the largest of Mediterranean species in Europe, the Radicepura Botanical and Artistic Park, and the Pietradolce Winery.

A story of family and roots

Donna Carmela’s uniqueness lies in the vision of the Faro family, an international leader in horticulture with over 600 hectares of cultivated land and 5,000 plant varieties exported to 60 countries, who have applied their botanical expertise to hospitality.

Donna Carmela is, in fact, first and foremost a declaration of love—that of Cav. Venerando Faro, who began his adventure in the world of horticulture over 50 years ago—for botany and for his wife Carmela, now a fantastic hostess, who together have created a true green empire, which they now continue with their sons Michele and Mario.

The Gardens: A Subtropical Eden

At Donna Carmela, vegetation is the architecture itself, with the conservative restoration of the ancient residence preserving the lava stone courtyards and the ancient cistern, integrating them into a design that celebrates biodiversity and sustainability.

The Botanical Collection: Over 5,000 varieties of Mediterranean and exotic plants surround the 18 historic suites.
Ecolodge in the “Jungle”: Eight designer lodges, built using green architecture with ventilated roofs and solar panels, are literally immersed in a dense palm grove, offering absolute privacy and views that extend to the sea.
Radicepura: Just minutes from the resort, guests can visit the Radicepura Botanical Park, home to the Mediterranean Landscape Biennial, where Land Art installations and gardens designed by the world’s greatest landscape architects showcase the culture of greenery.

Sensory Experiences: Cuisine and Wine Cellar

The resort is a paradise for gourmets seeking the authenticity of the Etna region.

La Cucina di Donna Carmela: Under the guidance of Sicilian chef Piergiorgio Alecci, the restaurant offers locally sourced dishes drawn directly from the property’s garden. Sicilian tradition is reinterpreted with contemporary techniques, served amidst the scents of jasmine and citrus.

For a signature cocktail, the Rizo Bar mixes signature drinks like the Donna Amara, ideal for a poolside aperitif among the centuries-old olive trees.

Pietradolce Winery: The Soul of the Etna Volcano

Completing the offerings is Pietradolce, the Faro family’s winery located in Solicchiata, on the northern slope of Etna, about an hour from the resort.

The Project: An underground structure integrated into the landscape, with hanging gardens and artwork by artists such as Alfio Bonanno.
The Wines: Producing only native grape varieties (Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante), Pietradolce preserves pre-phylloxera bush-trained vines between 90 and 130 years old.
Tours: Tastings are available among the tulip-shaped concrete tanks and oak barrels, discovering the mineral energy of the “volcano woman” depicted on the iconic labels.

Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges is among the most beautiful luxury resorts where the local flora truly takes center stage. It’s no coincidence that the hotel is a member of the prestigious La Sicilia di Ulisse, an association that brings together the island’s finest gourmet restaurants, charming hotels, and renowned wineries.

The Secret

If you stroll through the gardens at dawn, you’ll notice that the plants aren’t randomly arranged, but follow an hourly scent cycle. The resort’s “secret” is that the Faro family designed the grounds so that each suite receives a specific fragrance depending on the position of the sun. In the morning, you’re awakened by the crisp notes of citrus and orange blossom, while at sunset, the breeze that descends from Mount Etna toward the sea wafts through the night-blooming jasmine, bringing an intense, hypnotic scent into the rooms that fosters ancient otium.

Useful Info

www.donnacarmela.com
Contrada Ghiandira 61
95018 Carruba di Riposto, Catania
Tel. +39 095 809383

Rooms: from €400
Appetizers: from €18
First courses: from €18
Second courses: from €22
Tasting menu: from €50, excluding wines