Amidst the golden wheat fields of the Madonie Park, in Polizzi Generosa in the province of Palermo, Susafa is an 18th-century farm estate where agricultural heritage, nature, and design converge to create one of the most beautiful eco-retreats in Sicily.

The Madonie Park—recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark—evokes the atmosphere of a high-altitude wilderness, where wheat fields alternate with stretches of bare rock and wooded valleys, creating landscapes of rare beauty.

Here, for over five generations—since 1870—the Saeli-Rizzuto family, agricultural entrepreneurs deeply devoted to their land, has cultivated these fields. They have passed down a rural heritage rich in charm and authentic values ​​from father to son, allowing nature itself to shape the beauty of the hospitality they offer.

We aim to enhance our local area, creating opportunities for producers and small-scale local artisans by nurturing the beauty that nature offers so spontaneously. 

The story of the Saeli-Rizzuto family: a blend of tradition and contemporary design

In the Sicilian dialect, the name “Susafa” implies “knowing how to do things well”—and Manfredi Rizzuto certainly knows how. In 2008, following extensive international experience in the food and wine sector, he embarked on a project to repurpose his family’s historic masseria (farm estate).

Manfredi oversaw an environmentally conscious restoration, transforming the property into a boutique hotel and restaurant. The result marries centuries-old family traditions with contemporary comfort and designer aesthetics—an approach influenced by the minimal-chic style he absorbed during his long period of working in Belgium.

Now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Susafa features 17 rooms—including 9 suites—converted from the estate’s historic stables, armory, and farmworker dwellings. The decor highlights authentic local elements and reclaimed furniture, complemented by pieces with a minimalist, contemporary design.

The flavors of the Madonie: Semente restaurant and Palmento bar

The resort’s restaurant is housed in what was once the farm’s granary—from which it takes its name, Semente (meaning “seed” or “grain”)—and welcomes guests beneath expansive stone vaulted ceilings, with tables dressed in linen and illuminated by charming, atmospheric lighting.

The kitchen offers traditional rural recipes, masterfully revisited and based on vegetables from the organic garden, wild-foraged herbs, and locally sourced ingredients—such as cheeses, dairy products, and meats—all coming from carefully selected farms in the surrounding area.

Naturally, the culinary journey begins with Susafa’s own certified organic extra virgin olive oil and bread made from ancient local grains, crafted according to tradition. It continues with dishes that tell the gastronomic story of the Madonie region, such as Maiorca wheat—prepared risotto-style with a sardine and wild fennel sauce “alla milanese”—or grilled Nebrodi black pig, served with vine-shoot powder and barba di frate (monk’s beard) greens, finished with a dressing made from cooked grape must.

Susafa’s wine list also favors local producers, such as Castellucci Miano and Tenute Tasca d’Almerita, both located about 12 km from the property.

Before dinner, guests can enjoy an aperitif at the bar, housed in the estate’s ancient palmento—the traditional space where wine was once produced.

Unique Experiences at Susafa and The Treehouse Picnic

A stay at Susafa offers the chance to reconnect with the rhythms of nature through truly unique experiences, including:

The Treehouse Picnic: One of Susafa’s most fairytale-like offerings (available upon request from mid-May to mid-September), this experience invites you to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills from a charming treehouse, accompanied by a wicker basket filled with local delicacies and organic wine.

Tastings and Seaside Living: from a guided journey led by Manfredi—exploring over 10 labels of Sicilian biodynamic wines at the Palmento wine bar—to daily sailing excursions aboard the Quasar in the waters of Mondello.

Culinary Workshops: from working with ancient-grain flours to craft fresh pasta (Perciasacchi) and artisanal bread, to workshops dedicated to local classics such as arancine, panelle, and the traditional brioche served with granita.

Susafa Products

The philosophy of an ultra-short supply chain extends beyond the restaurant table, taking shape in an exclusive line of local products—also available via the Susafa Shop—including organic extra virgin olive oil, pasta and flours made from ancient grains, siccagno tomato sauce, preserves, and aromatic herbs grown directly in the estate’s own vegetable garden.

In the morning—either before or after a dreamlike breakfast—you can take a stroll through the organic vegetable garden, soaking in the magic of 200 years of history dedicated to the land and a life in symbiosis with nature.

It is no coincidence that Susafa has also revolutionized the visual language of the hospitality industry—most notably with a famous photoshoot from July 2020, which featured a table set amidst a field of golden wheat, with set design by Celestina Sgroi and photography by The Atlas Way. Ever since, the Madonie region has never been more glamorous.

The Secret

Across the valleys of Gangi and Petralia, and the hills surrounding Polizzi Generosa, once stretched fields of native durum wheat—varieties such as Realforte, Timilia, and Russello. These prized grains helped make this region one of the most significant “granaries” in both Sicily and Europe—a tradition that is kept alive today by Susafa.

Useful Info

Susafa
Contrada Susafa
90028 Polizzi Generosa (PA)
Tel. +39 338 9608713 / +39 091 7487477

Rooms: from 300 euros per night, including breakfast
Restaurant
Tasting menu: from 90 euros
Appetizers and first courses: from 18 euros
Main courses: from 38 euros