A little geography first: To reach the Adler Spa Resort follow the road less traveled and dig deep into the southwest of Sicily. You may actually get there before tourism does. Sometimes all you see are hills followed by … more hills. After the small village of Montallegro, turn towards Africa on one of those side roads and prepare for arrival at the newest retreat of the South Tyrolean hotelier family.
(Both Adler Lodge Ritten and Adler Lodge Alpe are members of Pretty Hotels and belong to the same group).
THE APPROACH
The Adler Spa Resort Sicilia is a very high-end establishment. This is already evident at the reception. It’s similar to a 5-star resort in the Maldives. A friendly concierge walks you through the premises. The whole place is huge and framed by the nature reserve of the Torre Salsa. In the center, you find the main cedar house with restaurant, terrace and bar — all overlooking the rumbling sea. To the right, the spa, an independent building – also with a view of the sea. And to either side, the rooms, built in bungalow style with natural materials from Sicily. We found them very spacious with a minimalistic approach to furnishing, a trademark of all the Adler properties. Nice detail: the walls were plastered with red earth from the volcano Etna. Quite cozy.
The most important aspect for guests: this Adler Resort is indeed a resort. Not a boutique hotel. There are four swimming pools of varying temperatures, one with salt water. Another is a sports pool with a 25-meter lane. The gym overlooking the bay is stunning and even non-gym rats can possibly imagine doing a morning work-out here. Or take part in a yoga class in the adjoining room, with the door open and a view of nature and the rising sun. From beginner to pro, everyone will find their “flow.”
THE BEACH
A path takes you to the beach either on foot (12 minutes) or by golf cart (10 minutes). There are sun beds and umbrellas courtesy of the hotel, you can rent bodyboards or surfboards. We found the beach very nice because of its location in the middle of the nature reserve. However, don’t come looking for Positano or Saint Tropez, it is quite the opposite here. Prepare to mingle almost exclusively with hotel guests.
Culinary
At the Adler Spa Resort Sicilia there are culinary highlights all day long. Already the breakfast is a stunner. We didn’t find anything that was missing. Lunch is served at noon and in the afternoon in the Osteria on the terrace. On the menu: classics and Sicilian dishes like pasta con le Sarde. And in the evening, there’s festive dining in the main house. Lanterns float on a water pond while a 5-course menu is being served. That is, of course, for those who have not already fully indulged at the top-notch buffet, another Adler trademark. The atmosphere, however, is very quiet, sedate and still not typically Sicilian.
WELLNESS
The name “Spa Resort” is not a PR stunt, it is the real deal. Guests have a huge range of wellness treatments of all kinds at their disposal. This goes far beyond the normal massages. The menu also includes Thalasso treatments. Of course, you can also “just” visit the sauna, which is spectacularly located on a slope overlooking the sea.
Ideal for
Complete overhaul for stressed managers? Or tranquil Sicily vacations? Either way, we would recommend a combination of a cultural trip (Palermo, Taormina, Linguaglossa, Ragusa & Modica) followed by a week of beach and relaxation here at the Adler Resort.
Kids
Should be older than four years.
Price
Doubles from 270 euro per person & night including half board.
Journey
From Palermo Airport it takes around 1.45 hours by car. Catania Airport is 2.5 hours.
Booking & Contact
Adler Spa Resort Sicilia
Contrada Salsa
92010 – Siculiana
Sicily
