Escape | Mandranova, Sicily

Mandranova is a unique gem in Southeastern Sicily located on a sprawling olive farm.  If you read the Autumn issue of the Journal you probably read about this locale in 'Bella Sicily'.  Today, I am excited to share some photographs that did not make it into the piece to open your eyes to the beauty and to mark it on your list of places to travel.  Mandranova is a working farm with Giuseppe and Silvia di Vicenzo at the helm - he handles business, while she runs the cooking school.  Each night after lounging by the pool all day,  guests have the opportunity to hop into the kitchen and learn the secrets of Sicilian cooking with Silvia.  Afterwords, you get to enjoy a meal with all of the others staying at the homestead.  On our two night stay, we chatted with travelers from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and France.  

Giuseppe is passionate about olive oil.  He eagerly guides visitors through the olive oil production process from the olive harvest to the label that includes a handwritten harvest date.  They are slowing increasing their distribution to a few Whole Foods here in the U.S, as well as Eataly.  The olive oil from last year's harvest is completely sold out so keep you eyes peeled here for the new release - I know I am!

The rooms at Mandranova are spread out on the property so you feel like you are really away.  There is also a communal area that has quite a few seating areas to just relax.  I recommend Sicily to everyone that I know and I add Mandranova to that list of places to stay while on the island.  

Photography by Alison / A special thanks to Giuseppe & Silvia