Over the years in our travels throughout Italy we’ve discovered a number of lovely apartments but every once-in-a-while you come across a flat that re-sets the bar for excellence and the “Living Ibla” apartment is that type of place.
Valerio and Carmela have created a wonderful space that is full of warmth and light with a spectacular view from the dual French doors that open onto the terrace. The photos do not do justice to this welcoming property and the charm it exudes. There is incredible attention to detail and décor and it is apparent that every design decision was carefully thought out, right down to the bathroom sink that recalls the shape of Sicily.
The spacious apartment is immaculately clean and fully equipped with a well-arrayed kitchenette and a modern bathroom with plenty of surface area to spread out one’s health and beauty aids, a large shower and limitless hot water. The rooms are well proportioned with a very large living area and a good-sized bedroom with a comfortable bed, good lines and abundant storage space. My wife, who considers laundry to be a leisure sport, was pleased to discover a separate laundry room adjacent to the bathroom.
Although it is located on the ground floor, (always a positive when traveling with heavy luggage), and a few blocks from Piazza Duomo, it is very quiet and secure. There are three small steps from the street to the apartment but the building is perched on a cliff and the ground plunges several stories beneath the terrace off the kitchen, providing a panoramic view of the valley below.
Part of any rental experience is the hospitality of the proprietors and Valerio and Carmela were friendly and accommodating, obliging a sudden change in our schedule by allowing us to check in earlier than planned. They also kindly filled the fridge with milk, juice, butter, yoghurt and bottled water and thoughtfully provided a cornucopia of breakfast items and coffee. Carmela also provided us a permit to park on the street and we never failed to find a space right in front of the building. Throughout the process they were communicative, punctual and readily available to resolve any problem. They even provided a change of towels mid-way through our week stay.
If we could we would give this property six stars. We hope to return soon and we enthusiastically recommend this flat to anyone interested in visiting the enchanting city of Ragusa.