TL;DR: Beautiful countryside setting and exceptional hospitality!
We checked in late around midnight and promptly greeted by Massimo with smile. As I was carrying my daughter who was in deep sleep, Massimo helped us carrying our bags to second floor(they live downstairs). He welcomed us with homemade almond milk, delicious carob honey and bottles of water and sparkling water. The house was sparkling clean and kitchen was equipped with utensils, spices, oil, cutlery, dishes and almost everything you need to cook a meal. This is important for us as our family enjoy cooking and home meals.
You can view ocean from kitchen/dining area and balcony. There is ample seating including outside dining table that Massimo built in outdoor balcony area. Beach of Cava d’aliga is 5 minutes drive and parking is easy to find. House is sitting in middle of olive orchard and few other trees.
My wife wanted to do a photoshoot and we were looking for photographer. Massimo is a professional photographer and he took us to some really extraordinary locations for a shoot. With his high quality lenses and skills, it was a topnotch! He is an artist. You can see his work on the walls of the apartment. It is fabulous. We insisted a lot but he didn’t charge us anything. After exhausting photo session of 2 hours(he wanted us to do shoot at nice rustic place but our daughter was tired), I picked some vegetables, rice, lentils and yogurt local market and cooked a lentil soup and pulav which Massimo, his wife and our family enjoyed together with some light and philosophical conversation. It was quite an experience!
Massimo’s dog Toto, adopted sometime back, is very affectionate. My daughter enjoyed Toto’s company.
Not many people speak English in Sicily. Massimo’s english is functional and he was very easy to communicate with. I being first time in Italy, this was very convenient. After my trip, I learnt basic Italian. I will definitely return to Sicily and Massimo’s apartment with better Italian! 😀
Massimo and his family know how to host. Their hospitality was exceptional. I didn’t know them before but while leaving, I felt as if I am saying good bye to my friends.
Massimo, I will host you if you ever happen to be in San Francisco bay area!
Ciao!