So many birds. so many flowers. The ocean is close. The morning terrace where the fruits, bread, cheeses and pastries Salvatore gathers every morning in the shops when they open for his guests is a garden of flowers, cacti and strange looking succulents. The mountain view every morning with so many birds singing. The bed is comfortable. Salvatore is kind. He was born in a house across the street. This is the part of Giardini Naxos that is local and quieter than the tourist area you can get to by walking along the waterfront. I fell in love with it instantly and within 10 minutes of arriving I booked a 5th night onto the 4 I had already booked. You can hike up to Taormina from here. You can snorkel at Isola Bella. You can go local and rent a beach chair and umbrella and read and swim on the beach with the Italians and tourists. I did all of it and more. The highlight of my trip was when Salvatore saw me waiting at a bus stop for the bus to Isola Bella and gave me a ride on the back of his Vespa. We rode only for a short while, but the road was along the spectacular coast. It was one of those magical moments one gets once in a travel lifetime. La dolce vita. Salvatore takes his role as a host seriously, but at the same time he has a great sense of humor. We had many long conversations where at times we did not agree with each other, but still respected each others opinion. He is a very special person. Grazie Salvatore.