One word to describe our stay at La Collina dei Nebrodi, HEAVEN.
My husband and I planned a recent trip for seven nights with 14 of our closest friends to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and to renew our vows, and we are so fortunate to have found La Collina dei Nebrodi and the Russo family.
The villa sits very high on a hill and overlooks the sea, islands and the lovely town of San Marco D'alunzio. The views are breathtaking, and the photos just can’t do it justice. You must see it to believe it. The villa is very well appointed with 8 ensuite bedrooms, which made for a very comfortable stay allowing every couple to have their private space. Every morning we were greeted by Enza and Alessio, who prepared a delicious breakfast and always met us with a smile, asking if anyone needed anything. It was so appreciated.
The villa is so wonderful, but what really is the icing on the cake is the Russo Family. Parents Sergio and Gisella purchased and renovated the property to fulfill their dream of growing and cultivating wine and hosting people to share this wonderful place. Did I mention they make wine? And delicious wine at that! I also must give a mention to Ciccio, who is the family’s Border Collie who stays at the Villa. He is a delight and became our trip mascot.
Daughter Claudia was my main contact throughout, and I don’t know what I would have done without her help. In addition to organizing airport transfers for us (driver Cone is the best!), organizing grocery delivery and meals, and planning excursions to name a few, she oversaw our vow renewal ceremony and party like a pro. From hiring a makeup and hair stylist, photographer, florist, bartender and the amazing band the Batia Brothers, it was everything I could have dreamed of and more. I was nervous planning a party from so far away, but my mind was quickly put at ease once I had a call with Claudia and saw how organized and responsive she is. Claudia is such a gem and meeting her was one of the highlights of our stay.
The food was phenomenal. That’s where daughter Francesca came in. Sometimes the planets align, and things just work out. Francesca, who attends culinary school in Paris, came home to surprise her family the week we were visiting. Well, the surprise was on us as she made all the food for us during our stay with her mom Gisella and Enza, which was amazing, but then they absolutely outdid themselves for the vow renewal. It was five stars and unforgettable! We felt like stars with our own private celebrity chef. Brava Francesca!
La Collina dei Nebrodi is more than just a vacation spot, it’s a feeling. Relaxation, family, friends, kindness, fun, food, wine, nature, Sicily. HEAVEN
Thank you, Sergio, Gisella, Francesca, Claudia, Enza, Alessio, Cone and Ciccio for an experience of a lifetime. We will definitely be back again.