We were first-timers to Sicily, and spending a blissful week here really made our trip. So much so, we've started plotting our return visit next year!

Ari & Tony could not have made the whole process any smoother, they were so helpful and very keen to make sure we enjoyed ourselves whilst in Sicily. From enquiry to booking, through to advice on airports/ taxis and transport generally for day trips, no query was too troublesome for them.

They have put together a really helpful little personal guidebook to the area, that was our bible for our stay there. Super thorough - addresses and phone numbers for everything you could think of : restaurants/massages/beaches/day trips. So much better than staying in a hotel; just another personal touch that really contributed to the enjoyment of our holiday.

The house is really charming. Clean, modern, chic. Quiet. Well set out with masses of space, two beds and bathrooms downstairs with the kitchen and living area, then a separate annex on the top floor (perfect for friends/grandparents/au pairs) along with a really cool roof terrace where we enjoyed a barbecue watching the gorgeous sunset over the bay.

The garden is a great size, lovely lawn with lemon and palm trees, truly perfect for kids to run about, and others to sunbathe or eat outside. There's even space to park the car, but plenty of parking across the road if you have multiple cars.

The house has fab local amenities, including a sweet little corner shop with fresh breads and meats and cheese and an even cuter tiny little fruit + veg stall attached. Practically across the road is a great bar called Pepe's which is open all day, so you can zip over for an amazing croissant and coffee - or try the local breakfast, which below my mind: almond ice-cream. Or enjoy a few aperitif at the close of day. Think very casual waterfront cafe with gentle Cafe Del Mar tunes. There are also plenty of great seafood restaurants and delicious pizzerias (make sure you sit outside by the water at Fornace) within walking distance for good supper options.

We took day trips to Noto and Taormina, all per suggestions found in Tony & Ari's guide book - to mix up beach days with a bit of sight-seeing. Both well worth a visit!

Ortigia is super quick + easy to get to by car, heavenly fresh food markets in the morning (the fruit! the tomatoes! swoon!) and a lovely spot to while away a day. Local beaches are plentiful and you can find quiet little ones, or bigger ones with amenities such as deck chairs to hire and places to buy food/drink, depending on what you are after.

We really loved our time here, really recommend it - can't wait to go back!