As you navigate the windy road leading through the hills up to SUSAFA, you get the feeling you are about to arrive somewhere very special…. and you are.

This ancient estate seems to almost float high in the Sicilian clouds, like a timeless refuge from the world.

Make no mistake, whilst the road to the estate rewards you with incredible opportunities to take in the panorama, I strongly advise taking on the characterful path with a clear intention to be there before nightfall. Wine tasting at the nearby and wonderful Reagealli is best kept for another day. I also advise to ensure your vehicle of choice is more substantial than my usual hire of choice- a cute, yet kind of inadequate Fiat.

Once arrived, and warmly welcomed, take time to wander the grounds and become familiar with the true history of this property. It has a real story to tell. A real labour of love that the current custodians take incredibly passionately.

The guest rooms are generous and very relaxing so head back, refresh and head to aperitivo in the stunning lounge - in fact the driver probably deserves ‘molto aperitivo’.

Dinner is wonderful; the dining room in the evening candlelight is truly special. The menu celebrates all that is local. Tip: before agreeing to additional digestivo, be sure you are good to get up bright and early to join the cheese making that is offered to guests in the traditions of the estate. Sicilians have such a strong cheese making history and the opportunity to take part should not be missed.

Breakfast features the best of Sicily - wonderful cakes and irresistible cannoli; cheeses ( quite possibly one you may have helped make only hours before) ; fruits and preserves; strong coffee and excellent banter.

The day to follow is yours. If you feel to drive back down the hill, you will be richly rewarded to enjoy the wines of…. otherwise the pool and a good book might be all you need. Whatever you do, do not miss enjoying a glass of local wine, a salty snack and the incredible view from the terrace high above the property.

If you think this is your idea of a few days, you are in luck. I am so pleased to be working with the inspirational people at SUSAFA and together we can arrange a few days in absolute slow lane bliss, high in the Sicilian hills, just for you.

PALERMO:

Coming back down to earth

A few days in the slow lane at SUSAFA will make you consider how you can change your life and possibly see you checking out the For Sale listings in the local real estate guide….. be warned. But when you are ready for an adrenalin hit like no other, there is Palermo. Or maybe you prefer to flip this idea and conquer Palermo first then chill out up at SUSAFA. I know guests who have tried both ways and each has merit.

But now , for Palermo.

Described in so many ways… unpolished jewel is a reference I like…

Make no mistake this city is almost all of these descriptions and so many more.

To best experience this city, I think you really do need an Insider. Someone not just to guide you to the best food markets at the right time of day but a local best equipped to steer you to JUST the right street food served by JUST the right vendor. You need the insider with connections to the most beautiful places to enjoy roof top aperitivo overlooking the sea… someone who knows the best place to enjoy viewing some local art or hunting for antique and long forgotten treasures.

A local | a passionate Palermitarian.

And in this case also happens to be Australian. And Sicilian.

Thankfully, I know just the person.

With insider networks, we can guide you to the people responsible for some of the most wonderful Sicilian wines… the most interesting cheeses… local produce and wares.

Together we can curate the best of a Slow Palermo just for you.