Il San Corrado di Noto
Sicily, Italy
It’s the very definition of il dolce far niente. At this Sicilian sanctuary, the hardest decision of your day is which magnificent stretch of water to position yourself beside. There are two statement architectural aqua-zones to float in: one, a vast 100m-long Majorelle-coloured piscina, bordered by swaying banana trees; the other, a huge square-cut aquamarine, surrounded by the blindingly white low-slung villas and suites that overlook the rolling olive groves of this ancient masseria. (And you simply must stock up on its olive oil.) Il San Corrado is a special place, not just because its tranquillity enables the busiest minds to switch off; but because it takes things to the next level. Size really does matter here, and the bedrooms are enormous; whether you’re in one of the 26 suites – two with their own pools – or the eight villas, which all have them. Here, light and spaciousness reign supreme, too: everything is crisply minimal but sultry, with sleek wooden floors and clean-lined frames around the four-poster beds. At breakfast, feast on the most incredible, still-warm brioches with servings of almond or pistachio granita, or go wild and try the hazelnut-studded cakes. Then spend a hot day exploring the Baroque wonders of nearby Noto; or seeking out the hotel’s beach club, a chic but simple affair on a swathe of sandy-gold beach, where staff serve Caesar salads, which are best accompanied by a carafe of white wine and peaches. When you return at sunset and sink into your private plunge, you’ll realise how the magic of those easy yet perfect moments has been wrought by the hotel’s captivating creed that the good life just comes easily here. Aside from all the hedonism, though, GM Rita is exceptional, pointing you in the right direction for Amaretto sours in the beguiling bar, or booking you a table at the Principe di Belludia gourmet restaurant, where the food – while ambitious – is surprisingly comforting. But the best spot at which to reflect on what this sensational place manages to achieve through simplicity is a table at Casa Pasta: sitting poolside here, you can try the best vongole on the island, followed by a salt-baked seabass of dreams, served with chargrilled chicory, fennel and courgettes. And drizzled with that divine olive oil. Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com) offers five nights from £6,500, including breakfast, flights and transfers.
