Our two-night stay at Donna Carmela near Catania was one of the highlights of our honeymoon through Italy. After taking the ferry from Calabria to Sicily with our rental car, we made the scenic drive to the hotel, already excited for a few days of relaxation. As part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Donna Carmela felt like the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, and traveling with our toddler made it feel even more special to have such a peaceful and beautiful place to stay.

From the moment we arrived, every detail of the experience felt thoughtful and elevated. The property itself is a stunning eco-luxury resort, with lush gardens, beautiful outdoor spaces, a serene pool and spa, and countless quiet corners designed for relaxing and soaking in the Sicilian atmosphere. One of my favorite parts of the stay was the little touches that made everything feel so personal, slippers left out for us in the evening, sweet treats waiting at night, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes a hotel unforgettable. We also dined at their Michelin-starred restaurant both nights of our stay, and each meal was incredible. The food was beautifully prepared, the service was impeccable, and every dinner felt like an experience in itself. Breakfast each morning was equally memorable and became the perfect start to our days exploring Sicily. I was especially excited to finally find the chocolate croissants I remembered from my last trip to Italy after spending the previous two weeks searching for them, and that first bite felt worth the wait.

Looking back, Donna Carmela was exactly the kind of place we hoped to find during our honeymoon: luxurious without feeling pretentious, family-friendly while still romantic, and filled with the kind of thoughtful details that make a stay truly memorable. It was the perfect place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a little slice of Sicilian paradise together as a family.

XOXO