The Vibe: Urbanism meets Sicilian countryside. And that ever present volcano making you humble.

The Area: In the countryside amidst vineyards and citrus groves on the eastern slopes of the Etna, with views towards the Mediterranean, 3km away.

The DNA: Zash is a 1930s country manor turned design hotel. It offers sublime views over the surrounding vineyards, citrus groves and Ionian Sea. Enjoy exquisite rooms and suites, the delightful Mediterranean garden and excellent Sicilian food. Charmingly, the name ‘Zash’ was inspired by the noise of gentle breezes stirring the leaves in the groves. The majesty of Mount Etna and the transparency of the sea are the two strong contrasts that join together in the micro territories of this splendid side of Sicily. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass balconies are instrumental in Zash’s inclusion of a surrounding landscape that incorporates the Gulf of Taormina and rolling countryside, and also imbue the property with a strikingly contemporary aesthetic that makes a welcome change from the region’s usual villa-style.

Suite-Me-Up: Rooms are distributed between the romantic main manor and in modernist ‘box’ structures dotting the surrounding citrus grove. The Pool Villa Spa express the concept of the Country Boutique Hotel at the fullest. The 40m2 suite is separated from the main building and offers absolute privacy with a terrace with private bath and an exclusive view of the Etna and the sea. The green design is amplified by the natural extension created by the glass walls and citrus grove around.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 17 rooms, including 8 suites (30-40m2) (323-431 sq ft) • hotel opened: August 2012 • architecture & interior design: Iraci Architetti ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed on request