Eremo Della Giubiliana

We had a wonderful 4-night stay at Erema Della Giubiliana; a perfect retreat for exploring nearby Modica, Ragusa & Scicli, plus wineries and olive oil producers in the region (arranged by the helpful front desk team). The absolute highlight of our time was the cooking class with chef Antonio, coordinated and assisted by host Gianna. Two hours of learning and laughing, capped with an extraordinary lunch on the patio. Definitely one of our best experiences during three weeks in Sicily! Thank you Antonio & Gianna, we have the recipes and will work on perfecting our technique at home!

The hotel claims to be 5 star - it is not. Looking at their website they look as though they have some nice rooms but they also have some awful ones. We booked from Loveholidays website. The room we picked showed a beautiful large light room with bifold doors with a patio outside with a dining table (a picture of the room we booked is attached). Upon our return from holiday and complaining to Loveholidays the following day the pictures on their website of this room suddenly disappeared. Unfortunately the room provided to us (room15) was a tiny, dark airless DUMP - the window was more of a small hatch, you had to have the electric light on during the day . Upon complaining we were told that the booking was for a Superior Room with garden view and that was what we had been given. In the bedroom there was no wardrobe or chest of drawers (there was no space for them). There was no power point to charge your mobile phone- although there was one by the bathroom basin if you wished to chance being electrocuted. The garden view was a grubby courtyard complete with two open manholes . They turn the lights out at night. Upon being shown to our room for the first time in the early hours I nearly fell into one of these holes - about 40cm square and about 70 cm deep just waiting to break your leg or fracture your pelvis. The food was not good - if you were expecting fish in a beautiful wine sauce or a piece of chicken/lamb/pork in a rich sauce forget it. We dreaded the meals. We have had holidays all over Italy and never have had such poor food. The hotel certainly has a suit of armour in the hallway but their pictures of bikes for rent must have been taken 14 years ago - they are now just a load of rusting metal fit for the skip. Loveholidays have clearly mis-sold me by accident or design I do not know. Would you trust Loveholidays to provide the holiday you booked ? - I never will again

The house is very beautiful and the gardens amazing. Staff is very attentive and polite. The room was small, specially the bathroom. There was really no big space to store the clothes. The swimming pool water was very cold. I wouldn't consider this a 5 star luxury due to the rooms and bathroom being so small. Breakfast has plenty of choice but overall was a great experience.

This is an ancient building from 1500s in a farming area. Yes beautifully restored by the owner - if you go insist he gives you a tour! Restaurant is excellent but avoid the special pork chops( does not work) whereas the pasta and beef dishes are very succulent. Wine prices are way below average for quality. A key point for physically impaired travellers - check access and room configurations in advance