Casa Talìa

Item: Casa Talìa
Rating: 42
Author: Jade Moyano

Where:
Modica, Italy
Why:Looking for the windsurfer’s paradise. Found it!
When:July 2014
Who:Me & my man.

Tiki Beach!!! Right before all the hot kitesurfers showed up (shhhhh).

The main office. Can I have one too? (Some of the furniture was designed and restored by the owners.)

The most peaceful space. It used to be a well, also restored. The natural light is key.

Casa Talìa The lovely Mediterraneo room. Each of the 10 rooms were inspired by a Mediterranean country, so they’re all really charming…check the tiles.

The lovely Mediterraneo room. Each of the 10 rooms were inspired by a Mediterranean country, so they’re all really charming…check the tiles.

In love with those brick walls!

Casa Talìa Looks like a cave, but it’s the lobby. Each room in this guest-house used to be a family home. They bought about 12 homes and connected them, turning the inside of the rooms into Mediterranean hideaways while the outside remained simple and home-like.

Looks like a cave, but it’s the lobby. Each room in this guest-house used to be a family home. They bought about 12 homes and connected them, turning the inside of the rooms into Mediterranean hideaways while the outside remained simple and home-like.

Heading down to the breakfast room. Only a few more stairs!

Found my meditation spot in the top terrace! The temperatures there are surprisingly pleasant, perfect for a 20 minute sit.

Sweet garden overlooking the city hills. There’s a fig tree in there.

The view! This is Modica.

Amazing, friendly locals. Dove è la spiaggia?

Hard to find, but here we are!

Highs & Lows

Very helpful staff. They picked us up halfway to get us through the tiny Sicilian alleyways and gave us the best tips on getting around + restaurant recommendations.
The overall design of the rooms and gardens (extreme attention to rustic and artistic details - cushions and lounge chairs overlooking the hills). It’s a romantic place, Sicily is for lovers…
The slow-living life philosophy. Just sit back and relax.
Outdoor breakfast in the garden.

No cold beverages at mini bar, although we really didn’t need them.
Difficult to find (make sure you have fun getting lost! It’s quite a beautiful sight).

The Barometer

Design
Website
Environmental Consciousness
Night's Sleep
Service

Amenities
Takeable Treats
Refer a Friend
Overall Value
Life Changing

Total: 42/50

Important Bits

Type
Guest house
Vibe
Trendy zen yoga teacher meets Italian stud.
Location
Perfect. Sicily got hit by an earthquake in 1693 and the only part of the city that remained was this. Everything else in Modica has been rebuilt in a Baroque style, but up in the hills at Talia, the rustic, traditional element has remained. It’s on top of a hill overlooking the city, just a few hundred steps from the center of town.
Rooms
10
Music
Birds singing, breeze.
Year Opened
2010
Designed By
Marco Giunta e Viviana Haddad (a couple, both architects who live on site).

Health & Wellness
No pool (who needs a pool when you have pristine Mediterranean beaches?) no gym (don’t worry, you’ll get a workout climbing the stairs).
Restaurant
None on site.
Bar
No, but they’ll bring you champagne and wine upon request.
Minibar
People don’t really refrigerate things in Sicily. Try to buy ice and you’ll discover the answer to this mystery. The minibar in our room was an antique wooden cabinet stocked with sodas and warm beers. Tasty.
Children
Skip the children, this place is perfect for two.
Price
A bit punchy, but the view and garden make up for it.
Website
Visit website