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Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Where:
- Why:Some quiet time before a Sicilian wedding extravaganza
- When:July 2025
- Who:Me and my love
"A Mediterranean oasis where old-world Sicilian charm meets a sleek modernist edge"
Tucked between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Zash is a design-forward retreat set on a working citrus estate in Sicily. Formerly a 1930s wine cellar and manor, the hotel blends raw volcanic textures with sleek minimalism across its 17 rooms and suites, some with private spa features or panoramic views. A Michelin-starred restaurant, serene lava-stone spa, and a sun-drenched pool complete the scene — ideal for those seeking a slower, sensory stay rooted in the Sicilian landscape.
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La Dolce Vita
Just a casual active volcano outside our window
The old winery building - Zash’s star of the show (well, second to Etna)
Mountain views for days
Steam, sauna, repeat
Breakfast beneath the grapevines
Our historic room overlooking Etna
An intimate all-glass bathroom for the bold, not bashful
Unwinding even further in the spa’s hydrotherapy pool
Fine dining in the old wine cellar, constructed from Etna’s lava stone
The Italians know how to do an archway
Cozy communal areas with architect Iraci’s minimalist design
Leafy nooks for disappearing into at every turn
Highs & Lows
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Hidden amongst olive and citrus groves with the Ionian sea on one side and Mount Etna on the other, this expansive country paradise lends instant zen upon arrival — to be further enhanced around sunset when the smouldering lava show begins.
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Zash boasts a one-star Michelin restaurant inside their historic wine cellar. An intimate dining experience set beneath a vaulted stone ceiling (from Etna herself), to match the terroir of your favourite local vino.
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A private spa session in the depths of the old winery building, complete with a gorgeously fitted steam and sauna gained extra points with this health spa junkie.
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Warm and highly efficient service from the concierge team made this trip an extra delight.
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The mini bar didn’t leave much to the imagination. Some locally curated items (including snacks) would have been better matched to this almost perfect experience.
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There is an old, but functioning train line that runs in front of the hotel. While for us this added to the charm, ultra-light sleepers might want to pack their earplugs.
Important Bits
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Type
Boutique Hotel
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Vibe
Citrus grove chic
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Location
Riposto, on Sicily’s eastern coast
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Rooms
16, including 7 suites (one with a private steam and sauna)
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Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience
Our plane was diverted to the mainland on landing which meant a five hour delay and late night arrival at the hotel. The team could not have been more courteous and communicative in receiving us outside of reception hours, even offering to send a plate of food to our room after missing dinner.
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Future Forward
Solar panels and locally grown fruits and vegetables on the plates ticks a few boxes for Zash’s sustainability efforts.
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Music
Soft and low like Etna’s rumbles
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Year Opened
2012
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Designed By
Antonio Iraci
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Health & Wellness
Just the spa, but they provided yoga mats on request, and recommended us a fully equipped gym close by that offers day passes. Their treatment list is short but the massages, oh so sweet.
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Food
A beautiful breakfast is served under the early dappled light of their grapevines, as well as a light pool-side lunch menu if beach trips are off your agenda. The one-star Michelin restaurant for dinner is not to be missed — reservations required.
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Bar, Events & Nightlife
The poolside bar is open during the day and early evening for aperitivos. After that, you’ll be in the capable hands of the Sommelier specialising in the best Sicilian and Mt Etna wines.
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Minibar & Retail
You’ll find just a small, standard selection of drinks in the minibar.
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Accessibility
While the historic rooms at the top of the main building can only be reached by stairs, the lower floors and suites are all wheelchair accessible.
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Pet Friendly
Yes, and who wouldn’t pay 20€ per day to be accompanied by their best friend?
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Children
Yes
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Price
Definitely not cheap, but fairly priced for the standard.
- Tel.
- Website
Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa
Zash country boutique hotel & SPA, Strada Provinciale 2/I-II, Riposto, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy
Etna
Mount Etna, Castiglione di Sicilia, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy
Strada del Vino
Via Etnea, 1, 95010 Milo CT, Italy
Taormina
Corso Umberto, 19, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
In the Area
Hotel Location Zash country boutique hotel & SPA, Strada Provinciale 2/I-II, Riposto, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy
Tucked away in the serene coastal countryside forty minutes from Catania airport, Zash is still easily accessible to the town of Riposto with plenty of restaurant options only ten minutes away. Moving further afield, the stunning beaches of Taormina are an easy 25 minute drive.