VILLA ORCHIDEA, PRIVATE POOL SAN LORENZO AND MARZAMEMI A FEW STEPS FROM THE SEA

The villa is very nice, we especially loved the garden and the swimming pool. There was 8 of us, 4 adults and 4 children and the villa was right size for us. The car is a must as nearest restaurants are little far away (lot of choices within 10 minutes drive).

Just what we wanted

The house is advertised as accommodating a large number of guests - and the price was a large number accordingly. The house is really only suitable for about 4 adult guests (2 large bedrooms). The other rooms are a) a small "childrens room" off the entry; and b) a spare room in a converted garage. The converted garage is marginally suitable for use - and certainly should be advertised more like this rather than as a distinct dwelling. Overall - I think the place would suit about 4 adults - and then 4 children ranging from ages through the teens. Given this, I think that the price was nearly double what it should have been. Also, the neighborhood in which it sits is marginal to the town of San Lorenzo, sitting on the outskirts amongst fields of abandoned buildings. This renders the area a bit destitute looking, and also somewhat vulnerable. We were warned to be very careful about keeping the place fully secured, and it turned out that this was very much the case (one time without locking a door resulted in one incursion). Again, this indicates that the price should reflect such a setting. Overall, we had a nice time irregardless, although we wound up renting an additional dwelling on the same street to be sure to accommodate the seven adults we had along. But it turned out to be an incredibly expensive week in Sicily given the price of the two accommodations, and the cost of the incursion.

We travelled as a 3 generation family of 6: there was plenty of room and the annex adjoining the property was perfect to allow a little more privacy for granny! Nunzia welcomed us very warmly and allowed us to check in a little early after our flight. The lovely Antonio arrived every other day to make sure the pool was clean and water and tend the grounds. We were even treated to home grown tomatoes and lemons on arrival, and the most beautiful lemon marmalade later which Nunzia kindly allowed us the recipe for and we’ll try at home. A car is needed to make the most of the location: we opted to take things easy with beach and pool days (a turquoise bay is a 5 minute walk) alternating with travelling further afield: agrigento was astonishing, and Syracuse and Noto both lovely. Simon ended on first name terms with the granita and bread vendors who came to the door each morning and breakfasts now seem a little bit dull at home! The little gift that Nunzia and Antonio brought on our departure exemplifies their warmth and attention to detail, and we very much hope we’ll meet again! Thanks so much to you both x