Baglio Occhipinti, small and luxury countryside hotel, located 30 km from Ragusa, and 90 km from airport of Catania. This is South-East part of Sicily if to look at the map. The part that probably has the biggest concentration of places which worth a visit while easy reachable within 30 min – 1 hour drive. Such a favourable location makes Baglio Occhipinti, 12 rooms privately owned retreat, surrounded by vineyards, your perfect base for exploring the area, rich of history and natural beauty.
I met the owner, Fausta Occhipinti, in Marrakech (I know, strange place for Canadian to meet Sicilian, but it was an annual experiential travel conference where people gather from all over the world). I guess it was kind of friendship from the first glance, then we met again in Cannes during another travel show, and month later I had 11 days buy out of the property for my clients, group of 20. They loved their experience, and I understand why.
The main key for successful and enjoyable property is a truly passionate person behind. The one which belongs to the place, mind and soul. Here we are. Fausta, the owner and creator of Baglio Occhipinti. Local ad it can be, grew up in Vittoria, small Sicilian town where everyone knows everyone. When we were walking the street of Vittoria, the car casually stopped by, and Fausta was chatting for few minutes with elegant old couple inside, me effortlessly involved in conversation as it happens in Sicily. When car pulled off, Fausta told me it was a mayor of the town and his wife.
Being a daughter of successful architect, Fausta holds her master degree in architecture too (the same as myself which is one more connection point, no doubts). I loved meeting charming and welcoming Occhipinti family at their elegant home in Vittoria.
Thanks to Fausta, after few days in her place I know more people in Sicily than I knew in Toronto where I’ve been living for 10 years. That is the magic of Fausta and the magic of Sicily too. I speak Italian which helps no doubts, but when every second person you meet says “ohh… why don’t you move here?! Why to live in cold Canada while you can have all we have here n Sicily??? Come!” I keep asking myself the same question. Seriously.
Some years back, Fausta moved out of Sicily to get her international experience just enough to come back to where she is from, on the different level. And to start her very local project from scratch. Well, not exactly from scratch – there was family owned estate to plug in, but really, there was no roof over it. This young lady made it the place.
I will write another story about places to visit from Baglio Occhipinti, the Commissario Montalbano land – Vittoria, Scicli, Modica, Punta Secca… The map is way more extended than just my beloved (and relatively known) Ragusa Ibla, Syracusa, and Noto. So much more to explore and adore, and every place is just arm away. I loved to be blown away by strong winds in Punta Secca by the house of Montalbano, and to have coffee with Fausta’s parents in Vittoria, and to hike the hill of Scicli at night to be smashed by the view. But let’s get back to Baglio Occhipinti for a bit.
The main treasure, as it always happens, are the people. They make place alive, and they create memories to cherish. Young innovative chef working hand to hand with older lady who keeps traditions of Sicilian cuisine as they are – what a pair to create special meal.
I really appreciated lighter version of delicious Sicilian food here. Don’t take me wrong, I love arangini and fritti. But at some point my stomach (and my not that Sicilian metabolism) says “I need a break”. And here you are, from the bottom of the heart Sicilian, but just a tiny bit lighter and healthier.
Oh… interior design of Baglio Occhipinti is by Fausta Occhipinti, architect by education and true Sicilian who can appreciate heirloom treasures as an inevitable part of design.
For me, it is about perfect. Pleases my aesthetics and creates the world in which I want to live, and in which I feel comfortable without being overwhelmed by too much of museum. It feels like home. Sophisticated country side home which smells of freshly baked bread and logs burning in fireplace. Would you want more than it for your true Sicilian vacation?
Surprise! Fausta has a sister. Beloved sister which is a winemaker. A talented one. Occhipinti wines are found all over, and they are oh… they are good. As everything produced by Occhipinti family, they are organic and true to the place. Bravo, Occhipinti girls!
Baglio Occhipinti is one of those places which is very easy to recommend thanks to its genuine quality, and easy to built itinerary around thanks to its “strategic” location. I’m here to help creating your special Sicilian getaway in cooperation with fabulous Fausta and my other Sicilian friends.
