There are places that single-handedly reinvent the very idea of travel. The luxurious Braccialieri resort, nestled in the heart of the Noto countryside, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Val di Noto, belongs to this rare category. At the crossroads of family hospitality, Italian design, and Mediterranean poetry, this new gem bears the flamboyant signature of Alessandro Enriquez, a leading figure in fashion and now in design.
It all began with a family story: the Cancemi family, driven by the desire to breathe new life into an old olive oil mill, envisioned a place that would combine tradition, authenticity, and contemporary elegance. This is where Alessandro Enriquez, a native of Sicily, deeply attached to his homeland and a gifted storyteller, came in. Two years of meticulous restoration transformed this rural building into a refined and unexpected destination.
Nestled amidst a centuries-old olive grove, visitors discover a handful of eco-friendly villas and luxurious suites, each conceived as an ode to the colors and symbols of Sicily. With his vibrant and deeply narrative style, Enriquez has left his mark on every detail. Wallpapers from his "Enriquezland" collection evoke traditional Sicilian pastries, while furniture pieces by Cassina, Cappellini, Vispring, Casa Lago, and Tom Dixon lend an international elegance. Local craftsmanship is not forgotten: Sicilian basketry, blown glass, and raw materials give the place a warm authenticity.
The six eco-friendly villas, with evocative names like Domus Salvia and Domus Aurea, blend contemporary lines, large bay windows, and terraces opening onto the rolling landscape. The three luxurious suites – Amare, Tangerine, and Geranium – embody the perfect balance between history and modernity.
At Braccialieri, the journey also extends to the plate. The former winery, dating back to 1863 and now home to the Dodici Zappe restaurant, is the gastronomic heart of the estate. Here, the high ceilings and thick walls complement the green Cappellini chairs specially designed by Enriquez and Giulio Cappellini. On the plate, chef Francesco Giura creates cuisine that is both essential and inventive, crafted from local produce and harvests from the organic Pizzuta garden.
It's hard to resist the allure of the panoramic pool, whose red and white checkered floor is inspired by traditional Sicilian kitchens. At the water's edge, parasols and sun loungers adorned with Enriquez's iconic geranium motif add a touch of joyful whimsy. All this is overlooked by a motto engraved in the heart of the pool: "Don't forget to love!" An invitation to slow down, to savor, to love.
Travelers seeking rejuvenation will find in this resort a philosophy of slow travel: living at the rhythm of nature, reconnecting with the flavors of the land, letting themselves be enveloped by the Mediterranean light.
Braccialieri – Luxury resort & Eco glamping
Contrada Seggio, Avola, Sicily (Italy)
braccialieri.com
@braccialieri
