DonnaCarmela Resort & Lodges
Rustic-chic Sicilian aristocracy meets modern eco-design. Think lava stone, warm timber, and fresh flowers next to Technogym equipment and photovoltaic panels. Genuinely family-run and personal, not a brand-template property.
Book direct on donnacarmela.com with the FLEXI rate to get €20 credit for treatments and €20 credit for tasting menus
Why It Matters
One of Sicily's most seriously eco-committed small luxury resorts, where the restaurant's produce comes from a garden on the premises — not just claimed as 'local', but literally zero metres. The chef trained with Heinz Beck at a Michelin-starred London restaurant and is listed in the Michelin Guide. The Faro family's 50-year horticultural legacy is woven into every corner.
A 19th-century Sicilian farmhouse turned eco-resort, opened by the Faro family in 2009. Sitting between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea in Carruba di Riposto, the property has 18 suites in the original villa and 8 standalone lodges built in bio-architecture, all wrapped in a 10,000 sqm garden holding over 5,000 plant varieties — many sourced from the family's Piante Faro nursery, one of the largest in Europe. The Faro Group also owns the Pietradolce winery on Etna's north slope and the Radicepura botanical park, so the connections to local land and produce run very deep.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
De Luxe Suite
At 40–50 sqm, these suites in the historic villa sleep up to 3 adults and a child, with a sofa bed and bathroom choice of shower or bathtub. Each one has its own character — the Sicilian design language varies from room to room.
King · 45 sqmExclusive Suite with Terrace and Private Pool
50 sqm of indoor space plus a whopping 120 sqm private terrace with a scenic view of Etna. The private pool has a hydromassage function. Designed for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, with a sofa bed for the kids. One of the stronger family-with-privacy options at the resort.
King · 50 sqmFamily Lodge with Pool and Private Garden
A freestanding lodge configuration designed for families, with a private pool and garden. The site lists this as a separate category to the Romantic Lodge, sized and equipped for families travelling with children.
King
Flora Lodge
Freestanding bio-architecture lodges set directly in the garden. 50 sqm with a private terrace for two, and bathroom with bathtub or shower choice. The tropical planting around the terrace gives them a cocoon-like quality.
King · 50 sqmGrand Suite with Terrace and Private Pool
The top option within the main resort compound. 100 sqm divided into 3 separate bedrooms each with en suite bathroom, a living area with hob and a table seating 6, and a 150 sqm scenic terrace with private pool. Sits at the highest point of the property — the Etna and Ionian coast view from up here is the best on site. Private dinners can be arranged. Ideal for a group of 6.
King · 100 sqmRomantic Lodge with Plunge Pool
The pick for couples. 50 sqm lodge with a private lava stone hot tub and a dedicated outdoor plunge pool on your own terrace with sun loungers. The lava stone detail is a particularly Sicilian touch. Doors open directly onto the greenery with total privacy from other lodges.
King · 50 sqm
Sicilian Villa
The most independent option, sitting 800 metres from the main resort in the family's plant nursery. 75 sqm with 2 bedrooms (king plus 2 twin beds), 2 bathrooms, a private garden, an outdoor hydromassage tub (note: unheated), a covered outdoor area with kitchen, and its own patio. Genuinely feels like a private Sicilian country house. Maximum quiet and privacy, but you'll need to drive or walk to reach the main resort pool and restaurant.
King + Twin · 75 sqmSuperior Room
The entry-level option but not a compromise. These rooms cover 25 to 35 sqm in the original villa, with a private or French balcony overlooking the garden and centuries-old olive trees. Minimalist, calm, designed for two.
King · 30 sqmTwo-Floor Suite
Split across two levels, these 40–50 sqm suites give families room to breathe. One bathroom on each floor, views of the volcano and gardens from the private balcony. Quiet, ideal for families of 3 adults and a child who want some separation of space.
King · 45 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Guided by barman Giuseppe Costanzo of the Rizo Bar. Guests learn to prepare three cocktails using seasonal garden ingredients, followed by tasting. Bookable through the concierge.
Led by chef Piergiorgio Alecci. Traditional Sicilian recipes using zero-km organic produce from the resort garden. A genuine insight into the kitchen philosophy behind La Cucina di Donna Carmela.
Guided excursions to Mount Etna, organizable through the resort concierge.
Equipped with Technogym machines, exercise bikes, abdominal benches, dumbbells, and treadmills. Accessible at any time. Personal trainers bookable on request.
Guided exploration of the 10,000 sqm resort garden, which contains over 5,000 varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Electric bikes are available for touring the larger garden areas.
A padel court set within the garden. Appropriate footwear required. An instructor can be booked in advance through the concierge.
Outdoor seasonal pool shaded by centuries-old olive trees at the heart of the resort. Views stretch toward Etna. Sunbeds and a calm, unhurried atmosphere — at only 26 units the pool never gets crowded.
The resort is connected to the Pietradolce winery on the north side of Etna. Wine tours and tastings can be arranged at the family winery as an off-site activity.
Classes held under the shade of centuries-old olive trees with a dedicated instructor. Reservations required through the concierge team.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Intimate vaulted cellar with hundreds of bottles focused on Etna, Sicilian, and international labels.
Designated smoking areas provided outside.
10,000 sqm garden with 5,000+ plant varieties. Also includes a 2,000 sqm kitchen garden producing vegetables, fruit, herbs, olive oil, honey, and jams for the restaurant.
Seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. Seasonal operation.
Electric bikes available for exploring the garden and surrounding area.
Pets allowed for an additional charge. Each room includes a pet kit.
24-hour front desk with dedicated concierge team. Multi-lingual staff.
Available on request.
On-site renewable energy system alongside solar-thermal hot water. Part of an EU-funded sustainability project completed under the FESR SICILIA 2014/2020 programme.
Electric vehicle charging columns available on the property.
BUILD YOUR DONNACARMELA RESORT & LODGES PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning