Eremo della Giubiliana
Monastic-rustic luxury. Quiet, contemplative, deeply historical. This is a place for people who want to feel like they're inhabiting a piece of Sicily's past — not performing it. The décor is family heirlooms, wrought-iron beds, Persian rugs, pitchstone floors, and a 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary. No infinity pool, no DJ. But on clear days you can see Malta from the tower.
Request a room with a terrace overlooking the archaeological park — the evening light on the stone is worth it
Why It Matters
One of the few hotels in Sicily occupying an authentic fortified hermitage with direct ties to the Knights of Malta (Order of St. John). The family who owns it — the Nifosì family — converted it respectfully in 1997, keeping original materials like pitchstone floors and handmade period furnishings. The property also has its own airplane and airstrip, making Malta day trips a genuine option.
A 15th-century fortified hermitage converted into a 5-star boutique hotel, Eremo della Giubiliana sits on the Hyblean plateau in southeastern Sicily, about 12km from Ragusa Ibla and 12km from the coast. The thick white stone walls enclose courtyards, ancient monastic cells-turned-rooms, and a medieval tower. Monks' cells are now bedrooms, the Knights of St. John's refectory is now the restaurant, and the convent crypt is a wine cellar. On the grounds, a Bronze-Age necropolis from the 5th-3rd centuries BC coexists with carob groves and a private airstrip.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Control Tower
The standout room at the Eremo. Built entirely in stone using 16th-century watchtower techniques but with contemporary steel and glass, it sits at the centre of the estate with commanding views of the plateau and coastline. Three levels: a large kitchen-living room at the base, rising to a fully glazed top floor overlooking southeastern Sicily and the Maltese islands. Two stone courtyards, a heated mini-pool, a garden, and a barbecue are included. Designed with an Arab ventilation system for natural cooling — but fair warning: the large windows mean blackout masks are needed for daytime sleep.
Cottage
Stone cottages built in the style of 18th-century Sicilian peasant farmhouses, located 400 metres from the main building along the private airstrip. Each one is fenced with dry-stone walls and has its own parking, private garden, and veranda. Views across the Hyblean countryside and toward the sea. Self-catering with a kitchenette, white stone flooring, exposed beam ceilings, and a bathroom with tub.
Deluxe
Located in the north wing of the ancient residence, the Deluxe rooms have pitchstone floors, a masonry alcove with a high wrought-iron bed, period furnishings, and oriental carpets. Some have a whirlpool bath. Some open onto private terraces overlooking the Archaeological Park or the Antiquarium. One ground-floor room has a private patio opening onto the 14th-century courtyard.
Junior Suite
Around 50 sqm each, and each one is different. Stone floors, cross vaults, rock walls, and family furniture that evokes the history of the Teutonic Knights who once occupied the site. Views open onto the courtyard or out across the Hyblean plateau, carob trees, and the sea on the horizon. Some have a hot tub.
50 sqmSuite
The suites range from 40 to 75 sqm and are the most character-rich rooms in the property. Some have 15th-century cross vaults with carved stone capitals; others have exposed wooden beams and raw stone walls. All are furnished with period pieces and family heirlooms. Some have terraces with 360° views of the Hyblean plateau, the coastline, and on clear days, Malta. Bathrooms offer a bath or shower, some with whirlpool.
57 sqmSuperior
Compact and characterful rooms ranging from 15 to 22 sqm, spread across the ground and first floors. Each one is different. Original pitchstone floors, wrought-iron beds, family furnishings, and Persian rugs. Views look out onto Mediterranean plants, olive trees, or the ancient Arab fountain in the aromatic herb garden. Some ground-floor rooms have disabled access.
18 sqmSuperior Triple
Ranging from 25 to 28 sqm, these are the family-friendly option within the main building. Views of the garden or the aromatic herb garden. Some on the ground floor, some on the first. All different from each other, with private bathroom and bath or shower.
26 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An on-property necropolis with tombs carved into the rock, dating from the 5th-3rd centuries BC, is located in the northern section of the park adjacent to the Asphodelus spa. The area is being developed as an archaeological park for guests.
The hotel offers Sport and Experience formula boat charters departing from Marina di Ragusa tourist port (about 12km from the Eremo). Options include morning, afternoon, and full-day sails, as well as a sunset dinner cruise to Capo Scalambri lighthouse and an immersive Capo Passero trip starting from Marzamemi. Includes skipper, fuel, drinks, and snacks. Up to 8 guests.
Guided off-road excursions around the Hyblean countryside and surrounding region, exploring medieval landscapes, ancient Greek ruins, coastal areas, and baroque towns.
Free bicycle rental is available for guests to explore the estate trails and surrounding countryside. The cottages along the airstrip create a natural bike loop at dusk.
The hotel owns its own airplane and operates from a private on-site airstrip with two runways. Guests can book panoramic flights over the southeastern Sicilian coast, or even fly to Malta for a full day trip and return — a genuinely rare hotel offering.
Hands-on cooking lessons with the Don Eusebio chef, focusing on traditional Hyblean and Sicilian recipes using estate and locally sourced ingredients.
Guided walks through the estate and surrounding Hyblean farmland, including medieval paths through carob trees and dry-stone wall landscapes. The property also features an archaeological park with a necropolis from the 5th-3rd centuries BC.
Cellar tastings in the original convent crypt, working through a selection of Sicilian wines curated by the estate.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The Eremo has a special agreement with a beach establishment at Marina di Ragusa, approximately 12km away.
The hotel is known for organizing a wide range of day excursions and experiences around southeastern Sicily and beyond.
Small pets allowed on request and at an additional cost. Pets are free to enjoy the garden, park, and estate grounds.
An outdoor pool within the estate gardens, with sun loungers. Notably compact compared to resort-style hotels — reviewers mention it's smaller than the price point might suggest. Complimentary for guests.
Transfers with private driver available from Comiso or Catania airports. Must be arranged in advance.
Two private runways on the estate with no landing fees or handling charges for Eremo guests. The hotel also operates its own airplane for guest use. The stone cottages are positioned along this airstrip.
BUILD YOUR EREMO DELLA GIUBILIANA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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