Zahir Country House
Art-forward Sicilian farmhouse boutique. Colorful, bold, and somewhat theatrical inside — not the stripped-back agriturismo you might expect from the exterior. Sustainability and slow living underpin everything, from the farm-to-table kitchen to the open-air spa.
Book the electric car beach shuttle rather than driving to Eloro — parking at the reserve is limited and the short countryside ride is a proper experience
Why It Matters
One of the few places in southern Sicily that genuinely integrates contemporary art into the property experience rather than just hanging a few prints. The Parco dell'Anima open-air museum, in-house art gallery, cooking classes with a named head chef, a 17-metre sailboat for day trips, and an open-air spa among olive trees all add up to something more layered than a typical country house.
A 19th-century Sicilian stone farmhouse converted in 2018 into a 10-room boutique retreat by founders Alessia Montani and Luigi Grasso. It sits in the Piana di Bucachemi countryside, 7km from Noto and about 900m walk from Eloro beach. Outside, it reads exactly like what it is: a beautifully preserved rural farmhouse surrounded by ancient olives, almonds, citrus trees and carob. Step inside and the mood shifts completely — bold contemporary art, antique Sicilian furniture, Caltagirone ceramics, exposed beam ceilings, and room color palettes that swing from deep drama to sun-bleached pastels. The hotel runs an open-air contemporary art museum (Parco dell'Anima) in the gardens and is deeply committed to sustainability through the M'AMA SEEDS project, which promotes ancient Italian seed varieties at risk of extinction.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Alveria – Junior Suite
Named after the local area. Junior Suite with garden and pool views, high ceilings with exposed beams, natural materials, and the hotel's signature hand-picked antique and contemporary art furnishings. Ground floor with private outdoor access.
King
Calabernardo – Superior Room
Named after the small harbor town nearby. A step up from Classic with a more generous layout and either garden or sea views. Each Superior sits on the ground floor with a small outdoor area. Furnishings follow the eclectic antique-and-contemporary formula throughout the hotel.
DoubleCalamosche – Romantic Suite
The hotel's signature suite for couples. A 25 sqm suite on the first floor with a private terrace that has its own mini-pool, a glass shower with terrace views, and a sun-lounger zone. Decorated with a site-specific mosaic made from recycled agricultural tile offcuts painted by contemporary artists — a piece that sums up the hotel's sustainability-meets-art ethos perfectly. Looks directly over the Mediterranean garden.
King · 25 sqm
Ducezio – Junior Suite
Named after the ancient Sicel king associated with the Noto territory. A Junior Suite with the hotel's characteristic bold color palette, antique furniture, and original art. Garden views with small private outdoor space.
KingEloro – Classic Room
The entry-level room at Zahir, named after the nearby Greek archaeological site. At 20 sqm it's compact but styled with the same antique-meets-contemporary art approach as the rest of the hotel. Views over the garden. All standard facilities included.
Double · 20 sqmGelsomineto – Deluxe Suite
Named after the local hamlet of Gelsomineto. A two-level Deluxe Suite with a separate entrance, bathroom and dressing area on the ground floor, and the main bedroom on the upper level. Has a private terrace with sun loungers.
KingMarzamemi – Family Suite
A 46 sqm detached annex in local stone, separate from the main building and ideal for families or those wanting complete privacy. Multi-level interior: double bedroom with a site-specific 'ricordati di fiorire' (remember to bloom) wallpaper, a living area with sofas, a reading nook, and a mezzanine with two singles — perfect for kids. Shaded pergola over the private garden. Named after the famous fishing village 20km south.
King + 2 singles on mezzanine · 46 sqmSan Lorenzo – Junior Suite
A theatrical Baroque-meets-contemporary room with stucco ceilings decorated by contemporary artists, gilded mirrors, soft antique-pink tones, upholstered headboard, design chandeliers, and a powder-room vanity of the old-fashioned variety. The bathroom has a stone-black sink and gold fittings. Fits 3 with a third bed. Pool and garden views. One of the most photographed rooms in the property.
King + single extra · 30 sqmVendicari – Superior Room
Named after the famous Vendicari Nature Reserve just down the coast. A Superior room with the same ground-floor outdoor-access configuration as Calabernardo. Unique color palette and art pieces distinguish each Superior from its neighbor.
DoubleVilla Romana – Classic Room
Named after the nearby Roman villa archaeological site. Same Classic category as Eloro — 20 sqm with the hotel's signature mix of antique furniture, handcrafted details and contemporary art. Garden views.
Double · 20 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Aqua gym classes in the outdoor pool, available to guests on request.
Push-bikes available for rental to explore the surrounding countryside, olive groves, and coastal roads.
Hands-on cooking class with head chef Roberto in the hotel's outdoor kitchen. Guests prepare a full three-course Sicilian meal using traditional recipes and ancient grain ingredients, then dine al fresco under the stars with Sicilian wine.
The hotel runs a complimentary electric car shuttle through the countryside to Eloro Beach (within the Vendicari Nature Reserve), providing umbrellas for the beach. This is the recommended way to reach the beach rather than driving.
An indoor games room with chess, cards, and other board games, with views over the Sicilian countryside.
The hotel arranges guided tours of Noto's Baroque historic center, day trips to the Vendicari Nature Reserve, visits to nearby vineyards, hiking and cycling excursions throughout the Val di Noto.
An on-site gallery and boutique selling original artworks, M'AMA.ART branded items (fragrances, silk scarves, jewelry), and Sicilian wines and housewares. Open to guests during the stay.
An outdoor cinema in the hotel gardens with comfortable sofas, cushions, blankets, and a gelato cart. Guest reviews cite this as a standout evening activity.
A contemporary art museum set within the hotel gardens, featuring site-specific installations by Italian and international artists focused on biodiversity, environmental rights, and the M'AMA SEEDS heritage seed project. Freely explorable by guests during their stay.
The hotel arranges full-day sailing excursions on its 17-metre sailboat on the Ionian Sea, including an on-board picnic with traditional Sicilian dishes. Must be arranged in advance.
A seasonal outdoor saltwater infinity pool with two hydromassage whirlpool areas and multi-jet sunbeds, surrounded by olive trees. Pool towels provided complimentary. Bar service available poolside.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A lounge area with chaise longues, art books, and curated reading material spread through the common spaces.
Daily breakfast 8:30–10:30am with house-made Sicilian pastries, fresh juices, local cheeses, and the property's own almonds.
24-hour gym on property.
Large grounds with centuries-old olive, almond, citrus and carob trees, herb gardens, and manicured lawn areas used for events and outdoor dining.
Small pets are permitted. Confirm details with property directly.
Seasonal outdoor pool with two hydromassage whirlpool areas and multi-jet sunbeds. Surrounded by olive trees. Pool towels provided free.
Staff arrange guided tours, wine tastings, sailing trips, naturalistic excursions, and other bespoke experiences throughout the Val di Noto.
Round-trip airport shuttle available 24 hours, at extra charge. Catania airport is approximately 90 minutes away.
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