Caol Ishka - Sicily, Italy
About this Chic Retreat
An intriguing name, Caol Ishka is Gaelic for 'the sound of water', which was conjured up by Irish-born Gareth and locally-born Emanuela. Caol Ishka is a small chic and contemporary hotel just 5 minutes from the old town of Ortigia in Siracusa and less than an hour from Catania airport. The 10 rooms and restaurant are surrounded by a beautiful garden which features the infinity pool. Modern design has been combined effortlessly with the warmth of a Sicilian Masseria to create a chic and fun place to stay. Expect a warm welcome and a very relaxed atmosphere. Siracusa sits in a bay and has a temperate climate most of the year. September and October are lovely months to come when the sea is still really warm and temperatures average 22 degrees.
Accommodation
Restoration took 4 years, but it was well worth the wait; the 10 rooms at Caol Ishka are spacious & sleek and are spread across 2 of the stone wings. Six of the 10 rooms have their own veranda and all have TV, DVD and CD players. The deluxe room stands proud in its own enormous barn with 6m high ceilings. Modern fittings and design elements are evident throughout all of the rooms which have a sharp, urban-chic feel to them. Children of all ages are welcome and there are 2 rooms that can interconnect (7 and 8). All the usual comforts and high-tech requirements are in all of the rooms - Room 1 is even equipped with its own Mac for those who can't live without email.
Activities
Tailor made excursions can be arranged and there is biking and canoeing nearby. For those wanting to be pampered Shiatsu massages can be arranged. Beaches are fairly close by and there are some great hikes in the surrounding hills. Otherwise simply relax by the pool until the sun goes down.
Dining
The selection of dishes served at the restaurant 'Zafferano' all use local ingredients and the recipes are classical Sicilian dishes with the occasional Oriental twist. The Spaghetti alla Siracusana is a subliminal dish with fresh anchovies, almonds and tuna roe. Caol Ishka also has a great bar where guests can relax with a drink or two and there is a lovely outside terrace, perfect for an evening drink.
Rates
Rates at Caol Ishka are per room per night and include breakfast. A third bed will cost EUR 40 per night. Beds and cots for children aged under 3 years are free of charge.
* Rates in EUR
Cancellation policy
A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to confirm reservations. No-shows or early departures will be charged the full stay.
Additional information
- Neareast Airport: Catania.
- Distance from Airport: 40 minutes.
Country Chic Retreats
Good for:
finding sun and enjoying great food throughout the yearFacilites:
air conditioning, babysitting, bar, car parking, gardens, restaurant, swimming pool, wheelchair access, WiFi/Internet, child friendlyRates on request
Call reservations
+ 44 (0) 20 3397 0085Members also receive
A room upgrade (subject to availability)
Other hotels in Italy
- Le Terrazze di Ciaria, Sicily
- Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Rome
- Villa Magnolia, Puglia
- La Villa Hotel, Piedmont
- Palazzo Niccolini, Florence
Chic Search Autocomplete
JOIN TODAY
Join Chic Retreats today and receive an annual membership card giving you preferential rates and benefits at all of our boutique hotels, B&Bs and luxury villas. Membership includes the Chic Retreats book which includes over 250 pages of small luxury hotels and little hidden gems from all over the world.
For just GBP 20 a year (plus postage) the Chic Retreats membership will ensure you are treated as an individual not just a room number wherever you go.
Chic Retreats Newsletter
Sign up to the monthly Chic Retreats newsletter to be the first to hear about new boutique hotel openings, special offers and Lulu’s essential tips.