The Essence of “Zash”: A Sound, a Gesture, a Dimension.

The name “Zash” is not merely a label; it is the verbal repossession of a sound. It represents the deep nature of an instinctive rhythm: the sound of the air rustling through citrus leaves, the burst of a gesture in its flowing movements, and the infinite, quiet sounds that can only be truly heard and enjoyed by living deeply within the countryside.

But most of all, Zash is an invitation to rediscover the time to live in another dimension. This is a world where historical fragments meet contemporary taste, creating a country boutique hotel that feels both ancient and refreshingly modern.

Architectural Philosophy: The Art of Contrast

The architectural project of Zash was born from a desire to highlight the existing environment while strictly following the “spirit of the place”—that of a rural countryside manor house. The design work is intentionally “soft,” focusing on the power of contrasts.

Within these walls, traces from the past—such as dusty plasterworks, lava-stone walls, and original wooden craftworks in the wine press rooms—fit smoothly with contemporary pieces. These modern additions were carefully selected to comply with the highest international standards and needs, bringing historical features back to a vibrant new life.

A core aim of the project was to ensure that every visitor could distinguish, at first sight, the contemporary works from the original structure. This allows guests to catch the original essence of the location. Perception is the leitmotiv of the entire project; everything is perceived as it was one hundred years ago, a time when the surrounding nature prevailed over every other aspect of life.

This philosophy extends into every corner of the property. For instance, in the cellar rooms, there remains a tangible perception of the vast space once used for wine barrels, even though it now houses sharply defined white blocks containing the guest bedrooms. The purity of the environment is a deliberate choice, intended to enhance the surrounding landscape.

Furnishings are tailored and site-specific, utilising oak floorboards and massive volcanic stone cladding to offer absolute comfort within spaces replete with history.

A Location Between Fire and Water

Zash is situated in a territory defined by the dramatic contrast between the majesty of Mount Etna and the transparency of the Ionian Sea. On this side of Sicily, the land changes “inch by inch”. Here, the nude sciara—the cold, hardened lava left behind by the volcano—coexists in harmony with ancient Arab citrus groves and Greek olive trees.

The territory is surprisingly rich, shaped by the historical influences of the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Guests at Zash are perfectly positioned to explore this diversity, from the powdery ski hills of the volcano to the natural microcosms of the Nebrodi mountain range. Nearby attractions include:

• The Alcantara Gorges: Deep incisions in volcanic rock and cliffs.

• Taormina: A lovely town where folk traditions and international glamour come to life.

• Catania: One of the major, vibrant Sicilian cities.

• Nature Reserves: Such as the Vendicari Wildlife Refuge.

Limited Edition Living: The 16 Rooms of Zash

Hospitality at Zash is defined by exclusivity, offering only 16 rooms for what is described as “Limited Edition Living”. The rooms are designed to amaze not through “special effects,” but through a flowing distribution of space that removes the rigid distinctions between different areas.

1. In the House

Located on the first floor of the old manor house, these four rooms are characterised by high vaulted ceilings. They feature full-length chestnut windows that offer a dual perspective:

Mount Etna on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other.

2. In the Cellar

These three rooms are located where the estate’s wine storage once stood. The design utilises white volumes to create intimate bedrooms, where the cleanliness of white resin floors and walls provides a striking contrast to the rugged, pre-existing volcanic stonework.

3. In the Garden

Four rooms and suites are immersed directly in the countryside. Large windows create a continuum with the outdoors, giving the impression that the citrus trees themselves are the walls of the room. These rooms are just a few steps from the pool, playing with the history of rural architecture turned into modern design.

4. The Pool Villas

Totally immersed in the citrus groves, these four villas represent the pinnacle of luxury country staying. Each features a private outdoor tub. Two specific units, the Pool Villas & Spa, include a private sauna and Turkish bath within the intimacy of the guest’s own refuge.

5. The Spa Suite

This unique suite continues the dialogue with nature. It features large windows opening onto a private garden and includes its own small private SPA with a sauna and Turkish bath.

Gastronomy: A Michelin-Starred Journey

The culinary heart of the estate is the Zash Restaurant, which holds 1 Michelin Star. The restaurant is uniquely located inside the ancient tank where wine once fermented. It is an intimate and cosy area where time seems to have stopped, allowing sounds, scents, and tastes of nature to take centre stage. This is a “slow” dimension of flavours, where the food draws on the genuineness of local products to return to a traditional Sicilian essence. Guests dine under magnificent vaulted ceilings made of limestone and pumice stone—products of the still-active volcano.

Chef Giuseppe Raciti

The kitchen is led by Chef Giuseppe Raciti, whose career includes training under masters like Chef Santin (2 Michelin stars) and Chef Massimo Mantarro (2 Michelin stars). After gaining international experience, Raciti returned to Sicily, earning numerous awards:

• 2015: Second Best Emergent Chef for Southern Italy.

• 2016 & 2017: Finalist in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or Italian final.

• 2019: Awarded his first Michelin Star.

During the summer months, the gourmet restaurant moves to the terrace, allowing diners to overlook the garden and citrus grove while enjoying the “followers’ success” of the Chef’s creations.

Wellness: The Zash Retreat

Wellness at Zash is an extension of the property’s nature. The pool is a centrepiece of this experience, constructed from strong Etna lava stone.

The hotel offers a free wellness area for all guests, which includes:

• Sauna and Turkish Bath.

• Emotional Shower.

• Swimming Pool with Air Bubble Massage.

In this retreat, the combination of Mediterranean and volcanic influences creates a unique atmosphere for relaxation. For those seeking further indulgence, massages and beauty treatments for the face and body are available upon request.

Events and Destination Weddings

Zash serves as an extraordinary location for private events and “chic” receptions with a countryside essence. The estate’s refined elegance and culinary excellence have made it one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Sicily. Spaces are fully customizable, with options to host events by the pool, in the orchard, or within the historic winepress areas.

A Legacy of Excellence

The quality of the Zash experience is reflected in its numerous international awards:• Condé Nast Traveller: Named the “Most Beautiful Hotel in Sicily” in October 2022.

• Geo Magazine: Ranked among the “Best 100 Hotels in Europe” and Top 10 for Design.

• Touring Club Italiano: Recipient of the “Excellence in Hospitality” award for several consecutive years.

• PIDA International Award: Recognised for having some of the most beautiful hotel and spa architecture in the world.

Zash is not just a place to stay; it is a sensory journey into the heart of Sicily, where the volcanic earth meets the luxury of silence and design.

A: Via Strada Provinciale SP2 n.60 95018, Archi – Riposto (CT) Sicilia

T: +39 095 7828932

W: Zash Boutique Hotel & Spa

E: Bookings

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