Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa honestly felt like one of those places you stumble across and then spend ages trying to explain to people later, because photos just don’t quite capture it.

We arrived in eastern Sicily, driving past citrus groves that seemed to stretch on forever, and the whole setting already felt a bit unreal. Very quiet, very warm, everything smelling faintly of orange blossom. By the time we got to Zash, it already had that “we might not want to leave” feeling.

Our suite was one of those spaces that just immediately makes you slow down. It was stylish, yes, but not in a showy way, more like calm, natural tones, soft lighting, a big, comfortable bed you kind of sink into without meaning to. Everything felt thought through, but not in an over-designed way. Just… easy to be in.

The private pool was probably the moment it properly clicked for us. Tucked away among the orange trees, it felt completely hidden. We’d have a swim in the morning with coffee nearby, or sit out in the evening with a glass of wine just watching the light change. It sounds simple, but it ended up being one of those “this is exactly what we needed” kind of places.

The main pool area was just as beautiful in a different way, more open, surrounded by greenery, with Mount Etna sitting there in the background like it’s casually reminding you where you are. It was never crowded or loud, just this really relaxed, slow atmosphere where time kind of disappears.

We also spent a very happy amount of time at the pool bar. The Aperol Spritz we had there genuinely hit different. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was the setting, but it was dangerously easy to order another one and just stay put.

Dinner was the real standout though. It wasn’t just “good” or “fancy”, it was one of those tasting menus where every course makes you pause for a second before eating it because it looks almost too nice. Then you taste it, and it somehow lives up to it.

The restaurant itself has this really striking, intimate feel, not stiff or formal, just atmospheric. Each dish felt like it had its own story, using local Sicilian ingredients but presented in a really modern, creative way. There were moments where we’d just look at each other like, “Okay, that was unexpected.”

What we really appreciated was that it never felt pretentious. The food was refined, the service was polished, but the vibe stayed warm and grounded. This is rare indeed.

Breakfast the next morning carried on the same theme, fresh, local, beautifully done, but not overcomplicated. Exactly what you want after a stay like that.

And throughout everything, the staff were just genuinely kind and easy-going. Not overly formal, just present in the right way, making everything feel effortless.

By the time we left, it felt less like we’d “stayed at a hotel” and more like we’d had a short escape into a very specific kind of Sicilian calm, warm air, citrus trees, slow mornings, and really good food.

Zash is one of those places that doesn’t need much convincing once you’ve been. It just sticks with you a bit afterwards.

W: Zash
T: +39 095 7828145
E: Information

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Written by Luxuria Lifestyle’s Group Editor Debbie Stone