Marsala Country Resort

With so many world-class things to see and do in Sicily, the southwestern corner of the island has been unjustly overlooked by the masses. This is only to the advantage of sophisticated travelers like our readers, who delight in finding new off-the-beaten-track destinations! What, you ask, is there to attract you to this part of Sicily? Well, let's start with Marsala itself: did you know this is probably the first place that grapes were grown in Italy? Indeed, Marsala Country Retreat sits at the center of a 150-acre olive grove and vineyard such as the ones which earned huge fortunes for 18th-century investors who exported the Marsala wines that were beloved of the European upper classes. One of those families, the Whitakers, built several lavish estates and hung around, so that the heirs now consider themselves more Sicilian than British. It is they who own the tiny island of Mozia, anciently known as Motya, settled in the 4th century BC by the Phoenicians. When these ancients moved to the mainland, they built a causeway which still exists today, about a meter below the surface of the Mediterranean. When the tide is out you can "walk on the water" to visit the extensive ruins and the Whitaker Museum, where many exquisite relics are on display.

Just outside the charming litle burg of Marsala (where several 16th-century Flemish tapestries are among the sites to see), you'll encounter vast salt flats first established by the same Phoenicians. To better dry the minerals, they implanted windmills, which still grace the skyline today, making this perhaps the only place in Italy where you'll see a windmill. A few kilometers on, you'll come to the characteristic village of Mazara del Vallo: not only is this Italy's leading fishing harbor, but it proudly presents many clear signs of the Islamic culture that ruled here for centuries. We find Mazara to be the quintessential Italian village, combining local color, wide-ranging history, a unique cuisine, and very friendly residents.

Another town we just love -- even though you won't read reams about it in any guidebook -- is Trapani. It's a REAL town, with bustling shops and tree-lined avenues, a picturesque waterfront and loads of outdoor cafes and restaurants filled with happy locals. Looming on its horizon is Erice, Sicily's only true medieval hilltown, graced with steep cobblestone alleys that lead straight up to a picture-perfect castle with unbeatabble views. What you'll see, across the deep blue waters, is the Egadi Islands, which you can reach by hydrofoil for a day of swimming in Europe's cleanest coves.

Last, but certainly not least in our eyes, is Segesta. This little-known Greek temple is nestled in a deep green hillside, as far off the tourist-ant-trail as you could hope to get. Park your car, hike for a few minutes up the steep paved walkway, take a deep breath and listen to the silence of a long-gone civilization that knew how to place beauty above all other attributes. You are bound to be infected by the mystique of this place, and then you'll know why this little corner of Sicily is a magical destination.

Location: 14 km inland from Marsala. Trapani is about the same distance. The Trapani Birgi Airport and the beach are only 9km away, Marsala train station 10 km, Palermo Airport 97km. Click here for a map. Rooms: 48 rooms, including classic, superior and deluxe. Classic rooms have a balcony with views of the countryside; superior rooms have views of the sea, countryside or pool and a picture window or balcony; deluxe rooms have a balcony with sea view. Superior and deluxe rooms have coffee/tea machines. Floors are covered with ceramic tiles and Oriental rugs; furnishings are an eclectic mix of modern and antique; windows are double-glazed and protected with screens. There are non-smoking and wheelchair-accessible rooms. Features: Air conditioning, color satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, dial-up Internet access, mini-bar, and safe. Bathrooms have bathtubs with wall shower and glass splash screen, robes, adaptors, and hair dryers. Facilities: Elevator; panoramic swimming pool; indoor/outdoor restaurant open daily; generous buffet breakfast; coffee bar; cocktail lounge; ice machines; room service; free outdoor parking.

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CLOSED NOVEMBER 6, 2008-APRIL 9, 2009

Nightly B&B Rates for 2008 (per room) One-Night Stays OK!
Includes taxes, services & breakfast
	Low Season: April 18-July 3 Sept. 15-Nov. 2	Mid Season: July 4-Aug. 7 Aug. 25-Sept. 14	High Season: Aug. 8-24
Classic Double for Single Use	100.00 EURO	131.00 EURO	166.00 EURO
Superior Double for Single Use	107.00 EURO	138.00 EURO	172.00 EURO
Classic Double Room	126.00 EURO	150.00 EURO	186.00 EURO
Superior Double Room	135.00 EURO	164.00 EURO	196.00 EURO
Deluxe Double Room	150.00 EURO	180.00 EURO	212.00 EURO
Superior Triple Room	170.00 EURO	209.50 EURO	250.00 EURO
Deluxe Triple Room	185.00 EURO	225.50 EURO	266.00 EURO

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Children 0-11 years stay free in their parents' double room.
Dinner at the restaurant costs 35 Euro/person plus beverages.

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Please note that you need a car to stay here.

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Booking Terms and Cancellation Penalties

      
      

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