LADY LUSYA
Dusky pink Mediterranean villa in historic Siracusa
NAMED AFTER THE PROPRIETOR'S DAUGHTER, Lady Lusya
sits pretty in acres of lemon groves. This mellow, dusky-pink Mediterranean villa oozes history. Among the ancient exposed stonework, arches and nooks and crannies there are still medieval shooting holes to ward off assailants with a revolver.
The olive tree next to the pool – still producing a healthy yearly crop – is reckoned to be 2,500 years old, and you’ll even see
an original dovecote in the walls of the bar, along with the wine press and well of the original 17th century farmhouse. Lady Lusya's owners have tirelessly restored this former rundown estate, even cleaning and re-laying tiles from the original terracotta floors.
Puppies were gambolling on the lawn when we arrived, and the place is now a visual treat. The shady pergolas of
the pool terrace beckoned for an afternoon siesta, and we were close enough to historic Siracusa to go exploring later.
Hit the Spot
Surrounded by lemon groves on the edge of Siracusa.
Bedtime
Our junior suite seduced with a huge wrought-iron bed and gossamer drapes.
Be Savvy
Dinner needs to be pre-ordered at breakfast.
Be Smitten
A little place that lives and breathes the Med.
Gossamer drapes
Our bedroom came with a high raftered ceiling, huge wrought-iron bed with gossamer drapes and enough room to throw a party. Guests have the option to order dinner each morning, and we thoroughly enjoyed our beef carpaccio and spaghetti alla vongole.
Check out uncrowded beaches nearby where you can sunbathe off the rocks, and the original Greek amphitheatre in town – Greek classical plays are performed here regularly.
Lady Lusya was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Tess Dalton
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
It’s home-cooked Sicilian food served in
simple but pleasing trattoria-style surroundings, with old stone walls and fireplaces.
Dining out
Siracusa’s old town has plenty of places to eat. La Siciliana is a good local pizzeria, while Trattoria Cenacolo offers a good broad range of dishes.
Where?
Lady Lusya’s dining room
What’s cooking?
It’s a daily-changing set menu, bookable at breakfast. You might find sliced octopus, risotto in sea-urchin and scampi sauce, or fresh catch of the day.
Dress the part
Kick back and relax, casual attire is the norm here.
Top table?
Corner tables are the most intimate
See & Do
Be sure to explore Ortigia, Siracusa’s historic island centre, with its crumbling baroque churches, long-abandoned palazzi and ruined Greek temple. Via Cavour is lined with restaurants, while Piazza Duomo is a good place to sit in a café with a drink.
Spa
You can book a treatment from the on-call masseur, hair stylist or beautician.
Shop
Siracusa has plenty of old shops to browse through, as well as bigger department stores.
After dark
Make an evening of dinner in the hotel accompanied by traditional wine and music.
Dates
May-June
Siracusa’s Greek Theatre Festival stages classical Greek plays in the ancient outdoor Teatro Greco, carved out of stone.
GETTING THERE
Location
Feudo Spinagallo, 96100 Siracusa
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Siracusa station – 25km
Taxis
Private transfers can be arranged.
Airport
Catania – 40km
Rooms and suites
19 rooms and three suites
Special features
One of the roomy suites has a wrought-iron half-tester bed.
Also…
There’s a great pool terrace and wi-fi internet throughout.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 112 – 212
Open/closed
Closed January – February
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
Minimum of five nights between 15 July –15 September.
Breakfast
A buffet breakfast is served until 10am.
Room service
Available any time
Children
No restrictions
Pets
Only in some rooms
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, Italian and French
Wedding license?
Yes – based on exclusive hire of the property. Up to 200 guests can be catered for.
Your contact
Paola Battaglia – general manager