Rupert Parker Reports From The Adler Spa Resort In The South Of Sicily.
There’s an air of a medieval monastery on the grounds of this resort as you’re encouraged to don your hooded gowns when you’re utilising the facilities. And indeed, it could be described as a temple to health and wellness. In a stunning clifftop location, with direct access to its own beach, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA blends contemporary architecture with innovative sustainable design to melt into the landscape.
Just opened in summer 2022, the Adler Spa Resort, sprawls across the unspoilt countryside of Southern Sicily, so well hidden that it’s impossible to spot until you’re close. It straddles a hillside, and the buildings are arranged in a series of terraces, surrounded by gardens and olive groves.
Sustainability is the message here. Many of the interiors have walls made from natural unbaked Sicilian clay which promotes natural humidity. Flat roofs are covered in grasses and the walls are volcanic rock. Linear water channels link interior and exterior emphasising the sense of calm. Next to the hotel complex is the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, a haven of biodiversity.
There are just two types of rooms, Junior and Family suites which all have terraces or balconies and sea views. The only difference is that the Family suites have an extra space for the kids. Some are designed to offer barrier-free comfort to guests with reduced mobility.
We stayed in a spacious 55 square metre Junior Suite, with floor-to-ceiling windows, which opened out to the panoramic terrace outside. Solid wooden floors and clay walls with nice textures added to the sense of space. The walk-through bathroom had a large rain shower and there was a separate cubicle equipped with toilet, bidet and wash basin.
Tea and Nespresso kits, mini-bar, Wi-Fi internet access and digital TV plus air-conditioning are all standard. The beds can be rigged German style with two duvets or Italian style with a single bedspread. Calm deep sleep is regular here.
The resort’s signature restaurant is the Seaview Restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. The restaurant serves a variety of Sicilian cuisine, including fresh seafood, pasta, and meat dishes. Ingredients are sourced locally, many from the resort’s gardens.
Upstairs is a large bar area with live music in the evening and a wide range of cocktails and local wines. These include selections from their Sanoner biodynamic vineyards. For a more casual dining experience, at lunchtime, try Osteria. Sit on the terrace and enjoy a variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads.
A board in reception details the day’s activities. Complimentary yoga classes are offered every morning in the island pavilion at the centre of the natural lake, but other locations may be chosen on special occasions. Sunset yoga lessons with international trainers are offered once or twice a week.
The fitness hall features the latest Technogym equipment, and offers complimentary courses and private coaching sessions. The activity programme includes water sports like kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling. Also try horse riding on the beach at dawn and sunset.
And if you just want to jump into the water, there are three pools here. The indoor and outdoor Sole Pool offers a secluded, intimate atmosphere while affording an open view into the outdoors through its large floor-to-ceiling windows. The water is slightly saline and heated to a pleasant temperature in the colder months. The whirlpool stations provide an extra touch of uncompromising well-being. It’s an easy swim out to the outdoor infinity section with views of the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve and the sea.
The Dolce pool is situated right next to the Sole pool closer to the beach, and the freshwater is also heated. The gardens have comfortable loungers for a rejuvenating sunbath. Just nearby is the Semi-Olympic sports pool, 25m long, providing a quality training opportunity for swimmers. You can take Aqua Gym lessons here or just settle for an inspiring morning workout.
Perched on the hilltop overlooking the sea, facing the iconic white cliffs of Capobianco, is the Thalasso saltwater pool. From its warm waters enjoy the changing hues of the spectacular sunsets. If you fancy a dip in the sea, the beach is a 15-minute walk away and there’s also a complimentary electric buggy transfer.
Of course, at the heart of the resort, is wellness. The spa is located in its own building, and offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps in its 13 sea-view rooms. They make use of oils, extracts and ingredients gathered on the property and from the nearby countryside. There’s also a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.
Now if you feel like getting out in the countryside, then guided hikes are offered. Next door is the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, spread across more than 760 hectares of wetlands, dunes, chalk crags and unspoilt coastline. It’s home to threatened species such as sea turtles and porcupines as well as a variety of raptors, tortoises, green lizards and butterflies.
To venture further afield then take one of the complimentary e-bikes, the electric power necessary for the ups and downs of the rugged landscapes. Unspoilt fishing villages lead the way to the bustling town of Agrigento. Here you’ll find the UNESCO listed Valley of the Temples, Greek columns rising high in the Selinunte archaeological park.
Yet it’s just so easy to spend all your time in the resort, working on your fitness in the pools or in the gym. Or simply trying different spa treatments in between dining on that special Sicilian cuisine. And, since there’s so much open space, you never have that feeling of being trapped inside a hotel. Strip off, don your robe, and wander the cloisters of this temple of wellness.
Tell Me More About The Adler Spa Resort Sicilia, Sicily
ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA Contrada Salsa 92010 Siculiana, Italy
T: +39 0922 145 7000 E: info@adler-sicilia.com
Room rates at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA start from €270 half board in a Junior Suite.
Ryanair has direct flights to Palermo from London Stansted. Then it’s a 90-minute transfer to the resort.
The Stansted Express is the fastest way to the airport from Central London.
