Zahir Country House

The Zahir occupies a genuinely beautiful corner of Sicily. The location alone almost makes up for everything else. Almost. The property has seen better days—not ruined, just tired in that particular way of places that were once loved and are now endured. Our suite was serviceable, though the shower didn’t work properly, the safe wouldn’t lock, and the jacuzzi ran perpetually cold. There was a dampness to the room that wouldn’t shift. Small disappointments that accumulate. The food was good. That’s the problem, really—it was only good. We’d eaten so well elsewhere in Sicily, those vivid meals that made you understand why people write about Italian food. Here, everything felt muted. Not bad. Just underinspired. Some of the staff raised the experience significantly while others seemed weary, perhaps overworked by a long season. There was an undercurrent of frustration I couldn’t quite place—not directed at guests exactly, but present nonetheless. When weather and mosquitos descended, they appeared genuinely overwhelmed, as if these were unprecedented challenges rather than ordinary Sicilian October. It’s the gap between what could be and what is that lingers. The setting deserves more.

We had a lovely stay for five nights at the charming Zahir. The location was perfect, the staff could not have been warmer or more accommodating and the actual property is beautiful. We were treated like family and made to feel very welcome. I look forward to returning!

What a gem! If you like beauty, tranquility and coziness, go there. Our room (Vendicari) was very nicely furnished, bright and with a door to the beautiful gardens. The breakfast was more than enough, changing a bit from day to day. Try the orange jam! The breakfast area is nice as well. There are a lot of things to do around - Noto, Marzamemi, Scicli for visiting and dinner, nice beaches, beautiful trails like Ispica. But the best of all are the people working there. Thank you Davide, Mariabruna, Shan and all the others for making our stay so perfect, we felt very welcome. We stayed 6 nights, would highly recommend and hope, we will come back one day.

We love it here, its a quiet and beautiful natural paradise, quiet and calm. The hosts are beyond friendly and our daughter is being treated like a princess. The pool is one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, with beautiful trees and a relaxing chill out. Our room is very nice and the overall decoration of the house is quirky and fun and unique. We 100% recommend coming here if you’re looking for a peaceful hide away that is still close to important sights of the island.

Zahir Country House is a unique gem, perfect for those who appreciate class, exclusivity, and charm. It's not your typical hotel, and if you're looking for a standard, soulless, corporate chain experience, this might not be the place for you. However, if you enjoy staying in beautifully decorated spaces with character, you'll find this boutique hotel truly special.||The rooms and common areas are stunning, with art everywhere you look, including contributions from some very important artists. The attention to detail in the design is remarkable. Even the open air Spa is beautiful, with draping curtains and amazing treatments. I tried the welcome massage and the “turnover” that made my skin very soft. ||Our days spent here were dreamy. We enjoyed amazing dinners made with high-quality ingredients, and every breakfast was a treat with freshly baked goods prepared that very morning. The hotel also offers great activities, like aqua gym sessions, and a new open air cinema. It was even possible to be served snacks and drinks right by the pool. We had plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, which made our afternoons particularly enjoyable.||What makes Zahir Country House stand out even more is its commitment to sustainability, including initiatives to support heritage seeds. Even their oil and almonds come from the very trees surrounding the hotel.

Zahir Country House is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and kindness by the staff, who made us feel right at home. The rooms were spotless, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable. Every detail was thought out, making our stay truly special. The breakfast each morning had a variety of options to start the day right. We also had the chance to enjoy some of their cooking, and it was nothing short of amazing. The pool area was stunning. We especially loved the outdoor cinema; it was such a unique and fun experience to watch a movie under the stars. The entire property is beautifully maintained, with lush grounds that invite you to explore or simply unwind. Everything was well-kept, and the attention to detail was evident in every corner. Zahir Country House is truly a wonderful place to relax. We can’t wait to come back!

Hotel Review: Disappointing Stay I recently stayed at this hotel, and overall, it was quite underwhelming. While the location is a definite plus—conveniently close to the beautiful city of Noto and near the beach—the rest of the experience left much to be desired. The breakfast was particularly disappointing. For three consecutive days, we were served the same cake, cheese, and fruits. Even though the food was not fresh anymore, making it even less enjoyable. The pool is probably the best feature of the hotel, clean and well-maintained, perfect for a relaxing swim. However, the rooms are definitely showing their age. The furniture is outdated, and in the breakfast area, the fabric chairs even had visible holes, adding to the overall sense of neglect. Considering the state of the amenities and the lackluster breakfast, the stay certainly didn’t feel worth the money. I wouldn’t recommend this place unless they make some serious updates.

This was indeed a pleasant surprise on our trip. We loved it so much that we have extended our stay from 3 to 5 nights. We stayed in the calamosche suite with a fantastic terrace and view. The staff in this hotel is impressive, and we give special thanks to Simona, who made our stay pleasant. This season, the hotel is collaborating with a Michelin-star chef, Alberto Colamonici, who is offering lunch and dinner, even cooking classes; it was one of the best meals in our entire stay. Don't miss it out. Regarding location, for us it was amazing, 10 minutes away from Noto, close to all the great beaches, and you can even walk from the hotel through lemon and orange grooves and reach the beach in a neutral reserve.