Beauty Farm

Spa-ing is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. No, seriously, as much as we love traveling Europe, sometimes it's a big schlep to drive to the airport, wait for your flight, fight to get on the crowded bus, transfer through Rome, and find a room that can fit a family of four. (And deal with lost luggage, of course). At Villa Gussio-Nicoletti, you can go away for a day-trip, and you'll feel like you've been gone for a month. Nestled in the Enna province, this villa is surrounded by a lush landscape. Take lots of pics and send them home. Tell people it's your Italian villa you just built for your "summer home."

Don't forget to grab your swimsuit because there's a fabulous pool that opens in July. For a small fee, you can rent chairs for the day and swim and relax with other Italian travelers. It is very busy in the summer, but if you go in the winter, you may be the only ones. This pool is kid-friendly, and you can pay extra for an umbrella for shade. There are many families traveling from the mainland here in the summer, and many bring kids. Of course, it's a great day-trip without kids as well. Super romantic!

The "beauty farm," (as they call a spa here) is clean and relaxing. It is on the bottom floor of the large yellow villa. Some things to note: we have found that massage therapists in Sicily usually use less pressure than in the States. If you want deep-tissue, this spa is not the place. If you want a super-relaxing massage, however, with a light touch, than book today. Prenatal massages are available as well. In addition, they will rub your breasts which is different than in America. Don't be shocked or jump off the massage table. Be sure to make reservations before you go over the phone or through e-mail.

Massages are 50 euro which is much less than you would pay at a nice spa in the States (plus you don't need a 20% percent tip like the US. We usually give 5 euro). For an additional 15 euro, you can use their sauna, hot tub, and armoatherapy shower while waiting for your treatment. (They have pedicures and facials too). There's a clean bathroom and hot shower when you are done, and there's a relaxation room with tea/water while you wait. It's the perfect Saturday with a significant other or a best friend...or yourself! After all, who doesn't deserve a day of relaxation every once in a while.

Afterwards, try their restaurant located in the pink villa. We loved their seabass (spigola), spaghetti with tomatoes, risotto with veggies, and their nutella cake dessert. It is an elegant restaurant, but they also are kid-friendly. You can request a high-chair or booster seat.

From Catania, take Autostrada A19 Catania - Palermo and exit Mulinello. Follow the brown signs for 5 mins.



www.villagussio.it
Strada statale 121 km. 94,750
94013 Leonforte (Enna), Italy
0935 90 32 68