Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco

We stayed for 2 nights at the Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco the ancient Benedictine abbey dating back to 1300. The former monastery is immersed in the green of the natural reserve of Mount Genuardo. It’s quiet, isolated and serene. The rooms are large en-suite and extremely comfortable. We stayed 2 nights and had two delicious evening meals in the large dining room on a shared table and enjoyed to company of other guests including a couple who were artists from France travelling the world who told us about their work. All the staff were friendly and helpful including Marcia who took us in a tour of the monastery and the grounds.

Fabulous location and a fascinating building - highly recommend the little tour that you can take to learn about the history. The pool is lovely, as is the walking in the countryside around the abbey - other than that there's not a lot to do other than soak up the atmosphere. We stayed for two dinners and one lunch. A great wine list that includes some very lovely very local wines. The lunch was great, one dinner was good, the other not so much. However, that is my only criticism - a wonderful and highly memorable stay in an exceptional building with great service. Highly recommend.

The staff is warm and friendly. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The food and wine served is delicious. Guests can also take a tour of the monastery and learn some of its history.

Where to start? Upon arrival you won’t believe your own eyes. This is such an amazing place. High ceilings, hallways nicely decorated with antique objects, the clair-obscure in the hallways, etc. A very special spot indeed. Staff is very friendly and helpful and they provide a guided tour through the building itself during your stay. You get the opportunity to make guided tours through the neighbourhood as well, and there is of course the swimming pool, hidden in the garden. The location in this ultra quiet place has some inconveniences though. It takes time and a bumpy road to get somewhere. Luckily you don’t have to leave for dinner if you don’t want to, ‘cause Marcella will host you, if you like. The distance will probably be the reason why breakfast is rather basic: toast, cake, pastry, biscuits, but no fresh bread for exempel. The rooms, in the former cells of the monks, are a bit Spartan. The bathroom’s accommodations in particular. Very small shower (with a broken shower head). Overall: great location, friendly staff, silence and peace, but the inconveniences of a distant place and the structure of the building itself.

We had our honeymoon in Sicily and the first place we stayed at was Abbazzia Santa Maria Del Bosco - and we could not been happier with the choice! The Abbey building itself is such an unique, charming and old building with history, that only that is a good enough reason to stay here. Addittion to the building, the staff was super friendly and welcoming, and the food - it was absolutely delicious! We took a cooking class with Giulio and learnt how to make delicious sicilian lasagne and wonderful Marta from the reception booked us a winery visit, did a tour with us around the Abbey and was very helpful with every way. Plus the other waitress and staff, and the dogs, who we met, made our stay very special. Highly recommended!!

Perched high on a hill with 360 degrees of breathtaking views, this centuries old abbey has charm and history in every room in its massive structure. Whether enjoying a drink or coffee in the library, eating Sicilian delicacies in the period dining room, or relaxing in the spacious accommodations, you will not be disappointed in the quality of the experience.

The friendly staff are superb, and so very helpful. The swimming pool is a great addition. The food is first class, and interesting. Our stay was delayed since before Covid, so we were really looking forward to it. The wild flowers and wildlife are spectacular, we heard nightingales, owls, skylarks, and we saw a fox cub, lizards and much besides.

What a fantastic place. Everything about our stay was perfect: the staff was attentive and helpful, the location was gorgeous, our room was inviting and comfortable, the food was delicious, and the place itself was indescribably beautiful. We loved every minute of our stay, from being greeted by the friendly dogs when we parked the car to meeting the other guests at dinner. Do yourself a favor and stay here. Enjoy the history and the silent, natural beauty of the surroundings. You won’t forget it. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer.