LA FORESTERIA PLANETA ESTATE

If you are thinking of visiting the splendors of Agrigento, Selinunte and Segesta, or even if you just want a relaxing weekend away from it all, including ancient cultures, you could do worse than to check into The Foresteria owned by the Planeta family. 

Not content with owning c. 325 hectars of vineyards, five wineries across the Sicilian territory and producing 15 different wines, many of which have won prizes to boot, in 2009 the Planeta family decided to open The Foresteria, situated overlooking the sea a few miles from Menfi, and offer their own particular brand of Sicilian hospitality to all.

To get there from Palermo took us an hour and half, and thanks to the I-Pad we managed to do it with only one small question to two Italian policemen who were busy accosting an ancient tractor driver in the middle of nowhere.  They happily confirmed that despite the absence of all form of life and buildings I, and of course the IP, were on the right track.

Don't be fooled or disappointed by the simple, almost minimal exterior as you roll round the bend of the road in your hire car and push it into second to get up the hill.  As soon as we stepped into reception all the hassles of our journey were forgotten.  Each area was decorated with a mix of antique furniture, contemporary art, and beautiful carpets which provided a sense of colour and warmth where ever we were in the building.

There are 14 rooms to choose from.  Each different, but with its own little terrace from which to enjoy the view of the vineyards (of course), and onto the sparkling sea.  Our room was large with two terraces.  Sitting in the sun, each on our own bench, we inhaled the scent of the 100s of herbs planted all round the building, and made the sighs of relief of those who have survived an Alitalia flight.

The personnel were warm and friendly, managing to seem informal whilst offering very efficient service. and not blinking twice when we asked for a very late lunch by the pool, which we eat in the warm October sunshine, although even I, despite North Sea hardiness, declined to swim in the beautiful but arctic pool.

That evening, following a visit to the olive groves, we sat round the long, polished table which seats up to 30 guests in the dining room and made jolly conversation with Dutch, Italian, English and Canadian couples, whilst tucking into a wonderful three course dinner and drinking white Planeta wines.  The chef, Angelo Pumila, also offers guests the possibility to have cooking classes with him in the beautiful, well equipped kitchen and the next class will take place in November 2011.

The next morning, having slept disgustingly well, we arrived last at breakfast and sat on the terrace munching through a feast of local cheese, home made bread and jams, and cups of coffee and stayed for a long time chatting and looking out at the view before setting off once more onto the next leg of our journey.


DOVE COME QUANDO

La Foresteria 
Planeta Estate
Contrada Passo di Gurra
ex. SS 115 sp 79
Menfi (AG)
Tel. +39 09251955460
www.planetaestate.it


Rooms 
From euro. 145 in low season
To euro. 190 in high season