i Carusi
History of a Baglio in the heart of Sicily
i Carusi, country retreat with pool and restaurant at Noto
I Carusi, country retreat with pool at Noto, is an oasis of peace in the heart of Sicily, a few kilometres from the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and designed with the utmost respect for the environment, as well as to give expression to the concept of a wellness retreat. The name, which means ‘the boys’ in Sicilian, is a pet name created from a typical surname on the island. The spaces, materials, energy sources, even the technology added: in our country retreat everything is designed to be sustainable, and reduce the environmental impact, in exchange for the bountiful generosity of nature.
Restored in 2016, the buildings of an old country house, a baglio, are now a stylish boutique hotel with five rooms and suites, an infinity pool and a restaurant. The building sits in six hectares of land, with almond and olive plantations.
A love of both nature and agriculture, passed down from grandparent to grandchildren. A sincere, genuine love, starting with organic pink grapefruit produced from one hectare of land at Acireale, in the Catania region in 2006. In 2011, the organic farm business of Simona Privitera, chef and owner of i Carusi, expanded and found the ideal place at Noto to combine her twin passions, for agriculture in tune with nature, and for hospitality.
Organic farming business in the Val di Noto
Organic extra-virgin olive oil and the finest almonds
Shop online i Carusi
Our organic products to buy
Taste the bountiful fruits from the Sicilian countryside in Val di Noto whenever you like in your own home, and benefit from the natural goodness of the flowers and plants, a sensory experience available with a few clicks!
The goodness of an organic breakfast
Our morning luxuries, for the best start to the day
Panoramic swimming pool
A modern infinity pool, for relaxing in the boutique hotel
A panoramic swimming pool
set in the green expanse of Val di Noto
Roman-period mosaic
Sleep in the cradle of civilisation, an exclusive vacation at i Carusi
The Roman-period mosaic, probably dating back to the 2nd century BC, discovered in 2020 during excavations to build the swimming pool, is an open-air archaeological artefact, arousing indescribably emotions in those fortunate enough to admire it.
The guests at our country retreat will experience the wonder of sleeping surrounded by history, where ancient Romans once lived. The boutique hotel is actually in a direct line from the magnificent Roman villa at Tellaro, and lies in the middle of the outstanding Val di Noto archaeological site.
“The mosaic pavement, about 35 square metres, mirrors the features of the so-called opus signinum, formed of a mortar base in earthenware (small fragments of brick and tile) and lime, dotted over much of the surface with flakes of limestone. Part of the mosaic shows a sequence of small crosses formed of four white tiles arranged around a black centre. The mosaic pavement probably extended beyond the currently visible excavation, and with the little information that can be deduced, it is not yet possible to determine the purpose of the space where the mosaic is laid.
The mosaic is reasonably well-preserved, and still covered by a mortar which obscures the surface, showing several gaps, detached tesserae and micro-cracks. It has also suffered organic damage. In the coming months, the opus signinum will undergo conservative restoration, under the technical direction of Dr Barbara Di Natale, a qualified restoration and conservation specialist, who will be able to reveal the part of the mosaic layer within the excavation area, and stop the on-going deterioration”.
