Al Profondo Blu

• Bedroom 1: double bed (160x190cm), en-suite shower room
• Bedroom 2: double bed (140x185cm), shared shower room
• Bedroom 3: double-twin bed (160/80x185cm), shared shower room

NB: A double-twin bedroom has two single beds that can either be joined together to create a double bed or left separate as two single beds.

Reduced Occupancy

During the shoulder seasons, Al Profondo Blu has a reduced price for a group of up to 2 that only need up to 1 bedroom. The bedrooms not required will be closed, but the rest of the villa, its amenities and its grounds will remain at the complete disposal of guests. If unspecified, should you book the reduced occupancy rate, the main bedroom will be prepared for you.

Inside

Accommodation at Al Profondo Blu is all on one level and is accessed from a shady, sheltered courtyard.

The first thing you'll notice on entering the house is the view straight out to sea from the large, luminous open-plan living and dining area. French windows bring in the sunlight and provide access to the delightful seafront terraces.

Next to the dining area is the the well-equipped, traditional Sicilian kitchen, which also opens onto the seafront terrace and the inviting al fresco dining area.

A corridor leads from the living area to the sleeping quarters, which comprise:

• a double with en-suite shower room
• a double
• a double-twin bedroom
• a shared shower room

Outside

The distinguishing feature of Al Profondo Blu - the thing that sets it apart from almost any other villa in Sicily - is its immersion in its very own 15-acre, seafront nature reserve. Arrival at the property, along a track, is like entering a new world. Towering Mediterranean pines, fragrant eucalyptus trees, giant cacti, exotic palms, colourful oleander bushes, and a host of other flora create an utterly private oasis of tranquillity, where guests can unwind, relax and wonder at their remarkable surroundings.

One of the focal points of al fresco life at Al Profondo Blu is without doubt the large panoramic sea-view terrace that runs along the sea-facing side of the house. Cushioned sofas are arranged to maximise the views from under shady a gazebo, and the al fresco dining area is served seamlessly by the indoor kitchen, a wood-burning pizza oven and a barbecue area.

Paths weave through the leafy surrounds, each one revealing something to delight the senses. To one side of the house, flanked by a well-furnished, shady pergola with fridge, is the tempting sea-view infinity pool. Heading down towards the sea, meanwhile, one soon comes to another shady pergola, which gazes out tantalisingly over the irresistible blue waters of the Mediterranean.

From here, it's a quick stroll down past a guest WC to Al Profondo Blu's ace up the sleeve: a sea gate opening onto a divine sandy beach and the shallow, azure waters of the sea. Even in the height of summer you will find only a few people on 'your' stretch of sand.

Near the house's entrance, meanwhile, is a large sheltered courtyard terrace, offering an alternative dining and relaxing area, and a cool, shady expanse of woodland that's part of the 15 private hectares of pristine nature reserve. Paths lead around the grounds, making it perfect for anyone wishing to run off their pasta or stroll amongst the fascinating variety of indigenous Sicilian flora that flourishes unperturbed in the reserve. On your way, you may well come across the owners' delightful donkeys who are free to roam the reserve (though not near the house).

Cycling in the Menfi area is a very pleasurable pastime, thanks to both the quiet back roads and the purpose-built cycle track along and around the old railway line between Menfi, Porto Palo and Sciacca. We'd be delighted to have bikes delivered to your villa and, if anyone in your group is an inveterate pedaller, arrange for a local guide to show them the best routes.

The final section of the access road to Al Profondo Blu is a little rough, so we recommend guests hire a 4x4 or one with high ground clearance.

The owners' donkeys are left free to roam the reserve. They are not dangerous and cannot get close to the house, which is surrounded by a wooden fence. Cats may also be seen in the villa grounds, where the staff provide food for them; they will not enter the house unless encouraged to do so, however we cannot guarantee that they will stay away from outdoor furniture.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

Because of natural changes to the coastline from season to season, the sandy beach in front of this property may not look as it does in the photos.

Please note that a section of the beach near the property is sometimes used as an unofficial clothing-optional area.