The Adler collection is best known for its hotels in the Dolomites — you’ll find my reviews of those elsewhere. Adler Sicilia is the group’s only beach hotel, and it’s a genuine success. I loved it, and here’s why.
The moment you arrive, the first thing you see is the Mediterranean — magnificent, hypnotic, shimmering right in front of you. The property sits within a nature park, perched on a clifftop facing the sea. Below lies a private white-sand beach, reachable by buggy, by bike or — for the more intrepid — on foot. The hotel sets out sun loungers, and towels and water are provided, though there isn’t really table service down there.
The rooms
There’s just one room category on offer: a sea-view junior suite with a terrace opening onto a garden. The view is breathtaking — at least the choice is easy. Some rooms are more central, others further out but with more privacy; it’s up to you to decide what matters most, a central location or being able to wander without anyone overlooking you. The rooms are spacious and understated, with a large bathroom — more functional than cosy. The spirit is German-inspired wellness: every detail is designed for your comfort and for practicality.
The food
Half board is included for every guest. Breakfast is served buffet-style. In the evening, the restaurant offers a starter buffet or an à la carte starter, followed by a first course (pasta, risotto, vegetables), a main (meat, fish or vegetarian), then cheese and dessert — à la carte or from the buffet, or both for the greedy among us. The menu changes daily according to the chef’s inspiration and the market, and the hotel has a beautiful kitchen garden of its own. The menu can be adapted to your dietary needs.
At lunch, a restaurant offers a €25 set menu with the starter and dessert buffet plus two courses: pasta or vegetables, then meat, fish or a vegetarian dish. I also loved the aperitif at the bar facing the sunset — a truly special moment.
The spa & wellness
This is wellness for pleasure. The spa team and the doctors are there to help you genuinely rest — but gently, without any pressure. Nobody’s counting calories, though the hotel offers tailored nutrition for those who want it. The treatment rooms look out over the turquoise sea, so you’re already in the right frame of mind the moment you walk in. The therapists are well trained and the treatment menu is impressive — a genuinely wide range.
I tried the Essence of Sicilia massage, a real moment out to rest the body deeply. I especially enjoyed their new signature massage performed with warm shells — a local twist on a hot-stone massage; applying stones, or here shells, helps release any tension held in the body. Guests also told me the sports massage was particularly good.
Twice a day, in the relaxation room, you can join a sound-bath session. Usually hotels leave you lying on the floor on a yoga mat; at Adler Sicilia, not at all — you’re settled comfortably on relaxation loungers, including doubles for anyone who’d like to share the experience… a wink to all those who drift off, and to the snoring you sometimes hear!
Fitness & activities
A full programme of sports classes runs every single day of the year, whatever the season. Mornings begin with yoga (there are later slots too, for those who’d rather not get up early), and through the day you can take your pick: power walking, bike outings by level, and various strength classes. The hotel also runs cooking classes, wine tastings and excursions to visit the temples at Agrigento.
The facilities are impressive: several pools, heated and unheated, a lap pool, a gym, a studio, various saunas, a hammam and an ice bath. The only thing missing is tennis or padel.
Reality check
- One of the best value-for-money offerings I’ve seen or tested in recent years.
- This is a very good five-star, but not a palace. Anyone expecting Hôtel du Cap levels of service may be disappointed — but the teams are genuinely lovely and go all out to make sure you have a wonderful stay.
- Breakfast is a vast buffet with plenty of variety. I do like it when there’s an à la carte menu (sweet and savoury) on top, as there is at Adler Balance, for instance.
- The team is flexible and will adapt to your dietary needs.
- On length of stay, it’s up to how long you can escape for. I went for three nights, which was wonderful but flew by — I’d have loved to stay longer, so I’d encourage at least five nights to make the most of it.
- What about children? They’re welcome and there are things for them to do, including a kids club, but this isn’t a family-resort concept — the target is really couples and solo travellers.
- The hotel is open all year and it’s a joy whatever the season: in winter you recharge in the sun, in summer you enjoy the beach.
