About the Resort
Monaci delle Terre Nere
Monaci delle Terre Nere is a timeless luxury retreat on the slopes of Mount Etna, where refined hospitality, Italian design and the energy of a volcanic landscape shape a place with a soul.
Spread across 62 acres of vineyards, citrus orchards and lava-stone terraces, the estate features Suites and Pool Villas restored with a blend of heritage and contemporary elegance.
Founded by Guido Coffa, Monaci was envisioned as a different kind of luxury made of space, time, authenticity and a deep connection with the Etna Volcano. A Relais & Châteaux retreat where nature, design and heartfelt hospitality come together in a way that feels both rare and deeply Sicilian.
Our Story
Long before Monaci delle Terre Nere became a retreat, this land carried a quiet, ancient rhythm.
In the 17th century, the Archbishop of Catania, who had chosen Pisano as his residence, entrusted these slopes to the Discalced Augustinian Monks of Valverde.
They shaped the volcanic terrain with extraordinary skill, carving a network of lava-stone terraces that still define the landscape today. These dry-stone walls made cultivation possible on steep, inhospitable ground and laid the foundation for the estate’s remarkable biodiversity.
Ancient fruit trees, vineyards, olive groves and aromatic herbs still flourish here, the living legacy of centuries of care and agricultural wisdom.
The villa, the palmento, the rural farmhouses and the terraced geometry that surrounds them are all part of this heritage.A place once tended by monks, now reimagined with respect, not rewritten, but brought back to life.
Where it all Began
Founder Guido Alessandro Coffa grew up at the foot of Mount Etna, breathing its pure air and learning to read the land from childhood. After years spent studying and working around the world, he returned to Sicily in search of a place to call home.
In 2007 he found an abandoned villa hidden among terraces and vineyards: love at first sight. He restored it by hand, learned to farm, became a wine and olive oil sommelier, and slowly brought the estate back to life.
What began as a six-room agriturismo has grown into a Relais & Châteaux wine estate shaped by Guido’s vision and carried forward today with his wife Federica and their daughters Luce, Alma and Marina.
A family story rooted in respect for the land and the desire to share the magic of these slopes with guests from around the world.
Philosophy
Monaci delle Terre Nere was born from an idea of sustainable luxury: space, time and nature moving in harmony with the rhythms of Mount Etna. For us, true luxury lies in a genuine bond with the land, an invitation to slow down and rediscover balance.
Guido, the founder, sees himself as the Keeper of the Land, guardian of an estate where every choice, from architecture to agriculture, is shaped by deep respect for this place.
Our philosophy is rooted in three values: biodiversity, eco-sustainability and zero-kilometre sourcing. We cultivate native varieties, grow most of the ingredients we serve and collaborate with small local producers, supporting a cuisine that speaks authentically of the territory.
We welcome guests into a living landscape, where the breath of the volcano, the silence of the countryside and the warmth of Sicilian hospitality come together to create an experience that feels intimate, authentic and deeply connected to the land.
Art, Architecture and Nature
Art, architecture and nature shape the identity of Monaci delle Terre Nere. Each historic farmhouse has been restored according to principles of bio-architecture: natural materials, lime plasters, wood, stone and traditional techniques that honour the land and the original soul of every building.
Inside, ancient wine presses, lava-stone walls and painted ceilings converse effortlessly with contemporary Italian design. Pieces by Flos, Lago, Gervasoni and B&B Italia mix with antiques, reclaimed objects and bold artworks, creating interiors that feel curated yet alive.
Outside, dry-stone terraces, vineyards and orchards form a landscape shaped over centuries, a form of land art where heritage and modernity coexist, and where every space reflects a deep, conscious relationship between human creativity and the volcanic territory.
Sustainability as a Way of Life
Monaci delle Terre Nere is first of all a living organic farm. Vineyards, olive trees, orchards and vegetable gardens are cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, following organic and Slow Food principles.
Over the years, Guido has recovered ancient seed varieties and more than a hundred native species of fruit and trees: a rare heritage that today allows the estate to preserve the unique flavors of Etna. In addition to these, there is a herb garden with dozens of species and wild nature that grows freely.
Terraces and dry-stone walls, centuries-old guardians of local wisdom, protect the soil, preserve water and sustain biodiversity.
In the cellar, only estate-grown grapes are used, harvested by hand and vinified with minimal intervention to preserve the character of Etna’s native varieties.
From energy choices to local sourcing, every decision is made to honour the land and reduce impact, nurturing the territory that makes Monaci possible.
