Sicily’s Best-Kept Secret: Tenuta Borgia, A Rural Island Retreat on Pantelleria Island

Hidden away in a quiet corner of the tiny, volcanic island of Pantelleria lies one of Sicily's best-kept secrets. Tenuta Borgia is an elegant rural retreat which enjoys stunning sea views and is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Spread across 12 hectares of orchards, vineyards, olive groves and majestic palm trees, this exclusive estate consists of seven timelessly beautiful, stone-built villas, or dammusi, as they are known in Italian.

Just 200 meters from the sea, Tenuta Borgia is situated on the southwestern side of Pantelleria, at the center of a dramatic coastal curve that extends from the ancient seaside town of Scauri to the so-called Elephant Cliff. This is Pantelleria's most beautiful stretch of coastline, filled with grottos, lava sculptures and emerald-hued coves; the perfect spot to take in technicolor sunsets. The secluded villas, three of which feature a private pool, have been lovingly restored by architect Gabriella Giuntoli, who has carefully revamped other dammusi on the island including those owned by fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Italian actor Luca Zingaretti and former Chanel model and Bond girl Carole Bouquet. Giuntoli has proven a key figure in the preservation of these historic, atmospheric structures.

Warm, exquisite interiors and exterior spaces seem to converse with one another at Tenuta Borgia, the ideal place to discover the magic of Italy's famed dammusi. The estate represents the utmost in agriturismo chic, but with a totally relaxed feel that incorporates all the creature comforts and re-energizes all five senses. Proprietor Rosa Borgia Baroness Collice has personally selected the furnishings of each villa, creating a refined melange of styles, design elements and antiques that exude a sense of complete harmony.

The Baroness also keeps a close eye on activities at the Tenuta Borgia farm, which produces fine extra virgin olive oil and the dessert wine known aspassito. Tenuta Borgia's stunning villas, such as the three detailed below, are available for stays ranging from a weekend to a month. You can even rent out the entire estate, upon request.

Dammuso Grande

With Arabic-style gardens belying its proximity to Tunisia, this is one of the most beautiful villas on Pantelleria. It has four bedrooms which can host up to eight people. At guests' disposal is a private swimming pool and jacuzzi. Rates start at 5,000 euros per week

Dammuso Palmeto

Ideal for four people, this villa has a small private pool with jacuzzi. Rates start at 1,400 euros per week

Dammuso Limoni

Catering for up to six people, Limoni has its own small private pool. Rates start at 1,900 euros per week

Weekend rates

Two-night B&B stay for two people at Dammuso Palmeto – Rates start at 345 euros
Two-night B&B stay for two people at Dammuso Limoni – Rates start at 345 euros

For further information or to book, please visit www.tenutaborgia.it Email: info@tenutaborgia.it