Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your family and the name(s) of your accommodation(s)?

My name is Luca Giannini, I am 51 years old and originally from Bologna. Currently, I live in Rome with my partner Iolanda and her 15-year-old daughter Maria Sofia. Together with Iolanda, my business partner Paolo, and our local staff, I manage three accommodations in the southeast of Sicily, all of which can be found on Nice2Stay: Residenza Hortus and Casa Kimiyà in Modica, Casa Sabir in Syracuse.

We would love to share more about you as a person with our clients. Could you tell us more about yourself? For example, your interests, hobbies, work, family, and holidays?

My family has two souls: my father was a civil engineer and my mother worked as a fashion designer and trader. As a young girl, she traveled a lot. Through this mix, I developed a deep passion for searching for and renovating properties, design and craftsmanship, contemporary art, sustainability, travel, and hospitality. After obtaining a degree in environmental engineering at the University of Bologna, I moved to Rome, where I took art courses at the RUFA Academy. Following a two-year experience in the Ragusa area, I founded the hospitality project Anime a Sud, aiming to embody my concept of travel, beauty, and connection with the area. In addition to my hospitality business, I am involved in interior design projects and home renovations and work as an artist, exhibiting my work in Italy and abroad (more information on www.lucagiannini.it).

When and how did this property come into your life, and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?

So far in my life, I have gradually moved south: from Bologna, where I developed a sense of hospitality, to Rome, where I fulfilled my childhood passion for painting and sculpture, and then to Sicily, where I discovered unique light and a special connection between architecture and landscape. Here, I was struck by the stone cities perched on ridges and mountains, in stunning baroque settings, and by the charming ruins that were overgrown by lush vegetation or almost lost in the Mediterranean brilliance. I have always been very instinctive in finding the right places. In fact, I would say that it was the places that called me. When I was searching for my first spot in Modica, Casa Kimiyà, I was drawn to a humble house hidden in a narrow alley near the Cathedral of San Giorgio, and as soon as I entered, I was enchanted by the view: like an eagle’s nest, it overlooked the baroque town, giving the feeling of a secluded retreat waiting to be discovered. Years later, in 2012, I stumbled upon an old stone wall with an old rusty door behind which I saw a secret garden and a ruin that had been abandoned for who knows how long. I was completely captivated. A faded “for sale” sign hung on that door. After some time, I became the owner of what would become Residenza Hortus. And a few years ago, my partner and I dreamed of finding a new house by the sea to offer our guests a route through the Noto Valley. Syracuse embodied the authentic Sicilian identity, rooted in the melting pot of cultures and traditions, and here we found an airy period apartment with wrought iron balconies overlooking the lively street market of the island of Ortigia. Thus, Casa Sabir was born. In my perception, the Mediterranean, with its archetypes, its light, its materials, its nature, and its people, has always been a privileged dimension for the expansion of the soul. Some places are more imbued than others with the spirit of those who have lived there and with the energy of the earth. The Anime a Sud project (literally “Souls to the South”) is based precisely on this idea: homes with a soul, for souls traveling south.

Can you tell us more about the renovation and furnishing process of your accommodation?

For me, restoring a place is an ethical process with environmental and social benefits. It is a way to preserve a memory and give it back to a community, so the exploitation of new land and the consumption of natural resources can be avoided. Some of these places are already in that state of balance where further interventions would inevitably be disruptive. In others, this balance has been inappropriately disturbed, and there is an underlying tension to return to their former state. The renovation process, therefore, involves a connection with the place and requires time to spend there, to listen to the so-called “genius loci,” to understand what that place truly needs. I believe that one can feel more human in poetic homes. My vision of beauty does not exactly coincide with luxury. It is more about authenticity and harmony. I imagine a place as a sculpture and seek a balance between matter and emptiness, light and shadow, the old and the new, the human-made and the natural. I aimed to design non-homogenized, ecologically sustainable homes, valuing the traces of time and combining traditional Sicilian materials (such as local stone, natural plasters, handcrafted iron and wood furniture, original cement, and majolica tiles) with design pieces, custom-made craftsmanship, and, of course, my artworks. So that our guests feel that they are staying in Sicily, not elsewhere (or anywhere).

What makes your accommodation personally special for you? Are there memories or moments that make it dear to you?

I clearly remember that evening a few years ago when I received a long email from an unknown person who introduced herself as an elderly nun, director of a religious institution in northern Italy. In this letter, she told me that in the early post-war period, she had lived in that house with her family and had spent very happy years there as a child. She added that hearing about the subsequent abandonment of the house had always made her very sad. Attached to her email were black-and-white photos of them in the garden, standing cheerfully. She described their habits, the beloved figure of her mother, and the scents and trees of that time, many of which still exist. I also learned that they often dined outside, precisely where I placed the large lava stone table for our guests' meals…this is what I call the power of the genius loci! Since then, we have not stopped corresponding, and I am still looking forward to the time when she can visit her former home again. Her gratitude for giving new life to Hortus has truly touched me and remains one of the deepest satisfactions of what I have created.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

Casa Kimiyà is a house from the early 20th century, located on the rocky slopes of Modica Alta: the intimate Mediterranean cubist essential form, the bright spaces with breathtaking views, along with an eclectic atmosphere of reused furniture and original elements, evoke a sense of alchemy (hence the name Kimiyà, derived from the Arabic Al-Kimiyà). Residenza Hortus is a stone retreat born from the renovation of a multi-level structure from the mid-16th century, which may have been part of an old convent or the fortifications of the Count's castle. The enclosed garden evokes the secluded and contemplative dimension of the “hortus conclusus” of monasteries (hence the name Hortus), where one can regenerate in contact with nature, the rhythm of the seasons, and the energy of the earth. Casa Sabir, on the other hand, is a period apartment from the early 20th century overlooking the colorful market of the island of Ortigia in Syracuse, not far from the sea: the name "Sabir" refers to the mixed language that was once spoken in the Mediterranean ports, suggesting the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. Each house has its own personal soul and offers an exclusive atmosphere, where the traditional materials of the island come into contact with my artistic and design vision.

Could you describe the beauty of the nature surrounding your area?

The natural environment is undoubtedly one of the strengths of southern Sicily, where the unique Mediterranean climate allows for the growth of rich biodiversity. The flora is diverse, including olive trees, citrus trees, almond trees, fig trees, palm trees, cacti, and Mediterranean herbs. This variety contributes to the abundance of flavors and scents that define Sicilian cuisine. The landscape changes with the seasons: the blooming of almond and citrus trees in early spring, the bright colors of wheat fields in springtime, the endless sunny summers, and the mild tones of autumn during the grape and olive harvests. Our sea is a true marvel, with stunning turquoise waters that shift in color depending on the sunlight and depth. The coastline is dotted with beautiful cliffs, hidden coves, sandy beaches, and a rich history that permeates the entire region. Our experience with nature is therefore complete, blending with the charm of our cities to create a harmony of well-being and beauty. Here, you can reconnect with yourself and rediscover a sense of wonder and joy in life’s simple pleasures.

What can guests expect when staying with you?

When guests stay with us, they can not only enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the architectural marvels but also the sense of well-being that we aim to provide through our offerings. I love sharing my personal experiences and a piece of my lifestyle with our guests, guiding them through their journey and directing them to places that suit them best. I express my passion for local cuisine by organizing a "Cooking with Luca" experience, where I share Sicilian traditions and encourage guests to enjoy this experience together with us and other visitors. When welcoming a new guest, I’m always curious about their expectations so that I can help them create a journey that fulfills them the most. We see ourselves as hosts who accompany guests and share a love for life and beauty, which creates a deep bond with them, often bringing them back to these places.

Lastly, what is your favorite place in the region or experience you would recommend to our guests?

This is a tough question to answer because the region offers a wealth of experiences. I would recommend an adventure that encompasses both our artistic heritage and the stunning landscape. The Valley of Noto is an incredible area combining the beauty of baroque architecture, history, and nature. Exploring the towns of the Valley, such as Noto, Modica, Ragusa, Scicli, and Syracuse, is a unique experience full of history, culture, and flavors. The best time to visit is at dawn, to witness the magic of these cities and admire their beautiful views and panoramas. I also highly recommend trying the famous chocolate from Modica and the delicious Sicilian cannoli. For an unforgettable experience, guests should watch the sunset at the Vendicari Nature Reserve, where they can stand with their feet in the water and take in the breathtaking view of the sea. Finally, visiting the archaeological park of Syracuse, with its ancient Greek theaters and spectacular cliffs, is a must-see.