Insulae Resort

Before I start my review, the resort is beautiful with plenty of green and private space around the pool. I would like to acknowledge that the staff, especially those around the pool were friendly and accommodating to our requests. However, there was no mention of the train tracks that run alongside the resort so don’t stay in room 502, as the tracks run along the bedhead! For a 4 star resort I find it unacceptable that you have to pay for a clean pool towel if you want a fresh one. We were there for 4 nights and swam every day so expected to be able to change these over at the end of the day, free of charge. Breakfast was fine but the limited day time menu was challenging. The kitchen was open for limited hours during the day and the distance to town made getting food impossible- the free shuttle service was for 3 return morning services with a 3 hour break before the resumption of the 3 return afternoon services, with the last resort departure at 6.30pm. Taxis to/from the resort into town ranged between €15-20 but it was usually a 30-45min wait at each end. I was so looking forward to staying here but was underwhelmed by the experience.

We had high hopes for our stay and the pool is beautiful and the bartender makes a great Negroni. The biggest problem was our bathroom sliding door was super broken, so we had to take a full minute to open it every time we closed it which really wasn’t how we wanted to spend our honeymoon. When we told them about the problem they said they’re just working on getting it fixed. Breakfast was reasonably good and the property was clean. The outdoor gym also looked great but most of the machinery like the treadmill was not in safe working order. We also were disappointed by the lack of food available. They shut down all food for hours in the afternoon and they only do the pizzeria or the tasting restaurant every other night. Nothing is walking distance. Given how isolated the property is from town I would recommend choosing another property in Cefalu with walking distance. They do have a shuttle driver and he is was friendliest staff member we encountered but it was very limited hours. Uber is not available there and it’s a 20 minute wait and 15 euros each way for a taxi. We stayed at 5 hotels in Sicily and this one was definitely our lowest experience unfortunately.

Beautiful resort, but if you want to visit Cefalu city center not the best location. The hotel offers rides to city center but only limited hours. A 4 star hotel shouldn’t have instant coffee in the rooms should be broker quality. The breakfast was very good.

An amazing private resort on a small scale: new, clean, and thought through in every little detail. The premises are aesthetic, good-smelling and feel exclusive. The garden feels like a cosy hideout. Great cocktail bar, both during the day and in the evening, with Salvo and Emanuele not missing a chance to surprise you and make you smile. The fine dining experience at the on-site restaurant “Zayn” is worth a mention, too. A complimentary electric shuttle and EV charging are available, too.

Beautiful resort near Cefalu. Lovely staff and amazing food and drinks.

Absolutely gorgeous boutique property, perfect for R&R, lounging by the pool and indulging in the inventive tasting menu (a high point during our trip!). Fantastic pool and bar area with fast and friendly service. Charming Cefalu is a shuttle ride away and we appreciated not having to drive ourselves into the town. The staff were very kind and attentive. The only downside was the size of our room - extremely small, if I were to return, I would seek out a large room if that is an option. The private terrace helps make up for it.