01/12/2025: We stayed at this property last weekend. I'll start with what I liked. The Shalai is a finely renovated late 19th-century building, elegant and welcoming. The strong points are definitely the restaurant and the kindness of the staff. It also has a spa, which, although small, is still usable and enjoyable.
The downside, at least in our experience, was the rooms. We had a superior double room: nice, but not excellent value for money. Although it was reasonably spacious, the bathroom was not up to par with the rest of the property, especially since the shower curtain was dated and unhygienic, unlike even one-star hotels these days. Here's a tip for the property: the property is amazing, the staff is a plus, the spa is delightful, and the restaurant is top-notch, but please, remove those curtains.
27/10/2025: Didn't stay at the hotel but had dinner in the restaurant.
Where do I start with this one? This place has a Michelin star, and, not long after you take your seat, you'll understand why. The ambience is perfect, and the staff are amazing.
We went for wine pairings, and they worked flawlessly. The sommelier was not just incredibly knowledgeable about wine (as you'd expect) but also very playful and friendly. We had a few nice interactions as the meal progressed.
The whole experience was perfect from end to end, and for us it set a very high bar for restaurants in Sicily. I would visit again in a heartbeat.