Susafa: a charming retreat immersed in nature, located in the heart of Sicily
Our journey toward environmental responsibility
Susafa, a charming country retreat nestled in the hills of Palermo, is committed to land preservation through clear management practices that actively reduce its environmental impact.
Our initiatives for the region
Protecting the surrounding landscape requires daily practices and the ongoing cooperation of suppliers, staff, and guests. We work to offer authentic and responsible hospitality, turning our environmental care into clear, transparent management decisions.
Key practices adopted at Susafa to minimize environmental impact and enhance local resources include:
- Use of Ecolabel-certified laundry detergents supplied in bulk refillable containers and dispensed through dedicated electronic metering systems.
- Refillable dispensers installed in guest rooms and common areas to minimize single-use packaging waste.
- Drinking water served to guests exclusively in reusable glass bottles.
- Prioritization of fresh, seasonal produce to reduce the purchase of vacuum-packaged food products.
- On-site cultivation of fruits and vegetables dedicated directly to our restaurant kitchen.
- Energy generation from renewable sources via on-site solar thermal and photovoltaic installations.
- Exclusive use of paper bags for guest amenities and hotel services.
- Guest pens encased in recycled paper or cardboard materials.
- Exclusive use of glass or paper cups across all hotel outlets.
- On-site electric vehicle (EV) charging point available for guest use.
- Curated seasonal programs and outdoor experiences designed to explore the local natural and agricultural heritage.
- The "Let's sow the Future" initiative, focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting traditional local farming practices.
- Garden and green area irrigation supported by harvested rainwater recovery systems.
- In-room minibars removed to reduce overall energy consumption and eliminate single-dose packaging waste.
Biodiversity
Susafa promotes biodiversity, banning the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. We remove weeds by hand, while leaving space for wild plants to grow, especially in an area of garden covering about 6000 m2, where we have run a project to promote local flora since 2014. Across an area of over 40 hectares, we employ certified organic farming practices. In 2005, we undertook a reforestation project covering 50 hectares of land.
Susafa's management decisions regarding environmental care cover multiple aspects of hotel operations: from sourcing short-supply-chain and locally or self-produced organic items served seasonally to guests, to harvesting rainwater stored in dedicated cisterns for garden irrigation.
Permanent commitment to care for the environment
PROMOTING THE REGION, OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL PRODUCERS AND SMALL CRAFTWORKERS
Susafa is also a working farm, committed on several fronts to promote the region to which it belongs. This path includes targeted, effective practices focused on certified organic farming, reducing plastic use in favor of recyclable materials, creating job opportunities for residents in neighboring municipalities, and sourcing goods and services - including general, plumbing, and electrical maintenance - from local producers and artisans.
For our dining experience, our priority is the use of fresh, seasonal produce from short supply chains and local agriculture. Susafa's wine list focuses on regional wineries, such as Castellucci Miano and Tenuta Tasca D'Almerita, located approximately 12 km from the estate. Our cheeses, dairy products, and meats are sourced from selected farms within the Madonie area.
Furthermore, the activities organized at Susafa offer our guests a firsthand look into rural traditions and historical crafts -through cheese-making demonstrations or traditional cooking classes - promoting greater awareness of the importance of the local agri-food supply chain.
THE ARCHITECTURE: CONSERVATIVE RESTORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND LOW IMPACT SERVICES
Susafa, a historic masseria now welcoming guests as a charming retreat, underwent a conservative restoration aimed at preserving its historic architecture and minimizing the use of new raw materials during both construction and interior design. Susafa is a boutique hotel set in the Palermo countryside, where every building intervention reflects a deliberate effort to preserve and protect the original estate.
For instance, Semente restaurant occupies the former granary, while guest rooms and suites were thoughtfully converted from the historic stables, the armory, and the original farmworkers' quarters.
In the bathrooms, natural plasters and natural wax waterproofing finishes were applied. Furthermore, single-use toiletries have been replaced with refillable, functional dispensers. Guests are invited to reuse towels and linens to help lower overall water and energy consumption.
Electricity and domestic hot water are generated through on-site solar thermal and photovoltaic installations, complemented by a climate control system featuring high-efficiency heat pumps and machinery.
Hospitality and Responsibility
At Susafa, we believe that high-standard hospitality and environmental mindfulness can harmoniously coexist.
We offer a thoughtful approach to hospitality, where boutique hotel services, refined design, and modern comfort integrate with deep respect for the surrounding landscape.
In our retreat set amidst the Sicilian countryside, for instance, we have chosen not to equip guest rooms with televisions or minibars. This is a deliberate decision aimed at reducing electricity consumption, eliminating packaging waste from single-use snacks and beverages, and encouraging an authentic stay connected with nature.
For us, streamlining traditional amenities represents a concrete step toward a responsible model of tourism focused on the value of time.
Digital detox
discover nature's time
Susafa encourages guests to experience a direct connection with the surrounding landscape, inviting them, where possible, to limit their use of technology.
Reconnecting with the rhythms of nature, unwinding from the pace of daily city life, and enjoying the benefits of the countryside define the spirit of a digital detox stay at our country retreat.
We organize a variety of outdoor activities and experiences: visits to the kitchen garden - where guests can learn about seasonal plants and medicinal herbs - picnics beneath the trees, outdoor aperitifs in the gardens and fields, walks, cooking classes, local wine tastings, and wellness massages.
Immersing yourself in the natural setting of Susafa offers a restorative journey, a pause to breathe in the beauty of your surroundings.
