Baglio Oneto is the story of how one family’s dream became a luxury wine resort.
An old family farmhouse transformed into a luxury resort
It all began with Sabina Oneto, who wanted to breathe new life into the house where, as a child, she used to spend her holidays with her grandmother, “amidst the scents of tomato sauce cooking in the courtyard, the rooster crowing at dawn and games by the light of oil lamps.” It was there that Sabina learnt about rural customs and traditions as well as the flavours and smells of Sicilian cuisine, dreams that she carried with her into adulthood. It was her husband, Elio Palmeri, an architect who made that dream come true, by rebuilding the old rural complex of 16th and 17th-century fortified farmhouses typical of western Sicily and with landowners' dwellings, stables, cellars and warehouses, as it once had been, respecting the historical structure but adapting it to modern architectural and construction needs. “We wanted the baglio to remain the heart of the estate, a jewel set amidst architecture that enhances its beauty without betraying its soul,” says Elio.
The family is still involved in running the estate
Here, within the walls of Baglio Oneto, Sabina and Elio’s children Anna and Gabriele grew up, and today they run the resort with passion: Anna at reception and Gabriele, who is an oenologist, who looks after the food and beverage. “We felt the need to share with the world not only the history of our family, whose roots go back to the 13th century, but also the beauty and richness of this part of Sicily,” explains Sabina. So, in the 1990s, the family opened a small bed and breakfast that, over the years, became the Baglio Oneto dei Principi di San Lorenzo – Luxury Wine Resort.
The Torre Merlata houses a two-level suite
In addition to the manor house, the restaurant, the historic wine cellar and a conference centre, there is a wing with guestrooms overlooking the seawater swimming pool, which is heated during the cold season, and from which there are views as far as the Egadi Islands. There are around 50 rooms all told including superior, connecting rooms for families, deluxe and junior suites and the historic Torre Merlata tower which houses the only suite on two levels. All rooms and suites have balconies or terraces facing the garden or the pool from where the view extends to the sea and the islands. The furnishings reflect the local tradition in the colours and with majolica tiles.
Fine dining with sea and Mount Erice views
In fine weather the Terrazza di Venere becomes a natural stage for lunches and dinners overlooking the sea, the islands and with the backdrop of Mount Erice with its castle. In the restaurant guests can enjoy Sicilian cuisine and Mediterranean specialties prepared with local organic ingredients selected by Gabriele: "We are strongly linked to this land and our vineyards and we love to share this, which is why the historic wine cellar, with wines produced on the estate, has been opened to guests.” Guests can take cooking classes with Baglio Oneto’s chef, and next year the spa will open.
Close to Trapani Airport and Marsala
Baglio Oneto is part of the tourist district of the province of Trapani in an area general manager Pierpaolo Nuzzo describes as a “golden throne:” a cultural and gastronomic heritage of Marsala wine, cheeses made from ancient recipes, artistic ceramics and an experiential craftsmanship that offers a rewarding experience and inspires repeat visits. The nearest airport is Trapani, only eith kilometres away, while the city of Trapani is 20 and Marsala only 11 kilometres. The resort is a perfect choice for conferences and workshops and in particular for weddings, with the roses cultivated by the Princess creating a magnificent backdrop for photos of the bride and groom.
Aimed at European and North American markets
The resort is mainly aimed at international markets like Great Britain, North America, France, Germany and Switzerland. The aim is to align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainability “to create value in the area through jobs for locals, the well-being of guests and a mutual respect between those who welcome and those who are welcomed.” In the courtyards and public areas it is not unusual to see the grandfather, Elio, playing with his grandchildren, underscoring the family atmosphere and values of Baglio Oneto. In a world full of luxury resorts, it is this warmth that makes Baglio Oneto unique, a place where the Sicily of a thousand emotions becomes an authentic and unforgettable experience.
