We almost didn't stay here because of the negative reviews, but luckily our tour guide persisted. We had a most positive experience. I think the hotel has addressed the problem issues. The place is beautiful and the location is gorgeous. The restaurant has a new chef and our meal was superb. Also, the service was excellent. They made every attempt to make our stay as positive as possible. We were there off season, so I don't know if that would make a difference. We also loved the town of Castelbuono....the castle is worth a visit.

E' proprio vero che l'accoglienza del sud non ha pari. In un posto incantato cui le foto non rendono giustizia, io e la mia compagna, prima soli poi insieme a due coppie di amici abbiamoi passato giorni indimenticabili. Un posto immerso nella natura con panorami mozzafiato dove regnano la serenità ed il silenzio conditi da calore, simpatia, buona tavola e tanto buon vino visto che l'hotel appartine alla casa vinicola Abbazia Santa Anastasia... vi consigliamo la vista delle cantine e delle passeggiate in mezzo ai vigneti. Il vicino paese di Castelbuono, offre storia, cultura e buona gastronomia sulla costa il Mar Tirreno esprime al meglio la sua bellezza. Il personale dell'Hotel è amichevole e molto disponibile. Un posto completo dove passare momenti sereni con la persona amata.

This is the most beautiful place. The abbey has been very well restored, furnished and designed. The rooms are large, cool and clean. It has a large pool with a spa/jacuzzi at one end with wonderful views from the terrace to the sea. It is 20mins from the lively interesting coastal town of Cefalu. BUT in common with other reviews ,we felt it had no atmosphere, was impersonal and unwelcoming. The service and food were nowhere near the 4/5* standard advertised and paid for. No-one welcomed us at breakfast, I had to go into the kitchen to ask for coffee and bread, the limited variety of croissants and pastries were stale, the fresh mixed fruit arrived as we were finishing........... We ate once in the restaurant in solitary splendour and felt hurried. It was over-priced and did not stock the wines from the vineyard to which it is attached! Staff had limited English, offered little help or information and were often conspicuous by their absence when trying to get a drink at the bar. Such a disappointment. This place has such potential. But it needs to make its visitors feel welcome.

After reading some of the reviews we can tell you not much has changed in this hotel. This is our opinion and we hope it is of some help. The Positives: Nice quiet location on a hill with view of sea Nice rooms and overall a nice hotel but does not have the charm of the Abbey which has long since gone. Friendly staff although with limited Englsh The Negatives: Restaurant is very poor and very overpriced but with well priced own wine probably hoping you will drink enough to forget the experience. We went to Cefalu which is close and we ate well but this is a pain if you do not want to drive. The service is bad even for us and we are the most undemanding couple you could find. We even brought our own water to the swimming pool as otherwise you could die of thirst. If you expect good service which should be for the price of this hotel you will be very frustrated. Also watch out for the sly €10 service charge by the pool this is after we went looking for service. We regret not deducting this from the bill although small it is the principle. Our advise go in low season and get a good rate directly with the hotel then you may not feel so bad about the service and restaurant.

we were very excited to go to this property. unfortunately the excitement quickly wore off, it is just not worth the money. the staff was generally very helpful - but the property as a whole leaves a lot to wish for. it just feels like there is a lot missing here, i think i can understand what relais santa anastasia is supposed to be - but clearly there is a lot left to do. food was ok, nothing more- but the breakfast is a letdown, the coffee is not acceptable. the location is very pretty, a pity that the property is not up to standards.