Villa Jaya is situated at the heart of the magnificent San Giorgio Estate, surrounded by fragrant orange groves and luxuriant gardens, with sweeping views towards the majestic Mount Etna. Rising gracefully above the plains of Catania, the villa commands a panorama of rare beauty — a serene haven where nature, history, and refined living meet in perfect harmony.
Since prehistoric times, the Siculi and Sicani tribes have shaped the limestone hills of San Giorgio, carving dwellings into the rock and inhabiting the land for millennia. These ancient caves, still visible today, stand as timeless witnesses to the area’s profound archaeological significance.
Villa Jaya forms but one chapter in this storied landscape. Discovered and developed by the ancestors of its current owners in the 15th century, San Giorgio has flourished over the centuries into a thriving citrus estate, which was converted to organic cultivation in 2009. In 2003, the property was recognised by the European Landowners’ Organisation as a site of Natural and Cultural Heritage.
Today, Villa Jaya warmly welcomes guests under the care of its distinguished European hosts — agricultural experts and custodians of a remarkable legacy. They take pleasure in introducing visitors to this enchanting estate, brought to life by their forebears centuries ago and now lovingly restored. Within its private parkland, adorned with a rare collection of palms gathered from across the subtropical world, Villa Jaya reveals polished terracotta floors, lofty ceilings, and mid-century antique furnishings of gallery quality — all immersed in the tranquil harmony of birdsong and nature.
Villa Jaya is situated in middle of our 120 Ha organic orange grove, and surrounded by untouched hills with some archeological ruins from the Siculi population (5000 BC). So walking and jogging inside the property and on the hills around us is a must-experience of the place.
The Manor House
Within the Manor House, eight exclusive guest rooms await discerning visitors. Four are located on the upper garden level, while the remaining rooms open directly onto the ground garden terrace. Each has been exquisitely furnished with extraordinary antiques and fine vintage craftsmanship, offering either a private balcony or direct access to the villa’s serene gardens. 8 bedrooms of which 4 double bedrooms (including a suite with a large sofa bed) and 4 twin bedrooms (transformable in double bedrooms on request) and is suitable for 16-20 guests plus some babies.
The Orangerie. This elegant and spacious salon offers an inviting setting for conversation, quiet reading, or simply admiring the views framed by its generous windows. Adjacent lies the dining room, an intimate yet versatile space that can graciously accommodate up to sixty guests for private celebrations or special occasions. Beautifully adorned with Biedermeier antiques, family portraits, a charming collection of antique parrot prints, and Sicilian porcelain, the Orangerie ensures that every meal becomes a truly memorable experience.
A Space for Silence. On the upper floor of the villa, guests will find the Library — a sanctuary of calm designed for reflection and repose. Bathed in soft light and overlooking the gardens, it offers floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with monographs and volumes in several languages. Savour a cup of tea or a glass of organic orange juice as you browse fine art and photography magazines, or immerse yourself in the rich local history through the curated selection of books made available to villa guests.
The Belvedere. An Unrivalled Panorama. Occupying the upper floor of the Orangerie, the Belvedere is a versatile space that commands breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the surrounding valleys, extending as far as the Nebrodi Mountains. It is an inspiring setting for private gatherings, cultural events, or moments of pure contemplation.
The Old Boat House
The Old Boat House features further 2 bedrooms and 1 convertible living-room, 3 bathrooms and 1 very large covered terrace and is suitable for 4-6 guests + some camp-beds (4) for children.
Manor House
Upper garden floor - Piano Nobile
- 2 x twin bedrooms (one with ensuite shower/one with ensuite bathtub) interconnecting door (can be made doubles)
- 1 x double bedroom with shower
- 1 x suite with separate living room (with queen sized bed) large private terrace and two bathrooms (one shower/one bathtub)
- 2 cot beds, 2 additional beds and 2 high chairs can be made available on request – please let us know in advance where you would like the cot beds to be set up.
- Kitchenette with fridge/washing machine/gas oven/eating table for 4-5
- Large sitting room with and SATTELITE TV/DVD/VHS/
- Extensive literature on Sicily and local attractions
Lower garden floor – Courtyard Floor
- 2 x double bedroom, (with ensuite shower) private entrance off
- 2 x twin (one with ensuite shower/one with ensuite bathtub) private entrance off (can be made into double bed if required)
Orangerie (in the swimming pool area)
- Large sitting room with bar and drinks, fridge, SKY TV/DVD/CD, MP 3 docking station, board games
- Dining room with table sitting up to 20
- 2 toilets /changing rooms
- Large professional kitchen with gas stove /2 ovens/ dishwasher/ ice maker/coffee maker/juice squeezer/
- The “Belvedere” in the first floor is a multifunctional room and can be used for yoga- or Painting lessons, meditation room, play room, etc or just to relax
All rooms have ensuite bathrooms; A/C - heating and cooling; ceiling fans. There are two TV-sets,(Sky-TV, Sat-TV) DVD and one CD player with a good choice of music and films, Wi-Fi, I-pod dock, table tennis, table soccer, badminton, games, electric piano-forte and books. And the novelty of 2021: HOME CINEMA in High definition.
Other amenities: washing machine, extra kitchen in the main house, 4 baby cots and 3 high chairs, 2 baby-monitors (only audio), hairdryers in all rooms, microwave oven, barbecue and wood oven for bread-and-pizza-cooking. Finish sauna, Caretaker on ground, Stock of a good selection of Sicilian and international wines and spirits
Outdoor
The essence of relaxation at Villa Jaya is embodied by its stunning infinity swimming pool — a tranquil oasis shaded by elegant palms and embraced by luxuriant gardens. Guests may unwind on comfortable sun loungers beneath parasols, or retreat to the spacious, Orangery terrace .For those seeking a touch of activity, balance moments of serenity with a game of tennis at any time of year. The villa’s private court, beautifully nestled amid orange groves, features a synthetic grass and sand surface, complete with night lighting — perfect for a spontaneous evening match beneath the Sicilian sky.
Services & Co.
During your stay, you will be thoroughly indulged by Villa Jaya’s dedicated and experienced team. A talented cook, attentive butler, and discreet housekeeping staff will ensure that every detail of your visit is perfectly cared for. The owner and his team take genuine pleasure in helping guests discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of Sicily. Enjoy a leisurely farm walk with the owner, or arrange a private guided tour to explore the baroque palaces of Catania and the ancient wonders of Greek Siracusa.
Distances, amenities, sights and culture:
- From Villa Jaya, the treasures of Eastern Sicily unfold within easy reach. In less than two hours by car, guests can explore the region’s most celebrated historical and natural landmarks: the majestic Mount Etna, the glamorous hilltop town of Taormina, the vibrant city of Catania, the ancient Greek splendour of Siracusa, and the Roman mosaics of Piazza Armerina. Discover the renowned ceramics of Caltagirone, the baroque jewels of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, or the evocative archaeological sites of Pantalica and the unspoiled coastal beauty of the Vendicari Nature Reserve.
- For golf enthusiasts, four exceptional courses lie within a 30-minute to 90-minute drive: Il Picciolo Golf Club on the slopes of Mount Etna (18 holes), I Monasteri Golf Resort (18 holes), Donnafugata Golf Resort (two 18-hole courses), and Le Saie Golf Club (18 holes).
- The nearest sandy beaches, just 15 miles east of the estate, include Agnone Bagni and the elegant Lidi along the Plaja di Catania. The charming fishing village of Brucoli, a 45-minute drive away, offers picturesque waterfront dining and exceptional seafood.
- The island’s most exquisite beaches lie one to one and a half hours south of Siracusa — at Fontane Bianche and Vendicari — or along the southern coast at Pozzallo, Ispica, and Ragusa, perfect for a day of swimming and sightseeing combined.
- Conveniently located, Villa Jaya is just 25 minutes from Catania International Airport, 35 minutes from Catania city centre, 45 minutes from Siracusa, and 15 minutes from Scordia, the nearest town.
Facilities and services included in the rental price of the villa
- car parking
- housekeeping staff (1 cook, 1 butler, 2 maids, 1 pool boy) for 7 hours per day
- cooking 3 times a day
- daily cleaning
- linen change once a week
- bath and pool towels change twice a week
- Wi-Fi
- Pool, tennis court and sauna use
- all taxes
Facilities and services not included
- costs for food and beverages
- grocery shopping service (EUR 30 /hour)
- extra cooking service (EUR 25 /hour)
- extra and personal laundry (EUR 20 / hour)
- extra housekeeping or waiter service (EUR 20 /hour)
- extra bed EUR 600/week;
- baby cot EUR 200/week
- Airport transfer
- Babysitting
- Massages
- tennis lessons
- Pilates/Yoga lessons
- cooking lessons
Food package costs:
Flat rate for food at:
- EUR 20 per person, per day for continental breakfast,
- EUR 40 per person, per day for light lunch (starter, first course, dessert)
- EUR 60 per person, per day for dinner “candle-light” (starter, first course, main course, side dish, dessert)
including shopping service, non alcoholic beverage. Children up to 5 years of age completed eat for free.
All food is exclusively procured either by the chef or by the gardner or trusted suppliers . To safeguard the strict standard of organic ingredients served at Villa Jaya, guests are not allowed to buy and bring food to the villa at any time. Based on past experiences, the average adult spends approximately EUR 500 per week at the Villa. Upon arrival, a cash deposit (covering initial expenses) is required. We recommend at least EUR 500
Minimum-stay for Christmas + New Year = 2 weeks
Please note that for this accommodation a security deposit of € 2.000,00 is required. For more information please see our Rental Conditions.
Official accommodation identification number: CIN: IT089011C2CLW7V4OX