The olive press
Balù is an 18th century frantoio surrounded by olive groves, lawns, citrus trees and a fabulous pool. Tastefully decorated and with plenty of voluminous living space inside and out, the imposing building and its calming grounds provide an ideal base for a relaxing family holiday in close proximity to the sandy beaches and archaeological site of Selinunte.
Our team has visited each of our villas, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options
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Balù is located just 10km from the superb archaeological site of Selinunte and a host of sandy beaches, including those at Triscina, Marinella di Selinunte, the Foce del Belice Nature Reserve and Porto Palo. For amenities, the town of Castelvetrano is about 5 minutes' drive away.
The surrounding countryside is given over to vast tracts of olive groves and vineyards producing some of the best olive oil and wine anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Apart from the aforementioned archaeological site of Selinunte (which is highly recommended), other nearby attractions include the Cave di Cusa, a fascinating quarry from which the columns for Selinunte's temples were cut. A short drive will take you to the busy fishing port, historic centre and north African Kasbah of Mazara del Vallo, where you may dine on excellent fish couscous after taking a look at the world-famous Dancing Satyr, a stunning bronze Greek statue from the 3rd century BC that came up in the nets of one of the local fishermen in 1998. Just up the west coast, meanwhile, is Marsala, once an important Phoenician, Greek and Roman city, and more recently famous for its dessert wine, first produced by the Englishman John Woodhouse.
Also within very easy reach are Segesta, Palermo, Erice, Trapani, The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and a host of other places of cultural interest.
From the Guest Book
Balu was perfetto! We loved the landscaping - beautifully well maintained. The interior was also beautifully designed and well maintained. We had a wonderful stay and only wish there weren’t so many places to see in Western Sicily, which meant we couldn’t stay and enjoy the villa 24/7! Loved our stay and am very grateful to the team at The Thinking Traveller, who were all amazing! Thank you!
RM October 2024
We would return to Balu because I just loved how they had done the gardens and the internal space - it was beautiful. The local staff and the team on site were great. We had a holiday where The Thinking Traveller over-delivered!
JA September 2024
We loved Balu. It is a very special and beautiful place to relax and recharge. We loved the character and the style and the space was impressive. The garden was also gorgeous and tranquil. The horses and stables are a highlight of the place and added to the character. Thanks for a great experience!
KAW July 2024
Balù is beautifully renovated from an olive oil press into a luxurious villa. It is gorgeous. Every room was comfortable and there was nothing we needed during our stay. The villa, surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, was something special. We couldn't have been in a better place with a better pool and a better staff. It was the perfect place to bring my family together with children and grandchildren from around the globe to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday. We will never forget it.
Susie Borrome Milne June 2024
Spacious, characterful villa - beautifully designed and equipped. Perfect pool.
D.D. October 2023
Every hope for a villa essentially achieved. The grounds of Balu were near perfection, the kitchen was large and well-equipped, and the property was extremely close to restaurants and shopping. We would return.
Verified guest, May 2024
Excellent
4.7/5
942 Reviews