The future of luxury travel isn’t found in grand gestures or lavish excess—it’s found in places with a genuine sense of place. Destinations where hospitality feels personal, the landscape shapes every experience, and time slows to the rhythm of the countryside. Hidden among ancient olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards on Calabria’s Ionian coast, Contrada Dattilo is one such destination.
Located in the rural landscapes of Strongoli, the Ceraudo family’s estate has quietly evolved from a working organic farm into one of southern Italy’s most captivating countryside retreats. For the 2026 season, the property unveils a thoughtful new chapter, introducing beautifully redesigned accommodations and immersive experiences that celebrate Calabria’s rich agricultural heritage without compromising its authenticity. At the heart of the transformation are the estate’s newly reimagined guest rooms. Designed by architect Nadia Romeo, the renovation preserves the historic soul of the borgo while embracing a clean, contemporary aesthetic inspired by the region itself. Each room has its own unique identity, combining handcrafted furniture by local artisans with natural materials, bespoke finishes and subtle references to Calabria’s celebrated clementines. The result is an atmosphere that feels less like a traditional hotel and more like an elegant private country home.
Surrounded by more than 60 hectares of organic farmland, Contrada Dattilo invites guests to experience a slower, more intentional way of travelling. Ancient olive trees, fragrant citrus orchards and maritime pines frame a landscape where privacy comes naturally and every experience is rooted in the rhythms of the land.
New for 2026 is a carefully curated collection of experiences designed to immerse guests in the estate’s way of life. Seasonal picnics beneath centuries-old oak trees, sunset aperitivos overlooking the vineyards and guided tractor tours led by Roberto Ceraudo offer an intimate introduction to the family’s story and the philosophy that has shaped the estate for decades. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive Petraro Dinner, an intimate open-fire dining experience celebrating locally sourced ingredients, while the summer months bring a relaxed poolside bistro serving seasonal dishes paired with wines produced on the estate.
Yet gastronomy remains the true soul of Contrada Dattilo. Home to the Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star-awarded Ristorante Dattilo, the estate has become a destination in its own right thanks to the remarkable vision of Chef Caterina Ceraudo. A graduate in Oenology and trained at the renowned Niko Romito Academy, Ceraudo has established herself as one of Italy’s leading contemporary chefs, earning Chef of the Year honours from both Identità Golose and the Michelin Guide. Her cuisine is elegant in its restraint, celebrating vegetables grown on the estate, exceptional local produce and Calabria’s extraordinary biodiversity through dishes that are both refined and deeply rooted in place.
For the 2026 season, the chef introduces two tasting menus that trace the evolution of her culinary journey from 2014 to today. Rather than simply revisiting signature creations, the menus unfold as a personal narrative, featuring dishes such as Egg, Chicory and Sardella, Red Mullet, Bread and Orange, and Spaghettone with Wild Fennel Pesto and Red Prawns—each reflecting a defining chapter in the restaurant’s story.
Every meal is complemented by wines produced just a few kilometres from the Ionian Sea, alongside the Ceraudo family’s acclaimed extra virgin olive oils, recently recognised as Slow Food Presidia. Together, they reinforce the estate’s commitment to sustainability and its farm-to-table philosophy, where every ingredient tells the story of the surrounding landscape. That philosophy begins in the fields. Long before organic farming became an industry standard, the Ceraudo family embraced sustainable agriculture in the early 1990s. Today, vineyards, olive groves, orchards and vegetable gardens continue to supply both the restaurant and the estate, creating a seamless connection between the land, the kitchen and the guest experience.
This unwavering authenticity is what makes Contrada Dattilo so distinctive. Hospitality is not treated as a separate business, nor is fine dining an added luxury. Instead, every aspect of the estate exists as part of one carefully considered vision—where agriculture, gastronomy and hospitality naturally coexist. With its refined new accommodations, immersive countryside experiences and one of Italy’s most exciting Michelin-starred kitchens, Contrada Dattilo offers far more than a luxury escape. It presents an invitation to discover a quieter, more authentic side of Calabria—one where exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape come together in perfect harmony.
Images: Contrada Dattilo
