Escape to Paradise: Lipari Island's Hidden Hotel Cutimare
Escape to Paradise: Cutimare - Lipari's Secret Slice of Heaven (or Maybe Just Pretty Good?) - A Bloody Honest Review
Alright, alright, let's do this. You're thinking Lipari, the Aeolian Islands, and Cutimare Hotel? Good choice. I spent a week there, and here's the truth – the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me… well, whatever the Sicilian gods are into these days. This isn't some glossy travel brochure regurgitation; this is what it really felt like. Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride.
First things first: Accessibility & Getting There - A Little Bit of Limbo, But Manageable
Okay, so, accessibility. Let's be real. Lipari is… hilly. Like, seriously hilly. Cutimare is tucked away, and while they say they have facilities for disabled guests, you REALLY need to confirm specifics. The island itself isn't exactly a wheelchair paradise, but the hotel, from what I observed, seems to be making an effort. The elevator is key and there is a parking area, but I'd call ahead and grill them thoroughly about ramps and bathroom facilities if you have mobility issues.
Getting there? Airport transfer is offered, which is a godsend because finding your way around those winding Lipari roads after a long flight would be… interesting. Car parks? They’ve got ’em! Free of charge! Which is another plus. The whole place is a bit of a maze, so I would suggest the taxi service as well if the airport transfer seems too hectic.
The Room - Ah, The Sweet Embrace of… Air Conditioning!
Now, the room! Air conditioning is your friend in the summer heat, trust me. Mine had ALL the essentials: a comfy bed, a mini bar (essential for those late-night cravings), and a private bathroom. The shower was good, the towels were fluffy, and the hair dryer actually worked. I’m picky about my hair dryer, and this one passed. Honestly, the room was spot-on. You also have a coffee/tea maker, which is crucial for those mornings when you can't quite face the buffet (more on that later). Free Wi-Fi in the room? Absolutely, and it was decent. Internet access – LAN? Didn’t touch it. Why when you can just be lazy and connect to the Wi-Fi? Free bottled water to quench your thirst after a long day? Perfect.
The blackout curtains were a godsend – essential if you want to sleep past sunrise. The extra long bed was good too, and the mirror didn't lie, which is not a small thing, let me tell you. Oh, and the soundproofing? Pretty darn good. I did not get a single complaint from the surrounding rooms or the lobby when I decided to listen to a song at almost 3 am. Not like I did, I was just testing the soundproofing. You know?
Cleanliness and Safety - Relax, They're Trying
Okay, so the hotel is doing everything it can to make you feel safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere (thank you, COVID), and staff trained in safety protocol. I saw people cleaning all the time. The rooms were sanitized between stays, and they even offer a room sanitization opt-out if you're weirded out by that. They had little packets with individually-wrapped food options, which felt a bit overkill, but hey, better safe than sorry, right? There were smoke detectors and fire extinguishers too. Safety features all the way, yeah?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Buffet Blues and Hidden Delights
This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast buffet… Well, it is a buffet. The Asian breakfast was an unexpected, and not entirely welcoming, addition. The Western breakfast, however, was pretty solid – your standard croissants, eggs, and bacon (not bad). The coffee was… okay. Not the best, not the worst. I'd recommend getting involved in the 24-hour room service and order your coffee in that way. I also would say get involved with the salad in the restaurant and the soup in the restaurant, they're quite good. The coffee shop is a must-try as well.
The bar is brilliant. They have a poolside bar, which is ideal. I spent a good chunk of time at the poolside bar, and it was glorious. The bottle of water is a godsend, and you can get a happy hour, which is also good. The staff is pleasant and the whole vibe is pretty cool. They have restaurants, and the vegetarian restaurant is good too.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pamper Yourself (or Don't, Whatever)
This is where Cutimare shines. The swimming pool is stunning, the view is insane. The pool with a view is the perfect way to spend your days. The spa is great, and they have a sauna and a steamroom. I didn't get a chance to try the body scrub or the body wrap, but I heard from other guests that they're worth it. If you fancy things, then the fitness center is actually quite good.
Services and Conveniences - The Usual (and Helpful)
The front desk is 24-hour, which is always reassuring. They have a concierge, who can help you with anything from booking tours to finding a good restaurant. They have daily housekeeping, which is a lifesaver. They have dry cleaning and laundry service, if you want. Plus, they offer currency exchange and luggage storage. If you need anything, they've pretty much got you covered.
For the Kids - Playtime Paradise?
Family/child friendly - yes. Babysitting service? Indeed. Kids meal? Check. The Kids facilities are more common in the busier areas, but they do have them. So, you can take them along, it's perfectly fine.
Getting Around - Let's Explore!
Airport transfer - yes. Car park [free of charge] - yes. Taxi service - yes.
My Verdict - Lipari: Pretty Damn Wonderful, Cutimare: A Solid Choice
Look, Cutimare isn't perfect. No place is. But it's a damn good base for exploring Lipari. The views are breathtaking, the staff is friendly, and the amenities are plentiful. It's the kind of place where you can truly unwind and soak up the beauty of this island. This is a great spot.
Here's the kicker:
Escape to Paradise - Cutimare Hotel's Exclusive Offer:
Book your stay within the next 30 days and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival, plus 20% off any spa treatment! Use code "LIPARIESCAPE" when booking at [Website Address – Insert Here].
Sibu's BEST Homestay: HUGE Parking, UniFi, Semi-D Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Lipari Island adventure, a chaotic, sun-kissed mess of a trip planned (or rather, hinted at) at Hotel Cutimare. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the unfiltered truth, baby.
Lipari Island: Hotel Cutimare - Where the Sun Doesn't Just Shine, It Judges Your Life Choices (and I kinda love it)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread on the Ferry
- Morning (Okay, maybe late morning): Arrive in Catania Airport. Swear silently at the sheer volume of humanity. Find the bus to Milazzo. Wonder if this is how the end of the world begins: crammed onto a sweaty, slightly-smelly bus with way too many hand luggage wielding Italians.
- Anecdote: Almost missed the bus after getting distracted by a limoncello stand. Priorities, people! Priorities!
- Afternoon: Ferry to Lipari. The Aegean Sea. This is the moment I think the sea should be more beautiful. The ferry ride itself is a baptism of salty air and questionable seafood smells emanating from the galley. The sea, like, smiles back at me, and I feel happy.
- Quirky Observation: The seagulls are judging us too. They’re clearly used to tourists, and are sizing up which gelato cone they can steal first. I suddenly feel vulnerable.
- Late Afternoon (or whenever we finally dock): Arrive in Lipari Town. Check in to Hotel Cutimare. The reception is lovely, as are the staff. The room? Well… let's just say it’s got character. That's code for "slightly dated but charmingly so." The balcony view, though? Stunning. Makes up for the slightly lumpy bed. I’m already picturing myself, a writer, taking life seriously, on the balcony writing.
- Emotional Reaction: Initial panic – "Did I pack enough sunscreen?" Followed by a wave of giddy excitement. This is it. The start of the adventure.
Day 2: Volcanic Delights and the Quest for the Perfect Granita
- Morning: Hike to the Fossa delle Felci (the highest point on the island). It supposedly has amazing views. Start with a cup of coffee, then feel too much and regret it while slowly climbing. It's hot. I'm sweating. I'm questioning my life choices. The views… are, in fact, amazing. Worth it.
- Anecdote: Nearly tripped over a particularly smug-looking goat. Considered befriending it, but realized it was probably judging my hiking attire.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a trattoria in Lipari Town. Pasta with seafood, of course. Wondering if I should order a second plate. Decide to go for it. No regrets.
- Quirky Observation: Italians eat pasta like it's a competitive sport. It's beautiful.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Granita Hunt. This is a mission. Lipari is famous for it. I intend to try every flavor. Start at Bar Pasticceria Subba. Then, another. Then, another. My taste buds are in heaven. Can I have a granita every day? Yes, yes I can.
- Messy Structure & Rambles: I've already had three granitas. The sun is setting. I'm seriously contemplating changing my entire life to revolve around granita and salty sea air. Is this all there is to it? Is that ok? I have a sudden urge to find a tiny boat and sail into the sunset, forever searching for the elusive perfect granita flavour.
Day 3: A Dip in the Sea & A Disastrous Attempt at Romance
- Morning: Head to one of the beaches. Spiaggia di Canneto is recommended. Find a spot, slather on sunscreen (this time, I'm prepared!), and dive into the crystal-clear water. Bliss. Salt water is therapy.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, this is the thing. This is what I came here for. This salty, sun-drenched nothingness.
- Afternoon: Attempt a boat tour around the island. The boat is small, crowded but fun. I try to make eye contact with a particularly attractive Italian man. He laughs, then turns away. Fail.
- Emotional Reaction: Crushed. Mortified. Then, I remind myself that I'm on vacation, and the beautiful blue sea is more important than some guy's fleeting affection.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the port. Order a lot of wine. Maybe a little too much wine. Try to flirt with the waiter. Fail miserably.
- Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: I have no rhythm, never did. Am I meant to be a lover? I decide to be. After this, a night walk. More eye contact. The moon is shining. I'm overthinking everything. I feel sad.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Angry at myself! Silly! Embarrassing and wanting to sink into the earth in shame. Drink more wine anyway. Decide to blame the wine.
Day 4: Exploring Vulcan & Regret Over Sunburn
- Morning: Ferry ride to Vulcano. The sulfur smell is intense (prepare yourselves!). Explore the black sand beaches and the mud baths (which look less inviting than they sound).
- Anecdote: The mud bath nearly swallowed me whole. I felt like a swamp creature.
- Afternoon: Hike up the volcano. The views are incredible, but the sunburn that's started to develop on my shoulders is not. Regret my life. Regret my fashion choices (I swear I used sun cream).
- Quirky Observation: There's a dog up there, calmly watching the volcano erupt.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back in Lipari. Crawl back to the hotel. Apply copious amounts of aloe vera. Swear off sunbathing forever (until tomorrow).
- Messy Structure & Rambles: Maybe travel is not for me. Maybe I should stay home and watch the telly. Regret the Granita, regret the sun, regret the day! Then I see the sunset from my balcony again, and I start to think. Maybe travel is for me. The wine. The sun. The island. Okay. It's good.
Day 5: Farewell, Granita.. and the Realization That I'm Already Planning My Return
- Morning: One last granita. Obviously.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: The granita is perfect. This time I cry a little. It's all I've ever wanted, a perfect granita on a bright day.
- Late Morning: Wander through the streets of Lipari Town one last time, buying souvenirs for friends and family (and a few things for myself).
- Afternoon: Ferry back to Milazzo. Another sweaty bus ride. Then, the flight home.
- Evening: Back home. Already missing the salty air, the vibrant colours, and the chaotic, imperfect beauty of Lipari.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Sadness, joy, and longing all rolled into one. This was it. I missed it already.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, I'm already searching for flights back. I need more granita. I need the sea.
- The end. Maybe. We'll see. Arrivederci, Lipari! Until we meet again, you beautiful, messy, imperfect island.
Okay, Cutimare. Sounds fancy. But is it *really* a hidden paradise, or just some marketing spiel? (And honestly, I’m cynical. Hit me with it.)
Alright, alright, let's get real. Hiding? Yes. Paradise? ... Kinda. Look, Lipari itself is gorgeous, okay? Volcanic islands, turquoise water, smells of lemon and sun-baked earth – it's got a natural advantage. Cutimare just… amplifies it, like a really good sound system.
Here's the deal: Finding it is already an adventure. We got seriously lost trying to take a “shortcut” (my fault, I swear!). The roads are… let’s just say they prefer tiny Italian cars, and my rental felt like a minivan on a goat track. We finally stumbled upon it, sweaty and cranky, and the first thing we saw was the view. Honestly, the ocean was this crazy colour of blue, and for a minute, the whole getting-lost-and-arguing-with-my-partner thing melted away. Pure "Oh. Wow." moment. So, yes, it lives up to the “hidden” part. Paradise? Depends on how you define it. If paradise is perfectly manicured, digitally enhanced Instagram fantasies, then no. If it's about raw beauty, the slow pace of island life, and genuinely feeling like you've *escaped*... yeah, Cutimare gets pretty close. Just bring a good GPS (and maybe a therapist for the inevitable car-related arguments).
The rooms… are they actually nice? I’ve seen some hotel photos where the reality is… well, less than advertised.
Okay, photo realism vs. actual room. The photos are kind of… a little too good. But I didn't get catfished. The rooms are simple, but they have character. Think whitewashed walls, terracotta tiles, maybe a quirky little antique table. No, it's not the Ritz. But the thing that *matters* is that they’re clean, comfortable, and every single one has a balcony or terrace with that KILLER view. Waking up to that – coffee on the balcony with the sun hitting the water – that's the good stuff.
My room looked out over the sea (obsessed, I tell you!) and the only downside was the *very* enthusiastic seagulls. They’re early risers. Like “screeching at 6:00 am” early risers. You *will* buy earplugs. But the view? Worth it. Absolutely. And the shower? Surprisingly good pressure. A small victory, but a welcome one after a day of sun and exploring.
What's the vibe at Cutimare? Is it all bougie influencers snapping selfies, or… something more chill?
Thank. GOD. It's not the influencer scene. Not even close. It actually feels like one of those places you *want* to keep a secret. I saw a few people snapping photos, yes. But it was more about appreciating the beauty than posing. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, a little bit… ramshackle in the best way. Think barefoot guests, conversations in hushed tones about the sunset, and the gentle clinking of glasses from the bar. We met a couple from Switzerland who were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. Cute, right? We also met a solo traveler who was REALLY vibing. Which is a good sign.
The staff are fantastic. They don’t hover or pretend they're your best friend, but they're always there with a smile and a helpful hand. They're genuinely interested in making sure you're enjoying yourself. And if you struggle with Italian at ALL, don't worry. They speak English. (My Italian is embarrassing, so I speak from experience.)
The food. TELL ME ABOUT THE FOOD! Is it good? Is it authentic? Do they have pizza? (Pizza is important).
Okay, food. The food is… incredible. Seriously. Forget the pizza, focus on the seafood. FRESH seafood. Straight from the ocean, onto your plate. The restaurant at Cutimare is fantastic. We ate there most nights, which, let me tell you, is saying something, because I usually like to explore. But the food was just *that* good. They often change the menu, but here's what I remember (and I was, admittedly, quite distracted by eating). The pasta dishes were phenomenal – light, flavorful, and bursting with the taste of the sea. One night, I had grilled octopus that was the best thing I've ever eaten. Seriously. Crispy on the outside, tender inside – melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They also have a decent wine list, with some local options.
And yes, they have pizza. But trust me, skip the pizza (that you can get anywhere) and go for the local specialties. They'll often give you a taste sample. Which is dangerous, because you wind up ordering the whole thing. And then eating it all. And then feeling pleasantly stuffed. No regrets.
What is there to *do*? Lipari sounds… relaxing… which also sounds kind of boring.
"Boring" is the enemy of the soul. The good news is that Lipari, and Cutimare's location on the island, lends itself to being relaxing WITHOUT being snooze-ville. Yeah, there's plenty of chilling by the pool and reading (which is a perfectly valid vacation activity, by the way). But there's also a TON to do.
Here's a taste (pun intended): Exploring the island. Rent a scooter (the roads can be challenging, remember!). The town of Lipari, with its cute shops and restaurants, is a short drive away. Boat trips around the Aeolian Islands are a must – you can see volcanic landscapes, swim in hidden coves, and generally feel like you're in a movie. We went to Vulcano one day (smelly but fascinating!), and Stromboli (ACTIVE volcano!) is another option for the daring. You can hike, cycle, snorkel, or just wander around and soak up the atmosphere. There's also a very pretty castle. Plus, if you get truly stuck or bored, you can always take a ferry to another island. Though, honestly, I was perfectly happy just staying put at Cutimare – the views alone were entertainment enough.
Are there any downsides? (Be honest!)
Okay, realism time. Nobody's perfect, and neither is Cutimare. Here's the stuff to consider:
- Getting There: It's a bit of a trek to get to Lipari. You need to fly to Catania or Naples, then take a ferry or hydrofoil. Ferry is cheaper; hydrofoil is faster. Both are fine, but factor in travel time.
- The Squirrelly roads: As mentioned, the roads are narrow and winding. If you're not a confident driver, consider hiring a driver (expensive) or sticking to taxis (also expensive!).
- Bug Bites: Bring bug spray. The mosquitos are hungry and relentless.
- The Seagulls: Okay, I've said it before. Be prepared! Earplugs are essential.
- Cost: It's not cheap. It's a treat-yourself, specialRest Nest HotelsHotel Cutimare Lipari Island Italy
Hotel Cutimare Lipari Island Italy
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