Sicily's Hidden Gem: Mangia's Brucoli - An Augusta Escape You WON'T Forget!
Sicily's Hidden Gem: Mangia's Brucoli - An Augusta Escape You WON'T Forget! (Probably) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Sicilian beans on Mangia's Brucoli - An Augusta Escape! Forget those perfectly polished travel brochures; this is the real deal, warts and all. We're talking accessibility, relaxation, food, and whether or not you'll actually remember your vacation (because, let's be honest, that's the real test).
First Impressions…and the Search for the Damn Entrance:
Let's be honest, finding the entrance to Mangia's Brucoli was an adventure. I swear, GPS sent me on a scenic tour of Augusta, highlighting its…interesting…industrial areas. But hey, that's Sicily for ya! Once you're actually there (and you will eventually be), the view is…stunning? Yeah, let's go with stunning. It's a sprawling complex, hugging the coastline.
Accessibility: Navigating Like a Pro or a Stumbling Tourist?
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I've traveled with folks who are. So, let's talk Accessibility. I saw Elevators. Facilities for disabled guests were clearly a priority, and the staff, from what I observed, were genuinely helpful. CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] made me feel safe. The Rooms seemed well-equipped in terms of accessibility, though I didn't personally inspect them. I'm not sure about dedicated Wheelchair accessible rooms, I'd recommend calling to confirm, but the base level infrastructure was there.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Ah, my room. It was a Non-smoking room (thank goodness!), and thankfully, Air conditioning worked a charm. The Bed was comfy. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a huge win. I did get a bit lost in the dark trying to find the light switch, but after a moment I found the Reading light in my moment of need. The Bathrobes were a nice touch. The Balcony was great for having a cheeky coffee in the morning. Really, my only complaint? The occasional echoing from the hallway.
Things to Do: More Than Just Lounging (But Lounging is Fantastic)
Okay, so here's where Mangia's Brucoli really shines. Swimming pool [outdoor], check! Swimming pool, check! A Pool with view is my happy place! The Fitness center looked decent, though I may have spent more time sampling the local pastries than pumping iron. They have a Gym/fitness option, so don't be like me! I did, however, make it to the Sauna - fantastic for easing those post-travel knots. The Spa facilities, with Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and Steamroom were tempting, but my budget was…limited. I heard fabulous things about the Foot bath.
Relaxation - The Only True Requirement!
This place is built for chilling. The Terrace is the perfect spot for watching the sunset with a cocktail. I spent hours here, soaking up the sun and forgetting all my troubles. Pure bliss. The Couple's room could add that romantic touch that I, as a singleton, was unable to experience.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Hiccup!)
Now, here's where things get…interesting. Restaurants abound! Buffet in restaurant was an epic affair in the morning. The variety? Mind-blowing. Breakfast [buffet] was a feast! I'm talking croissants, fresh fruit, eggs cooked every which way, and, of course, copious amounts of strong Italian coffee. The Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant all were options.
Lunch was a bit of a gamble. The A la carte in restaurant offerings were hit-or-miss. I had one amazing pasta dish and one decidedly bland salad. The Poolside bar served up some tasty snacks, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant, was delicious. My experience with Room service [24-hour] was limited, but the Snack bar was always there to save me.
Cleanliness and Safety: Can't be too careful
This is important, especially these days. I saw evidence of the Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol was evident; they were always wearing masks. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. I was glad to hear they were using Sterilizing equipment. The Safe dining setup was really impressive, so I felt perfectly comfortable.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Usually)
The Concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping kept my room spick and span. Cash withdrawal was possible. Car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver. The Doorman always greeted with a smile. I even heard about Food delivery and Laundry service, although I didn't use them.
I do wish I got more mileage out of the Business facilities.
Internet Access (And the Occasional Frustration):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Praise be! Internet access – wireless worked well. Internet itself, however, could be a tad patchy at times, especially during peak hours. I couldn’t find the Internet [LAN] anywhere, which was a shame.
Getting Around: Renting a Car is Key
Car park [on-site] - Essential! The Airport transfer is definitely worth considering, especially if you're arriving late at night. Taxi service is available, but I always feel a bit ripped off, so I stuck to the car.
The Quirky, the Chaotic, and the Conclusion:
So, is Mangia's Brucoli perfect? No. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely. Did I occasionally feel a little lost in the labyrinthine corridors? More than once. Did the food sometimes miss the mark? Sadly, yes.
But…
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Because despite its imperfections, Mangia's Brucoli has something truly special. It has a laid-back vibe, genuine warmth, and a location that is simply breathtaking. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, disconnect from the world, and just…be.
The Verdict: Mangia's Brucoli is a hidden gem, alright – a slightly rough-around-the-edges, utterly charming, and unforgettable escape in the heart of Sicily.
Final, Honest Offer:
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Crave sun, sea, and real Italian charm? Then ditch the sterile resorts and book your escape to Mangia's Brucoli - An Augusta Escape You WON'T Forget!
Here's Why You Should Book NOW:
- Seriously Relaxing: Unwind by the stunning Swimming pool with a view, treat yourself in the Spa with sauna, massage, and steamroom.
- Delicious Dining: Indulge in the Buffet in restaurant or try a local adventure.
- Convenient and Safe: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and peace of mind with top-notch Cleanliness and safety protocols during your whole stay.
- Forgettable Moments (In the Best Way): Create memories that will last long after your tan fades (maybe).
We're offering special rates for a limited time! Click here to book your escape and start packing those bags! We'll see you in Sicily (hopefully, with a map!).
Luxury KL Gateway Bangsar Living: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just going to Brucoli. We're living Brucoli. This ain't your grandma's meticulously colour-coded spreadsheet. This is a chaotic, beautiful symphony of sunburn, gelato stains, and questionable life choices (all in the name of adventure, naturally).
Brucoli Bonanza: A Messy Travelogue
Day 1: Arrival and the "Perfect" Sunset (SPOILER: It wasn't)
- 14:00: ARRIVAL. Catastrophe immediately strikes. My flight was delayed, which meant missing the hotel's "complimentary" transfer. Cue the panic scramble to find a dodgy taxi. The driver, bless his heart, spoke precisely zero words of English. We communicated entirely through frantic hand gestures and the universal language of "HOW MUCH?!" He dropped me off, and I stumbled (dragging my ludicrously oversized suitcase) into the glorious, sun-drenched lobby of Mangia's. First impression? Glorious. And air-conditioned. Pure. Bliss.
- 15:00: Check-in. Attempted Italian phrases fail miserably. Thank God for the friendly reception staff who somehow deciphered my gibberish. Key card acquired! Room is… decent. Balcony overlooking the sea. Promising.
- 16:00: The quest for caffeine! Find a tiny cafe a short walk from the hotel. The espresso is STRONG. I think I can feel my heart doing jumping jacks, but, it tastes amazing
- 17:00: The "perfect" sunset debacle. Armed with my camera and a ridiculously optimistic outlook, I head down to the beach. I envision a breathtaking panorama of fiery hues over the Ionian Sea. Reality? A slightly hazy, slightly underwhelming orange glow. Still, I took a million photos because, well, Instagram. (Don't judge me.) Ended up with sand in places I didn't know sand could get.
- 19:00: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. "Fine dining" they call it. I call it… a bit fancy. The pasta was good, the wine was better, and my attempts at using a fork and knife with grace were, let's just say, a work in progress. I accidentally spilled red wine on my white linen trousers. (See? Imperfections!)
- 21:00: Post-dinner promenade along the pier. Fell in love with a little Italian teenager who has amazing fashion sense and good looks.
Day 2: Adventures in Brucoli and the Quest for Granita (and Regret)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Surprisingly good! The pastries are a danger to my waistline. I pile my plate high with everything and vow to "eat healthier tomorrow." This is a recurring theme, FYI.
- 10:00: Exploring Brucoli! A tiny, charming village. Cobblestone streets, fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, the smell of the sea… it's idyllic, in a slightly chaotic way. I get lost. Twice. Discover a tiny bakery, buy something I can't pronounce, taste something I can't describe (but it's delicious!), and decide that getting lost is the best thing ever.
- 12:00: The Granita Mission! My mission: to find the PERFECT granita. I read online a particular place, and I think I got lost again. I finally found the place - it's closed. Huge emotional letdown. Sulked for a good hour and a half.
- 14:00: Decide to rent a bike. Bad idea. Turns out, I'm not very good at cycling. Nearly collided with a very unimpressed elderly lady. Pedaled furiously, terrified for my life, and returned the bike in record time.
- 15:00: Sunbathing by the pool. Sunscreen application… questionable. (See: sunburn in the making.)
- 17:00: The Granita Redemption! I finally find a decent granita. Passionfruit flavour. Heaven. Suddenly, the world is a beautiful place again. This granita is like all the stars aligned.
- 19:00: Dinner at a family-run trattoria (recommended by the taxi driver - who did speak English after all!). The food is AMAZING. Seriously, the pasta, melt-in-your-mouth. The owner is like, a grumpy angel. His scowl immediately melts away when I compliment his lasagna. This place is a keeper.
- 21:00: Trying, and failing, to learn basic Italian phrases from a slightly tipsy local. My attempts are hilarious. He just laughs. 22:00: Watching the most beautiful sunset ever
Day 3: A Day Trip That (Sort Of) Works
- 08:00: Wake up with a sunburn and a hangover. Regret my alcohol consumption from last night. Today is day-trip day! Attempt to get my life together.
- 09:00: Attempt to follow the bus route to Catania. Failed, after a frantic sprint at the wrong time, and ended with a taxi. Atleast the taxi driver was good
- 11:00: Arrived at the destination.
- 14:00: Shopping. I found an amazing shop with a lot of vintage stuff.
- 17:00: Back to the hotel, and the pool.
- 19:00: Drinks at the hotel bar. Met a guy who's pretending to be a magician. He's terrible. We bonded over our shared appreciation for bad jokes.
- 21:00: Another attempt at the "perfect" sunset. Saw the most beautiful sunset ever. Cried.
- 22:00: Sleep. Exhausted, sunburnt, and utterly content. Brucoli, you weird, wonderful place, you.
Day 4: The Last Supper (of Gelato)
- 09:00: Check out. Goodbye, Brucoli! :(
- 10:00: Breakfast. The hotel is making a delicious breakfast, and it's all I need.
- 11:00: Last-minute gelato run. Gotta make it count. Try all the flavours. Fail to choose a favourite. Buy a second one. No regrets.
- 12:00: Taxi to the airport. A reflective moment.
- 13:00: Waiting for my flight. Reflecting on the amazing experience.
- 15:00: Flight, after a delay.
- 18:00: Home.
This is Brucoli. Messy. Unpredictable. And utterly unforgettable. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Mangia's Brucoli Resort - FAQs (Warning: Unfiltered & Possibly Rambling!)
So, is Brucoli *actually* a hidden gem? Or just another resort lie?
Okay, *hidden gem* is a BIG claim, right? Like, someone's trying to sell you a timeshare. But honestly? Brucoli, specifically Mangia's, kinda *is*. Look, I've seen 'em all. Sun, sand, more tourists than you can shake a (very sweaty) stick at… But Brucoli? It's... different.
Here's the deal: You're *supposed* to be escaping the tourist swarms that ravage Taormina. Sure, it’s not *entirely* undiscovered – tourists DO exist, but it’s not like elbowing your way to glimpse the Colosseum. I’d say it’s more like a charming, laid-back haven. More local than touristy. Which, for me, is a HUGE win.
What's the vibe? Is it ALL couples? Is it loud kids? What?!
Alright, let's break down the emotional rollercoaster of the vibe. It’s definitely NOT a silent retreat. You hear the happy shrieks of kids and the gentle murmur of conversations, but it's not, like, a frat party. Think… families, couples, groups of friends. A real mix! I went solo for a bit, and honestly, it wasn't awkward at all. People are generally pretty chill.
One night, I'm sitting by the pool, basking in what I thought was the ultimate zen, when *BAM*… a little rugrat decides my perfectly placed sunbed is now his personal race track. Minor details, but, well… it happens. Bring earplugs if you are sensitive.
The Food! The Eternal Question. Good? Bad? Mediocre-ly Italian?
Oh, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. Okay, let's be honest. Buffet food can be hit or miss. But at Mangia's Brucoli? More hit than miss! I'm talking mountains of pasta, fresh seafood practically leaping onto your plate, and pizzas that make you question all your life choices (in a good way). Seriously good.
I remember this one particular pasta dish, I think it was some sort of seafood linguine… The sauce? *Chef's kiss* I practically licked the plate clean. Shameful, I know. But the memory still makes my mouth water. The buffet felt less like a free-for-all and more an invitation to discover the local flavors. Sometimes, though, the pasta gets a bit undercooked, but you’re in Italy, so it kinda feels right - don't expect perfection, just expect to enjoy it.
Is there a beach? Is it *good*? I need sand!
Okay, beach people, listen up! It's not THE iconic white-sand perfection you see on postcards. The beach is more… rocky, but it's still great. It's tucked away in little coves, and the water is crystal clear. I spent most of my time swimming and just floating, honestly.
Plus, the watersports are *amazing*. One day, I tried paddleboarding for the "gram," and ended up face-planting into the Mediterranean (more embarrassing than photogenic). But hey, it's the stories that matter. You won't be lying on a beach chair elbow-to-elbow; there's space to breathe, soak up the sun, and just *be*.
The Rooms! What's the deal? Clean? Musty? A cockroach-fest?
The rooms... alright, let's be real. They're not luxury hotel suites, okay? They’re functional! Clean? Mostly! Sometimes, you might find a stray ant or two having a party but, it's more or less clean. My room? I had a balcony, and the view... *chef's kiss* The sunsets were pure magic, the kind that makes you stop, breathe, and realize you’re exactly where you need to be.
I'd say the important thing is to manage your expectations. The rooms aren't the *main event*. They’re a place to crash after a day of sun, food, and swimming. The decor? Dated. The furniture? Basic. The comfort? There – and that's good enough for me.
What about activities? Beyond lounging, of course.
Oh, come on! Lounging is practically a national pastime in Sicily! But yeah, there's more. They have a decent pool (which, as I mentioned before, can get a bit hectic when the kids are running amok). There's a gym, tennis courts, and watersports. And then there are the excursions!
I STRONGLY recommend the Etna trip. Seeing that volcano is insane. I went with a local guide, and she was fantastic. She told us all sorts of stories about the history and geography. The scenery? Unreal. You definitely need good walking shoes and a jacket, even in summer. My only regret? Not taking more pictures. I was too busy being awestruck (and terrified!) to capture the moment.
Anything I should avoid or watch out for? A horror story warning would be good here!
Okay, here's the real talk. A few minor things. The Wi-Fi in the rooms can be spotty at times. Pack a backup charger! Also, the mosquitos are real. Bring the bug spray; you'll thank me later. And try to learn a few basic Italian phrases – it'll make your interactions with the locals a lot more enjoyable.
One day I was trying to order a coffee at the bar, butchered the Italian language, and ended up getting something that was definitely NOT the coffee - it was hot and probably had caffeine, but not the coffee I wanted. Still, I drank it! So, be prepared for a few minor miscommunications, it’s part of the charm.
Is Mangia's Brucoli worth it? The Big Question!
Alright, the ultimate verdict. Is Mangia's Brucoli worth it? YES, with an asterisk! It’s a fantastic escape, if you’re after something laid-back, with good food. It’s NOT for the ultra-luxe crowd or those who crave perfect, Instagram-filtered experiences.
If you're looking for a place to relax, enjoy the sun, swim in beautiful water,Book For Rest
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