Villa Mara

Very Good
Traveller Type: Business Traveler
  : Overall, we had a lovely stay at this property. The key holder lives next door and he and his wife are very helpful and nice. The property is a little difficult to find (Google Maps: 'Argos Education') but the location is on edge of the settlement so quiet (most of the time) but still within 10min drive to shops etc.. Ragusa has a good selection of most things you could want and Ragusa Ibla is gorgeous. The bedrooms are spacious with ensuites (the beds are firm but not uncomfortable) and the kitchen also spacious (but see the less good points below). Outside, there is a large pool in a very pleasant and well screened garden, together with a BBQ, clothes drying, and a large and gated private parking area.
  : The worst part about the property is the lack of anywhere to sit comfortably. Basically, your choice is a) sit on the hard dining chairs around the dining table (b) sit in your bedrooms, or (c) sit around the pool (of which more below). As a grown-up family who go on holiday together to spend time talking together, we hadn't realised how the absence of a sofa would eventually become an issue. The property has been converted from something else and the conversion has not used the space very well. With a few rearrangements, there is plenty of space for some sofas in the kitchen/dining area and the property would be perfect. Minor issues are that most of the chairs around the pool are worn out and uncomfortable (which is more of a problem being in mind the lack of other places to sit). The kitchen has the basics but is missing a few less common items - not a problem if you eat out all the time but we like to cook together. There is a noisy entertainment place a little way away which is noticeable if you leave the windows open but not too intrusive. It is close to a railway line but there are very few trains. There were a few water and electricity drop outs but these were quickly resolved.