Baglio Occhipinti – A Charming Relais in the Ragusa Countryside; Sicily

I’m asked and invited to visit destinations, hotels, resorts and villas…
Before you roll 🙄 your eyes at me and tell me how lucky 🍀 I am…

Most of the time it doesn’t work out, believe it or not I turn down more offers and opportunities than I accept. Timing ⏱ is hard. For ALL the experiences I have had globally 🌎 , there are still so many more to have. 

I bring this up, because sometimes it does work. 
The stars 💫 align.

Sometimes, you have a meeting and simply know. 
Like in this photo. 

I spend countless hours meeting property representatives (sales).
I spend countless hours learning about a destination (sales).
I spend countless hours “interviewing” DMC’s (sales).

I listen. I learn. I ask questions. I file facts away in my brain.

I picture a property or a destination and determine if it will fit a wide array of clients from C-Suite meeting, to corporate incentive, from multi-generational families to yoga retreats. There is a lens I need to use, with everyone I meet.

But every once in while, you have a meeting and the energy of that meeting carries you. When the #owner of a property attends an event, the #sales hat 🎩 is removed. 

Why? Because it is not their JOB. It is their LIFE blood. It is their passion. It is what they are probably most proud of. And, when you take your sales hat off, and lead with passion and energy and are so stinking proud of what you have created, it shows. 

Thus, from this one, 15 minute meeting, not only did I meet the owner of Baglio Occhipinti, Fausta Occhipinti (IYKYK) and if you don’t, then ask me! We met, we became friends and days later I was welcomed through the doors of her beautiful property in #sicily. 

Because the timing worked out, and I said YES.

Besides a tour of the vineyard and property, and learning to make homemade Ravioli with Sicilian chef Enza, and chatting fireside with fellow travelers from around the world, I was able to share a long meal with Fausta, laugh, toast and learn more about one another and the future goals of our businesses. 

This boutique property is a little gem. Lovely comfortable rooms. Cozy common spaces, like being in your friends home in Italy (don’t we all need friends in Italy?) The kitchen feels like the heart, but maybe that’s just because it was feeding our souls.

But it wasn’t at all about #work. It was about building a friendship that will span the ocean and how two #womenentrepreneurs share so much more than selling room nights, and group #travel, and #luxury stays. 

My job is unique…

I search out the best. 
I search out the hidden. 

I look for what is not always seen. 
I strive to build community, relationships and a future. 

I love local. 
I love hard to find. 

I really love meeting owners. 
They have grit. 
They have deep pride
They have the MOST investment.

And WHY? 

Because I can pass this knowledge, understanding and experience onto my clients, friends and community. Not every property is “just right” for everyone. You need to know your audience, and know the properties.

If you are tired of looking down the rabbit hole 🕳 of Google, reach out! We love nothing more than helping you!

Here is a sneak peek at some of the photos, from my recent trip!

One of the things I love most about traveling, and finding gems for clients and friends is experiencing hands on activities, like this!

Cooking with Enza, Baglio Occhipinti was a highlight of my stay! Enza spoke no English, I speak no Italian…but we did it! Learning to make Ravioli and fresh marinara sauce (and then having it as part of dinner was awesome).

You can do this too! Interested in Italy or Sicily, let me know! And of course, great wine at every turn!

Thank you again Fausta Occhipinti

Follow @masterfullyplannedevents and connect with Alison McMaster on LinkedIn. Alison’s company, Masterfully Planned Events is a tailor-made travel planning company and an independent affiliate of Travel Experts, Inc a Virtuoso Member. 

https://bagliocchipinti.com