Habitat
Habitat is a founder-owned 21-room boutique design hotel in Catania's UNESCO historic center, integrating Michelin-listed dining (Materia | Spazio Cucina), curated Sicilian experiences, and an architecture studio, serving leisure travelers, food and wine enthusiasts, and private event clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersCatania, Sicily, Italy
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Habitat does
Habitat is a privately held boutique design hotel in the historic center of Catania, Sicily (Via Teatro Massimo 29, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site), founded in 2014 by architects Marianna Nociforo and Antonio Spera. The property operates across two restored buildings — a 19th-century palazzo and a former factory (Opificio) — connected by an internal courtyard, and offers 21 rooms across five categories ranging from Urban Rooms (23 sqm) to the newly launched Opificio Suite (58–62 sqm). The on-site restaurant Materia | Spazio Cucina, led by Chef Bianca Celano, has been Michelin Guide-listed since 2023 and was awarded two hats by L'Espresso Guide in 2024; it is paired with a natural/artisanal wine cellar affiliated with the Raisin platform.
Revenue is generated across five streams: (i) accommodation at room-level unit pricing with categories from Urban Room to Opificio Suite, booked direct through the hotel's website and the Ericsoft booking engine; (ii) restaurant dining including a 10-course surprise Chef's Table ("Dine in the Kitchen") at €120/person with only 5 seats; (iii) curated local experiences priced €55–€650 per person or group (Etna jeep tours, scuba diving, sailing, horseback riding, wine tastings with Benanti Winery sommeliers, cooking classes, cultural tours); (iv) private events and catering for up to 70 guests; and (v) an internal shop selling Habitat Studio design objects. The business is supported by a sustainability program anchored on an 80kW photovoltaic system, smart climate and access control, LED lighting, and Eco Label-certified operations. Habitat is structured as an Italian S.r.l. (Habitat S.r.l.), wholly founder-owned with no external investment disclosed, and operates with 1–10 employees in a lean, owner-operator model.
Habitat firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Habitat
- Legal name
- Habitat S.r.l
- Website
- https://habitatboutiquehotel.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Habitat is a founder-owned 21-room boutique design hotel in Catania's UNESCO historic center, integrating Michelin-listed dining (Materia | Spazio Cucina), curated Sicilian experiences, and an architecture studio, serving leisure travelers, food and wine enthusiasts, and private event clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Habitat industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Boutique Hotels
- NAICS
- Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111), Traveler Accommodation (7211)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Heritage & Historic Boutique Hotels (THAGADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hotel & Resort Restaurants (THAFACAH), Boutique Resorts (Small-Scale Resorts) (THAGADAJ)
Keywords
Where Habitat is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Catania, Sicily
- HQ country
- Italy
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Habitat business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Hotel Accommodation: Revenue from 21 rooms across two buildings (19th-century palazzo and former factory). Rooms range from Urban Rooms to Opificio Suites, Junior Suite Memoria, and Deluxe Memoria categories. Direct bookings through website or booking engine yield best rates.
- Restaurant (Materia | Spazio Cucina): The on-site restaurant generates revenue from à la carte dining, tasting menus, private dinners, and wine pairings. Mentioned in Michelin Guide since 2023. Serves breakfast to hotel guests and dinner to public by reservation.
- Curated Experiences: The hotel sells organized experiences including Etna tours, sailing, cooking classes, wine tastings, diving, and cultural tours. Prices range from €55-650 per experience. These create additional revenue and enhance the guest stay.
- Private Events and Catering: Materia hosts private and corporate events, weddings, and celebrations. Catering services for up to 70 guests are offered, with custom menus. These generate premium revenue for special occasions.
- Internal Shop (Bottega): The hotel features an internal shop with curated objects from Habitat Studio and the bottega project, including design items, craftsmanship, and local inspiration pieces.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Etna Tour experiences (afternoon/evening jeep tour with aperitivo or morning picnic) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Scuba diving experience |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Horseback beach ride |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group sailing tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Wine tasting experiences |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Culinary experiences |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dine in the Kitchen at Materia |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private sailing tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Etna Quad Tour |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cultural tours |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Habitat product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Habitat Boutique Hotel operates 21 design-led guest rooms across a restored 19th-century palazzo and a former factory in central Catania, Sicily. The property is anchored by Materia | Spazio Cucina, a Michelin Guide-listed Sicilian restaurant led by Chef Bianca Celano, supported by a natural-wine cellar and a program of paid curated local experiences (Etna tours, sailing, scuba diving, cooking classes, wine tastings, cultural excursions), plus private event and catering services.
Product overview
Habitat Boutique Hotel is a boutique design hotel in the heart of Catania (Via Teatro Massimo 29), opened in 2014 by architects Marianna Nociforo and Antonio Spera. The property spans a 19th-century palazzo and a former factory (opificio), offering 21 rooms across five distinct categories: Opificio Suite (58–62 sqm, former workshop), Junior Suite Memoria (32 sqm, historic wing with vaulted ceilings), Deluxe Memoria (26 sqm, historic wing), Sky Superior/Sky Deluxe (25 sqm, converted dovecote), and Urban Room (23 sqm, former factory). Rooms are connected by an internal courtyard. On-site dining is anchored by Materia | Spazio Cucina, a Michelin Guide-listed (since 2023) Sicilian restaurant led by Chef Bianca Celano, featuring a seasonal menu of 10 surprise courses, an associated Wine Cellar (Cantina) with natural/artisanal Sicilian and Mediterranean wines affiliated with Raisin – The Natural Wine App, and Materia Experiences (Dine in the Kitchen, private events, catering for up to 70 guests, cooking classes, team building). A curated program of local experiences covers Etna excursions, sailing, scuba diving, wine tastings, and cultural tours. The property also houses Studio Habitat, an architecture practice offering turnkey hospitality real estate solutions, and a Conscious Hotel sustainability program featuring an 80kW photovoltaic system, LED lighting, smart climate control, and eco-certified operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Materia | Spazio Cucina: On-site restaurant featuring contemporary Sicilian cuisine, led by Chef Bianca Celano, mentioned in the Michelin Guide since 2023 and awarded two hats by L'Espresso Guide in 2024. Offers seasonal menu, wine pairing, and culinary experiences.
- Habitat Studio
Products and services
- Opificio Suite Accommodation An open-plan 58–62 sqm suite within the former workshop of Habitat's historic palazzo, featuring parapet window views of the Carlo V city walls, queen-size bed with topper, central heating and air conditioning, MacBook-compatible safe, minibar with local snacks and spirits, rainfall shower and bathtub, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and eco-friendly courtesy line; designed as an intimate urban retreat preserving the industrial memory of the space.
- Junior Suite Memoria Accommodation 32 sqm room in the historic wing of the palazzo with decorated vaulted ceilings, classical proportions, and contemporary design; views of Teatro Bellini or the internal courtyard; central heating and cooling, minibar, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and eco-friendly biodegradable courtesy set.
- Deluxe Memoria Accommodation 26 sqm intimate room in the historic wing with decorated vaulted ceilings, classical geometries, soft tones, and essential design; balcony views over Teatro Bellini or the internal courtyard; central heating and AC, minibar, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, eco-friendly courtesy set; resin and cementine flooring.
- Sky Superior Accommodation 25 sqm bright, compact room converted from the old dovecote of the palazzo, featuring Velux roof windows with views of the Sicilian sky, contemporary materials (resin, metal, wood), on-request amenities including tea kettle, pillow menu, and iron/ironing board, soft grey tones with green/blue accents, Smart TV, Wi-Fi.
- Urban Room Accommodation 23 sqm compact, functional room within the old factory space facing Vicolo della Sfera, with clean, linear, functional aesthetic and industrial origins transformed into intimate, quiet design; includes hairdryer, telephone, eco-friendly courtesy set, Smart TV, and Wi-Fi; soft grey tones with yellow/blue accents.
- Materia | Spazio Cucina Restaurant On-site restaurant led by Chef Bianca Celano offering contemporary, sustainable Sicilian cuisine inspired by tradition, with a seasonal menu organized into Vegetali e territorio, Pescheria, Macelleria, Pasticceria, and Fattoria sections; serves breakfast to hotel guests and dinner to the public by reservation; offers Dine in the Kitchen, wine pairing, and private dining formats.
- Cantina (Wine Cellar) Program Wine cellar at Materia | Spazio Cucina featuring natural, organic, and artisanal wines with a strong focus on Sicily and the Mediterranean; curated through tastings, trials, and pairings aligned with the menu; affiliated with Raisin – The Natural Wine App; provides dedicated sommelier pairings for each menu section and tailored wine pairing for the tasting menu, highlighting Etna Bianco (Carricante) and Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese).
- Habitat Experiences (Curated Local Tours and Activities) Curated local experiences including Etna jeep tours with trekking and Materia aperitivo or picnic (€380/group of 5), scuba diving May–October (from €95/person), horseback beach rides (from €70/person), group sailing tours May–October (from €80/person), private sailing tours (from €650/group), wine tasting at Materia (€55/person, 4 Etna wines), wine tasting at Cantine Crasa Winery with Benanti sommeliers (from €60/person), historical district tours (€210/group of 12), Sicilian cous cous cooking workshop (€250/person), rural Sicilian cooking (€180/person), Baroque Catania walking tours (€180/group of 12), and Etna quad tours (€150/2 people).
- Materia Experiences (Dine in the Kitchen, Private Events, Catering, Cooking Classes) Curated culinary experiences at Materia | Spazio Cucina including the Dine in the Kitchen 10-course surprise dinner with Chef Bianca Celano (€120/person, 5 seats), private and corporate events for up to ~70 guests, catering with custom menus, cooking classes (including traditional Sicilian cous cous), team building, and corporate training, plus evening dinner by reservation and curated aperitifs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Mentioned in Michelin Guide since 2023
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Habitat
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Habitat technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature2 records
Habitat partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- L'Espresso GuidecoreAwarded two hats (highest recognition) by the L'Espresso Guide in 2024. This Italian culinary authority recognized the restaurant's contemporary approach to Sicilian cuisine.
- Michelin GuidecoreMateria | Spazio Cucina has been selected and mentioned in the Michelin Guide since 2023, with continued recognition through 2026. This prestigious culinary endorsement positions the restaurant as a destination for discerning diners seeking authentic Sicilian cuisine.
- Raisin – The Natural Wine AppminorMateria | Spazio Cucina is affiliated with Raisin, the reference platform for natural wine. The restaurant's wine list focuses on natural, organic, and artisanal wines from Sicilian and Mediterranean producers.
- Benanti WineryminorThe Cantine Crasa Winery experience is led by Benanti winery's sommeliers, who guide guests through the Monte Serra estate and vineyard, followed by a tasting of select wines paired with gastronomic specialties.
- Giuliana Pucci and Buccio Cappello (Via Delle Palme)minorPrivate chefs from Via Delle Palme who collaborated on 'La Cortigliata' event at Materia. Their culinary philosophy aligns with the restaurant's approach to celebrating local producers and seasonal ingredients.
- Kobe DesrsamaultsminorCelebrated Michelin-starred chef from Brussels who hosted 'L'Ammiscata vol. 3' at Materia Spazio Cucina, bringing international culinary perspectives to the Sicilian context.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Habitat competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Villa Igiea (Rocco Forte Hotels): Restored early-20th-century palazzo in Palermo operated by Rocco Forte. Comparable as a Sicilian heritage urban boutique hotel with fine dining and curated cultural experiences, though in Palermo rather than Catania and operating at larger scale.
- Adler Spa Resort Sicilia: Design-led Sicilian wellness resort focused on sustainability and local cuisine. Comparable as a Sicily-based upper-premium hospitality operator with sustainability-led positioning and integrated F&B, though wellness- rather than urban-heritage-led.
- Verdura Resort (Rocco Forte Hotels): Rocco Forte's flagship Sicilian luxury resort in Sciacca with multiple restaurants, spa, and golf. Comparable as a Sicily luxury hospitality brand with strong F&B and sustainability credentials, though larger scale and resort-style rather than urban heritage.
Direct peers
- Castello di Reschio: Restored Umbrian castle operating as a luxury heritage hotel with restaurant, estate experiences, and an in-house architecture/design studio. Highly aligned with Habitat's owner-architect-operator model and design-led heritage positioning.
- Monaci delle Terre Nere: Boutique heritage hotel on the slopes of Mount Etna combining restored farm buildings, vineyard-driven restaurant, and curated experiences. Comparable in scale, Sicily heritage positioning, integrated food/wine concept, and experiential travel target customer.
- San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons): A restored 19th-century Dominican convent turned luxury heritage hotel in Sicily, now operated by Four Seasons. Comparable as a heritage boutique/luxury hotel in Sicily combining architecture, fine dining, and destination positioning — directly overlapping with Habitat's high-end heritage guest profile.
- Borgo Egnazia: Restored Pugliese village-style luxury hotel with Michelin-recognized restaurant, design-led architecture, and curated experiences. Comparable as an Italian heritage boutique property integrating architecture, fine dining, and experiential tourism at the upper-premium tier.
- Don Alfonso 1890 (Maestri di Cucina): Michelin-starred southern Italian restaurant with associated luxury boutique hospitality on the Amalfi/Campania coast. Comparable for the integrated fine-dining + heritage boutique lodging model rooted in regional Italian culinary identity.
Broad incumbents
- Aman Resorts: Ultra-luxury heritage and resort hotel group with strong design ethos and integrated wellness/dining. Comparable at the premium tier for design-driven heritage hospitality, though operates globally at far higher ADR and larger key counts.
- Belmond (LVMH): Portfolio of heritage luxury hotels, trains, and river cruises globally (now part of LVMH). Comparable as a heritage luxury hospitality brand with multiple Michelin-affiliated F&B outlets, though far broader and more international than Habitat.
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks3 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Habitat social profiles
Digital presenceHabitat financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Habitat leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Habitat funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Habitat M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Habitat
What does Habitat do?
Habitat Boutique Hotel operates 21 design-led guest rooms across a restored 19th-century palazzo and a former factory in central Catania, Sicily. The property is anchored by Materia | Spazio Cucina, a Michelin Guide-listed Sicilian restaurant led by Chef Bianca Celano, supported by a natural-wine cellar and a program of paid curated local experiences (Etna tours, sailing, scuba diving, cooking classes, wine tastings, cultural excursions), plus private event and catering services.
Is Habitat a public or private company?
Habitat is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Habitat founded?
Habitat was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Habitat based?
Habitat is headquartered in Catania, Sicily, Italy, in the Europe region.
How does Habitat make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Hotel Accommodation is the primary driver. The others are restaurant (Materia | Spazio Cucina), curated Experiences, private Events and Catering and internal Shop (Bottega).
Who are Habitat's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Villa Igiea (Rocco Forte Hotels), Adler Spa Resort Sicilia and Verdura Resort (Rocco Forte Hotels). Direct peers are Castello di Reschio, Monaci delle Terre Nere, San Domenico Palace, Taormina (Four Seasons), Borgo Egnazia and Don Alfonso 1890 (Maestri di Cucina). Broad incumbents are Aman Resorts and Belmond (LVMH).
Does Habitat have an API?
No public API is recorded for Habitat.
What industry is Habitat in?
Habitat's product category is Boutique Hotels. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGADAD, Heritage & Historic Boutique Hotels, with a secondary code of THAFACAH, Hotel & Resort Restaurants. Its NAICS code is 72111 and its SIC code is 7000.