Sicily finds itself in a captivating phase of prominence (courtesy of “White Lotus”), and my appetite for Europe’s most expansive Mediterranean island remains insatiable. With its coastal hamlets, ancient remnants, and unparalleled Mediterranean gastronomy, it’s no astonishment that Sicily maintains an enduringly stylish aura.
Frequently acclaimed as the pivotal juncture of the Mediterranean, Sicily harmonizes the culture, essence, and chronicles of its neighboring environs. Sojourners are bestowed the opportunity to explore Greek vestiges at the Valley of the Temples while relishing in the Spanish, French, and North African imprints on its cuisine. The task of selecting an inn can prove to be a conundrum on an isle that seems to possess the entirety — spanning from the towering heights of Mount Etna to the glistening shores of Taormina.
Fortunately, a plethora of sumptuous lodgings has persistently set the benchmark for refined accommodations, some for spans reaching centuries. Whether you’re a connoisseur of wines yearning for a retreat amidst vineyards, an explorer desiring the seclusion of a private beach along the Bay of Mazzarò, or an individual seeking royal pampering in Palermo, Sicily’s preeminent luxury hotels encapsulate Italy’s ageless grace and the island’s perpetual allure.
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Nestled upon the fringes of the Taormina Bay, this lavish five-star establishment commands vistas beyond compare. Amidst the Grand Hotel Timeo, every room effortlessly fuses vintage opulence with urban sophistication. Yet, it’s the expansive two-bedroom suite that takes opulence to its zenith. Serving as the quintessence of Italian craftsmanship, it showcases opulent marble-clad bathrooms, two king-sized bedrooms exuding grandeur, and an expansive living space that opens onto a personal terrace.
Enveloped in a canopy of blossoms and ivy, this sanctuary also harbors a secluded hot tub, offering an exclusive oasis. From here, one can revel in views of the picturesque Sicilian coastline, forging an experience beyond compare.
Donna Carmela
Nestled near the majestic Mount Etna, this enchanting eco-conscious boutique hotel is a proud member of the esteemed Harlowe Group. An assembly of intimate, beguiling properties across Italy, the group bears a special place in my heart due to my collaborative rapport with its visionary founder and owner, Tracey Harlowe, as well as the remarkable personnel adorning all her hospitality ventures. Within the confines of Donna Carmela, anticipate the presence of chic rooms and suites, ensconced within the embrace of verdant, biodiverse gardens.
Days unfurl leisurely as guests bask beside the pool’s azure waters, indulge in the delectable notes of local wines within a neighboring township, participate in the unmissable Radicepura Garden Festival, or embark on explorations of the alluring realms of Catania and Taormina — endeavors seamlessly orchestrated by the adept hands of the hotel’s team. (A mandatory pilgrimage includes a visit to the Pietradolce winery, a familial enterprise aligned with the custodians of Donna Carmela.)
As the sun descends, culinary delights beckon. The option to partake in a repast at either La Cucina di Donna Carmela or Sintesi presents itself. Both establishments exalt in the supreme glory of locally-sourced ingredients — a phenomenon that, intriguingly, takes on heightened splendor when married with a glass of the region’s most exquisite wines.
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
A cherished member of the illustrious Four Seasons lineage, the San Domenico Palace finds its residence within the venerable walls of a former Dominican convent. (This esteemed establishment has also ingrained itself as one of my favored portrayals in television series.) Originally constructed as a haven of devotion in the 14th century, this historic monastery underwent a remarkable transformation in 1896, blossoming into a sumptuous hotel. Its rejuvenated design masterfully interlaces the threads of its ancient architecture — featuring open-air passages adorned by stone archways — with contemporary elements that resonate.
Over the passage of epochs, the San Domenico Palace has graced its threshold with the presence of numerous luminaries and distinguished guests, encompassing figures ranging from Audrey Hepburn to Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. Not to overlook the alluringly enigmatic cohort of the “White Lotus.”
In the contemporary setting, the hotel’s allure thrives, encompassing opulent chambers that present panoramic ocean vistas and personal plunge pools for an added touch of extravagance. Yet, it’s the bespoke encounters that propel it into an elevated realm. Envision a voyage to the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago adorning the northern stretch of Sicily’s expanse, or a jaunt to the secluded expanse of Mount Etna, where a celestial safari unveils itself — inviting you to partake in stargazing, unobscured by the interference of artificial luminance. My eagerness to partake knows no bounds.
Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel
The Villa Igiea stands as a five-star sanctuary, a haven that exudes the intimate essence of a boutique inn through the meticulous nuances gracing each chamber. Within its confines, suites extend an invitation to revel in Italian opulence, bedecked with opulent textiles, exquisite artworks, and sweeping panoramas that unfold over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Much like its counterpart, the San Domenico Palace, Villa Igiea commands a historical narrative, inhabiting a palatial abode of the turn-of-the-century era. Nestled at the juncture where Palermo meets the base of Mount Pellegrino, this resplendent edifice is a canvas that vividly reflects the elegance of Europe’s illustrious Belle Époque epoch. Nowhere is this essence more vividly portrayed than within the precincts of the on-site gastronomic haven, Florio, an homage to Italy’s renowned Florio family. Under its roof, a symphony of Mediterranean excellence awaits, where bounties of pristine seafood, delectable vegetables, and tantalizing pasta weave a narrative of culinary delight. All of this unfolds within the embrace of an original Louis XVI hall, capturing the very essence of opulent splendor.
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Housing a collection of 69 elegant chambers and suites, the Villa Sant’Andrea emerges as yet another entrancing five-star haven, where a tapestry of bygone allure and opulence is woven. However, what truly distinguishes the Villa Sant’Andrea from its peers is its claim to a private haven along the secluded expanse of the Bay of Mazzarò. Here, an oasis of tranquility awaits, where basking in the Sicilian sun becomes an art form, harmonized with leisurely swims in the crystalline waters of Mazzarò. Alternatively, you can indulge in sips of wine beneath the shade of a beachside cabaña. Should the sun’s ardor become a bit too intense, rest assured that the staff stands prepared to refresh you with spritzes of Evian water — a testament to the art of indulgence and pampering taken to new heights.
Upon reclaiming your position beyond the sands, you’ll find solace in a chamber adorned with marble-floored bathrooms, a concealed terrace that unfolds to a private vista, and an array of lavish amenities. And for those who opt to reside within the confines of the two-bedroom pool suite, a personal pool becomes a haven of aqua elegance. During your sojourn, be sure not to overlook the meticulously curated experiences that bridge guests with the vibrant tapestry of Sicilian culture and gastronomy. A visit to a local clam farm within the fishing village of Ganzirri in northern Sicily beckons, as does the opportunity to savor performances at an ancient Greek theater. Delve into the allure of rare wines drawn from local vineyards or embark on a maritime voyage to the famed Blue Grotto, all within the embrace of a traditional Sicilian fishing vessel.
Monaci delle Terre Nere
A few words come to mind when one thinks of a trip to Italy, two of which are pasta and wine. For the latter, look no further than the Monaci delle Terre Nere, a Relais & Châteaux property nestled in the heart of Etna National Park, 20 minutes from the Ionian coast. This hotel is for wine lovers who want to surround themselves with Italian vineyards and savor the best local wine to accompany gourmet dinners.
Set in an 18th-century aristocratic villa and private houses spread across several acres, the Monaci delle Terre Nere combines rural charm with an elevated gastronomy. The property doubles as a 62-acre working farm, and sits between the lush slopes of Mount Etna and the shimmering Ionian Sea. The hotel is also a member of the Slow Food Movement, reflected in its menus and the Etna wines produced on the estate.
Hotel Villa Athena
The Hotel Villa Athena is the only hotel situated within the Valley of the Temples, an archeological park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for exemplary ancient Greek art and architecture. This five-star hotel is mere steps from the Temple of Concordia, dating back to the 5th century BC. Villa Athena boasts verdant gardens, a shimmering outdoor pool and glorious views of the surrounding Greek temples, which are illuminated at night (so dreamy).
While the hotel’s elegant rooms and dramatic surroundings are spectacular, the spa is out of this world. It’s housed in an ancient building once used for storing wheat and olive oil harvested from the surrounding valley, and is built around an ancient Greek cistern used to collect water. Today, the spa honors its past with ancient earthenware and relaxing wellness services that use locally harvested fruits.
Atlantis Bay
If Monaci delle Terre Nere could be likened to a heartfelt ode to Sicilian wine, then Atlantis Bay emerges as a lyrical sonnet dedicated to the embracing waters of the Sicilian Sea. Nestled within one of Sicily’s most picturesque enclaves — a realm that effortlessly translates into Instagram-worthy imagery — Atlantis Bay stands as a five-star haven, gracing the juncture between the Baia delle Sirene and Taormina. Labeling itself as the “ultimate haven for sea enthusiasts,” the evidence for this claim lies simply in taking a leisurely stroll across the resplendent grounds, where the allure becomes abundantly evident.
This sanctuary of opulence appears to effortlessly blend with the azure expanse of the sea. An outdoor infinity pool gracefully extends over Atlantis Bay, and the terraces of the hotel’s chambers, facing the sea, provide captivating vistas overlooking the shimmering beauty of the Baia delle Sirene. It’s almost as if the Atlantis Bay Hotel and the sea itself share a harmonious conversation. Adding to its maritime charm, the hotel boasts its very own boat dock, poised to launch you on a voyage across the bay, accompanied by the effervescence of sparkling wine, crafting an experience that is nothing short of enchanting.
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel
For those who possess an ardent passion for golf, Verdura Resort beckons with an irresistible allure. Crafted under the visionary guidance of architect Kyle Phillips, this haven promises a golfing experience that eclipses even the loftiest expectations. To tread upon these immaculate fairways is to embark on a journey through beauty itself.
As you conclude your rounds and bask in the afterglow of an invigorating game, a realm of opulence awaits. Within the confines of your sanctuary, your gaze will be greeted by sweeping beachfront views that stretch as far as the eye can behold. Step onto your private terrace, a realm of solitude and reprieve, and dip into the inviting waters of your personal swimming pool, an oasis that whispers tales of luxury.
Yet, Verdura Resort has more in its opulent repertoire. Indulge your palate at its splendid collection of on-site restaurants, each an embodiment of culinary excellence. A gastronomic journey into the heart of the Mediterranean unfolds, and for connoisseurs of seafood, Amare stands as a beacon of temptation. Nestled steps away from the lapping waves, this establishment has perfected the art of seafood indulgence. Sample the day’s freshest catch, delivered straight from the hands of a local fisherman, ensuring that you savor the very essence of the sea, still echoing with the day’s vitality.
Seven Rooms Villadorata
Embrace the opportunity to channel your inner regality, as the Seven Rooms Villadorata unveils its enchanting haven. Nestled in the heart of the baroque town of Noto, this bed-and-breakfast holds its abode within the very palace that once cradled a prince. While Seven Rooms Villadorata has embarked upon its second chapter as a luxurious retreat, it has certainly not forsaken its air of majestic grandeur. As you step through its doors, prepare to be embraced by frescoed ceilings that whisper tales of artistic mastery, opulent Baroque embellishments that exude timeless elegance, and balconies adorned in intricate finery.
Distinguishing itself from the plethora of hotels that grace this list, Seven Rooms Villadorata emerges as a boutique sanctuary, housing a mere seven rooms — a feature that lends it its distinct appellation. Eclipsing all, the crown jewel among its chambers is undoubtedly the Austro room, once the prince’s very own sleeping chamber. This haven emanates an air of aristocracy, characterized by graceful French doors that open onto a balcony, unveiling panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The gilded tiles and frescoes, meticulously restored to their former glory, paint a portrait of luxury and opulence that transcends time. Every chamber within this sanctuary, whether Austro or another, offers a symphony of amenities befitting royalty, an embrace of comfort and refinement worthy of kings and queens.