While San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel gained recent fame as the backdrop for HBO’s The White Lotus, this beautiful hotel has been attracting A-listers long before the cameras rolled.
Perched on the cliffs of stunning Taormina; San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, offers an escape that is as rich in history as it is in luxury. Yes, you might recognise it from The White Lotus, but there’s so much more to San Domenico Palace than tales of Jennifer Coolidge.
San Domenico Palace began life as a convent in the 14th century, before transforming into a luxury hotel in the late 19th century. Rumoured to be the birthplace of the notorious novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover, San Domenico Palace has been a magnet for the glitterati since the early 1920s, hosting everyone from Oscar Wilde to Audrey Hepburn. In 2021, it became a Four Seasons Resort, offering a private and secluded escape right in the heart of Taormina, perfect for switching off and indulging in sheer luxury.
The Vibe
San Domenico Palace oozes an artistic atmosphere mixed with rich Italian history. Its Liberty-style architecture, an Italian twist on Art Nouveau, adds elegance to the traditional Sicilian design. The lush gardens are just as charming, with vibrant bougainvillea and the refreshing scent of citrus trees. Wandering through these manicured gardens feels like stepping back in time, and guest beds are cleverly dotted throughout to ensure privacy.
Staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, ready to serve you at the press of a button; yes, you’re given a call button by the pool to order a Paloma or Prosecco. Spend a day by the 21-metre infinity pool, and you can expect to be treated to complimentary snacks, from crisps and olives to freshly baked pizza, without lifting a finger. The clifftop infinity pool offers breathtaking views, stretching from the peaks of Mount Etna to the ancient Greek theatre that crowns Taormina.
The Rooms
Each of the 111 rooms and suites at San Domenico Palace is designed for maximum comfort and luxury. Grand marble bathrooms with plush towels are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration or relaxing by the pool. The housekeeping team thinks about every little detail – even organising your charging cables with a chic, Four Seasons leather tie. Many rooms feature furnished terraces, ideal for sipping a morning cappuccino while gazing at the stunning views of Mount Etna.
The Food + Drink
Foodies are spoilt for choice at San Domenico Palace. Mornings begin with a breakfast spread featuring Sicilian delicacies and international classics, served either in the bright, airy restaurant or on the terrace with breathtaking sea views. For lunch, Anciovi at the pool terrace lounge serves up relaxed Sicilian classics like spaghetti vongole, pizza, and fresh salads, paired with local Mount Etna wine. Dinner is served at the Michelin-starred Principe Cerami, helmed by award-winning chef Massimo Mantarro. Expect sumptuous Sicilian cuisine with gastronomic flair.
Even if you’re heading out to eat, don’t miss the famous piano bar, instantly recognisable from The White Lotus. Here, you can enjoy a Sicilian Negroni or an Aperol spritz while soaking in the live music and ambiance. The bar staff are also exceptionally friendly and willing to concoct a personalised cocktail at the first whiff of menu hesitation.
The Spa
The newly opened Botanica Spa offers beauty and wellness treatments inspired by the hotel’s lush gardens. These gardens, once tended by monks for their medicinal properties, now inspire each of the spa treatment rooms: Zagara, Jasmine, Hibiscus, Jacaranda, and Kenzia. Drawing from its roots as a place of meditation and luxury retreat, the Botanica Spa blends history with modern relaxation. Guests can enjoy traditional Sicilian deep tissue massages, alongside more modern facial treatments like HydraFacial and Dr. Sturm products. Facilities include a sauna, steam rooms, and an indoor pool – hidden away from other guests.
The To-Do List
While it’s tempting to never leave the luxurious confines of San Domenico Palace, stepping outside immerses you in Taormina’s vibrant scene. Explore the narrow streets filled with boutiques, buzzy restaurants, and vibrant piazzas. A visit to Mount Etna offers a chance to witness Europe’s highest and most active volcano, while the ancient Greek theatre, Teatro Antico di Taormina, is a must-see for its stunning views over the Sicilian bay. Head down the mountain to the beautiful Isola Bella beach for a relaxing day by the sea or book a boat trip to explore the eastern coast of Sicily. San Domenico Palace is not just a hotel but a gateway to the real heart of Sicily.
All image credit: Four Seasons
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