TAORMINA, SICILY

"To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything." - Goethe

Sicily is a stunning island off the coast of southern Italy. You can fly there direct with limited availability from most airports throughout Europe. I flew from Naples, Italy which was was a brief 50 minute flight. There are 2 opposite parts of the island, each having its own airport; Palermo (west side) and Catania (east side). I have not traveled to Palermo, but after much research and speaking to those who have been, it didn’t sound like somewhere worth exploring. Catania region that is connected to Taormina (north) and Siracusa (south) on the east side are the villages you want to explore. I stayed in Taormina which was perfection. It is considered the most “luxurious” part of Sicily, due to its 5 star hotel options, Michelin-starred Restaurants and few designer shops in the village.

The 2 most luxurious hotels in Taormina are:

1. Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond

   Hotel, Taormina

2. San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

   
   

I decided to stay at the Four Seasons since the hotel and amenities are much more modern in addition to it having one of the most beautiful infinity pools I have ever seen online and confirmed in real life! The service was impeccable and honestly, the most attentive - detailed hotel I’ve ever experienced.

The moment I checked in they took care of everything and noted it was a special occasion so took the opportunity to make it feel special by adding rose pedals to my bed that wrote, “I love you” and provided me complimentary champagne and dessert.

They also provide guests with pool tote bags, 2 hats and sunglasses.

There is a garden that you pass through on your way to the pool and you can smell the vibrant flowers.

The property has 2 restaurants: Michelin-starred, Principe Cerami, and a casual Mediterranean restaurant, Anciovi, that is by the pool with views overlooking Sicily.

Principe Cerami is fancy, but worth it! You should request the Terrance for seating since it’s very romantic. The chef is extremely creative with presentation and flavor. There is a lounge outside the restaurant that has live music to relax and have a cocktail before or after dinner.

Anciovi serves lunch and dinner. It is a more casual setting. The view is beautiful overlooking the ocean and Sicily. At night you see the city lights!

The extravagant breakfast buffet is served at Principe Cerami.

The breakfast was delicious and you have an endless amount of options.

If you decide you want to stay in and order room service, which is one of my favorite things to do - it was the best room service I have ever had and I recommend the chicken burger.

If you want to adventure to Siracusa, it will be a 1 hour and 40 mins drive from Taormina. I wanted to explore that village, but did not have time during my stay. I decided to use my 3 full days to relax by the breathtaking infinity pool, utilize the amenities and explore Taormina.

The village that is filled with all shops and restaurants is right outside the hotel. If you walk 15 mins you reach Teatro Antico - an amphitheater that appears from the exterior to be an abandoned ancient archeological ruin site, but once you go inside you realize it is actually still used today for events. They host musical concerts and plays on stage.

The Belmond Hotel is right next to this site so you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view overlooking Sicily and tour the garden. They do not allow the public to just walk in, but if to say you are going to the restaurant, they allow you to enter and after that you are free to tour the property.