Who's Going
Italian Weekenders, UK Couples, Beach Elite
Reason to Stay
Beach Hotel, Beach Club, Luxury Hotel, Sexy Setting
Hotel Type
Beach Resort
This iconic seafront hotel has been a staple of Taormina summers for more than three generations, tucked along a semi-private corner of Mazzaro Bay facing Grotta Azzurra. It's not your typical quiet Orient Express-style beach scene, cluttered with age-old beach clubs and one-room eateries that attract a cross-section of Taormina society including its best and most brash.
Connected by cable car to the main downtown of Taormina, Villa Sant Andrea was built as a private residence in the 19th Century evident through its ever-expanding architecture that now includes two full service eateries, a lobby lounge and full-service spa enjoyed at the hotel's sister-property in central Taormina. Decor utilizes much of the old furnishings in the hotel, revitalized in new fabrics that aren't ashamed of their slightly grandmotherly lines and conservative fabrics that seem to take on a different appearance in the shadow of dapper guests dressed in Etro suits and Pucci dresses.
The best part of the hotel, namely the beach club, is still evolving with crowd and concept but with sexy lounger and beach service that's costly but oh-so-pretty on the Sicilian shore.
The Room
Finicky travelers will want to heed the various descriptions of this amazing property closely. Technically a full-service resort, much of the beach shuts down at sundown meaning a hefty taxi or shuttle ride ala winding road or cable car schlep up to the in village. But for those looking for a chic beach retreat in one of Italy's undiscovered beach cities, there is no better luxury option. A total of 63 rooms face mostly the seaside of the hotel especially since the other side is a well-traveled highway. Standard double rooms are compact spaces with pastel color scheme and blanched-wood furnishings accented by striped wallpaper and flowery carpeting Marble bathrooms are well-equipped, but rather small, even with the great toiletries. Suites offer large private terraces or furnished gardens with the best views in the house.
Preferred Room
Junior Suite
Special Features
Hip Clientele, Beach Location, Historic Hotel
Amenities
Orient Express Hotel, Lounge, Bar, Restaurant, Beach Club, Oceanfront
