Taormina is 13 square kilometres of raw, sensual beauty on the east coast of Sicily, a town that exudes wonder. Taormina is known for the warmth of its people, bright sun, exciting history and many famous residents like the Bourbons and Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Jean Cocteau and the Hollywood movie stars. Taormina deserves to be explored from an exceptional place like the privileged Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea.

Location and Decor

Set on its own private stretch on the bay of Mazzarò, the property was built as a private villa in 1830 by a prominent English family. This explains the homey feeling it exudes as soon as you set a foot in the hotel which is surrounded by its delightful tropical gardens and is looking towards the dazzling sea.

Hideaway for glamorous guests since 1950, it has been purchased by Belmond in 2010 and run with sheer perfection, enhanced with a wellness centre, infinity pool, stunning new suites and lavish beach cabanas.

Rooms

Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea sets the standard for romance and the rooms add to the sense of bliss with king size beds, plush fabrics, serene colours and indulgent marble bathrooms.

Never shine away from decadence, yours truly went for a suite with mesmerising views of the sea to fully revel in luxury.

Service

Perfectly in sync with the ethos of the hotel and other Belmond properties the service is faultless, with a great level of attention to provide personalised care.

This Lux Traveller enjoyed a picnic savouring delicacies on the Etna and a private boat tour with several stops to the famous Blue Grotto, Isola Bella as well as a refreshing swim. The wine tasting and lunch in a local winery were also unforgettable.

Ambience

It feels like you are staying in a chic home, run by a great host: the sun shines brighter, food is delicious, laughter mixes with the sound of nature while you are attended to by the experienced staff with a fleet of shiny chauffeured cars ready to shuttle you to the next adventure.

The hotel well represent the kind of civilised laid back fun on the Mediterranean sea you could find in a Slim Aaroms book.

Food

You will be spoiled for choice, from the beautiful bar by the bay, perfect for enjoying a mouth-watering pizza with a crisp glass of Sicilian wine to the revered Oliviero, the perfect place to indulge in a delicious plate of fresh pasta, grilled fish or the outstanding couscous alla trapanese, a perfectly cooked by Chef Agostino D’Angelo and served by an excellent team with Sicily’s striking cliffs as a backdrop, providing romance and charm in spades.

Insider’s tips

• Pamper yourself with an open air treatment from the Spa in the ocean facing garden, a true sensorial journey enlivened by the smell of fragrant orange flowers, amber, sandalwood and jasmine.
• As with every Belmond property, book at least one of their perfectly tailored activities. Connected with the locals and integrated with the surroundings, they will provide  unforgettable memories.
• Book one of the spacious cabanas to enjoy the private beach in the most private, chic way.
• Embark on a culinary journey at both Oliviero and the stunning restaurant at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Villa Sant’Andrea’s sister property.