We review the top 10 best luxury boutique hotels in Sicily. Our list includes Villa Neri Resort & Spa, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, La Dimora di Catullo, La Foresteria Planeta Estate, Monaci delle Terre Nere, San Domenico Palace, Scilla Maris, Seven Rooms Villadorata, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia and Villa Carlotta.
Medieval Taormina and its surroundings have the highest concentration of luxury hotels on the island of Sicily. Set on Sicily’s coast, this picturesque town offers clusters of terracotta roofs, giving way to the shimmering blue sea with dramatic Mount Etna looming on the horizon. In fact, Sicily has a huge 1,000 kilometersthat of coastline, with a range of landscapes including beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the more gentle scenery of green hillsides and olive groves in its interior.
We review the top 10 best boutique hotels in Sicily.
1. Villa Neri Resort & Spa
Without a doubt, the best small boutique hotel in Sicily is Villa Neri Resort & Spa, an exclusive hotel which offers elegant rooms, gourmet restaurants, a welcoming and intimate spa and a large saltwater swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden.
This luxury design hotel is situated between Etna and the Sicilian coast, near Taormina. The hotel was built according to the bio-architectural criteria. As in the ancient noble houses, the exterior is characterized by two colors, classic light blue and brick-red: the main color is the light one, and the dark color indicates the area destined to run the ground.
24 rooms feature local materials, such as wooden panels or traditional painted tiles, 9 are enoteca suites with hot tubs, loggias, and terraces. Some have a private terrace overlooking the hotel grounds. Others have skylights with views towards Mount Etna. You will want to relax here and unwind beside the pool or try the spa, which has saunas, plunge pools, and soothing Sicilian treatments.
2. San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Larger in size but equally impressive is the newest Four Seasons hotel in Europe, the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.
We expect the transformation of this hotel to be dazzling. San Domenico Palace, which was formerly a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is ideally placed on Taormina’s hilltop town on Sicily’s eastern shores, overlooking the Bay of Taormina and the Ionian Sea.
The hotel is ideally positioned for local explorations, right next to Taormina’s maze of narrow medieval streets with their shops, bars, and restaurants, and a 10-minute walk to the hilltop town’s famous ancient Greek theatre.
The hotel features multiple terraces with clear views of the surrounding waters and Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beach club, lush gardens containing a pool, and several restaurants and bars, including the two-Michelin star restaurant, Principe Cerami.
Of course, there is no Four Seasons rewards program, but if you are a regular guest of the Four Seasons or even want to try this iconic brand for the first time, you can take advantage of loyalty style benefits at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our luxury travel concierge.
3. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
With its entrance is swathed in bougainvillea, Belmond Grand Timeo is perched upon rugged Sicilian cliffs right in the heart of Taormina.
Soak up the sun by the pool or stroll through acres of lush garden graced with tropical palms and wildflowers. Timeo Restaurant uses only the freshest local ingredients for its Sicilian dishes, whether that be Mozia salt or Bronte pistachios, and you can find more of the treasures of Sicily at the Wellness Centre.
Take your seat at Otto Geleng Restaurant, one of Sicily’s most exclusive Michelin-star restaurants, and ignite your taste buds with exquisite Mediterranean dishes by Chef Roberto Toro served in a unique setting that evokes an ancient Sicilian villa.
There’s no better place to take in the dramatic sunset than the Literary Terrace. Truman Capote enjoyed them so much that he stayed for two years; D. H. Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover here. Writer’s block? It’s here you’ll want to sit and craft your postcards home.
4. Seven Rooms Villadorata
Boutique hotel Seven Rooms Villadorata, is situated in the heart of the baroque city of Noto. It offers an aristocratic experience with ancient charm. This petite hotel sits among eighteenth-century honey-colored buildings and the crystalline waters of the Vendicari Marine Reserve.
Balconies overlook the town on three sides with views over the main street, the Cathedral of Noto, and the church of S. Carlo, and the magnificent internal courtyard paved with cobblestones and embellished with two symbolic secular palm trees.
Furnishings and fabrics originate from the finest Italian and French brands, making each room luxurious, comfortable, and unique. The Manna restaurant is excellent and is located on the lower level of the building. It is adorned with ribbed vaults dating back to the end of the 18th century.
5. Monaci delle Terre Nere
The historic estate of Monaci Delle Terre Nere is located on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. With dramatic views over the volcano and the Mediterranean, this countryside boutique hotel is an exceptional place. Full of extraordinary charm and natural beauty, this spot was originally chosen by the monks of St Anne’s order in the 18th Century, and the estate was restored with great care.
Explore the romantic, terraced gardens, stroll through the 25-hectare estate, visit the farm and vineyards, relax by the pretty pool, and discover its unique atmosphere for yourself.
6. La Foresteria Planeta Estate
La Foresteria Planeta Estate is a wine resort in Menfi. This small hotel looks over the sea and the lush vineyards, but you will need a car to explore this region if you decide that this is the hotel for you.
All 14 rooms open onto terraces, and there is a magnificent pool area that offers up the same great view and is surrounded by sophisticated loungers. There is also a bar by the pool, making this is the perfect venue for an evening glass of wine. The restaurant also has a terrace with views, and expect to eat breakfast and your evening meal outside. If you feel like having a constructive holiday, you can also learn local cooking skills or taste wines during your stay.
7. Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia
Capofaro was born out of the love that the Tasca d’Almerita family has for wine and sea, a spectacular estate found on the island of Salina, an Aeolian Island north of Sicily. Capofaro is the truest expression of Salina, a locanda surrounded by rows of vines reaching the sea, producing Malvasia, the typical wine of the island.
There are twenty-seven rooms in total, each unique, and all have their own private terrace with a sea or garden view. The buildings housing the rooms are surrounded by 4,5 hectares of Malvasia vineyards. Terraces enhance these white structures with the typical Aeolian-style columns, bright pink bougainvillea flowers, and shady canopies.
The restaurant at Capofaro sets you on a path through the heart of Sicilian aromas and taste, balancing tradition and contemporary sensibility. Viticulture is central to the menu. All dishes embody Salina’s sun, sea, and volcanic land and can be paired with Tasca’s bottles from their five wine estates.
8. La Dimora di Catullo
La Dimora di Catullo boutique hotel can be found in a historic house that has a pretty garden and a pool and is 35 km from Syracuse. After a careful study of the house’s period, the owners have carried out a sympathetic restoration, respecting the ancient traditions.
The resulting hotel is homey and welcoming, and facilities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and a garden along with free Wi-Fi. La Dimora di Catullo offers some units with pool views, and each room has a coffee machine. All rooms have a seating area, and the hotel provides an excellent buffet breakfast and an Italian breakfast, which are available every morning at the property.
9. Scilla Maris
Scilla Maris is a super little boutique hotel located in front of the Vendicari reserve just outside Noto, among the vineyards of Nero d’Avola, and the marshes and Marzamemi.
The hotel is made up of an ancient and modern part. The first, which includes the reception, the restaurant, 3 Lentischio suites, and the Palmento suite, results from a careful restoration of an old ruin from the Bourbon period. The new part houses 6 rooms with private patios and views of the panoramic swimming pool.
Both the suites and the rooms are modern, minimalist in design, with a creamy, earthy color scheme. The modern design is then complemented with a mix of modern and antique furnishings, and one room has an exquisite chandelier. If you like to lounge by the pool, go for the deluxe pool view rooms. The patio doors of these rooms open up to your own private patio and the swimming pool beyond.
The restaurant “Il Datterino” offers a wonderful reinterpretation of local cuisine in the evening, and an excellent breakfast is served at the hotel in the morning. This hotel offers the perfect environment to laze by the pool amongst the butterfly and bird-friendly vegetation. It is idyllic.
10. Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta is one of the best HIP hotels in the world and can be found in a flourishing botanical garden in Taormina on the island of Sicily. You could be forgiven for thinking that you had entered the magical storybook world of Narnia or the garden of Eden when you discover this hotel.
Found on Taormina’s edge, overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mt Etna, in northeast Sicily, Villa Carlotta offers gorgeous rooms and suites in this private hotel with 7 villa-style apartments. This 17th Century Villa has incredible views right out to the tip of Mount Etna.
The town’s Greek amphitheater, bustling center, and twin coves are within walking distance of this amazing retreat, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The hotel also delivers a wonderful Sicilian-focused menu of pasta dishes, risottos, meat, fish, salads, and sandwiches, all with a unique stamp. The bar is unmissable and overlooks the ocean.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
