Best Luxury Hotels In Sicily

Published May 11 2025, 9:06 AM, Updated May 12 2025, 11:04 AMSicily offers diverse luxury accommodations, from clifftop hotels to historic palazzos to beachfront resorts. Here are ten of the top luxury hotels in Sicily:

1. San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel

San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel is perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. This former 14th-century convent combines historical charm with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy panoramic views, Michelin-starred dining, and proximity to Taormina’s ancient Greek Theatre.

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel is a small, exclusive hotel but has an array of facilities, including a beach club, lush gardens containing a pool, and several restaurants and bars, including the two-Michelin-star restaurant, Principe Cerami.

This hotel sits like an extravagant bird’s nest on the edge of a volcanic mountain range in Sicily, and its dramatic cliffside location means that you enjoy the most incredible vista that drops down to the ocean from almost every corner of this elevated hotel.

Its prime location places guests within walking distance of Taormina’s vibrant town center, including the renowned Corso Umberto, the ancient Greek Theatre, and the picturesque Piazza IX Aprile.

The Four Seasons does an extraordinary job of bringing the rooms and the communal areas up to scratch while retaining the original features and romantic ambiance of the original buildings.

The hotel comprises an ancient Dominican monastery from the 15th century and a Grand Hotel Wing added in 1896. Guest rooms and public spaces feature original architecture and facades from the historic building, and a central courtyard full of lush plants forms a meeting point between the corridors.

A highlight of the rooms is their exclusive terraces, so you can step out and enjoy the sunshine on your own private sun lounger with views of the gardens and the sea.

In the morning, breakfast is served in the elegant Principe Cerami restaurant, the hotel’s Michelin-starred dining venue. As long as the weather is decent, you can enjoy it on the stunning outdoor terrace with those magnificent views. The breakfast is one of the free benefits of booking your stay here with our luxury travel concierge.

Review: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

Reviews

I prefer to refer to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, as Four Seasons Sicily. It's less of a mouthful! This Italian Four Seasons hotel is one of the most iconic, partly because it was the filming location for season 2 of HBO's "The White Lotus". This hotel sits like an extravagant bird's nest on the edge of a volcanic mountain range in Sicily, and its dramatic cliffside location means that you enjoy the most incredible vista that drops down to the ocean from almost every corner of this elevated hotel.

2. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina offers luxury travelers a blend of historical charm and modern elegance. This iconic hotel is located adjacent to the Greek Theatre and offers stunning vistas of Mount Etna and the coastline. Its terraced gardens and classic Sicilian interiors provide an elegant retreat.

As the first hotel built in the city, it boasts a prime location adjacent to the ancient Greek Theatre, providing guests with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The hotel’s rich history includes hosting literary figures like Oscar Wilde and Truman Capote, who found inspiration on its famed “Literary Terrace.”

Today, visitors can enjoy these same vistas while sipping an Etna Spritz or dining under the stars. The interiors reflect Sicilian Baroque grandeur, featuring antique furnishings, polished parquet floors, and marble bathrooms.

Beyond its historical allure, the hotel offers a Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant that serves innovative Sicilian cuisine in an intimate setting, while the main dining room and terrace provide regional dishes accompanied by live piano music.

Monaci delle Terre Nere, An Escape For Your Soul

Reviews

I prefer to refer to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, as Four Seasons Sicily. It's less of a mouthful! This Italian Four Seasons hotel is one of the most iconic, partly because it was the filming location for season 2 of HBO's "The White Lotus". This hotel sits like an extravagant bird's nest on the edge of a volcanic mountain range in Sicily, and its dramatic cliffside location means that you enjoy the most incredible vista that drops down to the ocean from almost every corner of this elevated hotel.

Guests can relax in the heated outdoor pool set within terraced gardens or indulge in spa treatments, which use natural, locally sourced products. A complimentary shuttle transports guests to the hotel’s sister property, Villa Sant’Andrea, granting access to a private beach and additional dining options.

3. Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare

Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare offers luxury travelers an intimate seaside retreat steeped in aristocratic charm.

Originally built in 1919 as a private residence, the hotel exudes the ambiance of a grand coastal villa, surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and a private pebble beach. Guests can unwind in elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many featuring marble bathrooms and balconies with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. 

Best Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts In Europe

Tips

I prefer to refer to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, as Four Seasons Sicily. It's less of a mouthful! This Italian Four Seasons hotel is one of the most iconic, partly because it was the filming location for season 2 of HBO's "The White Lotus". This hotel sits like an extravagant bird's nest on the edge of a volcanic mountain range in Sicily, and its dramatic cliffside location means that you enjoy the most incredible vista that drops down to the ocean from almost every corner of this elevated hotel.

Culinary delights await at the hotel’s dining venues, including the exclusive Brizza, which offers seafood feasts with stunning waterfront views. The heated infinity pool, perched at the bay’s edge, provides a perfect spot for relaxation, while the Lido Villeggiatura beach club offers private cabanas and tide-to-table gastronomy.

Families are well-catered for with the Smile Club, offering activities for children and amenities such as children’s menus and spa treatments. A complimentary shuttle connects guests to the sister property, Grand Hotel Timeo, situated in the heart of Taormina, allowing easy access to the town’s cultural attractions.  

4. Villa Igiea, Palermo – A Rocco Forte Hotel

Perched on a verdant promontory overlooking the glittering Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel, feels like stepping into an opulent seaside palazzo from a bygone era. Initially built in 1899 by Baron Emanuele d’Amico as a health retreat, its graceful Art Nouveau façade and frescoed interiors have been lovingly restored to reveal gilded moldings, Carrara marble columns, and Murano glass chandeliers.

Each room and suite is a study in refined elegance, with panoramic windows framing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, plush Italian linens, and marble-finished bathrooms. Strolling through the hotel’s lush gardens or along the terrace feels like wandering through a private botanical sanctuary suspended between sky and sea.

Beyond its cinematic backdrop, Villa Igiea delivers an all-encompassing luxury experience. Guests can savor Mediterranean haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred Acrusto, where freshly caught seafood and Sicilian classics are reimagined with contemporary flair.

The serene Rocco Forte Spa offers bespoke treatments that harness local ingredients—think olive oil scrubs and citrus-infused massages—while the heated outdoor pool invites languid afternoons beneath the sun, making this hotel a standout choice in Palermo.

5. Verdura Resort, Ribera

Set along Sicily’s sun-drenched southwest coast, Verdura Resort, Ribera offers luxury travelers an expansive retreat where modern elegance meets natural beauty.

Spanning 230 hectares of olive groves and citrus orchards, the resort boasts 1.8 kilometers of private Mediterranean coastline, providing guests with space and tranquility. The accommodations include stylish rooms, suites, and private villas, which feature contemporary Italian design with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for uninterrupted sea views. The resort’s architecture harmoniously blends with the landscape.  
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two 18-hole championship courses designed by Kyle Phillips, offering challenging play with stunning coastal vistas. The 4,000 m² Irene Forte Spa provides a sanctuary for wellness, featuring thalassotherapy pools, a hammam, and treatments utilizing organic Sicilian ingredients.

Culinary experiences include the beachside Amare and the relaxed Zagara, serving dishes that celebrate local flavors. Families are well accommodated with dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, ensuring engaging activities for younger guests.  

6. Monaci delle Terre Nere, Zafferana Etnea

Monaci delle Terre Nere, Zafferana Etnea offers luxury travelers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary eco-conscious design on the fertile slopes of Mount Etna.

Set within a 25-hectare estate, this 18th-century noble villa has been meticulously restored, with accommodations spread across various buildings, including converted farmhouses and lava-stone cottages. Each room and suite is thoughtfully designed to preserve original architectural elements while incorporating modern comforts, set amidst vineyards, orchards, and the natural beauty of Sicily.  

The resort emphasizes sustainability and local culture, offering experiences that immerse guests in the region’s rich heritage. Culinary delights await at Locanda Nerello, where dishes are crafted using organic produce from the estate’s own gardens, reflecting a commitment to the slow food movement. Guests can participate in wine tastings, cooking classes, and wellness activities, all designed to connect them with the land and its traditions. 

7. Villa Athena Resort, Agrigento

Villa Athena Resort, Agrigento is located within Agrigento’s UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples. As the only five-star hotel with direct access to this ancient archaeological park, guests are mere steps away from the majestic Temple of Concordia.

The 18th-century villa has been meticulously restored, featuring 27 rooms and suites that combine classical architecture with modern comforts. Many accommodations boast private terraces or balconies, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding temples and lush gardens.  

Beyond its historic setting, Villa Athena provides a wealth of amenities designed for relaxation and indulgence. The resort’s spa, ingeniously integrated into an ancient Greek cistern, offers a serene environment for rejuvenation.

Culinary enthusiasts can savor authentic Sicilian cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also unwind by the outdoor pool, surrounded by fragrant citrus groves and centuries-old olive trees, or explore the nearby Villa Athena Farm for a taste of traditional Sicilian agriculture.

8. Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa, Riposto

Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa, Riposto is located between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Set amidst 13 hectares of citrus groves, this former 1930s winery has been transformed into a boutique hotel where original lava-stone walls and vaulted ceilings meet minimalist architecture.

Guests can choose from 17 uniquely designed rooms and suites, including garden villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and private pools, offering immersive views of the surrounding landscape. The ambiance is understated luxury, inviting guests to unwind and reconnect with nature.  

Culinary experiences at Zash are centered around its Michelin-starred restaurant, Palmento, located in the estate’s former wine fermentation chamber. Here, Chef Giuseppe Raciti crafts innovative Sicilian dishes that celebrate local ingredients and traditions.

The hotel’s spa, nestled within the old wine cellar, features a lava-stone pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, and offers treatments infused with regional elements like citrus and volcanic stone. With additional amenities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary bicycles, and proximity to attractions like Taormina and Mount Etna, Zash is an excellent Sicilian base for your trip.

9. Q92 Noto Hotel, Noto

Q92 Noto Hotel, Noto is set within an exquisitely restored 18th-century palazzo. Located along the elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the hotel boasts direct views of the iconic Noto Cathedral, immersing guests in the town’s rich architectural heritage.

The nine individually designed rooms and suites blend original features, such as wrought iron balconies, with contemporary furnishings and bespoke wooden and leather accents. Many accommodations offer private balconies or terraces overlooking the honey-hued limestone facades and serene courtyard gardens, providing a tranquil ambiance amidst the vibrant cityscape.  

Beyond its historical allure, Q92 Noto Hotel delivers a lavish breakfast featuring local delicacies like prosciutto, Sicilian cheeses, and ripe tomatoes, served on a terrace with panoramic views of the cathedral.

The hotel’s walled garden, scented with lemon and palm trees, offers a peaceful haven, complete with sunbeds and an honesty bar stocked with regional wines and light bites. As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Q92 Noto Hotel provides an authentic Sicilian experience, combining aristocratic elegance with modern comforts.

10. Susafa, Polizzi Generosa

Susafa, Polizzi Generosa is set in the rolling hills of Sicily’s Madonie Mountains. Susafa is a 200-year-old farmhouse transformed into a serene eco-luxury retreat. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the retreat, from organic farming practices to renewable energy use and waste reduction initiatives.

Owned by the Saeli-Rizzuto family for five generations, this 17-room boutique hotel invites guests to experience the rhythms of rural Sicilian life. The accommodations blend rustic charm with contemporary comfort, featuring original ceiling beams, antique tiles, and minimalist design that emphasizes the natural beauty surrounding the estate.

Guests can unwind by the lagoon-like pool, shaded by chestnut trees, or explore the expansive 600-hectare grounds, which include orchards, gardens, and walking trails. The absence of televisions and the emphasis on nature’s sounds encourage a digital detox and deep relaxation.     

The on-site restaurant, housed in the estate’s former granary, offers farm-to-table dining with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the property’s gardens and orchards. Guests can participate in cooking classes to learn traditional Sicilian recipes or enjoy wine tastings featuring local vintages.

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