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

Published May 10 2025, 12:05 PM, Updated May 12 2025, 8:50 PMI 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.

Much of the hotel is designed to make the most of the views, with the cliff edge pool perched high up above the Medditeranean, and mamy of the restaurants and communal areas feel like they’re glued to the cliffside so you can sit and enjoy your meal or lounger while watching massive cruise ships pass by, seemingly miles below.

While you might be concerned about staying on the edge of Mount Etna’s active volcano, rest assured—it’s one of the safest active volcanoes to visit. Etna erupts often, but in a slow and mostly gentle way that experts monitor closely. The local authorities are well-prepared, and towns and resorts are set at safe distances.

This is quite different from the volcanic areas near Naples, like Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei, which are known for much rarer but potentially explosive eruptions, similar to the one that buried Pompeii. While Naples is beautiful and historic, it sits closer to these higher-risk zones, which scientists are watching carefully. So if you’re looking for a stress-free getaway with incredible views, food, and culture, Sicily offers the drama of a volcano, without the worry.

Location

San Domenico Palace. Gormerly a Leading Hotels of the World member, this Four Seasons is ideally placed on Taormina’s hilltop town on the eastern shores of Sicily, overlooking the Bay of Taormina and the Ionian Sea. 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 most convenient airport for reaching San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located about 68 km away—roughly a 1-hour drive. It offers frequent flight connections and a range of transfer options, including private car services (around €110 for a 54-minute ride) and direct buses to Taormina.

By contrast, Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is approximately 258 km from the hotel and takes over 3 hours by car. Public transport from Palermo is time-consuming and involves multiple transfers.

While Palermo might be suitable for touring western Sicily, Catania is the best option for a direct, comfortable arrival in Taormina.

Style & Character

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. Another prime example of this is the superb Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

The transformation of this hotel is simply dazzling. The Hotel features multiple terraces with clear views of the surrounding waters, as well as Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Regarded as one of the most famous hotels in the world, San Domenico Palace welcomed notable guests, including Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, and DH Lawrence, among many others. Along with idyllic natural surroundings, Taormina is also home to countless historical attractions, including an ancient Greek Theatre and the Corvaja Palace from the medieval era.

Service & Facilities

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.

The main pool is a stunning cliff-top design with the most lovely tan and white parasols shading comfy loungers that edge this exclusive pool.

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.

It is worth mentioning that Four Seasons does romantic evenings on the terrace extremely well. Tinkling tunes hang in the air, immaculate gardens emanate scents into the warm evening air, and the staff caters to your every whim.

The gardens at this Four Seasons have a particularly lovely wildflower area that will blow you away. The hotel also includes a state-of-the-art spa with seven treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and a Turkish bath.

Rooms

Following extensive renovations, the Hotel now has 111 guest rooms and suites. Housed within the walls of a former 14th-century Dominican monastery, each room is a unique composition of soft, sun-washed hues, vaulted ceilings, and elegant stone or parquet flooring.

Handcrafted details—like wrought-iron balconies or antique-inspired furniture—offer subtle nods to the building’s storied past, while floor-to-ceiling windows or French doors frame spectacular views of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, or the fragrant cloister gardens below.

Though steeped in heritage, the spaces are layered with understated luxury: marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, plush beds dressed in fine Italian linens, and seamlessly integrated modern comforts like discreet tech panels and minibars.

If you want a room that offers both exceptional views and decent value, the Sea View Deluxe Room stands out. These rooms, ranging from 27 to 36 m², provide elegant décor and stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea. While they may not have private terraces, the expansive windows allow you to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

The Junior Suite with Plunge Pool and Sea View is a luxury travel diary favourite and spans 41 to 48 square meters. The highlight is the private terrace featuring a plunge pool, where you can relax while gazing over Taormina Bay. The suite’s high ceilings and large windows flood the space with natural light. These terraces are the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the sea as you sip an aperitivo with the scent of citrus on the breeze.

The Princess Cecilie Suite is a great option for high-end luxury. This 90 m² suite, named after Princess Cecilie who honeymooned here in 1906, offers panoramic views of both Taormina Bay and the charming town. Its grand entrance foyer, separate living room, and opulent marble bathroom encapsulates the hotel’s rich history and elegance.

Food & Drink

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.

Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet featuring fresh fruits, yogurts, pastries, cooked breakfast items, pancakes, and regional specialties like Sicilian granitas and local cheeses. The fact that you will enjoy it outside with the view will make it taste even better. The breakfast is one of the free benefits of booking your stay here with our luxury travel concierge.

In the evening, Principe Cerami, the hotel’s Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, is helmed by Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro and offers refined Sicilian cuisine, with dishes crafted from local, seasonal ingredients. Book a seat on the terrace for the most memorable dining experience. 

Anciovi offers a more relaxed atmosphere on the pool terrace, specializing in Mediterranean seafood and Sicilian specialties. Guests can enjoy light dishes and innovative cocktails while taking in the iconic views of Taormina.

Rosso presents a contemporary take on Italian cuisine with a Sicilian twist. This stylish restaurant overlooks Mount Etna and Taormina Bay, offering seasonal dishes highlighting the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Bar & Chiostro is the hotel’s social hub, where guests can unwind with handcrafted cocktails or fine Sicilian wines. The bar’s serene ambiance and sea views make it an ideal spot for aperitifs or after-dinner drinks. 

Best Luxury Hotels In Sicily

Tips

Sicily offers diverse luxury accommodations, from clifftop hotels to historic palazzos to beachfront resorts. Here are ten of the top luxury hotels in Sicily: 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.

Conclusion

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel is a fantastic hotel with all the modern and contemporary touches you would want from a Four Seasons hotel while retaining the atmosphere and allure of the Hotel’s historic surroundings. Even if you stay for just one night, it’s the place you will remember forever.

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