Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea

Hotel details

Nestled in the idyllic bay of Mazzaro, beneath Mount Tauro and the Sicilian town of Taormina, the 19th-century Villa Sant’Andrea hotel occupies a spell-binding location, with panoramic views over the ocean and the awe-inspiring Mount Etna volcano.

This very friendly hotel has 64 classical rooms and suites, most with balconies where guests can enjoy an al-fresco breakfast overlooking the turquoise bay before taking a stroll down to the hotel’s private beach. All of the newly-refurbished rooms feature marble bathrooms, exquisite period furniture and a private bar.

The gloriously balmy evenings here should always begin with a cocktail on the outdoor terrace of the ‘Al Fresco’ bar, a perfect vantage point to watch the sun set over the Calabrian coastline, before enjoying the freshest of Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s excellent ‘Oliviero’ restaurant.

For those visitors who enjoy a very special spa experience, the hotel’s wellness offers a wide range of luxurious massage and aromatherapy treatments, including the hotel’s signature orange blossom and jasmine massage. A highly recommendable experience.

For guests that crave a bit more adventure, the hotel’s fishing boat can be commandeered for a two-hour exploration of the coast’s secret coves and bays.

And when it comes time to visit the exquisite town of Taormina, you can follow in the footsteps of celebrities including Truman Capote, Joan Crawford and Elizabeth Taylor who have all enjoyed the delights of this quaint town over the years.