It was once a 14th-century monastery and convent, carved into a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea and with panoramic views of Mount Etna. This is San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.
It’s a place steeped in history, just steps away from Taormina’s maze of medieval streets and just a 10-minute walk to the town’s famous ancient Greek theatre. San Domenico Palace, once a monastery, was first converted into a hotel in 1896 but under the Four Seasons banner, the hotel has been completely revamped. Yes, history is prevalent everywhere, be it the hotel’s many antique sculptures or fireplaces with Latin inscriptions but these Old-World influences come together with all manners of contemporary comfort.
The San Domenico Palace became a hotel in 1896. Its airy, vast space, long corridors, and lemon tree-filled gardens bring connotations of the peaceful haven it must have been during its time before as a monastery. History is prevalent everywhere, from antique sculptures and fireplaces with Latin inscriptions to paintings and soft, lantern-style lighting.
Staff, who between them speak several different languages, are friendly and respond swiftly to a variety of different inquiries, everything from where to find a mobile phone repair shop, to the best way to reach the stretch of beach, including the picture-perfect rocky outcrop that is Isola Bella, which lies beneath Taormina.
But who needs the beach when you have a pool, tucked away in a quiet spot amid a garden filled with jasmine and hibiscus trees. There is also a gym and a beauty spa. The only snag to an otherwise high level of service was the Wi-Fi though free, the connection is extremely slow and intermittent.
The hotel’s 111 rooms and suites are all spacious and bright, with walls in either white or cream, and with modern artworks throughout. Architecturally, most rooms are converted monks’ cells, and each has its own terrace with gorgeous views of the gardens and sea below, from Classic accommodations, which overlook the abbey and the town, to several categories of suites with private outdoor hot tubs and terraces and multiple bathrooms. All are decorated with lush fabrics, beautiful lantern-style lighting, and carved wood furniture. Most of the rooms are converted monks’ cells, each with its own terrace, decked out with sun loungers and views of the gardens and sea below. The coveted Garden suites are equipped with outdoor hot tubs, from where you can look out towards Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano.
On the culinary front, the hotel boasts 3 restaurants, including its signature Principe Cerami serving quintessential Sicilian cuisine, and Anciovi, which is the hotel’s Mediterranean seafood restaurant. For coffee, cocktails, or a light meal, there is also the indoor-outdoor Bar & Chiostro.
PRINCIPE CERAMI
In the signature restaurant, embark on a culinary journey curated by award-winning chef Massimo Mantarro. The Etna-born chef presents quintessential Sicilian cuisine showcasing local ingredients and traditions. Superb views of Taormina Bay enhance every meal. including the two Michelin-starred Principe Cerami, named after the Sicilian nobleman who converted the monastery into a hotel. It’s stayed true to its Sicilian origins, though, because it’s headed up by local chef Massimo Mantarro. The restaurant, whose terrace boasts views over the Ionian sea, offers three tasting menus – one meat-based and two fish-based – intricately put together by Mantarro. I went for the fish menu, with the clear winner being scampi carpaccio, a dish served with delicious apple compote made from apples gathered from the Mount Etna region. I order other dishes including calamari risotto and a turbot-filled sandwich. Try the crème brulée for afters.
Principe Cerami is only open for dinner, while Les Bougainvillées, serving traditional Sicilian dishes such as aubergine ratatouille, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Il Giardino dei Limoni, set amid the gardens, is open for lunch and serves regional and Mediterranean dishes.
BAR & CHIOSTRO
Meet for coffee, cocktails, or a light meal. Sample Sicilian specialties and classic international dishes at the indoor-outdoor bar and lounge framing the edge of the Grand Cloister. Enjoy the shade of the colonnade while gazing across the courtyard’s elegant open-air gardens featuring palm trees, exotic plants, and flowers.
ANCIOVI
The ample breakfast spread served on the terrace, includes everything from eggs, bacon, and Sicilian pastries to fresh fruit, cereals, and yogurt. Lounge on the pool terrace and savor light dishes highlighting Mediterranean seafood, including a raw bar, Sicilian sushi, and sharing plates. At the poolside bar, expert mixologists serve innovative cocktails inspired by Sicily’s eclectic heritage creating a destination that’s lively late into the night.
