If you’ve been dreaming of Italy, you’re going to want to add San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel to your must-visit list of Italian destinations. The legendary destination is perched high above the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea in the magnetic presence of Mount Etna.

Set amid a beautiful lush garden with sweeping sea views, the Four Seasons Hotel Taormina pairs contemporary art with antiquities and architectural relics throughout. It joins two sister properties in Milan and Florence as the latest historic property to be reborn as a Four Seasons experience.

Built on the site of a 14th century Dominican convent, the San Domenico Hotel first came to life in 1896 with the addition of a new building in Italian Liberty style (today's Grand Hotel Wing) adjacent to accommodations converted from former quarters in the Ancient Convent Wing. The San Domenico Palace Hotel soon became a highlight on the Grand Tour, favored by royalty, nobility, and an increasingly colorful cast of artists, writers, and Hollywood stars. Famous guests have included Oscar Wilde, Anatole France, Thomas Mann, Henry Miller, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, Ingrid Bergman, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and many more.

General Manager Lorenzo Maraviglia says, “Taormina's landmarks are at our doorstep, and the ancient Greek Theatre is a stroll away, as are countless other historic sites to discover. Bespoke experiences include scenic hikes and exclusive yacht excursions.”

The Four Seasons Taormina hotel is an intimate destination with just 111 guest rooms and suites (some with a private terrace, sea view, and plunge pool). The hotel features a Four Seasons spa, gym, and infinity pool terrace. With more than 1,700 square meters (18,300 square feet) of beautiful indoor-outdoor event spaces, the destination is ideal for hosting corporate retreats, social gatherings, and weddings.

If watching “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” has you looking for your own an epic culinary experience, you’ve found it. The culinary team is led by Sicilian-born Executive Chef Massimo Mantarro, whose signature style is showcased at the award-winning Principe Cerami. Etna's rich natural environment is the inspiration for a memorable culinary journey enhanced by Sicilian wines. Additional dining options, include Anciovi, a fabulous poolside restaurant and Rosso, an all-day-dining venue with a spectacular terrace.

Top tips to get the most out of a luxury getaway at San Domico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel:

Best times to visit Four Seasons Taormina:

San Domenico Palace opens annually from April through to the end of October, with spring and fall offering milder weather and fewer crowds.

"The annual wine harvest on Mt. Etna is always cause for celebration, and our concierge team can arrange opportunities for guests to join in the fun," says Assistant Chef Concierge Roberta Maria Cariola. "In addition to trekking on Mount Etna, we recommend spring as the ideal time to explore other towns along the coast. In the port city of Catania, food lovers won't want to miss the weekly fish market and the surrounding seafood restaurants.”

Best day trips when visiting Four Seasons Taormina:

“Further down the coast, Syracuse is known for its ancient ruins, with the Archaeological Park Neapolis in the centre of town being a great place to start. Another lovely day trip – don't worry, we'll pack a lunch for you! – is Noto, with its historic palaces and Baroque cathedral," says Cariola.

What to eat at Four Seasons Taormina:

True to his roots but always experimenting, Chef Massimo's genius can be savoured best in his #FSMasterdish, pasta e seppia. This clever combination of fresh ingredients marries sea and earth in marinated cuttlefish tagliatelle perched atop homemade spaghetti with cuttlefish ink afloat courgette blossom fondue. Paired with a glass of local wine selected by Head Sommelier Alessandro Malfitana, it's Sicily on a plate.

Additional dining experiences include Rosso, where a large terrace affords panoramic views of Mount Etna and Taormina Bay as a setting to enjoy local specialties and international classics.

At the poolside Anciovi, the menu celebrates the bounty of the sea, and where creative cocktails can be enjoyed long after the sun goes down. In the garden setting of Bar & Chiostro, drinks are best paired with light fare, including the must-try pennette served in the local "Norma" style with aubergine and ricotta cheese.

Not to be missed are the exquisite creations of Chef de Patisserie Vincenzo Abagnale, who joins Four Seasons following four years with Chef Mauro Colagreco at three Michelin-starred Mirazur in France, that was ranked #1 on the list of World's Best Restaurants in 2019.

Insider’s Tip:

Consider booking ahead for 2023 to secure a room during the famed Taormina Film Festival, or the always-popular Taormina Book Festival, both taking place in early summer each year.

Fun Fact:

Season two of White Lotus was filmed at San Domenico Palace.

Special Four Seasons Taormina Hotel Offers:

The Sicilian Indulgence package features luxurious accommodations, daily breakfast and a six-course tasting menu for two by Chef Massimo Mantarro himself.

To make a reservation at this Four Seasons Taormina Sicily destination, book online or call +39-0942-613111.

For more information, visit fourseasons.com/taormina and follow @fstaormina on Instagram.

[Images courtesy of San Domico Palace, Taormina, A Four Season Hotel]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy