Latest news with #Taormina
Times
2 days ago
- Times
21 of the best hotels in Sicily for 2025
If you've been inspired to visit Sicily after watching back-to-back episodes of The White Lotus or Inspector Montalbano, then you'll already know it's a place full of plot twists. Those coming in search of luxury will certainly find it here — in the grande dame, riviera-style resort hotels of Taormina, or the historic palazzos at baroque towns of the southeast like Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto and Modica. But there's another side to this rugged, volcanic island, too: a timeless world of olive farms, vineyards, traditional villages and hill towns way off the tourist track, where many locals still speak their own dialects and rarely make it out to the glitzy, developed coast. And then there's the Aeolian archipelago, where you can walk on black sand beaches, watch the fireworks from one of Europe's most active volcanoes, and stay at exclusive island havens on Panarea and Salina, frequented by the Italian jet set. Our favourites include family-friendly stays, rustic retreats, hotels with spas and pools, and those with great food. Here are the best hotels in Sicily. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue ££ | Best for playing an eccentric patron of the arts To stay at Palazzo Previtera is to experience all the atmosphere of a living museum. This newly restored guest house may only have three bedrooms alongside two cottages in the grounds, but the place oozes culture: there's a 12-room museum and library charting over 500 years of Sicilian history, a contemporary art gallery and a thriving programme of acclaimed artist residences. Built in 1649 on the slopes of Mount Etna for the Previtera family, who kickstarted the wine industry in Sicily, you can expect a riot of frescoed ceilings, antique floor tiles and traditional Sicilian furniture mixed with contemporary art. While here, join an embroidery lesson or a Sicilian cookery class, or head to the library for a peep at its 1758 limited edition of Milton's Paradise Lost. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for masseria living with all the mod cons This chic boutique eco-hotel in the heart of the Val di Noto is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, orange groves, olive and carob trees and offers an upmarket agriturismo break within easy reach of Noto, one of Sicily's most dramatic baroque towns. A traditional Sicilian manor house with gorgeous internal courtyards and squishy sofas set in mature gardens, its 22 rooms have a cool, restful palette and fabulous views. Dine alfresco at the poolside grill or on the restaurant's open terrace; unwind in the heated infinity pool and spa, enjoy open-air movie nights or grab a bike and explore the spectacular countryside — you won't want to leave. ££ | POOL | Best for baroque views from a boutique bolt hole Modica looks so ravishing that it could be a film set — a jumble of honey-stone houses tumbling down a steep hillside towards its centrepiece baroque cathedral. Indeed, you may even recognise it from Inspector Montalbano. A complex of renovated cottages, Casa Talia offers a grandstand view, particularly enjoyable in the warm glow of sunset — repayment perhaps for the steep, thigh-taxing hike up from the centre. Each of its rooms and suites has distinct character, from stone floors to patterned-tile walls and bamboo ceilings, and comes with a private balcony or terrace overlooking a sweep of the city. Breakfast is served in a little courtyard garden under a glorious fig tree, and somehow there's even space for an infinity plunge pool. ££ | POOL | Best for stylish solitude and farm-fresh food On a working olive farm half an hour's drive from Agrigento, Mandranova offers the chance to experience Sicilian agricultural traditions — with a splash of style thrown in. The farmhouse offers 14 rustic, cosy rooms, some of which overlook the olive trees or garden; or for added exclusivity there's a three-bedroom stone cottage in a former mill. Mandranova's olive oil is prized across the island and further afield, and the owners, Giuseppe and Silvia, will happily take you on a tour of the estate, with their dogs in tow — or you can just chill beside the pool. Much of the farm's produce finds its way to the table — the restaurant serves fantastic, home-style Sicilian food with a modern twist. The surrounding area is largely farmland, which means that rates are pretty reasonable and it's fairly quiet. The elegant town of Agrigento, with its famed temples, is an easy day trip, and there are several quiet beaches within driving distance. £ | Best for an affordable slice of ancient Syracuse This smart seaside hotel has to be one of the best bargains in otherwise pricey Syracuse — if not in the whole of Sicily. Plonked in a perfect spot on the eastern edge of Ortigia island, you really couldn't ask for a better base from which to explore the old town. The 26 rooms, spread over a pair of shuttered buildings, are furnished simply but comfortably, and it's worth upgrading to one with a balcony and a sea view (although note that this will also mean some street noise from passing scooters, as a road runs between the hotel and the seafront). The terrace is perfect for breakfast, taken with views of the rooftops and a sparkling blue sea. ££ | POOL | Best for picnics and cookery classes on an organic farm If you're more of a country than coast person, this farmstay between the Gela Plain and Ragusa is the perfect place to get to grips with the fundamentals of Sicilian living, with good food, good wine and good times. It's a working organic farm and offers many activities, including vineyard aperitifs, wine tasting, yoga and cookery classes in which you can knock out fresh pasta, scacce Ragusane (local stuffed buns) and classic cannoli. The rooms and suites are lovely and traditional, framed with solid stone and old beams, and the views over gardens, orchards and vineyards are dreamy. Cool off in the outdoor pool, beside centuries-old citrus trees. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for hanging out at the beach bar This resort hotel enjoys a spectacular setting over a rock that winds down to the sea between the Baia delle Sirene and perennially popular Taormina. The best rooms face the sea and come with generous private terraces — and let's face it, what can be better than falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves? All have cool colour schemes and contemporary decor, and you've also got access to a fabulous pool carved out of a natural terrace on the rocks, an extensive wellness centre, a gym and two restaurants serving Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist. In essence, a relaxing pad for exploring Taormina and its coastline. Read our full review of Atlantis Bay £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for swapping culture for the spa If you're not particularly fussed about baroque towns or medieval ruins and instead crave convenience and comfort, opt for Verdura Resort. It's located in the west of the island and has more facilities and activities than anywhere else, including a colossal spa and two 18-hole golf courses. You'll also find swimming pools, four restaurants, tennis courts and a hammam. The historic coastal town of Sciacca is only a 25-minute drive along the coast. Read our full review of Verdura Resort £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for an exclusive stay with a panoramic terrace Many, many visitors to Sicily pack into the pretty clifftop town of Taormina, but precious few stay at Belmond's Grand Hotel Timeo. This exclusive property has what must be one of the most envied locations anywhere on the island, with timeless views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The terrace overlooking the Bay of Naxos has welcomed a long list of luminaries, including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, and often hosts alfresco concerts in the summer, with a cool breeze rising up from the shore below. Sister hotel Belmond Sant'Andrea makes its private beach available to guests at either property. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for star-gazing, grapes and Greek ruins Check into this 14-room wine hotel and prepare for a striking view of rolling vineyards that lead to the shores of the Mediterranean. Gorgeous Sicilian meals are served outside when the weather allows, or down at a private beach house by request. Here you're away from any large towns, and the sky at night is often filled with stars. During the day, hiring a car will allow you to explore more of the local area, including the incredible Greek ruins at Selinunte only 20 minutes away. • Read our full guide to Italy• Discover our full guide to Sicily ££ | POOL | Best for classy cave dwelling Ragusa Ibla is part of a Unesco world heritage inscription that covers a large and beautiful region of southern Sicily. Consequently, Locanda Don Serafino has plenty of competition nearby, but the hotel, which is partly built into a cave and has a Michelin-starred restaurant on site, still attracts its fair share of guests. Parts of the hotel date back to before the 1693 earthquake that flattened many of the towns in the area, while others eschew traditional stone walls in favour of a more modern design. ££ | Best for a grand palazzo on a great piazza Part of the V Retreats Group, this pastel-pink palace was built in 1880 and sits in the heart of the city's oldest area, the island of Ortigia: a maze of shady streets, baroque palazzos and ancient remains. Next door on an adjacent piazza is the city's cathedral, constructed in the 7th century on the site of a Greek temple, where you can still see the Doric columns built into the walls. Palazzo Artemide, meanwhile, is an elegant affair made from cool, creamy limestone. Some rooms face onto an interior courtyard, others onto Piazza Minerva or Via Roma, while the restaurant is housed in a handsome vaulted cellar built from distinctive tufa stone. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for fine dining in the Aeolian Islands North from the main island of Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea's Aeolian Islands offer big, volcanic rewards for anyone willing to make the extra journey. Most famous of all is Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, but down on the ominous-sounding Vulcano island there's a slice of luxury too. Located at a secluded spot on the outcrop's north coast, this resort has impressive views — on a clear day all the Aeolian Islands can be seen from here. Making the most of this extraordinary panorama is the resort's Michelin-starred Il Cappero restaurant. ££ | POOL | Best for coastal walks to burn off the cannoli Lying just west of the beautiful coastal town of Cefalu, the Calanica Resort has enviable real estate on Sicily's north shore. Guests are assigned a bungalow facing out to sea, with the sound of the Mediterranean lapping against the sandy beach in the hotel's private bay below. There's ample opportunity to relax in their pool if you prefer, but if you're feeling energetic, Cefalu is a scenic hour's walk along the coast. Anyone worried they've eaten too many Sicilian cannoli can also make the steep but rewarding climb to the top of La Rocca — the imposing crag that overlooks the town. ££ | POOL | Best for mountains, monks and medieval mooching It's about a half-hour drive from Cefalu, a popular resort town on Sicily's northern coast, to reach this 12th-century abbey, which produces its own organic and biodynamic wines. Rooms all have wine-themed names and are set around a central courtyard, with vineyards rising up the hillside beyond. Exposed beams, wooden furniture and tapestries all create an antique feel, and some look out over the gardens, hills and sea. Fine dining comes with wines to match in restored cellars at La Corte dell'Abate restaurant; while Passioni e Tentazioni is a less formal option serving Sicilian classics. Head into Castelbuono itself to immerse yourself in its medieval streets and castle, then explore the mountains of Madonie Natural Park. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for volcanic wines on Etna's slopes If the congestion of Catania and the unabashed tourism of Taormina are too much for you, then this is the Goldilocks solution found halfway between the two. Built on the foothills of mighty Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere makes the most of the volcanic terroir, with a 62-acre winery on site. Its dedication to environmentalism goes beyond marketing spiel too — the hotel uses organic, local ingredients, avoids single-use plastics and has even made its pool out of Etna's renewable lava rock. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for getting back to nature while getting pampered There are many vineyards and luxury hotels in Sicily, but none are more tranquil than Pisciotto. The hotel is located on the edge of a nature reserve in a remote southern part of the island, so there's no chance to stroll down Greek and Roman boulevards, but ample opportunity to explore the 100-plus acres of vines and the forest beyond. The rooms lean into the rustic setting, but there are plenty of modern comforts too, including a pool, spa and hammam. Staff here are experts on everything from the birds you can see around the grounds to the bottles of wine you drink with dinner. ££ | SPA | Best for modern art amid the age-old architecture Much of the eastern Sicilian city of Catania was razed to the ground by a catastrophic earthquake in 1693, but this palazzo was one of the buildings to rise from the rubble, and is a classic of late-baroque style. Today, while the exterior has remained faithful, the artwork indoors has moved with the times. A gigantic flamingo is impossible to ignore as you enter, while paintings and sculptures are dotted throughout the property. Guests can choose between neoclassical rooms or modern art alternatives. At night, head to the rooftop to see the illuminated surrounding buildings, with Mount Etna providing a show-stealing backdrop. £££ | SPA | POOL | Best for designer digs with the personal touch A two decades-long labour of love, Dimora delle Balze has been carefully converted from a ruined 19th-century estate into an outstanding modern hotel. Much of its original layout has been preserved, but designers Draga Obradovic and Stefano Guidotti worked magic to create an airy, highly photogenic bolt hole halfway between the popular cities of Noto and Syracuse. It's understandably popular with couples and small wedding parties; each of its 14 beautiful rooms has been inspired by a Sicilian artist. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for marble, mail and modernism There are many historical periods on display in Syracuse — such as Greek, Roman and baroque — but the Ortea Palace is an anomaly. This one-time fascist-era post office has, against considerable odds, been converted into an elegant hotel overlooking Porto Piccolo of the island of Ortigia. Italian marble is used throughout, meaning the decor is clean and bright without feeling sterile. Being at the water's edge gives a sense of calm, but the buzz of deeper Ortigia, with its boutiques and bars, is a pleasant stroll to the south. £ | Best for finding new friends in the big city Gritty Palermo is often overlooked in favour of quieter and more glamorous destinations along the coast. As though trying to prove that the city can offer tranquillity too, the family-run L'Olivella occupies a 19th-century art nouveau palazzo on a quiet street in the historic centre, close to the Teatro Massimo. Each of its five rooms differs in style (anyone looking for a four-poster bed should request Argento), but the welcoming owner greets all the guests equally and serves the breakfast every morning. • Best holiday villas in Sicily• Best tours of Italy Additional reporting by Louise Roddon, Julie Alpine and Oliver Berry
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
DC all abuzz as conservative host Robby Soave splits with wife of 10 years to get engaged to male lover
A political pundit has roiled DC 's social scene after splitting with his wife of almost 10 years and getting engaged to a male medical student. Robby Soave, 36, has been deluged with cruel and homophobic comments since announcing he was ditching his high-school sweetheart Caroline 'Carrie' Soave for Jie Jung Shih. 'The amount of extremely homophobic comments this is getting is truly astounding and disgusting,' wrote one follower. 'Why can't people just be happy for other people's happiness? The haters had no call to spew their irrational hatred like that. Very disappointed. Idiots never stop to amaze.' Soave popped the question to Jie Jung Shih with a Tiffany and Co ring over candles and champagne in Taormina, Sicily, while the pair were on a romantic getaway together. Announcing the news on X, he wrote: 'Some personal news from my Sicily trip earlier this month, in case anyone missed it: I got engaged!' There was no mention of Soave, with whom he celebrated his ninth anniversary in Positano, Italy, in October 2023. Robby and Carrie were high school sweethearts who went on their first date in 2004. The Rising host often posted photos with Carrie on Instagram, and was never shy when it came to gushing about their marriage. In a 2019 post, he wrote: 'Today, five years ago, @carriesoave and I got married, following just over 10 years of dating that began when we were in high school and continued through college and after. 'Despite having to spend years and years and years apart from each other, we always knew where we wanted to end up: Together. I love you so much babe!' While celebrating their wedding anniversary in 2023, Soave gushed: 'Could not be more overjoyed to celebrate nine years married to @carriesoave! 'The most wonderful woman on earth, and the love of my life. Of course it's actually been a lot longer… we fell in love as high schoolers in the early 00s. 'There's no one else I'd rather travel the world with. Italy is almost as beautiful as you!' The former couple were often seen out at events in Washington, DC, and would dress up together on Halloween. It's unclear when exactly they split, but Robby hasn't posted anything with Carrie since their ninth wedding anniversary in late 2023. Last fall, Carrie officially left DC to return home to Michigan to be with her family and to open a consulting business. Discussing her move with the Grosse Pointe News in March, Carrie said: 'My family is here and I'd been wanting to come back.' Bowled over: Soave told Politico that he and Shih met at a bar on U Street in DC and that it was 'love at first sight' understands that the Soaves' split has been the talk of the town in DC's social circles all week. While some are happy to see Robby out of the closet, the overwhelming sympathy is with Carrie, who was with Robby for 17 years before fleeing DC for a 'fresh start' in Michigan after their divorce was finalized last year. Other have said that Robby's sexuality has been part of the DC gossip mill for years, so few people were surprised to see him end up with a man. As for Carrie, she hasn't publicly offered any details about her personal life and appears to be going to great lengths to fly under the radar and move on from her failed marriage. Soave hasn't shared much about his relationship to fiance Shih either, but he did tell Politico that they met at a bar on U Street in DC and that it was 'love at first sight.' Staying mum: Robby and Carrie haven't posted together since their ninth wedding anniversary in October 2023 Since publicly sharing his engagement, Soave has been inundated with cruel and often homophobic comments from his followers as well as countless right-wing figures. Despite the backlash, Soave has received support from a number of other prominent political pundits, including former Rising co-hosts Kim Iversen and Ryan Grim. 'Congratulations Robby! Wishing you both many great years ahead!' Iversen said. Soave is a decorated journalist who made it onto Forbes' 30 under 30 list in 2016. He's published two books, is a regular on Fox News and is the longest-serving co-host on Rising, which is one of YouTube's biggest political talk shows. His partner Jie Jung Shih is a student at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Shih is active in the LGBTQ+ community, and was one of a group of med students who volunteered at Capital Pride Festival in Washington last year.
Bloomberg
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Bloomberg
Hotels' Luxury Brand Pop-Ups Are Creating the Ultimate Vacation Flex
By On a scorching day in Taormina, Sicily, guests at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace would usually be worshipping the sun by the infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. But on a visit in mid-June, as I peer around from my perch on a cloudlike chaise, I realize everyone else at this picturesque former convent is more concerned with the towels. The lounge liners, swathed in a cobalt-blue floral motif that looks like Mediterranean ceramic tile, are positively delectable. They're Dolce & Gabbana and available for purchase at the hotel shop for about €559 ($656) apiece. In fact, almost everything on the pool deck sports the same fanciful print. It's all part of a summer resort takeover by the Italian fashion powerhouse: The umbrellas, the floats, the ceramic planters and even the napkins are D&G-branded.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jeff Bezos Reportedly Honeymooning at Iconic ‘White Lotus' Hotel
Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his new wife are winding down after their $50 million wedding by honeymooning at a White Lotus landmark. Bezos, 61 and Lauren Sánchez, 55, are reportedly spending their honeymoon at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons resort in Taormina, Sicily, following their controversial and star-studded three-day-long Venice wedding. The hotel was at the center of the second season of the hit HBO show The White Lotus, which satirizes the lives of the ultra-wealthy as they stay in a new luxury hotel every season. A source told the Daily Mail that the newlyweds will board Bezos' $500 million superyacht Koru and head to Taormina. Bezos allegedly grew enamored with the town last year while the couple was sailing along the Aeolian Islands. The luxury hotel has been visited by the likes of Oscar Wilde, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Elizabeth Taylor. It also hosted the G7 summit in 2017, hosting political leaders from around the world. Today, the hotel is best known for its role in The White Lotus in 2022. The last episode of that season garnered 4.1 million U.S. viewers, a record which was promptly smashed this year by the last episode of season 3, with 6.2 million people tuning in. The Four Seasons has appeared in all three seasons of the hit HBO series, the first season being set in its Hawai'i location and the third season in its Thailand branch. Its website also lists which of its hotels were featured in popular shows and media, including The Dark Knight and Pretty Woman. Rooms at the San Domenico Palace can cost up to $8,000 per night, a price that pales in comparison to the price tag of the couple's lavish wedding. Sánchez's ring alone is estimated to cost between $3 million to $5 million, according to People. The wedding hosted around 200 A-listers and billionaire guests, who descended onto Venice in private yachts and jets, taking over the Marco Polo airport. Some notable faces included Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the Kardashians, Oprah Winfrey, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Trump was also invited to the 'wedding of the century' but couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts. The citizens of Venice were not too pleased that the billionaire's nuptials were taking place in their city, concerned that it would disrupt their day-to-day lives and contribute to the city's overtourism problem. Following local protests, the celebrations were ultimately moved from central Venice to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in a former medieval shipyard called the Arsenale.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
World's most glamorous cricket commentator and daughter of sport legend stuns in bikini on sun-soaked holiday
THE WORLD'S most glamorous cricket commentator stunned in a bikini while enjoying a sun-soaked holiday. Grace Hayden, 22, hails from Australia and is one of the top cricket pundits around. 8 8 8 Her dad is none other than legendary batsman Matthew Hayden. And she's made a name for herself presenting Star Sports' coverage of the Indian Premier League alongside her iconic father. The incredible gig has an audience of more than 500 MILLION viewers. And Grace treated herself to some time away from screen with a summer holiday to Italy. She jetted to the coast of Taormina in Sicily for some much-needed fun in the sun. Grace made the most of her luxurious surroundings as she posted on the beach in a daring red bikini. She said on Instagram: 'Woke up in paradise.' Grace then kicked back by the water in a yellow swimsuit alongside boyfriend Wilson Statham. It sparked plenty of comments from adoring fans on social media. One said: 'So sweet.' Freddie Flintoff almost joined WWE under brilliant new name 8 8 Another declared: 'Hottest woman on the planet.' One noted: 'Beautiful as always.' Another added: 'Damn gorgeous.' Speaking about working with dad Hayden in India, Grace said: 'Everything's larger, louder and brighter in India. 'It's pretty cool to work alongside my dad too and carry on the legacy. I never thought life would take me in this direction. 'I was always super sporty, I tried every sport growing up and I've always loved being in front of the camera. 'He (dad) used to bring home spices and we would cook Indian food together. 'Then I started visiting myself for the IPL and embraced the fashion, the people, the energy. It's different from Australia but it feels like home.'
