Baroque seaside estate
The estate runs like a private coastal village, spread across four hectares of gardens between Mount Etna and the sea.
What it’s good at
Notable
A 1689 prince's fortified seaside estate with carved lava stone portals and turrets.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The grounds border the Alcantara river mouth, with Mount Etna rising inland and Taormina a short drive north.
The rooms
Rooms occupy restored farm cottages scattered through the grounds, each opening directly into the Mediterranean gardens.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers line the freshwater pool in the park gardens, shaded by dense trees fifty meters from the shoreline.
The spa
The spa has a sea-salt hot tub, Finnish sauna, and herbal tea bar beneath exposed timber beams and stone columns.
At the table
Syrah Beach Club sets draped gazebos along the water, and Ristorante Giardino di Pietra cooks from the estate vegetable garden.
How it began
Filippo Murabito bought the property in 1971, initially running a campsite to keep the historic buildings intact.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.