Mazzarò Sea Palace
Taormina, Italy
Mazzaro
Vibe
Guests arrive at street level and ride elevators down the cliff face to airy marble lounges opening directly onto the bay.
“Terraced bayfront showcase”
Stepped cliffside architecture redesigned by De.Tales with radial floor motifs, ceramic details, and lava stone finishes.
Attentive beachside attendants, twice-daily housekeeping, and private plunge pools across terraced seaside suites.
Serviced pebble beach on the bay, panoramic outdoor pool deck, and sea-facing dining terraces.
On the Bay of Mazzarò, steps from the cable car up to Taormina's historic center.
Rooms
Stepped terraces give every room a private sea-facing balcony, while premium lower-level suites feature private plunge pools framed by ceramic details.
Wellness
The Hyd'Or Wellness Centre pairs a Turkish bath and sauna with body rituals using volcanic mud, alongside a heated sea-view pool.
Backstory
From the coastal road, only a bougainvillea-draped roof is visible, concealing a tiered structure carved directly into the bay rockface.
Eat & drink
Enjoy crudo on the waterfront terrace at Armònia, boundary-pushing tasting menus at BLUM, and aperitifs beneath the fluid ceiling of Almarè Bar.
The neighborhood
A three-minute walk leads to the cable car rising up to Taormina, while the tidal causeway to Isola Bella lies nearby.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.