Terraced bayfront showcase
Guests arrive at street level and ride elevators down the cliff face to airy marble lounges opening directly onto the bay.
Where it shines
Notable
Stepped cliffside architecture redesigned by De.Tales with radial floor motifs, ceramic details, and lava stone finishes.
Notable
Attentive beachside attendants, twice-daily housekeeping, and private plunge pools across terraced seaside suites.
Notable
Serviced pebble beach on the bay, panoramic outdoor pool deck, and sea-facing dining terraces.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
A three-minute walk leads to the cable car rising up to Taormina, while the tidal causeway to Isola Bella lies nearby.
The rooms
Stepped terraces give every room a private sea-facing balcony, while premium lower-level suites feature private plunge pools framed by ceramic details.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and spa
A heated outdoor pool sits along the sun deck above the beach, and the spa provides Sicilian volcanic mud treatments.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Armònia
Tables sit among potted olive trees on the seaside terrace, serving regional Sicilian dishes right above the bay.
Almarè Bar
Yellow stools line the counter beside Sicilian ceramic heads, with drinks served beneath an elaborate stained-glass skylight.
How it began
From the coastal road, only a bougainvillea-draped roof is visible, concealing a tiered structure carved directly into the bay rockface.
Good to know
Stay here
Mazzarò Sea Palace
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Taormina
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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.