Vibe
Subtropical gardens and private cabanas cascade down to Mazzaro Bay, where beach concierges serve gelato right along the pebbles.
“Aristocratic coastal heirloom”
Attentive beach concierges, suite fragrances by LabSolue, and private boat cruises across Mazzarò Bay.
Originally built as a private summer residence completed in 1919; later a family luxury hotel.
A private pebble beach club, cliffside infinity pool, complimentary boat excursions, and children's programming.
On Mazzarò Bay by the pebbles, with the cable car up to Corso Umberto across the street.
“the 66-room Villa Sant’Andrea ... retains the feel of a private residence — with an exclusive beach, no less.”
Rooms
Rooms frame views of the turquoise bay, detailed with Sicilian ceramics, framed antiques, and woven rattan bedheads.
Wellness
An outdoor heated infinity pool overlooks the bay, alongside a steam room and an open-air massage gazebo among coastal greenery.
Backstory
Completed in 1919 as a Cornish rail engineer's summer villa, the estate later became a haven for mid-century cinema icons.
Eat & drink
Brizza sets sixteen seats directly on the beach pebbles for dinner, while Ristorante Sant'Andrea serves seasonal seafood on its panoramic terrace.
The neighborhood
The cable car across the street whisks you up to medieval Taormina in minutes, while summer boat excursions explore Isola Bella.
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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.