Best Luxury Hotels In Sicily
Sitting at the southern tip of Italy (the toe of Italy’s boot!) Sicily is a perfect mix of vibrant cultures, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes. As the largest island in the Mediterranean, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty—from the sandy beaches lapped by azure waters to the rugged mountains and the steaming craters of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. Sicily’s rich past is etched in its Greek temples, Norman churches, and Baroque palaces, reflecting a history shaped by a succession of rulers.
This storied island is not just a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for the palate, renowned for its delectable cuisine which can be enjoyed in many authentic eateries or in renowned destination restaurants. Whether seeking respite in the tranquil seclusion of a countryside resort or immersing yourself in Sicilian life at a palatial urban retreat or enjoying city life at the capital Palermo, you can be promised an experience that stylishly combines comfort, impeccable service, and the timeless allure of la dolce vita.
Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels to stay at on the island.
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea – MGallery by Sofitel
Providing guests with stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Palermo and Mount Pellegrino, Grand Hotel Villa Igiea has been a landmark of Sicily for more than a century. The hotel is set in a stunning terraced garden and offers guests an excellent range of leisure facilities such as the enormous outdoor swimming pool and the tennis court. Lovers of fine dining will want to make sure that they take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in the hotel’s Donna Franca Florio restaurant while enjoying a cocktail on the terrace as the sun slowly sets over the Bay of Palermo is an experience that should not be missed.
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Over a century old, this elaborate and effortlessly classy villa first belonged to a Cornish native. Found in the seaside suburb of Taormina, it has direct access to a private beach and charming views from the wrought iron balconies. Inside you’ll find Baroque artwork, marble staircases and room scents by Ortigia. There’s a kids club and programme of themed activities for the bambinos, watersports onsite, a spa and a terrace restaurant. Guests also have access to its sister hotel, the Grand Hotel Timeo, in Taormina itself (a free shuttle bus will whisk you there in moments).
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
Those who want the chance to get back into the swing of things while surrounding themselves with pure luxury are sure to love this boutique resort, which comes complete with its own 18-hole golf course. Guests are treated to more than 4,000 metres of space to explore or for those who like something less strenuous, they can retreat to the serenity of the expansive spa. The Landscape suites provide guests with stunning views of the beautiful Sicilian beach, while those who opt for a Deluxe or Junior suite will be able to gaze out at the ocean from their private balcony.
Hotel Excelsior Palace
Set on a clifftop on the edge of Taormina, the Excelsior Palace Hotel provides guests with a first-rate experience combined with plenty of luxurious and stylish touches. Couples are sure to love dining on the terrace after dark as the waves crashing on the beach provide a natural backdrop combined with the glittering lights of the town that stretches along the curving bay. Each of the hotel’s 85 rooms are extremely elegant and provides guests with exclusive touches such as large beds and bathrooms, while those who want to enjoy the best should opt for a suite with views of Mount Etna.
The Ashbee Hotel
Walking through the grounds and up the steps to the main doors of the Ashbee Hotel feels like wandering through the pages of a classic English novel and the illusion is perfectly maintained throughout the establishment. In terms of style, the rooms are decorated in soft grey and silver tones that are perfectly accented by royal purple furnishings for a real taste of decadent class, while the grounds are set with stone statues and gently bubbling fountains. Guests will want to make sure that they book early in order to secure one of the 25 rooms and suites and the hotel is so majestic that simply sitting down to dinner feels like a grand affair.
La Plage Resort
Set within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve, this luxurious resort features its very own beach club, meaning that guests will find it very easy to enjoy their time in the sun. The resort underwent a full refurbishment in 2016 and guests are sure to love the modern amenities, which include the award-winning Expire Spa featuring a Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and a selection of skin treatments, the onsite Fusion Restaurant and more than 200 sun loungers set right on the sand. There are just 58 guestrooms and three large suites, which means that guests at La Plage Resort are treated to plenty of privacy and a feeling of intimate decadence that is absent from larger establishments. Taking the cable car down the side of the hill to reach the town centre is an enchanting experience that guests who have a strong sense of adventure will not want to miss.
Catania, Sicily
Duomo Suites & SPA
Duomo Suites & Spa Cacaptures the essence of Sicilian charm in each of its 17 rooms and suites while exuding modern design and comfort. This luxury, cinema-themed hotel offers a blissful getaway in a range of guestroom options including the unbeatable Le Grand Bleu Spa Suite – complete with a fully equipped wellness area with a private hammam, jacuzzi, and sensory shower. Some rooms have balconies that offer alfresco relaxation in the centre of Catania. The hotel is ideally located a stone’s throw from the charming and bustling Duomo Square and provides a serene sanctuary for guests to enjoy thanks to the indulgent on-site spa. Duomo Suites & Spa Catania is the ideal getaway for those wishing to discover the secrets of Catania and its rich history.
Palazzo Sangiorgio
The luxurious 5-star Palazzo Sangiorgio is a first-class, contemporary getaway in the heart of Catania. The hotel building itself is full of history while the modern interior exudes comfort and sophistication. There are 25 guestrooms made up of Superior and Deluxe rooms in addition to 5 suite types. Each of the spacious rooms has been stylishly decorated and is a cosy retreat for travellers. The exquisite on-sire Ristorante Basalto offers nothing but culinary excellence in a truly stunning setting. Guests can indulge in specially crafted, sumptuous Sicilian dishes and authentic local wines while soaking up their surroundings amidst the charm of the island. The rooftop bar serves many purposes and ranges from a lively bar with a DJ to a relaxing solarium area with a mini pool. The fully equipped Magma Harmony Spa is the perfect place to relax and treat yourself to a specialist treatment. Palazzo Sangiorgio is also home to spectacular event spaces for hosting anything from a simple business meeting to a swanky celebration.
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