Quick Facts

Where: Mazzarò Bay, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Category: 5 Star Luxury Hotel
Price Range: €€€€
Best for: Luxury stays, romantic getaways
Getting there: Very easy by car, train, or airplane

Location

If you want to stay close to town but still wake up to the sound of the sea, Mazzarò Sea Palace is the perfect luxury hotel in Taormina. It sits right on the stunning Mazzarò Bay, with its own private beach – so you get that gorgeous emerald water all to yourself.

Just a short walk away is Isola Bella, one of the area’s most famous sights. It’s a little island surrounded by water that’s now part of a nature reserve and home to a historic monastery.

Want to explore Taormina’s charming streets? The cable car is just 100m away and takes you straight up the hill into the heart of town.

The Hotel

atmosphere

Mazzarò Sea Palace is already breathtaking the moment you arrive. The stone wall leading to the entrance is covered in blooming flowers. You could easily spend time just admiring all the colours, which we actually did. The hotel is built in a tiered structure, which means every room gets its own spacious balcony or terrace with stunning sea views. The main terrace, where the bar, restaurant, and pool are located, is pure Mediterranean charm. There are olive trees, Sicilian ceramics, stone walls, and palm trees, setting the perfect scene.

Every afternoon, we found ourselves at the bar. Soaking up the sun, we always tried new drinks that came with a platter of snacks (as is tradition with Italian aperitivos). In fact, we actually spent a lot of time on that terrace, especially at breakfast. The buffet was next-level, packed with fresh fruit, Italian antipasti, Sicilian brioche (with ice cream, of course), and even Prosecco on ice for morning mimosas. And those are just some of the highlights still stuck in my head! Also, they had milk alternatives for coffee, which I was quite thankful for since not many Italian places offer that.

I visited in April – not the hottest time of year, even in Sicily – but I got quite lucky with the weather and could enjoy the private beach. The sunbeds were super comfortable, and the staff was always around if you needed anything. The sea was still freezing, so I only dipped my toes in. But I can imagine it’s amazing in summer!

Unfortunately, the waves got so strong that our sunbeds were flooded. So, we were forced to retreat to the pool area, but I’m not complaining. Thanks to a glass barrier, the wind was mostly blocked, and we could lounge in the sun, surrounded by olive trees. The hotel also has a gym and spa, but I didn’t check them out. From what I’ve heard, though, they’re well worth a visit.

Rooms

Now, onto the rooms! The design of the hotel is genius, as mentioned, and every room has a direct sea view and plenty of private outdoor space. We stayed in a superior room, and the moment I walked in, I fell in love (mostly because of the view, though). The bed was big and cozy, there was a nice armchair in the corner, and the marble bathroom had all the amenities you’d need.

But the real star? The terrace. It was big, with a tiled floor and a comfy seating area. I spent hours out there, sipping coffee and staring at the sea. Some rooms have even larger terraces, and a few even come with a private pool. Next time, I might just have to upgrade.

A nice little touch was a handwritten note, along with some sweet treats and a whole bottle of Sicilian liquor. To be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the liquor. The rest, however, I devoured right away with my afternoon coffee on the terrace.

Something Special

I celebrated my birthday at Mazzarò Sea Palace, and the staff went above and beyond to make it special. They surprised me with a beautiful birthday cake and helped my boyfriend arrange an incredible bouquet of flowers. They even secured a reservation at a charming little restaurant in Taormina. On top of that, nearly everyone I met wished me a happy birthday and it truly couldn’t have been a better day.

Beyond that, this place is the perfect spot for a White Lotus-level experience—without the actual White Lotus experience. The service is impeccable, with the staff always there when you need them. The food and drinks? Exceptional. And the hotel itself, both inside and out, is pure luxury. Honestly, I couldn’t have wished for anything more.