Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A White Lotus Icon
Where The White Lotus met Sicilian splendour – and the view still steals the scene.
If you’re a fan of The White Lotus series, you won’t have been able to miss that the first three seasons have all been in Four Seasons properties across the world (Maui - Hawaii, Taormina - Sicily, then Koh Samui - Thailand). I had been to Taormina before (probably more than two decades before) and didn’t stay at the (then) San Domenico Palace Hotel but did come for dinner and knew it was somewhere I wanted to return. More than 20 years and a rebrand (in 2020) to Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina, here we are.
Once a 14th-century monastery, now a tranquil courtyard retreat at Four Seasons Taormina.
Luxury, Heritage and Horizon Views at Four Seasons Taormina
An iconic Sicilian sanctuary where cinematic charm meets world-class comfort, with sweeping coastal views and the timeless elegance of Four Seasons.
Fan of the series or not, it’s almost irrelevant as despite the acclaim to the HBO series, this is an exceptional hotel in a fantastic location - as is usually the case with a Four Seasons Property. Taormina is a wonderful place to visit too, and it’s right on your doorstep at the Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace, yet once inside you feel like you’re a million miles away with a killer view across the coast, and such great facilities including the spectacular pool, spa, gardens or in hotel amenities.
Iconic stripes and a sea of blue at Four Seasons Taormina’s showstopping pool deck.
Book Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina with VIP Perks
Enhance your stay with hand-picked privileges—available only when you book through The Private Traveller
As a guest of The Private Traveller, enjoy exclusive benefits at the legendary San Domenico Palace, Taormina – A Four Seasons Hotel, through your choice of luxury booking programmes:
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits
Ideal for travellers booking with Fora through The Private Traveller, offering elevated recognition and generous perks:
Daily breakfast for two guests per room
$100 USD hotel credit for guest rooms, or $200 USD credit for suites and private retreats
Upgrade to the next room category on arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
Complimentary standard Wi-Fi
Virtuoso Programme Benefits
A flexible programme offering valuable extras:
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Daily buffet breakfast for two, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit during the stay
(not combinable with other offers, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
🛎️ When booking with The Private Traveller, I’ll help you secure the best available perks for your stay—whether it’s a sea-view suite in the historic wing or a private retreat overlooking Mount Etna.
Lush gardens with endless Sicilian sea views—pure serenity at Four Seasons Taormina.
Fast Facts for Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina:
Address: Piazza S. Domenico de Guzman, 5, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Website: fourseasons.com/taormina
TripAdvisor Ranking: #1 of 90 hotels in Taormina
Instagram: @fstaormina / @fourseasons
Nearest Airports: Catania Airport (CTA) – 67 km / approx. 1 hour by car; Palermo Airport (PMO) – 270 km / approx. 3h 30 mins by car
Number of Rooms/Suites: 111 rooms and suites
Dining & Bar Options: Principe Cerami (Michelin-starred), Rosso Restaurant, Anciovi Pool Bar, Bar & Chiostro
Wellbeing: Spa with sauna and hammam, fitness centre, cliffside infinity pool, treatment rooms, yoga
Visited: May 2025
Sophisticated dining with a view—and a flourish of pink—inside Four Seasons Taormina.
Hotel Accommodation: Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina
Historic charm, modern luxury – with views that steal the show.
Having booked with Fora, we were upgraded to an amazing room overlooking the sea on the ground floor of the older building, albeit everything (and I do mean everything) had been upgraded with the refurbishment to Four Seasons in 2020.
Room and Suite Types
Superior & Deluxe Rooms
Elegant and intimate, these rooms are ideal for romantic escapes or solo retreats. Expect refined Four Seasons detailing, with king or twin beds, marble bathrooms, and views of the hotel’s tranquil gardens, inner cloisters, or the Ionian Sea. Deluxe categories offer additional space, and many include balconies to soak in the Sicilian air.Sea-View & Premium Rooms
Wake up to the mesmerising blue of the Ionian coast. These light-filled rooms offer uninterrupted sea views, and in some cases, private terraces or French balconies. A serene choice for guests who want to feel immersed in the setting of White Lotus Season 2.Junior Suites
Thoughtfully designed open-plan spaces featuring elegant living areas, high ceilings, and a blend of monastic history with contemporary luxury. Choose from garden or sea views—both equally atmospheric in this dramatic clifftop setting, some with plunge pools.Executive & Executive Sea-View Suites
These spacious one-bedroom suites include separate living rooms and charming Juliet balconies or terraces with panoramic views. Ideal for longer stays, honeymoons, or those looking to entertain in style while soaking in the beauty of Taormina, again some with private plunge pools.Princess Cecilie Suite & Specialty Suites (San Domenico, Etna, Teatro)
Among the hotel’s most coveted accommodations, these exclusive suites evoke aristocratic Sicilian living. Expect grand proportions, antique accents, original vaulted ceilings, and expansive sea-facing terraces perfect for private dining or aperitivo at sunset.The Royal Suite
The crown jewel of the hotel, this opulent suite is located in the ancient Dominican convent’s palazzo wing. It offers a dramatic blend of heritage and glamour, with vaulted ceilings, original frescos, separate dining and living spaces, and vast terraces overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. A cinematic choice—fitting for fans of The White Lotus looking to stay in one of the show’s most iconic backdrops.
“Perched on a rocky promontory high above the Ionian Sea, San Domenico Palace, an exclusive five-star luxury hotel in Taormina, invites you to experience the charm of a reimagined 14th-century Sicilian convent. Swim in our clifftop infinity pool with breathtaking sea views, stroll in our magnificent Italian gardens, soak in the history, savour Michelin-starred dining and escape into a Four Seasons world of timeless beauty.”
Another perfect corner of paradise at Four Seasons Taormina’s lower terrace.
Facilities & Service at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina:
A storied past, beautifully reimagined.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts assumed management of San Domenico Palace in Taormina in 2020. Following an extensive renovation, the property reopened in July 2021 as San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel.
The restoration was led by architect Valentina Pisani and art restorer Rosaria Catania Cucchiara, who meticulously preserved the site's historical elements while introducing contemporary luxury. The hotel now features 111 rooms and suites, many offering views of the Ionian Sea or Mount Etna. Amenities include a cliff top infinity pool, lush gardens, and the Michelin-starred restaurant Principe Cerami.
The transformation has reestablished San Domenico Palace as a premier destination in Sicily, blending its rich heritage with modern elegance.
Here’s a closer look at the hotel’s standout facilities and services, along with my personal take on each.
Our Sea View Room 107:
Formerly the room of B. Giordano Di Sassonia (all the rooms have the names of the monks which used to inhabit them above the entrance), this would not have been like it was in the days of the monastery. A large bedroom and seating area faced as you entered, with the curtains opening automatically to reveal the view across the hotel gardens and to the sea facing beyond.
One wall looked to be a complete line of wardrobes, but the solid doors in the middle opened to reveal a wow bathroom - more on that later.
Levels of Comfort:
This was serviced to perfection usually while we were at breakfast, and again in the evening when at dinner. We came back earlier one night and the attendant was still finalising the evening turndown - one of the most exacting turndown services I have ever seen, and in a room that wasn’t apparently needing much done to it.
The air conditioning was so subtle yet so effective, and the lighting/heating/drape controls electronic yet so simple to use, with differing lighting modes depending on mood and time of day, as well as having subtle controls to either alert your room to be serviced, or to not be disturbed.
Bathroom:
I did see one of the Superior/Deluxe rooms in the (newer) Grand Hotel Wing, and while that did benefit from an outside terrace and equally great views across the bay, the bathroom did not match ours.
The bathroom was marble lined floor to ceiling, and also a double sink/vanity unit covering one wall also carved out of marble too. There was a huge soaking tub in front of another sea view facing window, separate large walk in rainshower, and a private/separate WC/bidet area too. Like everything in the room, and indeed across the entire hotel, this was always gleaming to perfection. In the TV show, while most of the rooms were larger, our bathroom was one of the best (I think save only for the Jennifer Coolidge Suite - which was The Royal Suite).
Breakfast:
Included within the rate and served either in Rosso restaurant, or by room service, this was a real highlight of the day. The restaurant has various inside rooms (one of which housed all the bakery, savoury and sweet treats of the day) but also has the terrace featured in the White Lotus series for the best views. Service was incredible, and our waiter would remember our drinks choice day to day, and automatically serve this to us. As well as the pastry room, there was also a full buffet selection on the bar (juices, fruits, yoghurts, cereals and granolas, and a choice of two different local honey from the honeycomb itself).
There was a big selection of hot food to order from an A La Carte menu - I usually opted for the delicious avocado toast (Brown Toast With Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Caramelized Red Onion From Tropea) with the addition of some chilli flakes and a soft-poached egg. Just delicious!
Restaurants & Bars at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina:
Sicilian flavours with Four Seasons flair.
You have a choice of three main restaurants here, as well as in room or private dining options. Whatever the time of year, the hotel will always ensure that at least two are open for guests to give them a choice.
As good as it was to eat within the hotel (the restaurants and bars were all exceptional), in the centre of Taormina literally a minute or so away you have the most amazing choice there too of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Rosso Restaurant
Start your morning with this view — breakfast on your own private sea-facing terrace.
The open choice for breakfast, and we went there every day as opposed to having an in-room breakfast, which was an included option too, you just pay the delivery charge only. As nice as the restaurant is inside, our choice was always out on the covered balcony with the exceptional views to Taormina and across the bay. Lunch and dinner was served here too.
Anciovi Pool Bar
This is described as a pool bar, but a full service restaurant really open from lunch through dinner, and this also services the pool area and terrace for drinks or food at your lounger/cabana. At each set of loungers, or inside the canopied cabanas is a wooden box - lift the lid to find a QR code with a menu, and a button to press for service. We had lunch a couple of times here and the food was incredible. The specialities are seafood and Sicilian dishes - a real highlight was the fresh burrata with local tomatoes, olive oil and vinegar. Add to this a selection of fresh bread and breadsticks, and a side of parmesan fries.
Dine al fresco with panoramic views of the Sicilian coast — a truly unforgettable setting.
The pool service was also exceptional, press the button and a server would be there before you knew it - we would often share a pizza as a snack lunch, and it was always nice when this was accompanied by a local G&T. As well as being able to order drinks and food, you would be served chilled mineral water in cooler bags, and often throughout the day other treats like iced tea, fruit skewers etc. Not to mention having a regular sunglasses cleaning service! There were also tables set up all around with a whole array of suncreams, hats, sunglasses etc.
Principe Cerami (Michelin-starred)
Refined fine dining at Principe Cerami, where historic charm meets Michelin-starred Sicilian cuisine.
Located next to Rosso, this was a small boutique restaurant for the fine dining experience. It wasn’t somewhere we ate, but being in the link between the two buildings did have fantastic views across the coastline.
Bar & Chiostro
A peaceful sanctuary under the palms — ideal for an aperitivo or quiet escape in the heart of the hotel.
In the centre of the hotel, one of the cloisters had been converted into an outside lounge seating/bar area open in the evenings for drinks with live music. Such a relaxed space with excellent service (from the adjacent main bar) and really nice to be served pre-dinner canapes here.
Spa & Wellness:
Botanica Spa – Natural Calm Above the Ionian Sea
Housed within the former convent’s peaceful walls, Botanica Spa at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taorminaoffers a restorative journey rooted in Sicilian nature and serenity. Treatments draw on local botanicals, volcanic minerals, and Mediterranean wellness traditions.
Facilities include:
🌿 Five beautifully appointed treatment rooms, each named after plants and flowers from the hotel's historic gardens (mine was Zahara inspired by the citrus blossoms from the garden). The geek in me always wants to list the rest (Jasmine, Hibiscus, Jacaranda, and Kenzia – the couple’s suite)
🌿 Indoor hydrotherapy pool / Jacuzzi for pre- or post-treatment relaxation
🌿 Male and female changing areas, each featuring a sauna and steam room
From Sicilian citrus rituals to volcanic stone therapies, every treatment is designed to calm, rebalance, and connect you to the spirit of Taormina. I will be doing a separate spa review of my treatment and experience here - as with the rest of the hotel, this was excellent too!
Located in the Grand Hotel Wing, there was an excellent Technogym filled fitness centre.
Design & Architecture:
Centuries of serenity, reimagined with Sicilian soul.
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, comprises two architecturally distinct wings that reflect its layered history. The Ancient Convent Wing dates back to 1374, when Dominican friars established a monastery on the site. Completed in 1383, the complex was built around the former residence of Damiano Rosso, a nobleman who donated his estate to the order. This wing retains its original cloisters, vaulted ceilings, and monastic character, offering a serene atmosphere steeped in medieval heritage.
In 1896, the property was transformed into a luxury hotel with the addition of the Grand Hotel Wing, designed in the Italian Liberty style. This expansion introduced elegant guest rooms with sea views and modern comforts, attracting prominent guests from European aristocracy and the arts. Together, the two wings seamlessly blend centuries-old architecture with refined contemporary luxury, creating a unique and storied retreat overlooking the Ionian Sea.
What was interesting when I had a tour of the property, was finding out that the Italian definition of a convent, didn’t mean that this was for nuns vs monks, as would be the case in the UK - i.e. convent vs monastery.
A fusion of heritage and contemporary art in the refined lobby at Four Seasons Taormina.
In Italy, a convent within a town was traditionally intended for friars (like Dominicans or Franciscans) rather than monks. Here’s the key distinction:
Friars (such as Dominicans, Franciscans, and Carmelites) lived in convents, typically located within or near towns, as their mission involved engaging with the local community—preaching, teaching, or offering service.
Monks (such as Benedictines or Cistercians) usually lived in monasteries, often built outside towns, in more isolated, self-sufficient environments focused on prayer and manual labour in seclusion.
So, the convent at San Domenico Palace in Taormina, originally home to Dominican friars, would have been purposefully located within the town to serve the local population—very much aligned with the Dominican order’s mission.
Pro Tip: Choosing Your Wing
Both wings of San Domenico Palace offer a distinct charm—it's simply a matter of style and mood. For an immersive sense of history, choose the ancient convent wing, where vaulted ceilings, cloisters, and sea views bring the hotel’s storied past to life—steps from the iconic courtyard and restaurant terraces. Prefer something a little more modern? The Grand Hotel Wing, added in 1896, offers elegant comfort with spacious rooms, sweeping views, and a peaceful, residential feel that’s perfect for longer stays or quiet escapes.
🛎️ When booking with The Private Traveller, I’ll help match you to the perfect wing for your stay—along with VIP perks, upgrades, and bespoke guidance throughout.
What about the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina location?
Easy to reach, impossible to forget.
Best suited for Catania airport, or arriving by train to the Taormina Giardini station below, for us it was an easy drive from our previous stay at the Rocco Forte property in Palermo, Villa Igiea. Google Maps was suggesting the best way was via Catania again, but having gone that route already I wanted to drive along the top of the island / coastal route for a change. When we checked out of Villa Igiea and said we were next going to Taormina, the receptionist checked with us (which indeed I was) that we were planning on going along the top coast, rather than veering towards Catania.
A majestic blend of history and elegance — the art-filled lounge at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, Taormina, once part of a 14th-century Dominican monastery.
As it was though, I do think we went slightly wrong in our directions at some point as we missed a turning, but the route we went was very easy, impressively scenic, with dramatic tunnels on almost a third of the (tolls) route. Once we got nearer to Taormina, we passed the train station that we would ultimately leave from, and started working our way up the cliff side. It wasn’t as remotely scary (height or other Italian driver wise) as it was on the Amalfi Coast, and we were soon outside the entrance to the hotel. You can’t actually drive into the property courtyard, and that road is a dead-end, but there is parking and staff on hand to help with luggage and valet parking.
Things to Do at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace & Taormina:
Soak up the sun, the sights, and the spirit of Sicily.
I’ll do a separate travel diaries blog on this too, but there is as much or as little as you want to do here, including everything in the hotel itself like the pool, sun terraces, gardens, gym, spa, restaurants and bars etc. as well as just soaking in that White Lotus atmosphere!
Explore the Ancient Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco)
Stroll Through the Villa Comunale Gardens
Visit Isola Bella
Wander Along Corso Umberto (so many nice shops, cafés, bars and restaurants)
Hike to Madonna della Rocca and Castello Saraceno
Savour Sicilian atmosphere and views at Caffe Wunderbar
Relax on Mazzarò Beach (or just take the cable car down)
Take a Day Trip to Mount Etna and Local Wineries
Highlights of our stay:
There were so many highlights of the stay at the but here are just a few of the key points, which I hope you find a useful summary.
Location - wow, so near and yet so far (close to everything, but feels like you’re a world away)
The attention to detail from start to finish.
Pool service - not only a stunning cliffside location, but with service second to none. Press the button for near immediate service, with all the extra benefits throughout the day like cooler bags of Four Seasons mineral water, iced teas, fruit skewers, and a spritz of lemon refresher facial spray. Not to mention the stations with Anciovi branded straw hats, sunglasses, and suncream to use.
The design and branding throughout - though I probably preferred the pool area being more subtle rather than the full-on D&G takeover which was coming back in June.
The subtle intricacies like the blue wooden Anciovi ‘boats’ you would be served at the pool with drinks - with olives & chips/crisps.
The incredible selection of (my favourite spirit) gins - though they did seem to keep running out of the local Sicilian gins that I liked - Grand Tour, Volcano etc. - and not draining the bottles by me I hasten to add!
Our room - anywhere in the hotel would be good, but what a spectacular view, and the bathroom was incredible too.
The Cloisters bar service - so perfect for a pre-dinner drink in an exquisite setting, with service and atmosphere to match.
Areas for improvement:
While I always prefer to focus on the highlights of any stay, there are occasionally small moments that could have made the overall experience feel even smoother.
Only comment I would make is that we could have stayed longer!
And that I won’t leave it another 25+ years before I come back.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Without any hesitation yes - if you’re a fan of White Lotus, it’s an absolute must, and even if you’re not, it’s still a must for the location, outlook, service, facilities, and whole property ambience.
Welcome to San Domenico Palace, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury.
My final thoughts on Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina:
I had wanted to stay here for such a long time (from being reminded about how wonderful Taormina is) from seeing it again on the White Lotus TV show and it did not disappoint in any way. Taormina was as beautiful as I remembered, and despite being busy (even early in the season) it has an incredible charm and the San Domenico Palace team and property only just added to that overall wow factor.
✨ Inspired to experience Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina—or another iconic property—for yourself? I’d be delighted to help. Book your stay with me and enjoy exclusive perks like upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credits and more, all at no extra cost. Visit theprivatetraveller.com or message me via @theprivatetraveller to start planning.
Poolside perfection in Taormina 🌵☀️ - Unwind with sea views, striped umbrellas, and the timeless charm of Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
📍 Sicily, Italy | 📸 The Private Traveller
Share Your Thoughts:
I’d love to know what you think—have you stayed at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina, or is it on your travel wishlist? Drop a comment below and let me know your impressions, or where you'd like me to review next. And if this has sparked inspiration for your own Sicilian getaway, I’d be thrilled to help you plan it—with exclusive VIP perks when you book through @theprivatetraveller and Fora Travel.
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