The Travel Cocktail posted: " Taormina's stylish property... A short walk from the hustle and bustle of Taormina's main drag is an oasis that is the San Domenico Palace. Once a monastary, this hotel got a major makeover when it was taken over by the Four Seasons and is" The Travel Cocktail
A short walk from the hustle and bustle of Taormina's main drag is an oasis that is the San Domenico Palace. Once a monastary, this hotel got a major makeover when it was taken over by the Four Seasons and is now a polished luxury hotel.
The San Domenico is an impressive, grand space. Very sleek with lots of modern accents and ammenities while preserving the iconic monestary and old Sicily vibe. It has a sense of place while allowing for the new. There are two wings to the hotel, the old monastary wing and the new modern fashioned wing. I was given a room in the new wing and I have to say it was a spectacular room! Very comfortable contemporary design with smooth wood furniture and warm neutral colours. Very tastefully furnished and probably one of my favourite rooms in terms of comfort and relaxation. Included in my room was an espresso maker which I have to say I really like and use when hotel rooms have them. And the most important... a wonderful view of the sea! The bathroom was marble and had sustainable refilable bottled bath products, very trendy these days, and the shower was large. Everything felt quite glamorous.
The the property and public spaces are vast. A grand hall has the bar area which gets very busy in the evenings, and a Michelin starred restaurant serving an up market Sicilian menu. In good weather there is seating on the terrace whilst indoors is an elegant modern design dining room. There is a central outdoor garden for drinks, extensive gardens and pool all overlooking the sea.
The breakfast buffet is a feast spread throughout the grand hall. Charming Sicilian touches such as a granita cart and a Sicilian carretto carrying pastries is a bright way to start the day. Fresh orange juice from local orange trees, sicilian sweets and a full breakfast menu are all on offer. Not to be missed.
While the San Domenico is near perfection it has to be pointed out that its ultra editorial style is very American. The old world patina is there but overall you definitely feel like you are more in a Four Seasons hotel than say a European hotel that has its little quirks. You hear American english more that anything, the rooms are made up to American tastes and yes, this is the hotel featured in White Lotus. And none of that is a negative, it works and the Four Seasons is a great brand. This is definitely a resort onto its own.
The service was perfect as you would expect from any Four Seasons hotel. Kind, friendly and extremely helpful. Sicilian charm and hospitality really make this property shine. I really enjoyed my stay and would go back in a heartbeat.
Please note I paid for my own stay at the hotel and this review is based on my own experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment