Ancient Monastery, now Luxury Hotel on the Sea
| Location |
In the heart ofTaormina - 5 minutes from the center of shopping and best restaurants. |
| Our Rating |
Superior 1st classhotel with every comfort |
| Setting |
One of a kind andfor decades considered the most famous hotel in Taormina. Formermonastery built in the 15th century. The imposing structurewas built directly on a promontory over the ocean. Surroundedby huge tropical park with flowering trees and shrubs. It isa wonder to behold. |
| Interior |
The hotel is a verylarge property. Various medieval courtyards magically appearas you wonder through the hotel's corridors. They are open lettingin the sunshine and allowing the visitor a glimpse of blue skybefore even leaving the structure. They are filled with floweringbougainvillea bushes, palm trees and original statues. The manymedieval halls have original furnishings, sumptuous draperyand vaulted ceilings some with frescoes. Terraces on variouslevels allow you to fully take in the spectacular panorama fromdifferent angles. |
| Accommodations |
108 rooms and suiteswith views over the sea, gardens or the various cloisters. |
| Reception |
Yes, of variouskinds depending on size of group. No minimum. Maximum 400++ |
| Facilities |
Two restaurants,pool overlooking the ocean, huge park and gardens to walk through.Private rooms for receptions. |
| Types of Ceremonies |
Symbolic in thegarden by prior approval. About 5 incredible Catholic churchesin Taormina and a beautiful wedding hall in the main piazzawith medieval cloister. |
| Activities |
Every kind of watersport is available, tours to nearby Catania, Messina and Siracusaas well as Mt. Etna and the Greek ruins. |
| Entertainment |
Music and dancing.There is a curfew. |
| Price to rent |
No rental, priceis determined by number of guests and size of reception room |
| Best time of year |
Taormina has a microclimate!You can enjoy the sun in the winter too! All year round. |
Special Features
Few palace hotels can boast being a former monastery. Sweeping views extend from the Greek Theater to the snow capped peak of Mount Etna, this palace hotel overlooks a luxuriant garden and is a large structure built right over the sea.
The inside courtyard leading to the lobby is beautiful and sunny and beckons the visitor into a very exclusive but relaxed ambiance.
After the lobby you will be entranced by a winter garden enclosed in a cloister, lying right in the heart of the hotel with columns and corridors with vaulted arches. You can circle the cloister and in every direction explore the extraordinary public halls and rooms decorated with original paintings and antiques dating over 400 years. The statuary contributes to a feeling of history and beauty which reaches its apex as you step into the amazing park.
The park enjoys 360 degree views of the bay, as far as the eyes can see and the mountain behind Taormina. It is bursting with every kind of tropical plan and flowering bushes. Clouds of bougainvillea dazzle the eye and the blue waters of the sea are the perfect frame for such beauty. What a place to have your wedding photos taken! There are various small and large terraces that could be perfect for a sunset aperitif or dinner for your reception. The main reception hall is huge and best for a minimum of 100 guests. For smaller wedding parties there are other possibilities. Talk with your personal wedding coordinator.
The rooms used to be the former cells of the monk but don't worry...there is nothing monastic here, this is a luxury hotel. But the layout and history of the location do make for some very unusual and memorable
accommodations.
Wake up in the morning and take your buffet breakfast on the terrace overlooking the incomparable views, then walk down to the park and go for a swim into the large pool. Later in the evening, Taormina comes to life, shops staying open till the wee hours. The restaurants offer the finest in Sicilian food.
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