There are some places in the world that don’t just welcome you, they sweep you into a dream. Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily, is one of them. Perched on the edge of the glittering Mazzarò Bay, this former aristocratic villa exudes timeless glamour, the kind that feels plucked from a bygone era yet impossibly fresh.
I arrived in April, when Sicily is in full bloom and shoulder season gifts you the luxury of space. The air was scented with orange blossom, the gardens awash with cascades of pink flowers, and the only soundtrack was the gentle rhythm of the Ionian Sea lapping at the private shoreline. Hidden away from the lively streets of Taormina’s historic centre, Villa Sant'Andrea feels like a secret retreat, yet one with all the sophistication and service you’d expect from Belmond.
Understated Elegance and Timeless Charm
Inside, the hotel is a masterclass in understated Sicilian elegance. Cool marble floors, hand-painted tiles, and antiques with storied pasts sit alongside breezy terraces that blur the line between indoors and out. The atmosphere perfectly captures the Art of Belmond: warm, intuitive service wrapped in a setting so beautiful it almost feels unreal.
Dining here is pure theatre for the senses. The sweeping terrace of Ristorante Sant’Andrea rests on its own private shoreline, serving the very best from land and sea beside a bay that shimmers under the Sicilian sun, and later, the stars. Think grilled catch-of-the-day drizzled with golden local olive oil, handmade pasta laced with fragrant herbs, and citrus-infused desserts that echo the island’s orchards.
For the pinnacle of fine dining, Brizza offers an intimate, water’s-edge experience for just 16 guests each evening. For something more relaxed, Brace at Bar Sant’Andrea is the place for lingering sundown cocktails, bubbling jazz, and irresistible dishes from the josper grill. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the bay transforms into liquid gold, and every table seems to glow.
Experiences Made for You
What makes a stay here extraordinary is the way each day can be shaped into something uniquely yours. Begin with a sunrise swim in the hotel’s saltwater pool, its edge melting into the sea. Spend the afternoon aboard a private yacht, discovering hidden grottos and sun-drenched coves. Return for an in-room spa treatment, the scent of sea salt still on your skin, before an intimate aperitivo on your balcony. For romantics, the hotel can arrange a candlelit dinner right on the beach, the waves playing in time with the music of clinking glasses.
And then there’s Taormina itself, a town that could easily be mistaken for a film set. Its cobblestone streets lead to world-class boutiques, including Loro Piana and artisan perfumeries crafting some of the most delectable scents in Sicily, each bottle infused with the essence of the island’s flowers, citrus groves, and sea breezes. The dining scene is equally exquisite, from Michelin-starred restaurants with dramatic cliffside views to intimate trattorias where Nonna still stirs the sauce. It’s a place where every turn reveals another temptation, be it fashion, fragrance, or flavour.
One unforgettable evening, as we wandered through Taormina’s lantern-lit streets, pausing to admire elegant shopfronts and the gentle hum of café chatter, a low, distant rumble caught our attention. Looking up, we saw Mount Etna illuminated against the dark sky, releasing a plume of smoke and ash—a breathtaking reminder that this region is as dramatic as it is beautiful.
In Taormina, beauty is everywhere. But here, at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, beauty is curated, layered, and deeply felt. It’s in the way the light dances across the water at breakfast, the taste of just-picked lemons in your evening cocktail, the quiet luxury of knowing that everything has been considered so you can simply… be.
Why Book with Tully Luxury Travel
When you book a stay at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea with Tully Luxury Travel, you’re not just reserving a room—you’re unlocking exclusive privileges and expertise that turn a remarkable stay into an extraordinary one. Our Travel Designers have first-hand experience at this property and in Taormina, allowing us to craft bespoke itineraries that blend the hotel’s timeless elegance with the best of Sicily’s culture, cuisine, and coastline.
From securing the most sought-after tables and arranging private yacht charters to curating behind-the-scenes experiences you won’t find online, every detail is handled with the discretion and precision that define Tully Luxury Travel.