A 14th-century Dominican convent turned setting for season 2 of The White Lotus, suspended between the Ionian Sea and Etna.

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

★9.7

From

2,190 €

“Intact 15th-century cloister, terraced gardens with direct views over Etna and the bay of Naxos.”

PalaceHistoriqueVue merVue montagneIconiqueSpa

The San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel occupies a former Dominican convent founded in 1374, converted into a hotel as early as 1896. We quickly recognise the place: it is the setting for season 2 of The White Lotus, largely filmed in its gardens and cloister. The vaulted corridors, restored frescoes and light stone arcades tell five centuries of Sicilian history, without artificial reconstruction. The rooms look out either over the Ionian Sea or Etna, often both at once from the upper terraces. Rates start at 2 190 € per night, which remains in the upper range of European Four Seasons. The spa and infinity pool overlook the bay of Naxos, a rare setting for a swim. We simply regret that the influx of curious visitors spotting the series sets can sometimes be heard even in the gardens 😌.

Who is it for?

Who we recommend it to

We recommend the San Domenico Palace to travellers seeking tangible history rather than a reconstructed setting, lovers of religious architecture and Sicilian panoramas. It is an address for honeymoons, anniversaries and stays of several nights, where one enjoys the spa as much as the gardens. Families find suitable rooms, yet the atmosphere remains hushed, closer to a couple or duo of friends than to a group.

The building

Architecture and interiors

The edifice dates from 1374, founded as a Dominican convent, with cloister, chapel and monks' cells still legible in the structure. Conversion into a hotel dates back to 1896, then a recent renovation under Four Seasons preserved the stone vaults, frescoes and Sicilian majolica floors. The terraced gardens descend towards the sea over several levels, planted with citrus trees and bougainvillea. The ensemble remains low, two to three storeys, so as not to compete with the panorama.

At the table

Restaurants, bar, service

The restaurant Principe Cerami serves contemporary Sicilian cuisine signed by chef Massimo Mantarro, with views over the gardens. A bar and terrace service complete the offer, focused on cocktails and local produce. Room service allows dinner facing Etna directly in the room. We have no information on a specific breakfast service in the data provided.

Highlights

15th-century Dominican cloister preserved at the heart of the hotel
Main setting for season 2 of The White Lotus (2022)
Infinity pool facing the bay of Naxos and Etna
Restaurant Principe Cerami, Sicilian cuisine by chef Massimo Mantarro
Airport shuttle available, Catania around 50 minutes

Location & access

Where the hotel sits in Taormina

The San Domenico Palace stands on Piazza San Domenico, in the heart of Taormina, a few minutes' walk from Corso Umberto and the Greek theatre. The neighbourhood is pedestrian, chic and touristy, lively by day, calmer come evening. Catania airport lies around 50 minutes' drive away, Palermo airport two hours. The airport shuttle offered by the hotel avoids the need to hire a car on arrival.

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