The hype
Guests feel like they are staying at a wealthy friend's private villa, praising the 'old-school glamour' and impeccable service.
Villa Sant'andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
$900-2,500+/ night
Book this if You want the only true luxury hotel in Taormina with direct private beach access and don't mind taking a shuttle to dinner.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to Mazzarò Bay (rare for Taormina)
- Complimentary boat tours along the coast in summer
- Free shuttle to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo in the town center
Quick Take: An impossibly elegant British-Sicilian seaside manor where you pay a fortune to avoid the cable car lines.
Reviewed by @SarahTravels: I still dream about my stay at Villa Sant'andrea. Waking up to the sound of the Ionian Sea and having breakfast on that terrace was the highlight of my summer. It’s expensive, but for a special occasion, it is absolutely unmatched magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The most common gripe is the value-for-money ratio on food and entry-level rooms, which feel cramped.
- You prioritize sea swimming over town wandering
- You want a quiet, romantic escape away from the cruise ship crowds
- You appreciate 'Grand Dame' service where staff know your drink order
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable twice-daily service with turndown.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept sparkling; Acqua di Parma toiletries are replenished generously.
- Maintenance: Grounds are manicured daily; 'lush and gorgeous' gardens.
- Linens & towels: Thick, high-thread-count cotton sheets and plush beach towels.
- Odors & scents: Fresh sea air and jasmine from the gardens; no musty smells reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Service elevators (audible in rooms like 211)
- Crashing waves (loud if terrace door is open)
- Hallway noise in main building due to hard marble floors
Before you book
Good to know
- The complimentary shuttle to Grand Hotel Timeo runs every 30 minutes and is a huge perk—use it to dine in town.
- Valet parking is approximately €50/day; public parking at the cable car is cheaper but riskier.
- City tax is €5 per person per night.
What to pack
- Water shoes (the beach is rocky/pebbly)
- European power adapter (though some rooms have US/UK outlets, it's not guaranteed)
- Dinner jacket/smart attire (restaurants here and at Timeo have dress codes)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Junior Suites (333+ sq ft) for a separate sitting area and decent balcony
- Ionica Pool Suite for a private lava-stone pool and massive terrace
Rooms to avoid
- Room 211 (guests report noise from the service elevator starting early morning)
- Classic Double Rooms (courtyard view, no sea view, and very tight)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on an upper floor away from the service elevators. We prioritize a quiet location over proximity to the lobby. If available, a room with a terrace that receives afternoon sun would be appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach sandy?
No, it is a pebble beach. The hotel provides loungers and footwear is recommended for entering the water.
Can I use the facilities at Grand Hotel Timeo?
Yes, guests have reciprocal access to the pools and restaurants at the sister property in town.
Is there a lot of train noise?
Surprisingly little. While the track runs along the coast, the hotel's position in the bay and cliff protection shields most rooms from direct train noise.
How do I get to Taormina town?
Take the hotel's free shuttle (15 mins) or the public cable car (Funivia) which is right across the street (3 mins).
Is breakfast included?
Usually yes, and it is excellent—served on the terrace with granita, fresh pastries, and made-to-order eggs.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, there is a dedicated 'Smile Club' for children and the beach is safe, though the vibe is definitely more adult-oriented.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book your dinner at the sister hotel's 'Ristorante Timeo' for sunset—the view of Etna is better there than at the beach.
- ✨
The 'Brizza' pop-up restaurant offers dining literally on the water's edge (feet in sand/pebbles), but it only seats ~16 people.
- ✨
If the hotel beach is full, you are steps away from the Isola Bella nature reserve—swim over for a change of scenery.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'service elevator' noise in certain rooms (like 211) is a known morning sleep-killer.
💡You have to pay for 'extras' like paddle boards even at $1,500/night.
💡The Wi-Fi can be spotty on the far ends of the beach.
💡The gym is small and feels like an afterthought compared to the rest of the property.
💡Late-season stays (October) mean the sun disappears behind the cliff by mid-afternoon.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Villa Sant'andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare is located and what's nearby.