Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare, is a charming beachside residence overlooking Sicily’s Bay of Mazzarò. Created over a century ago as a prominent Englishman’s summer home, it was transformed into an intimate hotel in the 1950s and went on to welcome a host of eminent guests, from Winston Churchill to Elizabeth Taylor and Al Pacino.

Embraced by the Sicilian sea, the villa offers a full immersion of the senses. Each light, lavish room and suite faces out on the water, so guests awaken every day to a soothing seascape. The villa’s charming Mid-Century Modern décor includes classical archways and columns, with oil paintings by local artist Alessandro Florio sitting elegantly alongside vintage Mimmo Rotella works. Geometric patterns pay homage to the region’s Moorish influences while colourful ceramics highlight Sicily’s rich craftsmanship. 

A true highlight is the private pebbled beach, with the recently launched Lido Villeggiatura, A Villa Sant’Andrea Beach Club offering luxurious private cabanas, a vibrant bar, live music, cinema nights and beach games.

The villa’s subtropical gardens provide a cool respite from the Sicilian sun, with open-air wellness treatments available among the fragrant blooms.

Sublime tide-to-table seafood gastronomy delights the palate. Ristorante Sant’Andrea offers time-honoured Sicilian recipes with a modern twist while fine dining Brizza serves just 16 diners right by the water’s edge. At laidback Brace Grill, grilled delicacies are savoured alongside jazz tunes and at Bar Sant’Andrea, the true art of mixology is showcased.

Tailor-made activities embrace nautical, culinary and volcanic adventures, from sailing to idyllic islands to exploring Mount Etna and sampling Sicilian wines. A 10-minute courtesy shuttle takes guests to enjoy the facilities of sister property Grand Hotel Timeo, right next to the ancient Greek Theatre in bustling Taormina town.