Taormina Mare, Sicily, Italy
Sant’Andrea is an imposing 19th century villa overlooking the the Bay of Mazzaro. With its own private beach below, large dining terrace and set in sub-tropical gardens, it enjoys one of the best positions in Taormina.
Our review
It would be hard to imagine a better location for a beach-based break in Sicily. This attractive villa overlooks the Bay of Mazzaro and the focus is very much on outdoors. The attractive gardens form a backdrop to the piece de resistance of this hotel – its location right on the water’s edge, seemingly dipping its toes in the water. The large shaded sun terrace along one side of the building overlooking the sea is where most activity takes place. It’s tiled in terracotta and populated with palm trees and red geraniums; to the rear are staggered planted terraces with more lush greenery and flowers. Whether its eating breakfast in the early morning sun, enjoying lunch in the shade or just watching the activity on the private beach below, the terrace is a very pleasant place to be. By night, it’s transformed into a candlelit cocktail bar, ideal for pre-dinner drinks.
The children’s facilities are very good here. There is not just a private beach – with lifeguard – but rocks to explore and rock pools. I can imagine a young child being amused for hours. A kid’s club with supervised activities is on hand most days. There is a heated swimming pool on a higher level accessed from the beach, but there are fewer sunbeds here and not much space to run around, so I think it would only appeal to older children.
Our room was a spacious Suite Deluxe with separate lounge area and terrace with sea views. There was a pretty soft pink two-seater silk-covered sofa with contrasting lime green cushions and original art work hung above it. Fresh white lilies gave the room a homely feel. Two sets of full length French doors led onto our large private terrace complete with sunbeds and uninterrupted views over the bay. In the marble bathroom were double sinks and a separate bathtub and shower. Quality toiletries from Molton Brown, Bulgari and Penhaligon left us wanting for nothing. A lovely touch was to also include soap made in the area – in this case orange. Luggage racks and hanging space were situated in a narrow area alongside the bathroom, doubling as a corridor to it. If one of us was using the hanging area, the other could not gain access to the bathroom easily. This was my only niggle with the room, which was otherwise simply fabulous. Since this is a listed building, I imagine there was no other way the architect could get round the issue.
We had a late lunch here on arrival, an evening meal and breakfast. On each occasion, service was slow; for breakfast it was also a bit disorganised. I put this down to the hotel only having opened for the season a few days before and staff were still bedding in. Food was very good. Paul had a well-mixed cocktail on the terrace before dinner and was most impressed.
We both had two treatments in the spa. I had a facial and massage and I enjoyed both. The therapist recommended the correct facial for me – not the most expensive – and got the pressure just right for my massage.
Front of house staff, the barman and the concierge were all very helpful and friendly.
If you like the beach and the sun and want somewhere private and a bit exclusive, this would be the perfect spot. It’s also very good for children, but with only 60 rooms, the place isn’t overrun with them. There are also lots of activities on the doorstep if the sunbathing gets too tedious.
Final words: Stylish beach hotel with great facilities for children.
Rooms
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea offers around 70 rooms and suites housed within a historic seaside villa. Accommodation features refined Mediterranean décor with antique furnishings and elegant fabrics. Most rooms and suites include furnished balconies or terraces with direct views over Mazzarò Bay, while select suites offer expansive outdoor spaces and enhanced living areas.
Food and Drink
The hotel’s main restaurant serves Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, enjoyed on a panoramic terrace overlooking the bay. Brizza, the beachfront fine dining restaurant, offers contemporary Sicilian dishes served directly by the water’s edge in a relaxed yet elegant setting.
The bar provides cocktails, aperitifs and light refreshments throughout the day, complemented by sea views and a calm coastal atmosphere.
Wellness
Wellness facilities include a treatment area offering massages and beauty therapies, alongside a fitness centre equipped with modern gym equipment. Treatments can also be arranged in-room, allowing guests to relax in privacy while overlooking the sea.
Facilities
- Private equipped beach
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront and terrace dining
- Wellness treatments and fitness centre
- Landscaped subtropical gardens
- Complimentary shuttle to Taormina
- Concierge service and excursions
- Children’s club and family activities
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea is located directly on the shores of Mazzarò Bay in Taormina Mare, at the base of the hillside leading to Taormina. The cable car to Taormina’s historic centre is nearby, along with attractions such as Isola Bella, the Ancient Greek Theatre and the Ionian coastline.
Getting there
Address: Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Loc. Mazzarò – Taormina (Messina), Italy
Arriving by car: Motorway A18 Messina-Catania, exit “Taormina”
Arriving by train: Taormina-Giardini Naxos Railway Station (5 km – 3 miles), then 5 minutes drive to the hotel.Trains from Palermo, Catania, Reggio Calabria, Naples, Rome.
Arriving by air: Catania International Airport Fontanarossa CTA (60 km – 37 miles), 50 minutes drive to the hotelPalermo International Airport Falcone-Borsellino PMO (260 km – 160 miles), 2 hours 50 minutes drive to the hotel.
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.