A restored 14th-century Dominican monastery in Taormina, transferred to Four Seasons in 2021. One hundred and eleven rooms with Mount Etna views, the cloister gardens, and the property where HBO's The White Lotus Season 2 was filmed.
"Restored 14th-century Dominican monastery in Taormina, Four Seasons since 2021. The property where HBO's The White Lotus Season 2 was filmed."
San Domenico Palace occupies a restored 14th-century Dominican monastery on Taormina's clifftop overlooking the Ionian Sea, originally founded as a religious community in 1374, converted to a hotel in 1896, and continuously operated as a luxury hotel since. Four Seasons took over operations in July 2021 after a comprehensive renovation, and the property became globally famous in late 2022 as the primary filming location for HBO's The White Lotus Season 2. The architectural integrity is exceptional — the original 14th-century cloister, the medieval stone walls, the Dominican-era frescoes, and the original chapel are all preserved.
The 111 rooms split between the original Monastery Wing (with views into the cloister or to Mount Etna), the Garden Wing (in the more contemporary additions), and the multi-bedroom Suites including the Royal Suites with the most extensive Mount Etna terraces. The post-Four-Seasons-renovation interiors retain the Sicilian-baroque aesthetic with contemporary luxury bathrooms and bedding.
The grounds — the original cloister gardens, the heated outdoor pool overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea (one of the most photographed pools in Italy), the spa, and the multi-restaurant complex — make San Domenico one of the most architecturally distinctive luxury hotels in Italy. The cloister at sunset is particularly photographable; the property's restored 14th-century chapel is regularly used for vow renewals and small wedding ceremonies.
Dining is at three main restaurants. Principe Cerami — the property's Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant — operates on the cloister terrace under chef Massimo Mantarro, with a daily-changing Sicilian-Mediterranean menu. Anciovi (added by Four Seasons) is the more relaxed all-day. The terrace bar is the cocktail venue with the famous Mount Etna view. The wine programme is heavily Sicilian-focused. Service is the consistent global Four Seasons standard at its highest historical-property expression. San Domenico Palace is the most refined Sicily luxury hotel post-2021 and the answer for travellers who want the historic-monastery setting with Four Seasons operational discipline.
The Sicily anniversary at the 14th-century monastery. Book a Monastery Wing room with Mount Etna view. Principe Cerami Michelin dinner at sunset on the cloister terrace; the spa programme; the gardens. The combination of the historic setting and the Four Seasons operational discipline produces the most refined Sicily anniversary stay.
The Sicily honeymoon at the property where The White Lotus Season 2 made global. Book a Royal Suite with the Mount Etna terrace. The cloister at sunset; the Etna view from the pool; the Principe Cerami tasting menu; the property's small chapel for a vow renewal. The honeymoon at San Domenico is the post-2021 polished version of Sicily luxury.
Four Seasons brings its family-luxury programming to the property. The multi-bedroom Suites in the Garden Wing, the Kids for All Seasons programme, and the heated pool with Etna view work for family stays. The cloister and historic architecture provide engaging setting for older children.
Piazza San Domenico 5
98039 Taormina (Messina), Sicily
Taormina clifftop, 5 min walk from the Greek Theatre; 60 min from Catania (CTA)
111 rooms across Monastery Wing + Garden Wing
Garden View Room from €1,000/night
Etna View Room from €1,500
Junior Suite from €2,500
Royal Suite from €8,500
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Minimum stay: 2 nights (3 in peak)
14th-century Dominican monastery setting
Original cloister gardens
Principe Cerami (Michelin-starred)
HBO The White Lotus Season 2 filming
Four Seasons since July 2021
Open: late March – early November
Peak: June–September (book 4 months ahead)
Best value: April, October
High-speed WiFi throughout
Reliable signal in all rooms
In-suite office setups on request
From €1,000/night. Etna View rooms (the most-requested) book 4 months ahead in peak. Royal Suites need direct Four Seasons contact.
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