Unahotels Capotaormina

Taormina, Sicily

First Impressions

On arrival, we were greeted by the helpful staff at UnaHotels Capotaormina, who assisted with our luggage in Sicily’s summer heat and into the air conditioned reception area. Checking in was a breeze and the staff explained a helpful overview of the hotel’s unique circular layout and amenities. The reception design and decor may not ooze a luxury aesthetic. However, it's beyond where the charm and rich history of the property is displayed. Having hosted generations of Hollywood stars, its location has recently gained attraction for filming season two of the series White Lotus. This hotel is a must stay in Sicily, it’s where the past meets present, enhancing the classic Italian feels, in both glamour and cultural significance.

Accommodation

When booking our room prior to our stay, we knew it included a balcony with a view. However, we didn't realise that it was the most spacious balcony with the best view of Taormina! Our very private paradise with panoramic views, overlooking the mediterranean sea, hotel pool and the iconic volcano Mt. Etna! With the option to order room service and have it set up on our own private balcony, would make any meal an unforgettable and intimate experience. Modern luxury isn’t defined by lavishness at UnaHotel Capotaormina, instead it resides in its authentic Sicilian charm with the overwhelmingly beautiful location, dining options, extraordinary activities and spa experiences, making it Sicily’s top sanctuary.

Dining

I can't emphasise enough how special and unique the dining options are here, it's a truly memorable experience that you will not stop thinking about. After arriving in the afternoon, we made dinner reservations at the hotel’s ‘Le Grand Bleu’, where we watched the sunset behind Mt. Etna. This sea-level restaurant near the pool can also be accessed via the mediterranean ocean, thanks to the hotel's own private jetty. Though families were present, ‘Le Grand Bleu’ maintains an atmosphere that isn't suited for noisy distractions, it offers an intimate dining experience with a romantic atmosphere. Even if you are dining solo, or sharing conversations between tables, the content ambience sets the scene for a special evening. From the divine local olive oil paired with freshly baked bread, Le Grand Bleu offers a seafood menu like no other. One of the most popular dish’s is the ‘Raw Shellfish Smoked,’ it’s presented under a glass lid and when lifted by the waiter, releases smoke, revealing the freshest seafood bites. And of course, you can't go wrong with the largest and freshest oysters Sicily has to offer, or the lobster handpicked from the morning’s catch. Another option at the hotel is ‘Naxos’ restaurant, which offers Sicilian cuisine and is more of an indoor formal dining environment, my only reason for not dining here is because I preferred being by the ocean. If I wasn’t dining in town, my heart kept pulling me back to ‘Le Grand Bleu’, as I preferred the experience and the views of dining by the ocean.

After dinner, I headed upstairs to ‘Svevo Bar’ on the terrace, which has a large balcony wrapping around the hotel. Its panoramic night view of the city and boat lights under the stars was mesmerising, and the live band added to the atmosphere, with guests dancing and the musicians walking through the crowd serenading everyone by playing the violin! For breakfast, ‘Svevo Bar’ changes to ‘Alcantara’ offering a generous buffet of beautifully curated Sicilian and American-style options, where you can enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace while taking in the gorgeous views of Sicily!

Rest and Recreation

Where do I begin? The hotel's circular setting offers 360-degree views of the Mediterranean is pure bliss. However, one of the most unforgettable experiences is taking the lift down to the lowest level, and when the doors open, you find yourself stepping into a dimly lit cave that leads directly to the hotel's private beach, complete with sunbeds and fresh towels. Or continue walking through the cave a bit further if lounging by the pool is more your style, which eventually opens up to the iconic seawater pool, jetty, and the Le Grand Bleu restaurant. Walking through the pool area, there's a deck with many sunbeds and also a walkway that winds along a cliff, with views of ‘Iso Bella’ Beach to the left and Mount Etna volcano to the right. At the top of the cliff is a stunning desert garden where the hotel spa is located, offering both indoor and outdoor massage experiences.

Service & Hospitality

We are so grateful that the majority of the staff at Una Hotels Capotaormina were proud Sicilians, excited to share their culture with us, offering local insights and sharing historical stories that added to our welcoming experience. They really went above and beyond, taking pride in their much loved location. Although the hotel itself is older, Una Hotels Capotaormina stands out for being impressively ahead of its time when it comes to accessibility, offering excellent accommodations for those with reduced mobility. Given its location at the base of a cliff, with the main town of Taormina perched above, the hotel provides a convenient and clean shuttle service that is a lifesaver in the summer heat!

Property & Location

When planning our Sicilian getaway, I carefully researched various options, but I’ve always been drawn to places with an old Hollywood charm and of course, stunning ocean views. UnaHotels Capotaormina effortlessly checked both of these boxes. Its 360-degree panoramic views, paired with the surreal cave that leads to a private beach and pool, make this stay feel like a once in a lifetime experience. While the main town of Taormina offers plenty of charm, it tends to be much hotter, and the only option for cooling off there would have been the hotel's pool. Being at UnaHotels Capotaormina, right by the water, felt like a perfect escape from the heat and offered the best of both worlds, breathtaking views and immediate access to the Mediterranean.

Overall Experience

A luxury experience enriched by cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings. If you're planning your next European summer, UnaHotel Capotaormina is where you'll be able to soak up the sun, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea, and simply relax in the beauty of Sicily. This hotel delivers an experience that exceeds expectations, and where the past meets the present. It will leave you inspired and eager to return!

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