La Plage Resort Taormina review: Honest assessment of this Isola Bella beachfront hotel.

La Plage Resort Taormina Review: Isola Bella Beachfront Hotel Worth It? (2026)

By Jean-Paul Cavalletti | Reviewed January 23, 2026

Quick Overview
La Plage Resort sits within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve, directly on one of Taormina’s most photographed beaches. This 59-room property offers bungalows, suites, and standard rooms nested in ancient maritime pines, with direct beach access and views of the iconic Isola Bella island. With room rates from €240 to €600+ nightly, it delivers a solid four-star beach experience with genuinely excellent service and location, though room quality doesn’t quite justify the five-star pricing.

Pros: Unbeatable location directly on Isola Bella beach, exceptional breakfast buffet with prosecco, warm and attentive staff, free private beach access, convenient cable car access to Taormina centro

Cons: Rooms feel cramped and dated for the price, significant noise from trains every 30 minutes, limited privacy on beach (public walkway), some bungalows lack natural light, spotty WiFi

The First Impression: Arriving at Isola Bella

The entrance sets the tone immediately. You pass through an automatic gate and descend through a vine-draped tunnel—a theatrical arrival that feels purposefully designed to separate you from the outside world. The reception area is modest but efficient, with staff greeting guests with prosecco and genuine warmth.

But here’s what strikes you first: the location. Step beyond reception and Isola Bella—that postcard-perfect island—sits directly in front of you, connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar. The crystalline Ionian Sea stretches out in shades of turquoise and deep blue. It’s the kind of view that makes you forgive a lot of other shortcomings.

The property sprawls across terraced levels connected by pathways through the pine forest. Porters handle luggage, which is essential given the steps and layout. Everything feels intimate and slightly hidden—bungalows tucked amongst trees, pathways winding towards the beach.

What Staying Here Actually Feels Like

This isn’t a typical resort experience. La Plage operates more like a refined beach club with attached accommodations. The rhythm here centres entirely on the beach—mornings start with that spectacular breakfast, days unfold on sun loungers facing Isola Bella, and evenings transition to aperitivo at the beach bar or dinner at Fusion.

The vibe is relaxed European luxury rather than formal or fussy. Guests range from Italian families to international couples, with a noticeable concentration of return visitors who clearly know what they’re here for: the beach, the view, and that breakfast.

The beach itself is pebbles, not sand—a crucial detail. You’ll want water shoes, which the resort thoughtfully provides as complimentary flip-flops. The water is pristine, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, with Isola Bella accessible via the sandbar at low tide.

Staff presence is notable—always someone nearby to arrange a sun lounger, deliver drinks beachside, or offer directions. The service-to-guest ratio feels high, creating an atmosphere where you’re genuinely looked after rather than processed.

Rooms & Accommodations: Bungalows in the Pines

La Plage offers 59 accommodations across several categories:

Standard Bungalows (21 sqm)

The entry-level option, tucked in the pine forest with garden views. These are small—genuinely small—with a double bed, private bathroom, mini-fridge, satellite TV, and air conditioning. The “Asian-inspired” decor is pleasant but minimal. Bathrooms feature either tub or shower, hairdryer, and basic toiletries.

The catch: Limited natural light from small windows. Freight trains pass on tracks behind the property every 30 minutes or so—you’ll hear them clearly, particularly at night.

Deluxe Bungalows (21 sqm + private garden)

The sweet spot for most travellers. Same footprint as standard bungalows but with crucial upgrades: sea views and private garden patios with outdoor Jacuzzis. The outdoor space transforms the experience—having your own loungers, hammock, and hot tub overlooking the Mediterranean justifies the premium.

Important note: Privacy varies significantly. Some bungalows have better hedging between properties than others. Request details when booking if privacy matters.

Suites (86 sqm)

Two-bedroom suites in the central building with separate living areas, three bathrooms, and large private patios with Jacuzzis and panoramic sea views. These are genuinely spacious and better appointed, though still not cutting-edge luxury.

Central Building Rooms

Standard hotel rooms in the main structure. Less atmospheric than bungalows but more practical for guests with mobility concerns (fewer steps).

The Reality Check

For the price point (€240-€600+), the rooms themselves are merely adequate. They’re clean, functional, and well-maintained, but dated. I noticed cobwebs in corners, bathrooms that felt slightly shabby, and furnishings that feel more 2010 than 2025. You’re paying for location and service, not cutting-edge design or luxe amenities.

Best choice: Deluxe Bungalow with sea view and Jacuzzi. The outdoor space makes the small interior irrelevant since you’ll spend minimal time indoors.

That Legendary Breakfast Everyone Talks About

This is where La Plage genuinely excels. The breakfast deserves its reputation as potentially the best hotel breakfast in Sicily.

Served on the Isola Bella Terrace with floor-to-ceiling views of the island and sea, the spread includes fresh pastries and Sicilian sweets (cornetti, cassata, cannoli), hot items (bacon, sausages, eggs cooked to order), fresh fruit selection (seasonal Sicilian citrus, berries, melons), cheeses and charcuterie (local Sicilian selections), yogurts, cereals, breads, and prosecco and Bucks Fizz (complimentary mimosas).

The quality is genuinely high—fresh ingredients, proper coffee, and attentive service that refills items promptly. Staff circulate offering espresso, cappuccino, or fresh-squeezed orange juice.

The setting elevates everything. Watching the morning light hit Isola Bella whilst sipping prosecco and eating warm pastries becomes the kind of experience that defines a trip.

Practical note: Breakfast gets busy 8:30-10:00 AM. Arrive early (7:30 AM) or late (10:00 AM) for a better table and more relaxed service.

The Fusion Restaurant: Sicilian Cuisine Reimagined

Here’s something interesting: several travellers I spoke with who dined at Taormina’s Michelin-starred restaurants actually preferred Fusion’s food. That’s a bold claim, and having experienced it myself, I understand why.

Chef Simone Strano and his team focus on transforming traditional Sicilian “street food” into haute cuisine—arancini elevated with innovative preparations, swordfish prepared two ways, pasta dishes that respect tradition whilst adding creativity.

The menu changes seasonally, emphasising local seafood and Sicilian ingredients. Standout dishes include fresh swordfish (multiple preparations), house-made pasta with sea urchin, the “Etna” dessert (a theatrical strawberry creation), and traditional Sicilian antipasti reimagined.

Wine programme is strong, with sommelier Mario curating an impressive Sicilian selection. His ability to match wines to budgets and preferences is exceptional.

Pricing: Expect €40-70 per person for dinner without wine. Not cheap, but comparable to fine dining in Taormina centro with superior views. The terrace setting facing Isola Bella at sunset is spectacular. Reserve dinner early for best tables.

Pietra Marina Beach Restaurant

The second dining option, open June-October, serves lunch and lighter fare directly on the beach. Traditional Sicilian seafood, Mediterranean dishes, very casual atmosphere. Expect €25-40 per person.

Beach Bar

Operating June-October, serves drinks, light snacks, and gelato directly to your sun lounger or at the decking seating area. Prices: panini €7, water €3, beer €5. There’s a €3 per person service charge if you order to your sun lounger.

The Beach Club & Facilities

The Private Beach

La Plage’s headline feature: free private beach access within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve. Over 200 sun loungers and umbrellas exclusively for guests. Unlike many Italian beach clubs, there’s no frantic rush to reserve spots—staff coordinate seating, ensuring everyone gets positioned.

The beach faces directly towards Isola Bella island, creating that perfect postcard view. Water is clean, clear, excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

The pebble situation: This is a stone beach, not sand. The pebbles can be uncomfortable without water shoes (resort provides complimentary flip-flops, but water shoes are better).

The privacy issue: A public walkway runs along the beach to Isola Bella’s sandbar crossing. Non-guests constantly walk past loungers, especially during high season. During peak summer, expect a parade of tourists, selfie-takers, and beach vendors passing through your supposedly “private” beach.

ExPure Spa

Located on property, ExPure Spa offers Turkish Bath (hammam), sea view Jacuzzi with panoramic terrace, chromotherapy treatments, individual massage rooms, and relaxation area with herbal tea service. Treatments include massages (hot stone, Swedish, couples, four-handed), facials, and body treatments using Decléor products. Pricing: €80-150 for most treatments. Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Age restriction: 18+ (16-17 with adult).

My assessment: It’s a nice spa, not a destination spa. Perfectly adequate for a massage after beach time, but don’t expect Aman-level facilities. The sea-view Jacuzzi terrace is the highlight.

Fitness Centre & Pool

Small outdoor fitness area (seasonal, May-October) with Technogym equipment and sea views. Basic but functional. I noticed some maintenance issues including cobwebs. La Plage has an outdoor swimming pool, though most guests ignore it entirely—why use a pool when you’re on one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches?

Location: Beachside Convenience vs Town Access

La Plage occupies an enviable position directly on Isola Bella beach within the Isola Bella Nature Reserve, Via Nazionale 107/A.

Important clarification: Isola Bella beach and Mazzarò beach are two separate beaches. La Plage is on Isola Bella beach (the southern beach), NOT on Mazzarò beach (the northern beach). They are separated by a small rocky promontory.

Distance to Key Sites

Isola Bella island: Directly in front (accessible via sandbar at low tide). Cable car to Taormina centro: 10-minute walk from resort. Mazzarò beach: Just north (short walk around the promontory). Taormina town centre: 5-minute cable car ride (€6 one way, €10 round trip) from Mazzarò. Ancient Theatre of Taormina: 3.5 km. Catania Fontanarossa Airport: 64 km (1 hour drive).

The Cable Car Situation

This is crucial for planning: The cable car (funivia) connects Mazzarò beach (north of La Plage) to Taormina centro in about 5 minutes. From La Plage, it’s approximately a 10-minute walk to reach the cable car station. Cost: €6 per person one way, €10 round trip (2025 pricing).

However: The cable car occasionally closes for maintenance or weather. When this happens, you’re left with replacement bus service (€1 per person, but can be cramped and infrequent), taxi (€15-20 each way, 10-minute drive), or walking (uphill, possible but challenging in heat).

La Plage provides complimentary airport shuttle service (must be arranged in advance) and has free parking on-site (subject to availability).

Neighbourhood Character

You’re on Isola Bella beach, a protected nature reserve area separate from both Mazzarò beach (to the north) and Taormina town (up the hill). It’s quiet, focused on beach life, with the resort being the main establishment on this particular stretch. For shopping, culture, and Taormina’s famous Corso Umberto, you’ll need to walk to the cable car and ride up to town.

This location works perfectly if you want a beach-focused holiday with occasional town excursions. This location fails if you want walkable access to restaurants, bars, and Taormina’s nightlife without relying on cable cars or taxis.

Service & Value: Where Your Money Goes

Service Quality

This is La Plage’s genuine strength. I found the service consistently excellent: front desk staff (Rudolf, Daniele Agati, and team) were professional, knowledgeable, and helpful; breakfast service was attentive without being intrusive; beach staff and lifeguards coordinated sun lounger seating efficiently; restaurant servers (including Vincenzo Verga and Mario the sommelier) showed genuine warmth and expertise; and housekeeping provided twice-daily service in bungalows.

The staff-to-guest ratio feels high. There’s always someone nearby to assist, which creates that looked-after feeling. Check-in includes prosecco, checkout is quick, and staff genuinely seem invested in guest satisfaction.

The Value Question

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: La Plage charges five-star prices for four-star accommodations.

What you’re paying for: Prime beachfront location on Isola Bella, exceptional service and staffing levels, outstanding breakfast included, free private beach access (€20-40/day value elsewhere), and that view.

What you’re NOT getting: Cutting-edge luxury room design or amenities, perfect soundproofing (train noise is real), true privacy (public beach walkway, some bungalow layouts), or flawless maintenance (cobwebs in gym, some tired finishes).

Pricing: Expect €240-400 for standard/deluxe bungalows in shoulder season, €400-600+ for summer peak and suites.

Fees & Policies

Tourist tax: €5 per person per night (max 10 nights), children under 12 exempt, paid at checkout. Beach club entry (day visitors): €20 adult, €10 child, lunch included. Parking: Free (subject to availability). Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM. Cancellation: Varies by rate/season (check when booking). Pets: Allowed on request (€70/week + €50 cleaning fee). Payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express accepted.

The Real Drawbacks Nobody Mentions

1. The Train Noise Is Real

This is the single most significant issue I encountered. Freight trains rumble past every 30 minutes or so on tracks running directly behind bungalows and the beach area. The sound is audible throughout the property—in rooms, on the beach, and at the pool.

Impact varies by individual tolerance. I adapted after the first day, but if you’re noise-sensitive or a light sleeper, this is a deal-breaker, not a minor inconvenience. Unlike steady road hum, train passages are loud, rumbling events that create distinct interruptions. During evening hours when you want quiet, the trains continue on schedule.

Mitigation strategies (limited effectiveness): Request bungalows furthest from tracks (though no area is completely immune), use white noise apps or earplugs for sleeping, reframe it as “authentic Sicily” (working trains have run here for generations), or accept it as part of the trade-off for this specific beachfront location.