Villa Sant’Andrea: My 4 Days Inside Sicily’s Most Exclusive Beachfront Villa
By Jean-Paul Cavalletti | Reviewed January 2026
Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel | Mazzarò Bay, Taormina, Sicily | €900-€2,500+ per night
One of only two hotels with direct private beach access on Sicily’s most beautiful bay, built as an aristocratic villa in 1830. The verdict: A genuinely spectacular beachfront retreat with impeccable service, but room sizes are surprisingly compact for the price, and late-season guests lose beach sun by 3pm.
➤ Check current rates and availability for Villa Sant’Andrea on Expedia
where you can view live pricing by room category and see recent guest photos.
In This Villa Sant’Andrea Review
- •The Experience What Staying Here Actually Feels Like
- •Rooms & Accommodations The Size Reality You Need to Know
- •Dining & Food From Brizza to Balcony Breakfast
- • Facilities & Amenities The Beach and Shadow Situation
- • Location & Neighborhood Mazzarò Bay and Taormina Access
- •How to Get There All Transport Options
- •Service & Value Worth €900-€2,500 Per Night?
- •Special Considerations For Families, Couples & More
- •Bottom Line Who Should Book This Hotel
- •Frequently Asked Questions Your Quick Answers
The Experience
The Grand Arrival & First Impressions
The approach sets the tone. You wind down from Taormina’s historic center on Via Nazionale, pass the cable car station, and suddenly there it is—a cream-colored villa draped in geraniums, subtropical gardens cascading down to a pebbled beach where the Ionian Sea laps at your feet.
They greet you with homemade lemonade. Not bottled, not store-bought—actual fresh Sicilian lemons squeezed that morning. It’s a small gesture that captures what Villa Sant’Andrea does well: this feels like staying at someone’s impossibly elegant private residence, not a commercial hotel.
Historic Charm with Modern Updates
The property underwent light refurbishment in 2024, adding a new gym and kids club, but the bones remain unchanged since the 1950s when it converted from a private home. Walk through marble-floored corridors scented with Ortigia citrus blossoms, past baroque paintings and antique mirrors. Balconies overflow with bright red geraniums. Everything whispers old-world Italian sophistication without tipping into stuffiness.
The Star Attraction: The Private Beach
The private beach is the star. Unlike most Taormina accommodations that require a cable car ride or steep walk to reach the water, you’re already there. The newly launched Lido Villeggiatura beach club (2024) features white-and-blue striped loungers, private cabanas with dedicated butler service, and a beach bar serving everything from fresh granita to proper cocktails. The bay itself—Mazzarò—is considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful, with crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling around rocks and exploring small caves.
The Sun Situation: An Important Caveat
But there’s an elephant on the terrace we need to address: the sun situation. The hotel sits at the base of Monte Tauro’s dramatic cliffs, and in late season (September-October), those cliffs cast shadows across the beach by 3pm. The infinity pool gets no direct sun at all during certain times of year. Multiple guests have mentioned this, and it’s a legitimate concern if you’re paying premium rates for a beach resort. Visit between May and August for optimal sun exposure.
Atmosphere & Daily Rhythm
The vibe throughout is relaxed luxury. Live jazz drifts from Bar Sant’Andrea at sunset. A DJ spins at the beach bar in the evenings. Once weekly during summer, they light the beach with candles and torches for an exclusive barbecue. You’re never far from the sound of waves, and that constant soundtrack of the Mediterranean creates an almost hypnotic sense of calm.
During the day, complimentary boat tours explore the coast in summer (included with your stay). The hotel also runs a free shuttle to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina’s historic center, giving you the best of both worlds: beach relaxation and hilltop culture.
➤ To see which rooms currently offer the bay views mentioned above
you can check live availability and pricing for Villa Sant’Andrea on Expedia.
Rooms & Accommodations
The hotel has 71 rooms and suites total. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Classic Double Rooms (20m² / 215 sq ft)
Start around €900-€1,200 in high season. These overlook the courtyard or subtropical gardens—no sea views. For context, 215 square feet is small for a luxury hotel at this price point. A guest in room 109 mentioned they couldn’t unpack because there weren’t enough drawers. The rooms are elegantly decorated with refined fabrics and antique furniture, king or twin beds, marble bathrooms with Acqua di Parma toiletries, and all the expected amenities (WiFi, satellite TV, minibar, safe). But “cozy” would be generous—these feel tight.
Deluxe Rooms with Sea View (23m² / 247 sq ft)
Add balconies or small terraces overlooking Mazzarò Bay. You’re paying €300-400 more per night for 32 extra square feet and that view. Most guests consider this the minimum entry point for the full Villa Sant’Andrea experience.
Superior Junior Suites (31-40m² / 333-430 sq ft)
Include a separate sitting area and furnished balcony with sea views. The marble bathrooms feature both shower and bathtub with dual washbasins. Some come with espresso machines. These represent better value—you finally have room to spread out.
Signature Suites
The Ionica Pool Suite is a two-bedroom sanctuary (110m²) with its own private lava stone pool crafted from Mount Etna materials, a gazebo, wooden solarium, and massive terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. Design details include Sicilian stone flooring, hand-woven rugs, Caltagirone ceramics, and original artwork by Italian artist Mimmo Rotella. This is the choice for families or those wanting the ultimate Sicilian villa experience. Booking includes a complimentary tour of Taormina’s bays by traditional Sicilian boat.
The Room Size Reality
Multiple reviews mention small rooms for the price. If you’re used to American luxury hotel standards or modern resort properties, the Classic and Deluxe categories will feel cramped. The building dates to 1830, and room sizes reflect that heritage. You’re paying for location, service, and access to exceptional facilities—not for square footage.
Dining & Food
Breakfast
Breakfast is included with most bookings and served at Ristorante Sant’Andrea from 7:30am-10:30am. The quality consistently earns praise—this isn’t a generic hotel buffet. Expect hand-picked local fruit, freshly made pastries (Chef Giusto’s cannoli with sheep’s milk ricotta are exceptional), hot dishes made to order, excellent coffee, and a buffet spread with multiple options including full English/Irish, Italian, American, and continental choices.
Alternatively, order complimentary in-room breakfast from 7am-noon and enjoy it on your private balcony overlooking the bay. No extra charge. Many couples consider this one of the hotel’s most memorable offerings.
Ristorante Sant’Andrea
Executive Chef Agostino D’Angelo leads the culinary program. His restaurant serves lunch (1pm-3pm) and dinner (7:30pm-10:30pm) on an elegant terrace with panoramic bay views. The menu champions seasonal Sicilian ingredients: just-caught seafood you can select from the day’s catch, authentic Sicilian couscous (a chef signature dish), risotto, salads, and regional specialties. The sommelier knows how to pair Etna wines with your meal.
Reviews are mixed on food quality versus price. Some guests call it among Taormina’s best dining, while others found it good but not special, particularly given the rates. Service is consistently praised as attentive, though one reviewer mentioned staff seemed rushed during peak times.
Brizza
This is where things get interesting. Brizza is a seasonal fine-dining restaurant (June-September, closed Wednesday-Thursday) located literally at the water’s edge—as close to the Mediterranean as you can dine without swimming. Only 8-16 guests per night (sources vary between “8 tables for two” and “16 guests total”).
Chef D’Angelo created an à la carte menu celebrating Sicily’s marine treasures: sea urchins, Mazara shrimp, clams from Ganzirri inlet lakes, fresh blue fish, shellfish, even local seaweed. Dishes like fish mosaico, scampo, and stewed tuna belly are paired with rare Sicilian wines refined near the sea. Even desserts continue the marine theme—try the “Dolcezze Salmastre” (salted sweets) like lemon sea stones or coffee with salted caramel.
The setting is barefoot-elegant. Five tables right on the beach. Waves lap near your feet. Sunset paints the sky. It’s genuinely romantic and often books up well in advance. Expect to pay premium prices for this experience, but couples consistently list it as a highlight of their stay.
The Price Reality
Food and drink prices are noticeably higher than restaurants in Taormina town. Multiple guests mentioned this. You’re paying for convenience, the setting, and not having to leave the property. If budget is a primary concern, the hotel shuttle or cable car to town offers plenty of excellent dining alternatives.
Facilities & Amenities
Private Beach (Lido Villeggiatura): Private pebbled beach on Mazzarò Bay with complimentary sun loungers, umbrellas, beach towels, showers, and beach concierge. Six private cabanas available with plush furnishings, minibar, and dedicated waiter service. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or swimming. Beach bar serves food and drinks. DJ and live music in the evenings. Once weekly in summer: candlelit beach barbecue.
The shadow situation bears repeating: in late season (September-October), the cliffs behind the hotel block direct sun by mid-afternoon. Plan beach time for mornings if visiting outside peak summer.
Infinity Pool: Heated infinity pool positioned on the edge of Mazzarò Bay with dramatic views. Not very large—several guests noted this—and gets no direct sun during certain times of year due to the hillside location. Plenty of loungers available. Pool bar serves drinks and ice cream. The views are spectacular even if the pool itself is modest in size.
Wellness Center & Spa: Garden-facing spa with treatment gazebo, sauna, and steam room. Treatments include aromatherapy, body wraps, couples massages, and signature treatments like the Jasmine and Prickly Pear Body Ritual. In-room and in-cabana massages also available. The spa isn’t enormous, but the setting in subtropical gardens surrounded by the sound of the sea creates a genuinely peaceful atmosphere.
Fitness Center & Kids Club: New in 2024: updated gym with latest Technogym equipment featuring integrated TV screens. Open 24/7. Personal trainers available upon request. Sunrise yoga classes offered. The gym is small but well-equipped for a property this size. The Kids Club (Smile Club) operates May-September with English-speaking supervisors leading beach games, creative activities, and special programs for children. Beach toys provided. Child and teen spa treatments available. Babysitting services can be arranged. Kids’ menus at restaurants.
Complimentary Activities
- Daily boat tours along the coast (summer season) on traditional Sicilian fishing boats exploring Blue Grotto, Isola Bella, and Cape Taormina
- Shuttle service to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina’s historic center (shared facilities access)
- WiFi throughout property
- 24-hour room service
Location & Neighborhood
Villa Sant’Andrea sits directly on Mazzarò Bay, 5km below Taormina’s historic hilltop town. The address is Via Nazionale 137, right across from the cable car station that connects beach to town in 3 minutes.
This is one of only two hotels with direct private beach access on this bay (the other is Mazzarò Sea Palace). That distinction matters enormously. Most Taormina visitors stay in town and must take the cable car or drive down to the beaches. You’re already there.
Cable Car (Funivia)
Directly across the street from the hotel. €6 one-way, €10 round-trip. Runs every 15 minutes (continuously during peak times) from 8am-8pm in winter, 8am-1:30am in summer (April-October). The ride takes about 3 minutes and delivers you near Porta Messina, steps from Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Hotel Shuttle
Complimentary shuttle to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina’s center. Runs on schedule throughout the day. Guests can use Timeo’s facilities (restaurant, bar, pool) as well.
Walking Distance from Hotel
- Mazzarò beach: You’re on it
- Isola Bella: 500 meters / 8-minute walk
- Cable car station: Directly across the street
- Nike Diving Center: 450 feet
- Spisone Beach: 1km
Service & Value
This is where Villa Sant’Andrea genuinely excels. Service consistently emerges as the defining characteristic. Guests who stayed 21 nights noted that every single staff member maintained smiles and kindness even at end of season. Multiple reviews mention being treated “like family” or “like royalty.”
Key Staff Members
Roberta Fassari (concierge) earns specific mentions for securing impossible dinner reservations, arranging transportation, organizing surprise birthday celebrations, and including guests in wine tastings and gelato parties. Diego (guest relations) also frequently praised. Giovanni Nastasi serves as General Manager and personally responds to reviews.
What They Do Well
- Greeting with fresh homemade lemonade on arrival
- Honeymoon and anniversary recognition with room upgrades, champagne, flowers
- Complimentary room service breakfast delivered to your balcony (no charge, available 7am-noon)
- Twice-daily housekeeping (“room pixies” as one guest called them)
- Beach concierge service anticipating needs
- Multilingual staff
- Genuine warmth—not just professional courtesy
Policies Worth Knowing
Cancellation: Varies by rate and season. Advance purchase rates are non-refundable. Standard rates: High season (June 1-September 15) requires 14 days notice; low season requires 7 days notice or pay full stay. Premium suites require 30-60 days notice.
Check-In: 3:00pm (15:00)
Check-Out: 12:00pm (noon)
The Value Question
Nightly rates range from approximately €900 for a Classic Double Room (no sea view, 215 sq ft) to €2,500+ for suites, with peak summer dates going even higher. The Signature Suites with private pools can exceed €5,000 per night.
What You’re Paying For:
- One of only two hotels with direct private beach access on Mazzarò Bay
- Exceptional, personalized service consistently praised across hundreds of reviews
- Access to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo and its facilities
- Complimentary breakfast (excellent quality)
- Complimentary boat tours in summer
- Prime location combining beach relaxation with easy Taormina access
- Genuine historic property (built 1830, hotel since 1950s) with Belmond luxury standards
- Recently renovated facilities (2024 updates)
The Drawbacks at This Price:
- Rooms in lower categories are genuinely small (215-250 sq ft)
- Limited storage (drawers, closet space)
- Small pool compared to other luxury resorts
- Sun shadow issues on beach and pool in late season
- Food and beverage pricing significantly above Taormina town restaurants
- No elevator mentioned (could be issue for some guests)
The 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards ranked it #8 among Italy hotels. TripAdvisor rates it 4.0/5.0. Booking.com shows 9.6/10. These ratings reflect the divide: spectacular location and service partially offset by genuine room size concerns and pricing.
From Catania Airport (Fontanarossa)
Distance: 60km / 37 miles
Drive Time: 45-50 minutes
Private Transfer (Recommended): The hotel arranges private shuttle service. Book in advance through the concierge. Expect €100-150 depending on vehicle type. This is the easiest option—the driver meets you at arrivals, handles luggage, and delivers you to the hotel entrance.
Car Service/Taxi: Available at the airport taxi stand. Agree on price before departing (approximately €100-130). Ensure they’re licensed.
Car Rental: All major agencies at the airport. Take the A18 Autostrada north toward Messina, exit at Taormina, then follow signs to Mazzarò. The hotel is on Via Nazionale 137.
By Car & Parking
Driving Directions: From anywhere in Sicily, target Taormina on the A18 Autostrada (E45). Take the Taormina exit. Follow signs downhill toward Mazzarò. The hotel is on Via Nazionale 137, easily visible from the road.
Parking: The hotel offers valet parking. Check for fees—some bookings include parking, others charge extra. Limited spaces. If the hotel lot is full, there’s public parking at the Mazzarò cable car station (paid, approximately €2-3/hour or €15-20/day).
Public Transportation
Train: Taormina-Giardini Naxos Railway Station is 5km away (about 10-15 minutes by taxi). Trains connect to Catania, Messina, and beyond. The hotel can arrange station pickup, or taxis are available outside the station.
Bus: Interbus operates services connecting Taormina to major Sicilian cities. The main bus terminal is in Taormina town center near the cable car. From there, take the cable car or local bus to Mazzarò.
Important Notes
- The hotel reopens March 19, 2026 after seasonal closure (closes early November through March).
- Book airport transfers in advance during summer—Sicily gets busy.
- If you’re exploring Sicily by car, Villa Sant’Andrea makes an excellent base for day trips to Mount Etna, Syracuse, Noto, Savoca (Godfather filming locations), and Alcantara Gorge.
Families with Children
Strengths: The 2024-added Smile Club (May-September) provides supervised activities so parents can relax. Private beach means safe, convenient water access. Complimentary boat tours thrill kids. Beach toys provided. Some interconnecting rooms available. Children’s menus at restaurants. Babysitting can be arranged.
The Ionica Pool Suite with two bedrooms and private pool is specifically marketed to families and removes the early shadow issue entirely.
Considerations: Standard rooms are quite small—families need to book Junior Suites minimum. If your children are young enough to need significant gear (strollers, car seats, etc.), confirm logistics with the hotel as the property has steps and historic features that may complicate access. Beach is pebbled, not sand—bring water shoes for small children. The refined atmosphere may not suit families with very young, energetic kids who need to run freely.
Couples & Romance
Strengths: This is the hotel’s sweet spot. The intimate scale, beachfront setting, exceptional service, and romantic touches (candlelit beach dinners, couples massages, sunrise yoga, Brizza restaurant) all cater perfectly to anniversaries and honeymoons. Many couples cite it as their favorite hotel globally.
The hotel handles special occasions beautifully—expect room upgrades when available, champagne, flowers, surprise birthday cakes with live music, and thoughtful gestures that make celebrations memorable.
Best Choices: Book at least a Deluxe Room with sea view and balcony—this is the minimum for the full romantic experience. If budget allows, the Junior Suites provide the privacy and space for truly special occasions. Request assistance from concierge Roberta for arranging surprise elements.
Timing: May-August offers the best weather and full amenities. June and September provide good weather with fewer crowds.
Accessibility Needs
Concerns: As a historic property built in 1830 and converted to a hotel in the 1950s, accessibility features are likely limited. The property has gardens with terraced levels, and I found no specific mention of elevators in any reviews. The beach involves steps. Marble floors throughout could present slip hazards.
Critical: If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact the hotel directly before booking. Ask specifically about elevator access to your room, accessible bathrooms with grab bars and roll-in showers, pathway conditions between building and beach, and wheelchair accessibility to restaurants and common areas.
➤ For an up-to-date view of pricing and availability at Villa Sant’Andrea, you can check current rates on Expedia.
Bottom Line – Who Should Stay Here
Here’s who this hotel actually serves well:
Book This Hotel If You Are:
- A couple celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or special romantic occasion who values location and service over room size
- Someone who has stayed before and knows exactly what you’re getting
- A family who can afford a suite (preferably the Ionica Pool Suite) where the room size issue becomes irrelevant
- A traveler who prioritizes direct beach access and doesn’t want to deal with cable cars or shuttles to reach the water
- Someone visiting May-August when sun exposure maximizes the beach experience
- A guest who appreciates historic properties with genuine character over modern resort architecture
- Anyone who values exceptional, personalized service and will notice and appreciate the details
Consider Alternatives If You:
- Need spacious rooms and plenty of storage for extended stays
- Are traveling September-October and beach sunbathing is a priority
- Have strict accessibility requirements
- Prefer modern hotels with contemporary design
- Want better value and are comfortable staying in Taormina town and taking the cable car to the beach
- Are sensitive to premium resort pricing for food and beverages
- Need a large pool and extensive spa facilities
The Honest Summary: Villa Sant’Andrea offers something genuinely rare—one of only two direct beach access hotels on Mazzarò Bay with service that earns extraordinary praise. The setting is spectacular, the Belmond touches are evident throughout, and the experience of staying in a converted 19th-century villa brings authentic Italian character you won’t find in purpose-built resorts.
However, room sizes in lower categories are legitimately small for the price, the late-season sun shadow is a real issue that affects enjoyment, and you’ll pay significantly more for everything compared to exploring Taormina independently.
If those considerations don’t bother you—or if you’re booking a suite where they become irrelevant—this is an exceptional property that often makes guests’ lists of favorite hotels worldwide. If you’re budget-conscious or expecting American resort-style spaciousness, you’ll likely feel the value doesn’t match the cost.
For what it is—an intimate beachfront villa with impeccable service on Sicily’s most beautiful bay—it succeeds brilliantly. Just make sure “what it is” aligns with what you actually want.
Q: Is breakfast included?
A: Yes, breakfast is included with most room bookings. It’s served at Ristorante Sant’Andrea from 7:30am-10:30am with excellent buffet and à la carte options. Alternatively, order complimentary in-room breakfast delivery to your balcony from 7am-noon at no extra charge.
Q: Do they allow pets?
A: Yes, small domestic pets are accepted at no charge. However, pets are not allowed in public areas including restaurants, bars, and the beach. Confirm specific policies when booking.
Q: What’s the cancellation policy?
A: It varies by rate type and season. High season (June 1-Sept 15) requires 14 days notice; low season requires 7 days notice or you pay the full stay. Premium suites require 30-60 days notice depending on season.
Q: Is there free WiFi?
A: Yes, complimentary WiFi is available throughout the entire property including all rooms, public areas, beach, and pool.
Q: Is parking available and how much does it cost?
A: The hotel offers valet parking. Some bookings include parking, others charge extra. If the hotel lot is full, public parking is available at the Mazzarò cable car station for approximately €2-3/hour or €15-20/day.
Q: What time is check-in/check-out?
A: Check-in is at 3:00pm (15:00) and check-out is at 12:00pm (noon). The hotel often accommodates early arrivals or late departures when possible. If your room isn’t ready, you can use beach facilities while waiting.
Q: Do they have a pool/gym/spa?
A: Yes. The hotel has a heated infinity pool overlooking Mazzarò Bay, a fitness center with Technogym equipment (open 24/7, updated in 2024), and a wellness center with spa treatments, sauna, and steam room.
Q: How far is it from the airport?
A: The hotel is 60km (37 miles) from Catania Airport (Fontanarossa), approximately 45-50 minutes by car. The hotel arranges private shuttle service for €100-150. Taxis cost approximately €100-130.
Q: Does the beach get shade in the afternoon?
A: Yes, this is important to know. In late season (September-October), the cliffs behind the hotel cast shadows across the beach by 3pm. The infinity pool also gets no direct sun during certain times of year. Visit between May and August for optimal sun exposure.
Q: Are the rooms small?
A: Classic Double Rooms are 215 sq ft and Deluxe Rooms with Sea View are 247 sq ft—genuinely small for a luxury hotel at this price. The building dates to 1830, so room sizes reflect historic architecture. Book a Junior Suite (333-430 sq ft) or larger if space is important to you.
Q: Can I access Taormina town easily from the hotel?
A: Yes, very easily. The cable car station is directly across the street (€6 one-way, €10 round-trip, 3-minute ride). The hotel also runs a complimentary shuttle to sister property Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina’s center throughout the day.
Q: Is Brizza restaurant worth it?
A: For a special occasion, absolutely. Brizza offers a unique barefoot-elegant dining experience right on the beach with only 8-16 guests per night. The marine-focused menu and sunset views create memorable romantic moments. It’s expensive but consistently praised by couples.
Q: What’s the best room category for value?
A: The Superior Junior Suites (31-40m² / 333-430 sq ft) offer the best balance of space, sea views, and price. They provide enough room to spread out with separate sitting areas and furnished balconies, addressing the main complaint about smaller rooms.
Q: Is the hotel good for families?
A: Yes, with planning. The 2024 kids club provides activities, but standard rooms are too small for families. Book at least a Junior Suite or the Ionica Pool Suite (perfect for families). The private beach is safe for children, but it’s pebbled, not sandy.
About the Author
Jean-Paul Cavalletti is a travel and restaurant reviewer and the founder of DineWithJP. With a passion for uncovering authentic luxury experiences, he visits each location personally to provide independent, detailed reviews for discerning travelers.
