Want to stay at the resort featured in the second season Dr. Diana Rangaves•Aug 17 If you have not seen Mike White’s series “The White Lotus” yet It recently won the 2023 Golden Globe for Best Limited Jennifer Coolidge won her first Golden Globe for Best Supporting Performance in a Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film for the second season Season 2 saw a new setting and a new series of events, with a new star-studded cast (save Coolidge, who maintained her role as Tanya). If you have watched it, only one question remains unanswered: where was White Lotus season 2 filmed? And, more importantly, can you visit The huge San Domenico Palace – formerly a 15th-century monastery now a resort in the Four Seasons group after a comprehensive 2021 makeover – is located high on the rocks on Sicily’s northeast coast and hosts most of the action in season 2 of “The White Lotus.” The hotel has 111 rooms and specialty suites and close proximity to the Isola Bella natural reserve Fans of Michelangelo Antonioni may recognize the hotel from the final scene of his 1960 classic while others may recognize it from 1988’s “The Big Blue.” Tanya (Coolidge) even proclaims her desire to look like Monica Vitti She dresses up as her when she and Greg (Jon Gries) ride the town’s twisting roads on a Vespa the hotel has housed a variety of notable personalities You cannot answer the question, “Where was ‘White Lotus’ season 2 filmed?” without mentioning the Greek Theater of Taormina. The Di Grasso family decides to explore Taormina in the second episode, Italian Dream Their trip can only begin with the most well-known structure: the Ancient Theater The Greeks built it in the third century B.C and afterward converted it into an arena during the Roman Empire They largely abandoned the monument after the fall of the Empire until its rediscovery during the Grand Tour Taormina’s Teatro Antico has been used as an open-air theatre for entertainment since the 1950s You can see one of the most stunning views in Sicily from Taormina’s Teatro Antico Daphne invites Harper to walk on Isola Bella in one of the most enigmatic sections in “The White Lotus” season 2 This is one of Taormina’s most gorgeous places and one of Sicily’s most recognized beaches A tiny stretch of sand connects the mainland to this small an English noblewoman and the wife of Taormina mayor Salvatore Cacciola The couple enhanced the island by constructing a modest cottage and planting rare flora and trees The Region of Sicily has owned Isola Bella since 1990 and is open daily to the public Villa Tasca is another location set for season two of “The White Lotus.” The old Sicilian villa is in the third episode where Harper and Daphne travel to Noto and stay in a beautiful villa Villa Tasca is a historic Sicilian mansion built in the mid-16th century Wagner composed the third act of “Parsifal” here in 1881 The two-story structure has an 8-hectare park filled with citrus groves and antique trees Majolica tiles and frescoes from the 18th century distinguish the interiors which they also feature in the show’s theme song and a tour of the interior are all included in the €60 price Naxos is another place where season 2 was filmed It is just a few kilometers away from Isola Bella Giardini Naxos was one of the first Greek settlements in Sicily It is worth visiting for its archaeological site some modern installations evoke the Greek civilization They shot the scenes of guests arriving by boat at the Palace of San Domenico in the lovely bay of Giardini Naxos They also shot the scenes featuring Ethan and Cameron on jet skis at this location The second season of The White Lotus was also the ideal platform for one of Sicily’s most intriguing wineries Several wineries have sprouted up on the slopes of Mount Etna in recent years taking advantage of the area’s volcanic soil and peculiar microclimate You should stop at one of these vineyards when visiting areas where “White Lotus” season 2 was filmed Planeta’s Sciaranuova winery is where scenes from the fifth episode, “That’s Amore,” were shot. It lies in Castiglione di Sicilia, a little village at the foot of the volcano and one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages The vineyard conducts tastings of various wines all of which you can find on their website a free daily newsletter that features the best of travel and guides to the cities you love from a new point of view — yours you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy Queen Elizabeth Once Stepped In To Prevent Snoop Dogg From Being Banned From The UK United Airlines Flight Attendant's Armrest Announcement Sparks Social Media Frenzy ‘Basketball Wives’ Star Mehgan James Speaks Out About Popular Bahamas Island With Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Friend Loses Leg Chaos Erupts After Ethiopian Airlines Passenger Forced To Give Up Seat For Minister In each location where Black dandyism took root and social conditions shaped its expression A Simi Valley plane crash involving a small aircraft resulted in the deaths of its two passengers Check out these filming sites that have added to this harrowing story of creative survival in two popular cities Paramount+'s 'MobLand' has rapidly garnered a wide audience thanks to its fascinating characters and gorgeous scenic backdrops A 27-year-old Chinese student living in Japan was rescued twice from Mount Fuji within days – the second time after reascending for his phone Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Giardini Naxos in Sicily the third property on the Italian island to open under the iconic Hilton Hotels brand the property has been converted to a Hilton and operates as part of a franchise agreement with Russott Finance Spa "I'm delighted to welcome Hilton Giardini Naxos to our portfolio," Simon Vincent "This hotel is a fantastic property in one of Europe's most popular island destinations Italy continues to be a very successful market for us and I hope the strength of this property combined with our global reach will bring a wealth of travellers to this beautiful island and set the standard in upscale accommodation." Hilton Gardini Naxos offers two full service restaurants and bars enabling guests to choose to dine in the sophisticated La Sciara Wine Bar & Restaurant which serves traditional Sicilian cuisine or the relaxed Panarea Restaurant which offers both indoor and outdoor dining The hotel's facilities also include a spa designed and equipped by Klafs a Hilton Fitness by Precor® fitness centre and a swimming pool the property is one of Sicily's largest conference and meeting venues with 11 rooms designed with the Hilton brand's international Hilton Meetings product and a total hotel events capacity of up to 1350 delegates The hotel's largest meeting room accommodates up to 950 delegates "Hilton Giardini Naxos combines a stunning location its own private beach and premium event space making it a perfect destination for business or leisure travel," Dave Horton "We are proud to bring our signature style and authentic hospitality to this beautiful part of Sicily." Situated on Sicily's eastern coast between the cities of Messina and Catania Hilton Giardini Naxos is easily accessible by train road (via the Messina to Catania motorway or the Palermo to Messina motorway) and is only 40 minutes from Catania "V The hotel is ideally located to visit nearby attractions such as the Mount Etna volcano and the picturesque town of Taormina "Hilton Giardini Naxos is now a completely refurbished hotel which we anticipate will bring significant growth in eastern Sicily in particular the areas of Naxos and Taormina," Sebastiano Russotti "We have appreciated the support and professionalism of the Hilton Worldwide team and look forward to continuing this relationship with the same enthusiasm in the future." Hilton Giardini Naxos joins Hilton Florence Metropole Hilton Sorrento Palace and Hilton Molino Stucky Venice as the iconic brand's eighth hotel in Italy The Hilton brand welcomes the world's travellers in more countries than any other upscale brand with more than 530 hotels and resorts in 76 countries John Forrest Ales703-883-5212Hilton Architectural and interiors firm, THDP, has completed its design of the RG Naxos Hotel, soon to become a Delta Hotel by Marriott overlooking the Mediterranean shores of Giardini Naxos The design concept draws upon the natural beauty of this unique setting from its volcanic grey beaches to its sweeping blue seascapes while traditional Sicilian folk art is featured throughout as a nod to the island’s rich history and culture THDP led a complete refurbishment of the main public areas the vast lobby’s heavy baroque style was modernised to become a more inviting space typical of Sicilian hospitality with the addition of the new lobby bar dividing the space to create a sense of intimacy Dark stone made from local lava by Nero Sicilia is featured throughout blending with the natural colour palette seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows This is contrasted by vibrant and decorative hand-painted tiles that adorn the walls The hotel’s F&B offering includes: Panarea featuring focal buffet counters with open show-cooking; La Sciara an Italian fine dining restaurant using locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood; and Fluido the terrace bar showcasing panoramic views of the Mediterranean from the infinity pool Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy GIARDINI NAXOS, Sicily – As the Group of Seven summit wrapped up Saturday rallying around dozens of issues from immigration to capitalism and everything in between Protesters likely numbered more than the up to 5,000 expected for the march a large amount for the 9,000-resident seaside resort community of Giardini Naxos adjacent to Taormina the cliff-side town that hosted the gathering of world leaders Helicopters shuttling the leaders from Taormina flew overhead as the demonstrations took place Italy stationed hundreds of police and military personnel along the march route where demonstrators marched with signs spanning a wide range of causes and opinions including groups criticizing President Trump and protesting the worldwide influence of the G-7 as well as those railing against capitalism Italian police deployed tear gas against demonstrators as a stand-off between Italian riot police and protesters ensued after all world leaders departed the summit Many demonstrators carried flags or wore bandanas printed with the hammer and sickle The more-remote location for the meeting and the protests' restriction to the nearby town is commonplace today violent protests raged so close to the then-G-8 summit in the coastal Italian city of Genoa that sessions needed to be relocated a police officer shot and killed Italian anti-globalization protester Carlo Giuliani after he attempted to throw a fire extinguisher at the officer’s vehicle a short but loud shouting match erupted at one point between one group calling for open borders and greater rights for refugees and another calling for a halt to immigration to Europe “I don’t understand or agree with everything Trump says and to be honest Trump has it right about building a wall,” said Antonio Tommasini a heavily tattooed port worker who lives in Catania He held a sign that read: “Everybody should stay where they came from!” “I wish we could build a wall around Sicily except then we’d lose this wonderful view of the sea we have,” he added Sicily has been hit hardest by the rising tide of refugees landing on Italy’s shores as they flee violence and economic hardship in Africa and the Middle East Most land on the island of Lampedusa before being brought to Sicily The process is an economic strain for the cash-strapped region Protesters acknowledge chances were slim that Saturday’s march would change the minds of the leaders flying overhead but said it was important for them to feel their voices were heard it is very easy for someone like me — middle class without a lot of money — it is easy for us to feel like we are forgotten by the powerful people who met in Taormina,” said Alessandra di Renzo a school administrator from Reggio Calabria who held a sign calling for the dissolution of the G-7 carried a sign that read “Carlo Lives," and said Giuliani had become a kind of symbol for Italian protesters “These issues are important to us and we have to be dedicated,” Panella said “We remember Carlo Giuliani because he gave his life for a cause he believed in.” Authorities ordered shops along the protest route to close and many business owners taped layers of cardboard over windows in case violence broke out watched the protesters peacefully chanting and singing songs as they passed in front his home near the end of the protest route so what else do I have to do on a Saturday afternoon?” Ricciani asked So I watch these young people walk by and sing their songs p.p1{margin:0px;font:13px Verdana;-webkit-text-stroke:#000000}span.s1{font-kerning:none} Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon 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Worldwide you can stay at the Sicilian hotel from season two of ‘The White Lotus’ As much as you might dislike many of the – admittedly very dislikeable – characters of HBO’s breakout TV hit ‘The White Lotus’, there’s no denying the appeal of the show’s filming locations. The first season, which was set in Hawaii and revolved around the interactions between the guests and employees of a fictional resort chain was full of spectacular backdrops and seriously enviable bits of luxury Season two of ‘The White Lotus’ is about to drop (on HBO in the US this Sunday October 30 and Sky Atlantic in the UK on Monday October 31) and the filming locations are just as jaw-droppingly deluxe The first season of ‘The White Lotus’ was shot at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, which is a five-star luxury resort. Other bits of the series were filmed elsewhere on Maui The second season of ‘The White Lotus’ is set to be no less deluxe than the first. The upcoming series sees the show move location to Sicily Some of the series was filmed in the Sicilian cities of Palermo and Noto Other bits were shot at the Castello degli Schiavi in the coastal town of Fiumefreddo (also known for featuring in The Godfather) as well as the beachside La Cambusa restaurant in Giardini Naxos. Non-on-location filming was shot in Lumina Studios, which is near Rome The series is about the ‘White Lotus’ chain of luxury hotels and the latest season involves a different hotel to the first too – the only main characters coming back from season one are Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (played by Jennifer Coolidge) and Greg Hunt (Jon Gries) The second season will feature seven episodes in total with the final episode coming out on December 11. The hotel in question is San Domenico Palace in Taormina Part of the famously lavish Four Seasons hotel chain the San Domenico is in a fourteenth century convent perched atop a rocky height it boasts great views out over both the surrounding Ionian Sea and Mount Etna Book one of its 111 rooms and suites and you’ll also get access to three restaurants There are also loads of specially curated experiences from tasting the local wines to trekking up Etna plus a couple of stills from the upcoming series So how much can you expect to pay for all this Rates start at about £480 ($555) per night though some suites push a whopping £6,000 ($6,900) per night But that’s to be expected for this kind of swish establishment Excitingly, however, there’s currently a sale on at the San Domenico Palace. At the mo, the hotel is offering up to a whopping 20 percent off its usual bed and breakfast rates. The offer stands for trips of between four and 14 days in length, and you find out more about it here. According to Town and Country, ‘The White Lotus’ series two started production in February 2022 and filming at the hotel wrapped in the summer So you won’t bump into any of the characters if you fancy a ‘White Lotus’-themed Sicilian getaway Here’s everything we know about season two of ‘The White Lotus’.Is ‘The White Lotus’ season three heading for Asia? Here’s what we know so far Recommended: the best hotels in Sicily Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening across the world Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktok facebook twitter youtube About us Contact us Molli Mitchell is a Senior SEO TV and Film Newsweek Reporter based in London Her focus is reporting on culture and entertainment She has covered the world of Film and TV extensively from true-crime dramas to reality TV and blockbuster movies Molli joined Newsweek in 2021 from the Daily Express She is a graduate of The University of Glasgow You can get in touch with Molli by emailing m.mitchell@newsweek.com either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content There's a variety of new guests staying at a luxurious hotel in The White Lotus Season 2 but this time the rich and powerful holidaymakers aren't based at the Hawaiian resort from Season 1 where they will say at the luxury White Lotus resort the White Lotus hotel will be home to much of the drama with the setting being a part of the show's dramatic storyline itself Spoiled with sun, sea and serious luxury, what could possibly go wrong? Fans will have to watch the events unfold every Sunday, when episodes air at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max The cast of The White Lotus told Newsweek all about filming the new season on location in Sicily Season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina The town of Taormina is a hilltop on the east coast of Sicily situated on a rock promontory above the Ionian Sea has incredible views of the ocean With origins going far back to the 14th century the building was once a convent before it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1896 It has hosted notable historical figures including Oscar Wilde You can visit the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace today which has gorgeous amenities such as a clifftop infinity pool The suites range from $1,000 per night to over $6,000 for the Princess suite who plays Harper in The White Lotus Season 2 told Newsweek how the setting of Sicily influenced the show in comparison to the Hawaiian setting of Season 1 She shared: "I think the environment is very much a part of the show So I think the show is very informed by the energy of kind of being on this volcanic Italian island and I think the show is more focused on sexual politics rather than cold the money and those kinds of issues that the first season dealt with There is a lot about relationships and cheating Plaza added it was "beautiful" to film in Sicily Filming for Season 2 began in February 2022 with the hotel closed to guests until April 2022 Scenes not involving the hotel in The White Lotus Season 2 were shot at the Lumina Studios in Rome and in and around Sicily Audiences may recognize The Noto Cathedral located in southeastern Sicily in the new series scenes were also filmed at the La Cambusa restaurant located on Giardini Naxos beach said the setting "doesn't look real" on screen She gushed: "It was better than what it looks like on screen I know that's impossible to believe if you haven't been to Sicily Those backdrops of the sea and those giant stone sort of formations that come out of the sea Co-star John Gries added: "It was absolutely breathtaking The interesting thing some of the scenes that we filmed it was rather cold because we got there in February and but it's still it's just stunning even when you're sitting out there shivering." The White Lotus Season 2 airs Sundays at 9 p.m Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsletters in your inbox See all Go to Home PageSubscribeAdvertiser disclosureSearch The Points Guy Are you counting down the hours until Season Three maybe the sweeping landscapes of Hawaii and Sicily have inspired you to take a dreamy vacation to a swanky resort where guests are treated like "sensitive children," as Armond the manager of the fictional "White Lotus" resort on Maui instructed his staff before his untimely demise Either way, you can live out your "White Lotus" fantasies by visiting the real-life Four Seasons resorts where the smash HBO series was filmed And to show you just how sweet a stay at one of these resorts is — you know without the drama the guests on the show experience — we sent some of TPG's best to each of the three featured Four Seasons resorts to film their experiences a lush paradise on the Gulf of Thailand that appears in the latest installment of the series Unfortunately, Four Seasons doesn't have a loyalty program so if you decide to visit one of these beautiful (and expensive!) hotels you need a workaround to snag some elitelike benefits property credits and guaranteed late checkout If your vacation budget isn't quite as big as Tanya McQuoid's we've also found points-based alternatives to consider that'll help you earn or redeem points and score elite night credits When the world was introduced to "The White Lotus" in 2021 we were also introduced to one of Hawaii's most luxurious resorts totally sophisticated (but with a tropical twist) Guests are greeted with a traditional lei and then invited to experience the many Spend your days soaking up some sun by one of three pools (including an adults-only option) where chilled treats are brought out throughout the day head to the beach to snorkel or paddleboard Book a treatment in an open-air hut at the spa The sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves massage your mind while a masseuse massages your body with Hawaiian pohaku (or rocks) collected right on the island Dining options are plentiful and range from the Hawaiian outpost of Wolfgang Puck's Spago and a lobby bar that serves sushi and hosts live music just laze the day away and order room service guests can choose among a number of rooms and suites that face out to the ocean or the lush All are decorated in muted tones that reflect the natural beauty of Maui and feature lanais that allow guests to have a private outdoor space to breathe in the salty ocean air To take a luxury trip to this resort to the next level Four Seasons can help organize a private plane to the island through its partner NetJets The on-site concierge team can also organize incredible activities like private helicopter tours over the island with stops for coffee tastings hula lessons and outrigger excursions to see the sea from a different perspective if you need to get out on a boat (is it even "The White Lotus" if Tanya isn't on a boat at some point?) the resort can organize a private charter on a sailboat Rates at the Four Seasons Resort Maui typically start around $1,200 per night rates fluctuate throughout the year and easily climb by hundreds of dollars a night during peak seasons Just down the road from the Four Seasons, the Andaz Maui is a popular Hyatt resort you can book using points The company has a favorable award chart and offers many of the same amenities as Four Seasons This resort is a great alternative if you can find award availability be warned that cash rates are still pretty expensive guests at the Andaz can choose to relax in one of five different pools: three infinity pools a lagoon-style pool and an adults-only tranquility pool relax with a drink near an outdoor fire pit or book a table for "The Feast at Mokapu Luau," an interactive show that tells the story of Hawaii through traditional music dancing and other performances that includes a family-style meal and drinks Other dining options at the Andaz Maui include a Japanese restaurant by famed chef Masaharu Morimoto a beach bar and an outdoor lounge that's the perfect spot to watch the sun set consider booking one of the multiroom villas some of which feature private pools or hot tubs Other features of the resort include the Awili Spa and Salon in Wailea dog-friendly rooms and a concierge staff that can help arrange activities and excursions like helicopter tours or whale-watching trips A Category 8 World of Hyatt resort, the Andaz Maui has award nights that range from 35,000 to 45,000 points per night Despite what Jennifer Coolidge's Tanya might think, there is no queen of Sicily you'll certainly feel like royalty after a stay at San Domenico Palace A Four Seasons Hotel — the setting for the second season of "The White Lotus." Built as a convent in the 14th century and converted to a hotel in 1896 the property features sweeping views of the Ionian Sea Let's just say the only thing dramatic in real life at the San Domenico Palace is the views from the clifftop infinity pool or sea-view suites Try and splurge on the executive suite with a plunge pool and sea view Rooms also showcase Italian art and marble bathrooms The hotel is home to Italian gardens and the Michelin-starred Principe Cerami restaurant (no it isn't odd that the guests in the second season of "The White Lotus" spent so much time eating at the hotel) Unwind at the spa with a variety of treatments like a San Domenico hot stone massage or a personalized body treatment wrap Check out some of the experiences available throughout the hotel — from Sicilian wine tastings to exploring historic sites like the Palazzo Corvaja and the Piazza IX Aprile These custom tours are an excellent way to learn about the island's mix of Arab and North African cultural influences The Four Seasons team can also assist with chartering a yacht or sailboat for snorkeling sightseeing the landmarks of Isola Bella and Grotta Azzurra and nourishing the day with a Four Seasons-prepared private lunch When disembarking the boat (spoiler alert) don't be a Tanya — please watch your step and rates are steep — so book quickly ahead of the hotel reopening for the season March 1 Rates for sea-view rooms at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel typically start around 2,585 euros (roughly $2,760) per night throughout the summer More affordable guest rooms (without the sea view) are available in October and start at 1,545 euros (roughly $1,650) a night For those who are not looking to drain their 401(k) for a Sicilian hotel stay A 20-minute drive southwest down the coast from San Domenico Palace is the points-friendly Delta Hotels Giardini Naxos The beachfront hotel showcases views of the Ionian Sea and has a private beach an infinity pool and upgraded spaces following a renovation that was completed in 2021 Public spaces feature local art with pops of Mediterranean blue The renovation extended to the lobby and check-in area (the new dark gray lava top of the check-in counter is a nod to the island's Mount Etna volcano) and the hotel's bars and restaurants Fluido Bar on the pool terrace is a fabulous spot to grab a cocktail and take in the views of the sea and volcanic sandy beaches La Sciara features Sicilian cuisine and wines The Brezza Beach Bar and Panarea are more casual spots to grab a bite (Panarea is the hotel's breakfast spot) All guest rooms and suites feature balconies and cozy furnishings with a mix of bright upholstery and dark wood furnishings Sea views are only offered with superior and deluxe guest rooms and suites comes with a sea view and an expansive terrace The hotel's spa offers a variety of services from couples massages to manicures and pedicures one of the world's most active volcanos and the tallest peak in Italy south of the Alps Nightly rates at Delta Hotels Giardini Naxos typically begin at 169 euros (roughly $180) or 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points through the summer Though we'll have to wait for Season Three to unfold we can dig into the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand where we know the third installment of "The White Lotus" will partially take place Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand and a beautiful destination for travelers who want to enjoy crystalline waters hike to hidden waterfalls or just relax on picture-perfect beaches guests can stay in one of 60 villas featuring a private pool and different viewpoints including one right on the beach with easy access to the water or another higher up with panoramic views of the islands dotting the Gulf of Thailand Scenes will certainly take place at one of the resort's many restaurants and bars which serves Thai wine; the poolside rum bar Cocorum which has Asia's only rum vault; and Koh Thai Kitchen a Thai restaurant with a thatched roof high up in the resort making it a scenic perch to watch the goings on of whatever mischief takes place in Season Three the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers plenty of other luxuries we've seen on the show like private yachts to charter and sail around the islands Rates at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui start around $1,033 per night If you want to take a "White Lotus"-style vacation to Koh Samui using points there are a handful of great options across a few programs But few are as luxe as the island's Ritz-Carlton Set on 58 acres on the northeastern part of Koh Samui this Ritz-Carlton has many accommodation types to choose from including terrace suites with king beds and pool villas looking out across the water with Asian and Western options on the menu while other dining options include a steakhouse an Indian restaurant and even a dinner experience featuring Thai street food and live dancing on Saturday nights visit the spa for some rest and relaxation or even embark on a guided snorkel at the resort's on-property swim reef that's free of jellyfish and home to 50 varieties of fish Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui start around $308 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach That’s why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome The Marriott Bonvoy program should be part of every traveler’s arsenal you’ll likely find a hotel everywhere you’re headed you can earn points on everything from basic overnight stays to lavish escapes Earning free nights is simple. Bonvoy members earn 2.5 to 10 points per $1 spent on eligible stays, with bonuses for elite members. There are several Marriott credit cards to choose from that earn additional points Some cards with an annual fee include free night certificates each year when renewing your card You can search current pricing on the main Marriott site and complete a reservation with just a few clicks typically fluctuating in accordance with the cash rate with the cheapest properties often requiring as few as 6,000 points per night and more premium properties costing up to 100,000-plus points per night When you redeem points for five consecutive nights Sounds like the perfect excuse to extend your stay a little longer Marriott lacks a few popular redemptions that other hotel programs offer like the ability to use points to book suites or specialty rooms at all properties Cash + Points redemptions are inconsistent too: Some properties don’t even offer the option and others limit when they’ll accept them Bonvoy points can save you substantial money on your next trip These eight hotels prove Bonvoy points are worth collecting Roughly halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu the Tambo del Inka would be a great hotel for the location alone There’s even a private train station where you can catch a ride to Peru’s renowned Incan ruins that’s just the start: The hotel also has an indoor-outdoor pool You can certainly cut costs by staying elsewhere in the Sacred Valley but this isn’t the time to rough it too much The altitude here is nothing to joke about so having a comfortable place to rest and acclimate is worth its weight in gold—especially when that “gold” starts at 42,000 Bonvoy points fresh seafood and that vacation vibe but with the added bonus of having top-notch scuba diving right off the resort Though it can get busy in some areas due to cruise ship crowds the island relaxes considerably in the late afternoon and evening You may even have the sunset all to yourself and many rooms come with oceanfront balconies—yes including rooms you can fully pay for with points There’s also a sandy beach right at the hotel and plenty of snorkeling just off-shore that rivals anything you’d find on an organized tour You’ll need a lot of points to book a stay at the Suiran in Kyoto but it’s still a solid deal compared to paying cash rooms seamlessly blend Japanese history with modern luxuries When you can steal yourself away from the boutique property’s private hot springs you’ll find yourself in the heart of the historic Arashiyama district parks filled with spring cherry blossoms or even the monkey park across the river you’ll also be connected to Kyoto’s temples and castles thanks to its central location There are times you want a luxury stay and times you simply want space The Andell Inn on Kiawah Island overlooks a lake for a vibrant sunset (wraparound porch included) so you can take it easy after playing one of the many golf courses on Kiawah Island including the Ocean Course which hosted the 2021 PGA Championship There’s also a complimentary shuttle to the beach and a saltwater pool right on site Awards at this property include king studio apartments providing you a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area Since breakfast is included and there are several restaurants within walking distance—not to mention historic Charleston is only 20 miles away—you may not need the kitchen it’s an easy one-hour drive north to the Ritz Carlton Ras al Khaimah which sits on a 1,235-acre protected preserve you can choose to relax with quiet activities like stargazing and nature walks or dive into archery Kids will love extras like falconry shows and the option to feed resident oryx You can expect a 1,700-foot villa all to yourself complete with wrap-around decks and private pools The rest of the resort is impressive as well four dining venues and a spa with a popular hydrotherapy circuit hotels don’t have to be luxurious to be worthy redemptions Lower category hotels—where awards cost fewer points—can still provide strong value compared to paying cash comfortable rooms are available for as few as 12,400 Bonvoy points per night so you can set your wallet aside Limited service hotels like the Moxy brand don’t always have amenities like spas or room service but value-minded travelers probably skip those things anyway If you’re the type of person who spends all day exploring and prefers local restaurants You can walk to the Glasgow Cathedral or pick up the subway at High Street station less than a block away Do as the Sicilians do and summer at the beach The Delta Hotels Giardini Naxos is right on the water a pool if the waves are too high for your preferences the rooms are spacious and nicely outfitted in a classic Italian style you can simply enjoy la dolce vita with lazy days on the beach or you can use the hotel as a base to explore the region is within walking distance and local buses whisk you to Taormina at the top of the hill grab a tour or rent a car to visit smoldering Mount Etna or the Alcantara Gorge if you’d rather spend time in nature You don’t need to stay at a resort to get top value from your Bonvoy points The W Toronto is a metropolitan getaway with a tempting combination of on-site amenities and a convenient location to the rest of downtown Toronto you’ll want to check out the rooftop bar and restaurant during your stay the hotel’s location in Yorkville is ideal The world-class Royal Ontario Museum is just down the street and there are trendy restaurants steps away the hotel also offers direct access to the Bloor-Yonge subway station With a global footprint of almost 9,000 properties the Marriott Bonvoy program should be on your radar no matter what your travel style is With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor Her redemptions have helped her travel to more than 50 countries and all seven continents Greek temples and a hinterland scattered with once opulent villas there can be few islands with so much faded grandeur as Sicily Decades of mafia control has left its mark on tourist development yet the island has emerged as a fashionable holiday destination with a brand based on its wonderful climate Political stability has never been part of the Italian brand and while historically this has not deterred lifestyle buyers this week’s dramatic events — with a new interim government led by Carlo Cottarelli preparing for elections in the autumn amid questions about Italy’s continued membership in the eurozone — will not help the fragile recovery of the country’s property market from the global downturn (see below) Salvatore Castano is a judge at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards began his career in London as a Commis Sommelier in one of Alain Ducasse’s restaurants He is currently Head Sommelier & On Trade Advisor at Friarwood he won the Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa Competition organised by ASI See more judges for the 2025 DWWA. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site If having a beach on your doorstep while visiting the mediterranean island of Sicily is a must a family getaway or something for the budget traveller wishing to enjoy the beauty of Sicily without the price tag Here are some handpicked best beach hotels in Sicily for your next getaway Not only is ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia one of the best resorts in Sicily being adjacent to the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve it harbours a secret gateway onto one of Sicily’s best stretch of beaches A narrow pathway lined with eucalyptus and maquis shrubs leads from the resort’s infinity pool to the base of the cliff where you’ll find this wild and spectacular stretch of white sand that leads towards the WWF protected Torre Salsa beach and its white chalky fringe known for sea turtles and peregrine falcons With no tourist facilities attached to the beach a buggy service is on hand to take you back to the resort Read more: The best hotels in Sicily for luxury retreats, beach stays and hiking holidays Cornish engineer Robert Trewhella definitely had an eye for location for Villa Sant’Andrea occupies one of the best seaside spots in Taormina Built as a private villa in 1919 by one end of the beach on the Bay of Mazzaro surrounded by the beauty of Isola Bella Nature Reserve Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea has been a playground of beach loving celebrities of the 1950s the hotel’s private beach club with sun loungers under beach umbrellas offering sunrise yoga this is the perfect place for families and friends to play under the endless Sicilian sun Read more: This popular European capital is surprisingly good for kids – and can be done on a budget Being a popular beachside town near the capital Palermo Although there is no reason to not visit the main stretch of soft sandy beach as you explore the rest of Cefalu Hotel Le Calette lets you enjoy a quieter part of town as you wish to return and wind down from the day suites and villas are hidden within a cove on the other side of the castle hill the hotel has four private beaches with fine soft sands Calette Reef Club on one of the larger beach offers spectacular views of the sea to accompany the excellent restaurant menu Read more: Best cheap hotels in Sicily In a restored 18th-century salt house occupying a wedge of land on the northern end of Trapani’s long stretch of beach surrounded by a tranquil garden and decorated by an old windmill that is iconic to the west coast of Sicily I Mulini Resort definitely has its own atmosphere of being part of this heritage landscape equipped with sun loungers is perfect for lovers of the sea while still being in close proximity to the town of Trapani for sightseeing or a climb up Mount Erice for a great panorama of the coastline Read more: Escape Amalfi’s tourist trail with this hidden gem just two hours down the coast Dominating the land along a stretch of wild beach on the sparsely populated southern end of Sicily A raised footpath from the centre of the resort leads directly to the sandy beach of Marina di Butera; its gentle depth is particularly suitable for families with young children The nearest town is a few kilometres away but you’ll never need to venture out from the expanse of the resort facilities an entertainment amphitheatre with regular shows and a spa with sea view – this is a resort designed for the perfect family holiday Read more: The mountain town that’s an escape from the summer crowds in Venice Located in close proximity to many of Sicily’s ancient towns and monuments Modica Beach Resort is ideal for travellers wanting to stay somewhere with access to the beach The resort has a private area on the beach at Marina di Modica which is one of the favourite beaches for locals in the know is fanned by frequent wind draughts that make it the beach to come for surfing and windsurfing with plenty of lounge chairs scattered around the private beach for the sunbathers Read more: Italy’s vintage trains are offering an alternative to the country’s mass tourism hotspots Perched on a cliff above Baia delle Latomie bay which is part of the protected marine reserve of Plemmirio with views across to Syracuse and Ortigia Island as well as the blue horizon of the Ionian Sea The private sandy beach at the base of the resort and a small corner of the rocky cliffs are perfect for a leisurely swim and sunbathing the Plemmirio nature reserve and its diverse scene of marine fauna and flora can be explored with an arranged scuba diving excursion Read more: Why you should visit this low-key, luxurious stretch of Sardinia – where locals go to escape superyachts With its honey coloured shell and terracotta roof the Falconara Greenblu Resort seem to fuse with the nearby Falconara Castle The resort’s rooms and suites are scattered between the historical residence and a modern Club House extension and are spacious and decorated in warm Sicilian mustard tones The private beach at the foot of the hill from the resort is narrow but picturesque with a view of the castle above the rocky cliffs the gentle waves and shallow seabed makes this an ideal swimming beach Read more: Where to visit in Sicily – the best places for beaches, architecture and Italian charm An favourite of visiting Italians from the mainland Le Dune Resort boast it location on the quieter end of Porto Palo di Menfi beach which is awarded both the environmental Blue Flag and the Green Flag The resort has equipped the beach with lounge chairs guests can stroll in the lush garden to enjoy more swimming at the pool Families wishing to switch off will particularly like staying at Le Dune for its remoteness and quality beach time Read more: This charming town on Lake Como is where Italians go to escape the summer crowds Much like bird nests clinging to the rockface camouflaged into the landscape of pine and palm trees macchia shrubs and cacti looking out towards the Tyrrhenian sea Calanica’s bungalows are a treat for those seeking a bit of privacy and isolation while still have the luxury of the standard resort services The small cove with a stretch of pebble beach whether it be simply to relax by the sea or go for a spot of snorkelling around the rocky shores Address: C/da vallone di Falco 90015 Cefalù Read more: The family-friendly holiday spot loved by the Beckhams – with warm seas and delicious food Sharing a rocky coastline with no other properties Mangia’s Brucoli resort definitely has ‘sea view’ covered Spread out on a patch of green landscaped garden across a small channel from Brucoli centre this little oasis is luxury and convenience combined Tastefully decorated rooms and suites aside it has seven restaurants of international cuisine Its seaside location gives great access to swimming in the sea too The resort features a sandy beach with a beach club attached there is a more wild and a rocky beach that is characteristic to much of Sicily’s volcanic landscape Read more: Italy’s one euro houses – how you can buy one This is one beachfront resort you may never need to leave everything is at your fingertips at UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia There are a total of 630 modern and comfortable hotel rooms or villas to choose from not that you’ll notice as the buildings are surrounded by a lush garden laced with walkways great for daily strolls The resort’s extensive grounds on the wide sandy beach has two kids clubs So any time you are not sunning by the beach there’s always something to entertain the whole family Address: Via Recanati 26 98035 Giardini Naxos Read more: I want wine and carbs on an Italy holiday – here’s how to do it with wellness in mind This might not be the most luxurious hotel around town NH’s Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi resort is right by Catania Airport which makes it one of the most convenient beachfront stays for those who after having explored all of Sicily’s wonders simply want a few days by the beach before their onward flight A great family resort with facilities for both adults and children direct access to the beach and exceptionally friendly staff The beach across the road is part of a stretch that is popular with Catania locals it is clean and dotted with drinks bars and deck chairs reserved for the hotel’s guests Read more: This ivy-clad Rome neighbourhood is where the locals come to eat This small five bedroom guesthouse in a quiet fishing village is the definition of size isn’t everything Once a private house belonging to the grandfather of owner Oliviero with the architecture a contemporary mimicry of ancient Roman houses that are centred around a patio Lele Guesthouse is conveniently across the road from the beach and has an infinity pool where you can watch the sunset over the sea but what the property lacks in the facilities it makes up with a friendly hospitality and great breakfast to start your day Read more: The best small towns and villages to visit in Tuscany Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea (1).jpg","description":"Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, Sicily, Italy","caption":"Looking for a Sicilian getaway? Villa Sant’Andrea should be on your list Looking for a Sicilian getaway? Villa Sant’Andrea should be on your list private shores and clubs","description":"If having a beach on your doorstep while visiting the mediterranean island of Sicily is a must the museum is closely linked to the site of ancient Naxos: a section of the ancient boundary wall crosses its garden and from the museum begins the itinerary that winds its way through the ancient urban area using a small farm road and then the route of the plateia B The underwater finds they are contained in the hall of the 16th century tower adjacent to the museum building It displays the vast repertoire of stone anchors and lead anchors specimens mostly taken in the 1960s from the bay of Naxos and Taormina © 2025 Parco archeologico di Naxos e Taormina has made waves in the international paddling scene in 2023 with its members participating in various events across Europe and achieving impressive results the club’s members showed their resilience and skill finishing the race successfully and earning some podium places Ryan Louw and Szabina Toth won the gold medal in their respective categories while Andreas Bohnsack and Ruben Vassallo took silver Matthew Schembri and Michael Aquilina also did well finishing third and fourth in their categories The second event on this year’s calendar was the Hawaiian Sports Festival This event was also the German National Championship which attracted some world-class athletes such as Joshua Fenn and Claas Gebhardt The course was a 20 km downwind with moderate wind and waves Adam Mackal and Matthew Schembri travelled to Germany to represent the club and finished 37th and 13th respectively out of 49 participants of the men’s category this time in Rostock, was the OCO Race, on July 22 The course was another 20km downwind with stronger wind and waves Matthew Schembri and Andreas Bohnsack competed again and finished 13th and 48th respectively out of 58 men Andreas Aquilina Bondin competed in the Under-16 Canoe Sprint Regional Races in Mormanno Aquilina Bondin showed his talent and potential by winning three gold medals in K2 500 m Aquilina Bondin took part in the Under-16 Canoe Sprint National Italian Championships in Castel Gandolfo Aquilina Bondin reached the final and finished eighth in K4 500 m and sixth in K4 200 m Andreas Aquilina Bondin competed in the Italian national championships and saw him achieve incredible results with a fourth place in K2 and K4 200m Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa The head of South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL called on FIFA to expand.. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said on Thursday it would be “a bad idea” for.. The United States is the sole bidder for the 2031 Women’s World Cup Jannik Sinner will delight crowds at the Rome Open this week when the world.. Italy’s tennis world number one Jannik Sinner’s first opponent on his return from a.. Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley has denied he was arrested as claimed for.. Sovereignty powered through the final turn and out-dueled favorite Journalism in the final straight.. Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez unified the super middleweight world titles after a.. The Malta Bowling national team struck gold at the Mediterranean Bowling Championships Thea Parnis Coleiro continued to demonstrate her steady progression with a stunning result during.. Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley has withdrawn from this weekend’s Grand Slam Track.. Home News Article If you’re looking for a tasty genuine Italian restaurant with a cosy and intimate feel to it It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for somewhere a little bit more upmarket perhaps if you’re hosting family or friends who are harder to impress Myself and my friend Liv decided to head down to Naxos in Downham one Thursday evening after getting a couple of recommendations to give it a try we were greeted by two friendly members of staff who showed us to our table and we got seated by the window looking out onto High Street we decided to opt for having a starter and a main Liv decided to have an aperol spritz (£6.50) and I opted for a negroni (£8) after wanting to try the gin based cocktail for some time We both really enjoyed our drinks and they were well presented olives and hummus (£7) and Liv went for steamed mussels with black pepper and lemon (£8) We were both pleasantly surprised when our starters came out with how generous the portion size was I think Liv’s certainly could have been a main course if it was served with some fries I’ve only really tried olives from a supermarket before and were blown away at the difference of having them from Naxos It was served perfectly with the creamy hummus and lightly toasted bread Liv opted for the paccheri ragu (£16) which consisted of beef in a ragu based sauce on a bed of pasta She complimented how much meat she got with the dish and said it was delicious She asked the lady who served us for a recommendation on what to have I decided to have the linguine vongole (£17) which consisted of clams and asparagus served in a creamy sauce with linguine pasta After not having seafood for quite some time It was unbelievably tasty and the portion size was generous We both agreed that it was by far the best Italian food we’ve had in a while after going to numerous chain Italian restaurants in the area The only thing I could critique is the difference in menus in the restaurant and on their website I like to have a look online before I go and already semi decided what I wanted - only on arrival to find it wasn’t on their menu Food: We both said it was faultless and absolutely delicious ***** Staff: Top friendly service who gave their recommendations on what to have when asked Decor: Lovely fairy lights on the back wall bought a lovely ambiance and had a cosy feel ***** but we left feeling full and all of our food was delicious **** Click here to read Your Local Paper & Lynn News e-editions A video has been released showing cars being washed away down a street after torrential rain led to flash flooding throughout parts of southern Italy filmed in the Sicilian tourist town of Taormina floating waste bins and half-submerged cars can be seen being washed away down flooded streets filmed by a man with his mobile phone as he was driving through flooded streets in the area shows a another man trudging through knee-deep muddy waters this [passing by] man has water to his knees Another video shows water cascading off a nearby cliff face in the region ''Going home is an odyssey today," a man could be heard saying whilst driving on a road connecting Giardini Naxos and Taormina The flash floods come after a Mediterranean cyclone swept through southern Italian regions on 9 September The storm has seen torrential rain hit the regions of Sicily with weather forecasts expecting it to continue in the coming days The footage comes after a video was posted on social media yesterday showing cars washed away by floods in the town of Adra At least 30 people in the town trapped in their cars were rescued after water levels rose to over half a metre following torrential rain striking the Almeria region the views from this dramatic resort town have inspired visitors for centuries11 November 2009The dramatic resort town of Taormina - high on Monte Tauro - boasts Mount Etna as its backdrop and an ancient Greek theatre as part of the scenery and has been likened to a Sicilian Monte Carlo The views from the town have inspired visitors for centuries One of the charming things about Taormina as a long-weekend destination is that there's no real need to sightsee once you've seen the Greek theatre the town retains much of its late medieval character dotted with intimate piazzas and 15-century palazzi Taormina is at its best when the day-trippers leave; so stay in the town rather than in Giardini-Naxos Via Teatro Greco 59 (00 39 0942 23801; www.framonhotels.com) This luxury hotel has the most spectacular position with a panoramic terrace that fills up with movers and schmoozers during the film festival (in mid-June) Piazza San Domenico 5 (00 39 0942 613111; www.thi.it) are reminiscent of the hotel's convent past.The San Domenico Palace hotel was voted Best Overseas leisure hotel in Europe in The Readers' Travel Awards 2002 Via Leonardo da Vinci 60 (00 39 0942 28153; www.hotelvilladucale.it) The reception area doubles as library and salon-bar and bedrooms have cast-iron beds and frescoes The gardens are a riot of colour; and although there's no pool Via Bagnoli Croci 79 (00 39 0942 23791; www.villabelvedere.it) lovely pale-yellow villa has a decent pool and an old family-style hotel atmosphere with a personal touch Near Trappitello (00 39 0942 577 137; www.alliatadivilla franca.it) This is an exception to the 'don't-stay-out-of-town' rule consisting of a group of four-room cottages on Prince Gabriele Alliata di Villafranca's estate on the coastal plain 8km south of Taormina Self-catering rooms are basic but attractive with bamboo roofing and naïve paintings; each has a veranda overlooking olive and citrus trees guests can use the Prince's swimming pool This corner of Sicily is a land of strong flavours as featured in perhaps the only pasta dish to be named after an opera There are plenty of restaurants in and around Taormina that serve this and other Sicilian classics such as pasta con le sarde (macaroni with fresh sardines raisins and pine nuts) and grilled or fried seafood secondi this unpretentious trattoria is situated opposite Taormina's public park the Sicilian food tasty and the bill astonishingly low Via Santa Maria de' Greci (00 39 0942 21208; www.casagrugno.it) decor and service are on offer at this restaurant carved out of an aristocratic Catalan-style townhouse dating from the 16th century Austrian-born but Taormina-adopted chef Andreas Zangerl is ambitious seafood and mozzarella don't always come off a few kilometres up the Alcántara valley from the coast A Casitta offers authentic Sicilian food at a reasonable price Host Pippo Lembo keeps the antipasti coming and after a couple of pasta tasters and a secondo of lamb or rabbit This jewel of a cake shop is on Taormina's main street which comes with a dollop of lemon sorbet and fuel up for the walk to the (closed) castle with a torta di mandorla (almond cake) THE MUSEO SICILIANO DI ARTE E TRADZIONI POPOLARI Try to see the entertaining exhibition of wacky folklore in the modest Museo Siciliano di Arte e Tradizioni Popolari housed in the 14th-century Palazzo Corvaja in the centre of town offered in thanks to the Son of God or His Mother for help in averting a tragedy a nun is stabbed by the sacristan in what looks suspiciously like a crime of passion Even more intriguing is the ex voto offered up by a certain Santa Verga after she survived being thrown off a bridge by her husband and her lover (an eminently Sicilian solution) is the ex voto that manages to spin a miracle out of the devastating eruption of Etna on 11 March 1669 Next to the volcanic fireworks and the glowing lava we read: 'The lava flow the islet of Isola Bella is connected by a thin strip of sand to the mainland: no more than a beach towel across at its narrowest point and in summer most visitors spend the day down there returning for the evening passeggiata through the town centre Spring or late autumn is also a good time to explore the Alcántara valley which curls inland from Taormina around the northern edge of Mount Etna: a place of handsome crumbling hill villages such as Castiglione di Sicilia low gorges bordered by shiny gunmetal-grey rocks and invitations to buy local products such as Etna honey and a fiery This is signposted from just about everywhere and can be found at the end of Via Teatro Greco The theatre is carved out of the hillside and the magnificent views give a complete panorama of southern Calabria the Sicilian coastline and snow-capped Etna the existing remains are almost entirely Roman Although it was founded by Greeks in the third century BC it was rebuilt at the end of the first century AD a period when Taormina enjoyed great prosperity under Imperial Roman rule and the reconstruction completely changed the theatre's character Open daily from 9am to one hour before sunset The view from up on Mount Etna is startling a vast congealed flow of dull brown-black fragments warped some of the pylons of the cable car that carried summer visitors up to the 2,500-metre-mark and made Etna one of Europe's more unusual winter-sports destinations Visitors are now ferried in huge four-wheel-drive minibuses up to a point just below the Torre del Filosofo - supposedly built by the philosopher Empedocles just before he leapt into the crater to convince his followers that he was a god Taormina's annual film festival takes place in June when films are shown on a giant screen and stars such as Tom Cruise and Greta Scacchi turn up to receive their awards Giardini-Naxos was an obvious stop for ships sailing between Greece and southern Italy named Naxos after the Greek island from which the colonists came.The resort constitutes a wide and is a particularly good spot for swimming The town of Giardini which backs the beach is excellent for those after cheaper accommodationa and food that that found in Taormina The beach is one of the most popular in Sicily and large sections of it are sectioned off as private areas where sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented There are also numerous water-sports facilities here The nearest airport is Catania Fontanarossa International airport There are six buses a day to Taormina's centre Alitalia (08705 448259; www.alitalia.co.uk) flies daily from Heathrow to Catania, via Milan or Rome. From the airport, there is a bus to Taormina every two to three hours, from 8.30am to 8.30pm. Sophie White takes her family on a package holiday to the Hotel Naxos in Taormina The hilltop town of Taormina still boasts a Greco-Roman theatre UNA Hotel Naxos feels like a boutique luxury hotel Sophie and her children in the pool at the UNAHotel Naxos Sophie WhiteMon 22 Jul 2019 at 03:30We've been doing the family holiday thing for a few years now and I like to think that we've become pretty adept at managing expectations it is we adults that year on year foolishly forget just what exactly a family holiday is A family holiday is essentially about 90pc "family" - think angry sticky children veering from over-tired to over-heated to just plain over it - and 10pc "holiday" i.e whatever brief snatches of time you can scrounge to yourself under the guise of going to the loo or standing in line for the tourist information desk It's for these brief moments of solitude that we suffer the general palaver of lugging a family of four to a foreign country when I'm trying to baste them in factor 50 while they hiss at me in a demonic fashion by the pool it can feel stressful but then when I steal away insisting I need to get tour brochures and that no one better come with me - those few minutes alone in the queue admiring my family from a distance make it all worth while This year we went further afield than ever before with a three-hour plane ride to Sicily during which my children's behaviour ensured that no one on the flight would be moved to help us in the event of an emergency Thankfully we landed safely at Catania airport and made our way to our waiting coach with the help of our resort manager It's at this juncture in every trip that I feel huge gratitude for the godsend that is the package family holiday It's just such a relief to relinquish all personal responsibility and be herded from location to location like a cheery lobotomy-patient by friendly capable reps The Hotel Naxos was less than an hour from the airport and en route we had our first encounter with Mount Etna the active volcano that dominates the Sicilian landscape we actually got to witness the lava flow which glowed magnificently in the velvet black night high above us The mountain had erupted earlier in the week and now was a river of fire wending its way down the slopes There was something mesmerising about the sight - it was a unique moment that kicked off a unique week we were able for the first time to get a sense of our new abode for the next seven days and it was with great excitement that we explored the verdant gardens in which Hotel Naxos is set The main hotel building is large but does not tower while surrounding two-storey stucco villas provide more accommodation and were The overall vibe is boutique luxury rather than a colossal factory-like resort An elaborate buffet breakfast overlooking the gardens became our first port of call each morning We each had our routines down by day three The kids were mixologists of the cereal bar section my husband was a devotee of the breakfast dessert area (yep that was a thing!) while I enjoyed the eggs and bacon and vast selection of fresh fruit Days at the hotel passed in a haze of intense relaxation Our hours were spent lounging poolside in the shade of palm trees occasionally punctuated by iced coffees and snacks we managed to sell the kids on the idea of leaving us alone each morning to go to the kids' club run by a troupe of unfailingly cheerful women who doted on my little guys we soon hit upon the perfect formula of pizza in the town of Giardini Naxos with bars and loungers and beautiful views along the coast stretching in both directions Dinner in the evenings was a constantly evolving feast of pastas fish and salads with again a vast dessert buffet where one could gorge on boozy tiramisus or custard tarts laden with fresh fruit and berries Whiling away every sun-drenched day among the citrus groves in the hotel was tempting but it was criminal to be so close to the hilltop town of Taormina and not take a closer look Exploring from the hotel was easy with our resort manager helpfully advising on transport and logistics We took the bus just outside the hotel and made the precarious journey up the mountain via overpasses that seemed to defy the laws of engineering The village clings improbably to the hillside high above the sapphire sea below and while there's much to see here The ancient ruins of the Greco-Roman theatre were thronged but even whiling away a couple of hours taking in the ornate terraces and piazzas is delightful tiled streets are lined with shops selling delicious mascarpone-stuffed cannoli traditional Sicilian wares and everywhere there are beautiful buildings to admire While Taormina is stunning with panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding countryside it was with pleasure that we returned to the pool and more lounging Another unmissable trip was a boat tour of the coast which again was organised with ease at the hotel reception and we set off from the beach at our doorstep The trip took us towards Taormina and beyond around jutting rocks and headlands one of which had a secret lift inside the cliff face for transporting residents from the pool to their room We moored for a lazy hour in the clear waters and grazed on juicy fresh pineapple and melon on the deck of what we were gamely pretending was our private yacht The lapping water was irresistible and I dived in for a leisurely swim - as I waved to my family on the boat This sure beats pretending to be in line for the information booth." Sophie and her family travelled to Giardini Naxos with Topflight They stayed at the four-star UNAHotel Naxos Beach Resort Topflight offers seven-night holidays to Sicily which will operate until October and can also offer tailor-make holidays to Sicily for different durations or combine with other Italian resorts for twin and multi-centre holidays Prices for the four-star UNAHotel Naxos Beach Resort start at €735 per person (based on two adults and two children sharing) and include return flights from Dublin accommodation for seven nights on a half-board basis and baggage allowance NB: This feature originally appeared in The Sunday Independent Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel CHI Hotels and Resorts (CHI) said today that it had signed a 20-year management agreement with Italian companies ‘Off Side srl' and ‘Sicilia Golf Resort srl' for the operation of two upscale golf resort hotels in Taormina and Catania in Sicily currently under construction and scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012 are the Corinthia Taormina Golf Resort and the Wyndham Catania Golf Resort Situated on a 616,000 sq metre tract of land in the picturesque Alcantara national park and canyon within the popular Giardini Naxos area of Taormina the five-star Corinthia Taormina Golf Resort will feature 130 bedrooms and suites and 158 fully serviced residential units on four floors overlooking an international 18-hole golf course and club house The hotel is ideal for both leisure and corporate travellers and will feature two restaurants a health club and spa and six meeting rooms The hotel also has parking for 350 cars and is located 1.5 km from the popular Taormina beaches 35 km from Catania international airport and about the same distance to the city of Messina The Sicilia Golf Resort srl owned five-star Wyndham Catania Golf Resort with a massive footprint of over 879,000 sq metres between the city of Catania and the UNESCO designated World Heritage city of Syracuse The hotel will have 192 bedrooms and suites and 224 fully serviced residential units on three floors overlooking an international 18-hole golf course This hotel also is ideal for business and leisure travelers and its facilities include two restaurants It is only 8 km away from Catania international airport and 40 km from the city of Syracuse "We are excited at the prospect of taking two of our top brands to Italy for the first time" said CHI's chief executive officer and managing director Tony Potter we are also adding a new dimension to our operational base - that of including the golf resort business to our already diverse portfolio of hotels We are a pioneering hotel company with a 45-year track record of operating some of the top award winning luxury hotels in major cities and resorts around the world We now look forward to repeating our success story in Italy as well" concluded Mr Potter please register for free or log in to your account Flavours of the Mediterranean have been brought to Downham with the opening this month of a new restaurant in the High Street Giardini di Naxos has been launched by Italian-born chef Angelo Bruno and his partner Claudia Brummer Angelo is drawing on his many years of experience working as a chef in countries including Italy He said: "The Mediterranean diet is healthy and people who regularly consume it are known to live longer." The diet is based on foods which are traditionally consumed in countries of the Mediterranean basin It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods Although he has worked as a chef previously this is the first restaurant he has opened as his own business "This property became available in Downham and we really like the town He said the Giardini di Naxos restaurant was "born with the idea to offer a menu as a mix of traditions and culture presenting continual rotation of freshest and convenient products from the market "Through the food we want to express the idea that around the table we eat we put together experiences and differences Giardini di Naxos is open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm on Sundays from noon to 4pm and is closed on Mondays To book a table call 01366 858283 or visit the website www.giardininaxos.co.uk There were eight of us on this tour and we started from Catania an ancient Greek colony perched on the rocky promontory of Monte Tauro But first we continued up to the village of Castelmola a small and enchanting village just above Taormina with an amazing landscape and wonderful views of Giardini Naxos bay Castelmola gets its name from the castle at the top of a rocky outcrop there is a surprisingly large Duomo (cathedral) as well as several other churches We walked around the narrow lanes for a short while taking time to check out the risqué decorations of Caffè Bar Turrisi before being driven 5 minutes down to Taormina The décor here has a certain phallic theme lighting fixtures and bottles holding the local sweet almond wine I suspect this was the main reason we were taken there we stopped at the Piazza Sant’Antonio lookout for great views over the town and the beaches below including the beautiful bay with its island and nature reserve of Isola Bella There had been a home built there in 1890 that later became an elite hotel but still of significant historical interest Over the years Taormina has been a favourite of writers (DH Lawrence springs to mind) and the streets were brimming with them even though it was mid-October had good reviews on TripAdvisor and they were well deserved Our driver was very accommodating and made sure we got lots of great photos and information on all the places we visited There is a rule in Italy that tourists may only use guides from the town they are visiting so our driver was unable to accompany us on our wanderings around town he bought us the little local pastries the town is famous for — cannoli with citrus peel and ricotta — before we set out through the town stretches from Porta Catania in the south to Porta Messina in the north We also stopped for the wonderful locally made gelato to fortify us Midway along the street is Piazza IX Aprile bordered by the church of Sant’Agostino and the Baroque San Giuseppe church restaurants and a reconstructed 12th century clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) while to the east a balcony afforded great views over the coast In the square we found buskers and stalls selling souvenirs and children’s toys so we bought a few to take home to the grandchildren who is the same Saint Nick of Santa Claus fame The cathedral was commenced in the 13th century and is unusually adorned with fortress-like crenulations The entrance is Renaissance but the interior is essentially Gothic The Baroque stone fountain (1635) at the centre of the piazza is crowned with a strange a two-legged female centaur: the symbol of Taormina The Greek Theatre at Taormina is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily on account both of its remarkable preservation and its beautiful location Thought to have been originally built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC it was then renovated and expanded by the Romans with columns and statues thus explaining some confusion over its name They enlarged the original orchestra section to use it for games and gladiatorial battles The auditorium area was able to hold 5,400 spectators It certainly took a bit of effort to climb to the top row to get our photos It is still frequently used for operatic and theatrical performances and for concerts since it has such good acoustics with most of the walls preserved the bay of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna in the distance provides such a magnificent backdrop we drove back to Catania for a quick independent tour of the centro storico on foot Catania is a wonderful example of a Baroque city an enormous number of churches and excavations of many Roman theatres and baths right in the heart of the city of having been badly damaged many times from volcanic eruptions over the course of its history however in 1693 the city was then completely destroyed by a heavy earthquake and its aftershocks The city was then rebuilt in the Baroque architecture that nowadays characterises it the city centre of Catania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site if Mount Etna has been the cause of Catania’s destruction it has also been a vital source of the construction of the city which characterises Catania’s beautiful Baroque architecture came from those eruptions It also made the land around very fertile for farming and vineyards The Piazza del Duomo is the first and main square we reached through the arched Porta Uzeda entrance to the harbour side of the city On one side is the Duomo — the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Agata A number of imposing Baroque buildings frame the square which contains a black lava rock Elephant Fountain Elegant Via Etnea is the main shopping street This has most of the city’s imposing buildings and lots of churches the original centre containing the ruins of the larger of two Roman Amphitheatres in the city and another one of many churches in this city dedicated to Saint Agata who was martyred (burned to death) on this spot Unfortunately this was too brief a look at the old city which contains magnificent gardens and the Opera House dedicated to composer Vincenzo Bellini who was born here and whose home is now a museum taking time to check out the risqu\u00E9 decorations of Caff\u00E8 Bar Turrisi The d\u00E9cor here has a certain phallic theme we stopped at the Piazza Sant\u2019Antonio lookout for great views over the town and the beaches below he bought us the little local pastries the town is famous for \u2014 cannoli with citrus peel and ricotta \u2014 before we set out through the town bordered by the church of Sant\u2019Agostino and the Baroque San Giuseppe church restaurants and a reconstructed 12th century clock tower (Torre dell\u2019Orologio) In the square we found buskers and stalls selling souvenirs and children\u2019s toys with the cathedral of San Nicol\u00F2 di Bari if Mount Etna has been the cause of Catania\u2019s destruction which characterises Catania\u2019s beautiful Baroque architecture came from those eruptions On one side is the Duomo \u2014 the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Agata This has most of the city\u2019s imposing buildings and lots of churches She has four children and 10 grandchildren She has so far visited 46 countries and toured much of Australia Liz enjoys seeing the natural and man-made wonders of the world Independent road trips have made way for cruises and coach tours which have afforded her plenty of opportunities to make new friends She writes about her travel on her blog, Around the World with Liz To curate to the needs and wants of over-60s online — from news and retirement guides to cruises and exclusive holidays — and get members a better deal wherever possible through the power of our huge online community Submissions Contact Advertising & Partnerships Terms & Conditions Media Ethics