Hotel Villa Ducale Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"An intimate, 18-key boutique perched high in the hills above Taormina and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this four-star property offers personalized service, a romantic ambiance, and sweeping sea-and-volcano vistas from nearly every vantage. Guests are welcomed down tiled stairs into a cozy reception with a glass of prosecco and a fireplace-clad seating area, then led to a showstopping panoramic terrace that frames the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. Mornings begin with a buffet of fruit, pastries and local meats and cheeses, while cake and espresso honor the traditional riposo; aperitivo features snacks and local Etna Bianco wine or cocktails, and candlelit dinners highlight gastronomic dishes rooted in Sicilian ingredients. Facilities include a sun-dappled terrace, a swimming pool, concierge services that arrange experiences like sunset boat rides and wine tastings, parking and a complimentary Mercedes shuttle. Rooms blend contemporary comforts (flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, comfortable beds) with classic touches and beautifully scented Italian toiletries; suites add living rooms and balconies, and the top-tier Villa 21 is the most spacious option with a private terrace. Close to Teatro Antico di Taormina and Corso Umberto I, the property is noted for its intimacy and superb views."