San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel is scheduled to open in Taormina, Sicily this summer following an extensive refurbishment and rebranding.

The San Domenico Hotel first opened in 1896 on the site of a 14^th-century Dominican convent and quickly became a highlight on the Grand Tour among royalty and nobility. Oscar Wilde, King Edward VIII, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren have all stayed at the hotel.

After three years of refurbishment, the hotel is opening with 111 guest rooms and suites, a gym, an infinity pool terrace and a spa inspired by local herbs and indigenous healing techniques.

Four Seasons has updated the ancient convent wing, home to restored guest rooms that once housed Dominican friars, as well as the grand hotel wing, which will offer a range of accommodations including rooms with terraces, sea views and private plunge pools. 

To celebrate its reopening, the property is running an introductory offer which includes 20% savings on the room rate and breakfast for two with a minimum two-night stay from November 2021. 

“This is truly a jewel in our crown of historic properties throughout the Mediterranean region, and the perfect complement to our beloved Four Seasons hotels in Milan and Florence,” said Simon Casson, president of hotel operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa. 

“San Domenico Palace is a legend in European hospitality, and it is our honour to welcome the hotel into our portfolio on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.”

General manager, Lorenzo Maraviglia, added: “We are delighted to reopen in summer, Taormina’s high season, so that we can welcome our guests for a uniquely Sicilian holiday experience.”

San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel is the brand’s third property in Italy, joining Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.

The brand also recently announced plans for development of its fourth Italian property: a new seaside resort on the Adriatic coast on Puglia, near Ostuni.