San Domenico Palace Hotel ★★★★★

"To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything." - Goethe, Italian Journey

Sicily is one of Europe's paradise islands. With dramatic scenery, a temperate climate and memories of the many great Mediterranean civilisations that called it home tripping you up at every turn, this island has charmed visitors for as long as there have been any, and that's a long time. The Phoenicians, Romans and Greeks have all left their mark here, providing visitors with breathtaking scenes of ancient ruins among Baroque, Arab-Norman and Byzantine architecture surrounded by the elements at their best. The sparkling azure sea, snow-capped smouldering volcanoes, sculptural landscapes and lush vegetation pitted with palms, orange and olive groves, slender cypresses and bursts of bougainvillea. Of all the island's pretty towns and resorts, one stands out: Taormina.

Clinging to the side of a mountain, overlooking the sweep of the Gulf of Naxos and in turn being overlooked by Mt Etna, this fashionable resort town is the kind of place that makes artists want to paint and writers want to write. Indeed it was the home of D.H Lawrence for three years. All the town's elegance and beauty coalesces in its premier Belle Époque hotel, San Domenico Palace *****. This is where the great minds that passed through stayed, as well as the rich and glamorous, such as Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn.

“My purpose in making this wonderful journey is not to delude myself but to discover myself in the objects I see.” - Goethe, Italian Journey

San Domenico Palace takes its name from the fifteenth century Dominican monastery that now makes up its Garden Wing. Its ancient cloisters are now the perfect place to relax, immersed in timeless beauty; something of the peace that was once cultivated here certainly remains. My husband and I were thrilled to be upgraded to a Superior Room with a sea view, (one of the VeryChic perks, along with complimentary breakfast and a 15 percent discount at two of the three restaurants) not only for the sweeping vistas of the Gulf of Naxos and Mt Etna, but for being located in the old convent itself. As well as the nice surprise of being upgraded, we were invited for a welcome drink on the terrace. The staff were all warm, professional, discreet and obviously enjoyed working in such a prestigious and well-oiled establishment.

“We are all pilgrims who seek Italy.” - Goethe, Italian Journey

All throughout the hotel, one of Europe's most beautiful views floods in through the windows. The nineteenth century Grand Hotel Wing is a historic building in its own right, and is characterised by grand rooms with high ceilings and chandeliers, huge windows and antique furnishings. Painting and sculptures are found throughout the hotel and the Mediterranean gardens. During the day the terraces are elemental worlds where the sun, sea and sky meet, where delicious Sicilian cuisine can be lingered over. When evening arrives, the cosy communal spaces flicker with candles and glow with delicate under-lighting and a magical atmosphere ensues. There are three restaurants to choose from, including one endowed with two Michelin stars.

"Architecture is frozen music." - Goethe, Conversations with Eckermann.

Within the grandeur of the hotel our room was a serene haven. It had an understated elegance, with the ornate craftsmanship of the antique furniture contrasting with plain white walls and crisp white linens. Quality and care was present in every detail – the mark of a true five star establishment. The combination of Sicily, its most beloved town and that town's most prestigious hotel is enough to make a memorable, magical holiday for anyone.