Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily.
Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Hotel of the Week: Belmond Adds a Dazzling Beach Club to Its Sicily Property
Lido Villeggiatura, at Villa Sant’ Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare offers breathtaking views and oceanfront dining for guests at the spectacular Italian resort
Just because autumn is starting to make its presence known across the East Coast and northern territories, doesn’t mean the summer fun has to come to an end. Across the Atlantic Ocean, warm sun and ocean vibes are still luring jetsetters to Italy—particularly the seaside Sicilian community of Taormina Mare. Here, Belmond introduced Lido Villeggiatura, the hotel group’s first destination beach club with dining, music, and activities from sun up to down down.
Aerial view of Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Situated on the far end of Villa Sant’ Andrea, a Belmond hotel, Lido Villeggiatura celebrates the exquisite beauty of the locale with Mediterranean style, Moorish tiles, and ceramics crafted by Sicilian artisans. Bright turquoise blue and white striped umbrellas and loungers evoke the refreshing ambiance of azure water, while six private cabanas offer the utmost in luxury and privacy. Straw fabrics add a tropical vibe to the bar that is embellished with tiles carved from blue lava stone sourced from the island’s famed Mount Etna and lush greenery potted in Sicilian terracotta urns.
Lido Villeggiatura beach club at Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Guests visiting the destination can enjoy wellness activities, like morning yoga or aromatherapy; hop on board an Apreamare Gozzo 35, a glamorous vessel perfect for cruising to the Isola Bella nature reserve, where snorkelers can view a dazzling array of marine life; tuck in for an alfresco movie night; or dance under the stars to live music.
Of course, aperitivos flow freely, the perfect lead in to a decadent seafood tasting menu at Brizza, where Executive Chef Agostino D’Angelo curated a mouthwatering selection of dishes like scallops with caviar and hazelnut flakes or matcha tea raviolo with stewed tuna belly and mint-scented cherry tomato water, all paired with exquisite Etna wines.
Lido Villeggiatura beach club at Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Brizza restaurant at Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
The beach club is just the latest addition to an already exceptional getaway. Villa Sant’ Andrea reimagines a 1919 private home with Edenic gardens, thoughtfully appointed accommodations, and the perfect dose of la dolce vita, which has lured stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Peter O’Toole. All 67 rooms offer terraces overlooking the scenic Bay of Mazzarò, making this Italian resort the perfect place to keep the heady glow of summer going straight through until November.
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Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Each of the rooms at Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, have a terrace overlooking the stunning water views. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel in Taormina Mare. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel in Taormina Mare. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Beautiful gardens are just one of the many enchanting features at Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel in Taormina Mare. Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
Cover: Villa Sant' Andrea, a Belmond hotel, in Taormina Mare, Sicily.
Photo: Courtesy of Belmond
