Review of San Domenico Palace, by Gemma Pitcher

Built on the original structures of a fourteenth century Dominican monastery, the San Domenico Palace in Sicily overlooks the sea, and became a luxury hotel in 1896. Since then the leather-bound visitors book kept in the hotel's safe attests to a legion of famous guests, from Richard Strauss to King Farouk and Marlene Dietrich.

The facilities

The gardens and pool inside the luxury hotel's walled compound must have one of the best views in Sicily - a panorama that embraces the ancient Greek theatre and the misty peak of Mount Etna. The village of Taormina itself has more fabulous views from in among its alleys and cobbled stairways, boutiques and chi-chi cafés.

The monastic cloisters of the luxury hotel have now been glassed in to create a lovely light-filled space complete with an indoor garden and palm trees. There are three restaurants serving everything, from traditional Sicilian fish dishes and modern Italian haute cuisine, and a period-style piano bar. If the stairways of the village aren't exercise enough, San Domenico Palace also has a fitness centre and spa.

The rooms

The luxury hotel's 108 bedrooms, tucked away up red-carpeted corridors, are luxurious and decorated in warm Mediterranean colours. Rooms have their own TVs and minibar.