Hotel Ipanema

Hotel Ipanema details

A private beach and a rooftop pool give this hotel a stylish edge.

When it comes to looks, Sicily gets ten out of ten. And if you like your views uninterrupted, the Hotel Ipanema gets bonus points. Its hillside location in Taormina means you can see right down to the coast. Plus, the cable car is close by so you can be in the heart of Taormina in five minutes.

With a rooftop pool and sun terrace, the hotel definitely makes the most of its elevated position. Great views too! If you prefer the beach, the hotel owns a private strip so you’re guaranteed space to relax. The shuttle bus runs regularly throughout the day. Plus, the beach bar serves great coffee and a selection of light bites.

The hotel itself is set in a sea of green shrubs and tropical flowers. It’s a classic cream-coloured number, dotted with wrought-iron balconies complete with shuttered doors – a touch of traditional Italy. Inside, the bedrooms are a little dated on the décor front, but they’re clean and come with air-conditioning and mini-fridges.

In terms of dining, breakfast is served buffet-style so you can help yourself to a Continental breakfast. Evening meals are served at your table – think pasta and salads. And the weekly Sicilian gala nights are worth a special mention – enjoy music from a live Sicilian folk band and eat as much local cuisine as you like.