San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel has been named No. 50 in The 50 Best Hotels 2026, joining a global list spanning six continents.
The ranking was announced on 15 September during a ceremony at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris. It was the first edition of the hotel awards held outside London, where the programme launched in 2023.
Set on a rocky promontory above Taormina, San Domenico Palace is a five-star Sicilian hotel with sweeping views across the Ionian Sea. The former 14th-century Dominican convent became a grand hotel in 1896 and reopened under Four Seasons management in 2021.
The property has 111 rooms and suites, four dining outlets, Botanica Spa and a clifftop infinity pool overlooking the coast. Its historic wings, sea-facing terraces and landscaped gardens place guests within walking distance of central Taormina.
“We are deeply honoured and genuinely moved to be included in The 50 Best Hotels 2026,” San Domenico Palace general manager Imelda Shllaku said. “This acknowledgement is a celebration of everyone who brings San Domenico Palace to life every day and inspires us to continue raising the bar for what a stay at our hotel means.”
San Domenico Palace enters the ranking at No. 50
The 2026 list spans 50 hotels across 22 territories and is based on votes cast by more than 800 anonymous members of The 50 Best Hotels Academy. Those members—hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and experienced luxury travellers—are organised into 13 geographic regions. Deloitte independently adjudicates the results.
Rosewood Hong Kong retained the No. 1 position for a second consecutive year. Capella Bangkok rose to No. 2, followed by Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, while Atlantis The Royal in Dubai placed fourth.
Europe secured 21 positions, the largest regional share. Italy and France each contributed six hotels, while the UK had four. Asia accounted for 18 properties and seven of the top 10 places.
Across seven destinations, the 2026 ranking included 10 newcomers. Casa Maria Luigia in Modena was the highest new arrival at No. 18, while Patina Osaka, ranked No. 33, received the best new hotel award.
Other newcomers included San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara at No. 22 and The Peninsula Istanbul at No. 31. Amangiri in Utah entered at No. 45, followed by Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok at No. 48.
The ranking was revealed through a live countdown from No. 50 to No. 1, accompanied by individual awards and an extended list covering positions 51–100. The 50 Best Hotels programme was created after the success of The 50 Best Restaurants and The 50 Best Bars.
A 14th-century convent overlooking the Ionian Sea
San Domenico Palace occupies two distinct sections: the Ancient Convent Wing, dating from the 14th century, and the Grand Hotel Wing, built in 1896. Its 68 rooms and 43 suites pair contemporary interiors with original architectural details and restored frescoes.
Selected suites have private pools and Mediterranean views, with Mount Etna visible beyond the coastline. The elevated position also looks towards Taormina’s Ancient Theatre, one of Sicily’s best-preserved classical sites.
The original monastery was founded by the nobleman Damiano Rosso. Surviving spaces include the Great Cloister and Ancient Cloister, as well as a private chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha. The monks’ former refectory is now known as the Sala Della Grande Madia.
A three-year restoration uncovered Roman columns described by Four Seasons as more than 2,000 years old. Workers also found engravings within the historic structure, including an inscription reading “Domingo Dvran Cathala 1718”, attributed to a Dominican friar who was probably the monastery’s architect.
Around 500 artworks remain throughout the property. Commissioned by monks from noble families, the collection includes religious paintings and scenes of daily life created between the 16th and 19th centuries. The works represent the Neapolitan and Roman schools, together with Sicily’s artistic tradition.
The hotel’s gardens preserve the contemplative character of the former convent. Four areas, the Citrus Garden, Italian Garden, Solarium and Belvedere Garden, form a cross across the grounds. Their outlook takes in the sea and Mount Etna, with Taormina and the Ancient Theatre completing the setting.
Dining, wellness and the clifftop pool
The San Domenico Palace experience centres on the hotel’s historic setting, with modern facilities designed for a resort stay. The clifftop infinity pool faces the Ionian Sea, while Botanica Spa offers bespoke massages and facials.
Four dining venues serve the property, with local produce forming the basis of its Michelin-starred cuisine. Guests can also use 24-hour in-room dining and multilingual concierge services.
The hotel holds Three Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide’s highest hotel distinction. The award recognises properties considered exceptional stays, based on character and design, service, personality and contribution to their surroundings.
Its location allows guests to move easily between the grounds and central Taormina. Shops, historic landmarks and the town’s lively piazzas are close by, while the sea remains visible from many of the hotel’s shared spaces and accommodations.
Exploring Taormina and eastern Sicily
San Domenico Palace arranges private experiences around Taormina, Mount Etna and the eastern Sicilian coastline. Guests can take guided walks across ancient lava fields, visit vineyards for private dining or see the volcano from a helicopter.
Historical itineraries can include the Ancient Theatre and Palazzo Corvaja, followed by Piazza IX Aprile and Taormina’s old town. These tours trace the cultures that have shaped the town and its architecture over centuries.
For time on the water, the hotel can organise sailing and cruising around Isola Bella or Grotta Azzurra. Snorkelling can be combined with a picnic prepared by the property’s chefs, with views of the coves below Taormina.
The hotel’s latest recognition comes as Four Seasons expands its collection of historic Italian properties. In August, the group began the phased reopening of Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, starting with 120 rooms and suites. A further 56 accommodations are planned for 2027.
San Domenico Palace combines convent architecture and resort facilities with direct access to Taormina. Its position at No. 50 places the Sicilian hotel among the ranking’s six Italian entries for 2026.
