A sweet plunge downwards from dreamy Taormina, Mazzarò beach is one of the favourite beaches on this coast. Deep turquoise waters, pebbly beaches tickling your toes, and pink grapefruit sunsets are the guaranteed treat here – and in Mazzarò Sea Palace, you have a centre stage ticket to bask in the gloriousness of it all.
Why stay at Mazzarò Sea Palace?
In the VRetreats portfolio, Mazzarò Sea Palace is in a prime position to make the most of your Sicilian seaside holiday, and is equipped with modern rooms and facilities to match. The classy, white-walled structure of the hotel is built directly onto the beach, giving guests 24/7 access to this beautiful corner of the coast. The amenities that come with it, from the boundless breakfast to the comprehensive spa, add to that taste of pure relaxation by the Mediterranean.
Its newest look adds a touch of hyper-modern elegance to your classic seaside stay – huge windows let in spectacular views from both the indoor restaurant area and private rooms, and whirlpools are a new addition too.
What are the rooms like at Mazzarò Sea Palace?
Flipping the script on a typical Sicilian palazzo, the lower down your room is, the more luxurious it is. Superior standard rooms are on the top floor, Deluxe in the middle, and the fanciest Suite options, with a private pool, are on the first floor. As each level is built in the style of progressive steps to allow the sunlight to kiss each of the 68 rooms equally, you do get more privacy if you’re at the top. Staying in the Deluxe Room, we get our own roomy balcony with sun loungers looking directly on Mazzarò bay, but alas there’s no tanning in the nip here, as the top floor balconies look right in, and the walls dividing you from rooms on the same level are low.
All rooms have been redesigned and modernised in 2025, adding a classy vimini-style wardrobe dividing the bedroom from the washroom area, and creating a nifty nook with your state-of-the-art coffee machine, mini bar, and kettle amenities. Deluxe rooms have a gorgeous modern shower and plenty of fancy toiletries, and the overall decor is simple but classy with neutral clear wood tones, nothing too over the top, so you can enjoy that gorgeous sea view without any unnecessary distraction. You also get twice daily housekeeping.
Which are the best food and drink options at Mazzarò Sea Palace?
Breakfast is the event of the day here. A long L-shaped banquet in a climate-controlled room houses a sweet pastry station with continental and Sicilian delicacies, a savoury station with cold cuts and dairy, and my personal favourite: a table spread solely dedicated to local produce, from cheeses and cold cuts to bite-size arancini, sfoglini with ricotta, and a granita station with six different flavours.
Enjoying a meal at either the Amarè Bar or the Ristorante Armònia is likely to put a dent in your wallet, with starters and mains ranging in the €25 to €80 region. If you are up for the treat, you can’t go wrong with a seafood dinner at Ristorante Armònia. Try the sumptuous crudo di mare for the freshest local catch served sashimi-style, and make sure to save space for dessert. If in doubt, order the tiramisù with a quirky theatrical twist, and pair it with a zibibbo, a Sicilian sweet wine with soft apricot notes.
What is the service like at Mazzarò Sea Palace?
Service is nothing short of impeccable, down to the small things like refilling your glass during breakfast, or bringing a bucket of ice to the beach where to put your iced coffee cup and snacks. If you are looking for a vacation in which you can let the steering wheel go and be completely in the caring hands of hospitality pros, Mazzarò Sea Palace delivers.
No request is too cumbersome or outlandish. In true vacation-brain fashion I managed to lose my UK adaptor, almost set fire to a towel, and break a glass full of wine on a white rug. Within moments I found a spanking new adaptor on my pillow, a new set of towels smelling minty-fresh, and…yes, new wine. (But no more white rug for me. Oops.)
What is the wellness offer like at Mazzarò Sea Palace?
The Hyd’Or Spa is the wellness hub inside Mazzarò Sea Palace. You have access to classic treatments and massages priced in the €100 range, and can take advantage of the solarium and hydration treatments priced by hour.
Open 24/7, the fitness centre with its fully-equipped gym shares the same floor as the spa, ideal if you’d like to end your elliptical or peloton session with a well-deserved facial and lie-down in the relaxation area.
What’s the area around Mazzarò Sea Palace like?
Mazzarò is directly downhill from Taormina, which is at 200 metres above sea level. From the hotel, you can take the funicular directly to Taormina (the stop is about 3 minutes walk). The views are impeccable, and the service is every 15 minutes with a journey of about 2 minutes. Venture to this gorgeous hilltop town that’s inspired poets, artists, and musicians for centuries and explore the gorgeous Trevelyan Gardens, cobbled streets, and balconies lined with clotheslines typical of small Sicilian towns.
Mazzarò is also in a great position to walk to Isola Bella, a walkable island surrounding by a tiny but beautiful beach (so make sure you go early in the morning). The Etna natural park, Catania, and Giardini Naxos are also not too far away. The hotel organises private transfers to wherever you’d like to visit. You’re in the hands of experienced, caring, and bubbly chauffeurs like Giovanni, our driver from Etna Park to Taormina, whose ethos is to go above and beyond to add a special touch for those who come and visit our beautiful Sicily.
Why you should book a stay at Mazzarò Sea Palace
For a sweet seaside retreat in which you can put your feet up, bask in the salty breeze, go swimming at any and all hours of the day, and have quality food and drink – all without leaving the four walls of the resort.
If you are after an unspoilt stretch of coast, this isn’t it. But if you book during low season, you can still catch a glimpse of that original Mediterranean alcove, as the horizon is de-cluttered from the dozens of boats and yachts Mazzarò beach attracts during peak summer, and the hotel operates at a more relaxed pace once crowds have dissipated.
DETAILS
Address: Via Nazionale 147, Taormina, 98030 Messina (ME)
Price per night: double rooms from €500 per night during low season, and from €800 during high season – based on two adults sharing on a B&B basis.
Closest transport: Taormina-Giardini station is a 15-minute drive away, and Catania–Fontanarossa Airport is about 45.