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It’s 8pm on a perfect Italian evening, and the fairytale town of Taormina is spilling out below us like a postcard – glassy ocean melting into a pastel pink sky. We’re somehow among just two parties dining on the town’s highest rooftop terrace, the rooftop in question is found on the top of NH Collection Taormina – a gorgeous 63-room hotel perched above the town’s historic beating heart.
What is NH Collection Taormina like?
If Palermo is chaos and Catania is grit, Taormina is pure theatre – and NH Collection Taormina leans all the way in. Perched just above the town’s historic centre, this is a gorgeously glossy but still delightfully intimate hotel. Prioritising comfort and design over old-school features, this 63-room stay trades rustic Sicilian charm for something sleeker. Despite being an old-building enthusiast, it’s a trade I’m more than happy to make: take the two-minute walk into the town for old-world trattorias, then head back to the hotel for a massage in the spa, a dip in the pool and a strong Negroni on the roof.
The building itself blends contemporary architecture (see the glass-bottomed swimming pool that bathes the foyer in susurrations) with restored historic elements, but let’s be honest: it’s the views that steal the show. We’re talking Mount Etna on one side, the Ionian Sea on the other, and that golden-hour light that makes everything look like a film set and kind of makes you want to cry.
What are the rooms like at NH Collection Taormina?
Rooms here are all about understated luxury with a view. Expect clean lines, neutral tones, big beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that do their best to frame the landscape like art.
Many rooms come with balconies or terraces, and if you can swing it, it’s worth it – waking up to views of the coastline, or starting the evening with a glass of bubbles from your private open-air bathtub, is the kind of main-character moment we all look for from our Sicilian getaway. Bathrooms are modern and seriously spacious, with rainfall showers and high-end finishes.
Is there a restaurant at NH Collection Taormina?
Yes – and it’s a strong one. The hotel’s Zefiro Restaurant serves up refined Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist, best enjoyed on the terrace where the views do half the work.
There’s also a bar for aperitivo hour, which, in this setting, tends to stretch comfortably into the evening. Think sky-high Spritzes, local wines and that smug feeling of having picked the right hotel.
What is the service like at NH Collection Taormina?
Service is polished, attentive and very used to dealing with guests who expect a bit of everything. Staff are helpful with bookings, transfers and local recommendations, and generally strike a good balance between professional and warm.
Is there a gym at NH Collection Taormina?
There is a small but well-equipped gym onsite, suitable for a quick workout if you’re feeling virtuous. Realistically, though, Taormina’s steep streets will do most of the heavy lifting for you.
Is there a pool at NH Collection Taormina?
Yes – and it’s a standout. The infinity pool looks straight out over the coastline, with uninterrupted views that make it very hard to leave your sunbed. It’s not enormous, but it doesn’t need to be – this is more about soaking, sipping and staring wistfully into the distance.
Is there a spa at NH Collection Taormina?
Led by the endlessly warm, endlessly accommodating Lucio, the spa here is a genuine gem. The team of therapists is exceptional – and booking a massage here is most definitely worth it, especially if you’ve travelled from outside of Europe.
What’s the area like around NH Collection Taormina?
You’re just a few easy steps from Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main pedestrian strip, lined with boutiques, bars, restaurants and gelaterias. The ancient Greek Theatre, one of Sicily’s most iconic sights, is an easy walk through town, as is the cable car leading down to the ridiculously beautiful shores of Isola Bella.
Why should you book a stay at NH Collection Taormina?
Because it delivers the Taormina fantasy with the kinds of modern hotel features that make a holiday work. You get knockout views, a central location, a sun-soaked pool and genuinely comfortable rooms – all wrapped up in a hotel that feels modern, easy and luxe in all the right places. It’s especially ideal if you want that postcard-perfect Sicilian escape, but with reliable air-conditioning, a proper cocktail and a pool waiting for you at the end of the day.
Address: Via Circonvallazione 11, 98039 Taormina, Italy
Price per night: From approximately €300-600 per night, depending on season
Closest transport link: Taormina-Giardini Train Station (then a short taxi or bus up to the town)