Hotel Villa Sonia Castelmola, Taormina - Sicily

Guests who have already stayed at Castelmola's Villa Sonia, still dream of their holiday in this beautiful Sicilian hotel: of the breathtaking views of Mount Etna from their bedroom balcony, of the fabulous food and wine served on the panoramic restaurant terrace, of the days spent lazing in the exquisitely perfumed Mediterranean gardens. And this is just what the Intelisano family hoped to achieve when they decided to transform their old country residence, surrounded by the sun drenched landscapes of Eastern Sicily, and just moments away from the historic city of Taormina, into an hotel.

Villa Sonia has a total of 44 well-appointed guest bedrooms, all tastefully furnished in classic Sicilian country style. Almost all the rooms open out onto their own private balcony with views of Mount Etna. Honeymooners, and all those guests in search of additional privacy, should try to book Villa Sonia's wonderfully romantic Garden Cottage.

Guests dining at the hotel's Parco Reale restaurant enjoy delicious Sicilian cuisine, served in the elegant dining room or, in the warm summer months, on the terrace. Villa Sonia's Enoteca Divino wine cellar houses an extremely well researched selection of local and regional wines, including all the most highly acclaimed vintages produced by the new generation of Sicilian wineries. In addition to the restaurant and terrace, Villa Sonia has a large function room with a capacity for as many 400 guests, making the hotel a much sought-after venue for high profile wedding receptions, gala dinners and banquets.

Villa Sonia's garden, with its attractive panoramic swimming pool, has been designed to provide the perfect environment in which hotel residents are free to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility surrounding this unique Sicilian retreat. For those keen to maintain their fitness regime whilst on holiday, there is a small gym and sauna. The picturesque medieval hamlet of Castelmola is within easy walking distance from the hotel. A regular shuttle bus service quickly transports clients to the glamorous seaside resort of Taormina.