UNAHOTELS Capotaormina

Located on Taormina’s jagged cliffs, the four-pearl Atahotel Capotaormina is a 1970s-built property that offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea with boats zipping by and seagulls flying overhead. This hotel has a lovely illuminated cave that leads down to a private bay, where the water is fairly calm. With postcard-worthy views, it’s no wonder the location was featured in the '80s film “The Big Blue.” The hotel is part of the Atahotels brand that has 21 properties across Italy. Unfortunately, interior design in the rooms is on the dated side, but the large lobby is contemporary with exposed bricks and a golden light ceiling fixture. Brown rattan furniture provides seating in the reception area and three elevators service all seven floors. This serene and romantic atmosphere is tailored toward couples, although there are meeting rooms available for business travelers. 

A major draw for tourists is this hotel’s beautiful hillside location. The site is reachable via a winding road that’s fairly quiet, although it’s frequented by tour buses. The property sits above the Bay of Naxos and overlooks the Mount Etna volcano, which takes over an hour by car to reach. There’s a free shuttle that goes to the city center of Taormina in 10 to 15 minutes, but reservations must be made in advance since it’s such a popular hotel feature. The funicular train, which is about 15 minutes away on foot, goes up and down the mountain. The drive to the Taormina main train station takes two minutes. Corso Umberto -- with shopping, dining, the Italian Opera Taormina, Piazza IX Aprile, and Duomo di Taormina -- is a 10-minute drive away. The ancient Greco-Roman theater, the Teatro Antico di Taormina, also takes 10 minutes by car to reach. Driving to the Catania Fontanarossa Airport takes an hour. 

Rooms are spacious and bright but a touch outdated with pastel yellow and blue furnishings, carpeting or wooden floors, rattan or beachwood furniture, and ornate light fixtures. However, the beautiful sea views available from some furnished balconies and terraces are a spectacular feature. Blue tiled bathrooms have hairdryers, bidets, showers, and/or shower/tub combos. Classic Rooms and Superior Rooms can add a third bed on request. Executive Rooms are the biggest option. Suites -- Executive, Junior, and Superior Junior -- have bathrobes and slippers, whirlpool tubs, living rooms, and views in some of Isola Bella island and Mount Etna. Executive Apartments are two double rooms with two bathrooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, walk-in closets, safes, and minibars. Wi-Fi is an additional fee. Four accessible rooms are available. 

The hotel’s private beach feels like a hidden treasure with a cave -- illuminated by floor lights -- that leads to a cove, where there are white umbrellas, chairs, and towels. The beach can also be reserved for parties. At the cliff’s edge there is a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool and a nearby 14-person hot tub. The small fitness center is equipped with weight and cardio machines, a punching bag, and free weights. There isn’t a spa here, but a wellness center offers beauty treatments and access to a sauna for a fee.  

The classically decorated restaurants and bars offer stunning sea views from inviting outdoor terraces. The Cliff Restaurant has a terrace with optional candlelit dinners. Restaurant Alcantara provides an American breakfast buffet and terrace seating. Sicilian fare is offered at the Restaurant Naxos that has floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. There’s also a beach bar, poolside bar, and a rooftop terrace at the Bar Svevo, which has live music.

Also on-site are two foyers and five meeting rooms that can accommodate between 10 to 450 people. There's a fee to access Wi-Fi throughout.