A TV Series That Turned Sicily Into a Global Travel Sensation
HBO’s hit series The White Lotus has done more than entertain audiences—it has ignited a global fascination with its breathtaking filming locations. After the success of its first season set in Hawaii, the show took its lavish storytelling to Sicily, Italy, in season two, drawing travelers from around the world eager to experience its cinematic beauty firsthand.
Beyond the luxury suites and designer wardrobes, the series paints a compelling portrait of social classes, privilege, and power dynamics, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina.
Stay Like a Millionaire: San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
A Historic Hotel on the Edge of a Cliff
The San Domenico Palace is more than just a hotel—it’s a piece of history. 
Perched on a cliff in Taormina, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina.
Originally a 14th-century monastery, it became a hotel in 1896.
In 2020, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts acquired it, restoring its ancient frescoes, statues, and historic charm.
Now, it blends timeless elegance with modern luxury.
The Rooms You Saw on Screen
Each character in The White Lotus stayed in a suite that you can actually book:
- Poolside Executive Suite: One of the show’s most memorable locations, this suite, featuring a private Jacuzzi on the terrace, costs around €3,000 per night.
- Princess Suite: Two of the show’s couples stay in this lavish €5,000-per-night suite, separated by a secret door that played a crucial role in the plot.
- Royal Suite: The most extravagant of them all, this 140-square-meter suite, where Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) resided, comes at a price exceeding €6,500 per night. It’s so luxurious that it became the centerpiece of the season’s dramatic finale.
- Standard Rooms: While the spotlight is on high-end suites, the hotel does offer standard rooms starting at €600 per night.
A Design That Blends Old and New
From the moment you enter the grand lobby, you’re immersed in a world where ancient architecture meets modern elegance. The space is adorned with coral-red anthurium flowers, lush succulents, and a 15th-century wooden apothecary cabinet as a centerpiece.
The hotel’s tropical gardens and citrus groves further add to its charm, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and indulgence.
Can You Still Book a Stay at San Domenico Palace?
Yes, but it’s not easy! The hotel operates seasonally from mid-March to mid-November, closing for winter. Due to the show’s popularity, availability during peak times is scarce, with many rooms fully booked months in advance.
Whether you’re a White Lotus fan or simply looking for a dream Sicilian getaway, this iconic hotel offers an unforgettable experience of history, luxury, and cinematic allure.
