Via Nazionale 107/A, Isola Bella, Taormina, Italy
Beachfront property in the Isola Bella Nature Reserve
Spa with Turkish bath and a whirlpool
Some rooms have private outdoor areas and whirlpools
Rate includes a buffet breakfast
Two outdoor restaurants and a beach bar
Wi-Fi is free throughout
Fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment
Free on-site garage parking
Closed from November through March
The beach gets packed
Not within walking distance of many popular sights
Some rooms are on the cramped side
No swimming pool
This beachfront hotel is located right on Isola Bay, providing it with fantastic views and direct access to the pebbly sand and turquoise water. In addition to the popular beach, La Plage has a fitness center, various outdoor restaurants, and a beach bar. The 61 stylish rooms include Suites, Deluxe Suites, and Bungalows, some of which have whirlpools and private outdoor areas. While this luxury property does have a spa with a Turkish bath and whirlpool, there isn't a swimming pool. Overall, this is a good bet for couples who want a romantic beach vacation with most of the trimmings. Rates are low for the quality of the rooms and freebies include Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking. Note that the seasonal property is closed from November through March.
Scene
Contemporary, chic lobby with a sophisticated, beachy vibe
A stone wall draped in vines surrounds the entrance to this sleek hotel. A small glass-railing staircase and corridor leads to the lobby, which has natural hardwood floors and walls, white couches, pouf chairs, and strung seashells dangling over the front desk. Large glass doors lead to the covered outdoor patio, with its trendy woven pod-like chairs that overlook the water. A small strip of grass separates the patio from the beach below. The grounds are covered with stone walkways, manicured hedges, and lushly flowered trees. Little ones are welcome here but the grown-up vibe caters more towards couples.
Location
Located within the Isola Bella Nature Preserve on the beachfront of Isola Bay.
La Plage Resort is located right on Isola Bay, inside the beautiful Isola Bella Nature Reserve. The hotel is a one-minute walk to the cable car, which goes straight to the historic center. There isn't much to see and do within walking distance.
Rooms
Chic decor and private outdoor spaces -- some have whirlpools
Bright rooms are contemporary with sophisticated decor and zero cleanliness issues. Plush beds with white linens, hardwood floors, white fabric headboards, and sleek white furniture create a comfortable, serene atmosphere. All the rooms include flat-screen TVs, extra places to sit (some of the rooms are pretty cramped with just a chair in the corner), mini-fridges, safes, and built-in closets. The bathrooms have gray mosaic tiles, bathtubs, glass-door showers, vessel sinks, high-end toiletries, bidets, and phones. Some of the rooms include furnished balconies, while the Suites and Deluxe Suites have two or three bathrooms, and whirlpools in private gardens with views of the Isola Bay. Bungalows, some with whirlpools, are also available. One picky detail: the grass around the whirlpools looks a little patchy in some places.
Features
Direct access to the beach, a beach bar, spa, fitness center, and outdoor restaurants
This hotel's dining areas all take advantage of the gorgeous view and proximity to the water. The large, Mediterranean themed Fusion restaurant is situated on a shaded patio overlooking the bay, while the Terrazza Isola Bella sits on an outdoor patio with the mountains as a backdrop. Breakfast is included with the room rate. The Beach Club, which has a wooden deck with chairs, umbrellas, and a bar, sits on the pebbly sand on the bay, and staff will deliver drinks directly to guests on their lounge chairs. The beach can get packed with people during the busiest times of the day. The hotel also has a modern fitness center, and a spa with treatment rooms, an indoor whirlpool, and a Turkish bath. Freebies include Wi-Fi and garage parking.