A Tenon-Style White Lotus Trip to Sicily

Have you binged the White Lotus season two yet? If so, you know Sicily’s gorgeous, vibrant corners, fizzing cocktails, and blue-and-white beach umbrellas are the splendid, sumptuous playground for our cast of characters who—we slowly find out—all have a few skeletons in their closets. 

While the golden sunsets and cliff-side views are certainly enchanting, it doesn’t take long to sense the real turmoil happening under the surface—don’t worry, we won’t spoil the ending for you! (Hint: it involves a magnificent yacht off the coast of Palermo *wink*). But, it certainly has us planning a Sicily trip that pulls out all the stops (minus the show’s drama). For a week staying in Sicily’s Taormina, here’s what we’d do.  

The bay-side hotel in the show is a real, functioning one you may book. The San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons hotel, looks just about the same as it appears in the show—a large courtyard teeming with plants, the umbrellas flapping in the breeze by the infinity pool, and a swanky cocktail bar with a piano. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the breakfast buffet is colorful and mouthwatering. 

Though if you’re looking for a less-pricey alternative (and currently less packed, given the show’s attention), there are a few great and equally lovely options. The Hotel Villa Belvedere is a historic hotel with an infinity pool, a great blend of modern and antique furniture, and a gorgeous view of the glittering bay beyond. Offering villas, terrace and studio rooms, it’s a perfect, elegant option while living the “dolce vita” life. A few other great options include the Hotel Capotaormina and Monte Tauro.

Visit the ancient markets of Sicily, many of which are typical suks, meaning Arab Markets, where you can find ingredients and houseware you may never see again—exotic spices and herbs, and many fine olives. If you make a trip to Palermo, you can sign up for a street food tour and visit the Vucciria and Capo Ballaro markets, which are open-air and brimming with fresh meat and seafood, vegetables, and fruit. 

Corso Umberto is Taormina’s famed historic shopping street, with many art galleries, craft vendors, clothing stores, restaurants, and bars. The narrow, medieval stone streets send you far back in time as you walk along, ancient architecture and balconies overhead. Some one-of-a-kind items you may find along this street include coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, and sweets.

Sicilian flavors should not be missed! You’ll find fresh, exquisite Mediterranean foods and elevated dishes of fish and vegetables. Sicilian blood oranges are known for their potent taste, and the eggplant parmigiana and pasta alla norma are must-tries. 

As for the wine, there are many vineyards throughout Trapani, Agrigento, and Palermo. The wine Nero d’Avola is quite famous—you may have heard of it here in the States—with plum and peppery notes. Another Sicilian staple is Marsala wine, a sweeter flavor meant as an aperitif and compared to port or sherry. It’s also frequently used in the making of Tiramisu.