San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel in Italy Named NO.50 in the 50 Best Hotels 2026

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel has been named No.50 in the global ranking of The 50 Best Hotels 2026. The fourth edition of The 50 Best Hotels has been announced at an awards ceremony in Paris and features industry-defining hotels spanning six continents worldwide.

“We are deeply honoured and genuinely moved to be included in The 50 Best Hotels 2026," says Imelda Shllaku, General Manager of San Domenico Palace. "This acknowledgement is a celebration of everyone who brings San Domenico Palace to life every day and inspires us to continue raising the bar for what a stay at our hotel means.”

Yesterday evening's awards ceremony once again united the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the world’s finest hotels. For the first time in Paris, at one of the city’s most unique locations, Les Salles du Carrousel, the event showcased experiences that will inspire consumers, travellers and hoteliers around the globe.

Perched above the Ionian Sea with views of magnificent Mount Etna and the Ancient Theatre, San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel is a former 14th-century Dominican convent.   Transformed into a grand hotel in 1896 San Domenico Palace reopened as a Four Seasons in 2021, featuring 111 guest accommodations and suites, four dining outlets, a clifftop infinity pool and Botanica Spa. Its cloisters, terraces and lush Italian gardens are one of Sicily’s most storied addresses, a place that has drawn writers, artists and filmmakers for over a century and continues to do so.

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels, says: “Bringing The 50 Best Hotels to Paris for the first time has been a privilege, and a fitting backdrop to celebrate the hotels shaping the future of travel. This year’s list recognises not only extraordinary places to stay, but the exceptional people whose vision, craft and care create truly memorable guest experiences. Congratulations to every hotel honoured in 2026, thank you to our Academy whose votes shape the list and everyone who continues to make this a moment the industry look forward to each year.”

The 50 Best Hotels 2026 was revealed as part of a live countdown from No.50 to No.1. The ranking is complemented by a series of special awards alongside the extended 51-100 list and reflects the very best travel experiences around the globe, collated from the votes of more than 800 anonymous experts. This voting panel – The 50 Best Hotels Academy – comprises a balanced mix of hoteliers, travel journalists, educators and seasoned luxury travellers, led by a group of industry-leading Academy Chairs.