The most glamourous place to stay in Taormina, if not all Sicily. After an extensive refurbishment in 2010 and under the watchful management of GM Stefano Gegnacorsi, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo welcomes our clients with open arms.
Despite being in the heart of town, the discreet entrance to the Timeo is like walking into another world. Plastic erupting models of Etna and unsuitably dressed daytrippers become a distant memory as a chilled glass of prosecco is pressed into your hand as you wait on the terrace for your luggage to be whisked to your room.
The superb service matches the location, the majority of staff are local and passionate about the island and its history (as you will find with the majority of Sicilians). Rooms are large and airy, our favourites are the Junior Suites with balconies in the older part of the hotel. Our least favourite are those in the Villa Flora, located away from the main hotel and more corporate in feel.
For culture, the cities of Syracuse and Catania are a short drive away as are the wineries on the slopes of Etna that have recently gained a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in Italy. For lounge lizards, there is a small swimming pool onsite and guests have full access to the private strip of beach belonging to the sister hotel Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. The spectacular gardens cascade down the hill, overflowing with jasmine, magnolias and cypress and palm trees and orange and lemon trees provide freshly squeezed juices for your morning breakfast.