Don Francesco La Floresta’s decision to convert his house into a hotel in 1873 made perfect sense. Ever since artist Otto Geleng returned to the mainland with watercolours depicting views from his guesthouse, he had received visitor after visitor. People from all over Europe wanted to see the panoramas for themselves. Well over a hundred years later, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo’s breathtaking vistas and unique charm continue to enchant.
MAKE YOUR WAY up the rugged cliffs on which Belmond Grand Timeo is perched and a sense of enchantment soon takes over. You may be right in the heart of Taormina but you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your very own hideaway.
The magic grows when you lay eyes on our lovely entrance, swathed in bougainvillea. Through our doors, everything inspires—from our warm doorman (a part-time aria singer) to our mixologist’s aperitivos.
Soak up the sun by our pool or stroll through acres of lush garden graced with tropical palms and wild flowers. There’s even a kitchen garden: Timeo Restaurant uses only the freshest local ingredients for its Sicilian dishes, whether that be Mozia salt or Bronte pistachios.
There’s no better place to take in the dramatic sunset than our Literary Terrace. The panoramas need to be seen to be believed: Truman Capote enjoyed them so much that he stayed for two years; D. H. Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover here. Writer’s block? It’s here you’ll want to sit and craft your postcards home.
Each time you gaze out across medieval Taormina, it’s like seeing the world anew. With clusters of terracotta roofs giving way to shimmering blue sea and dramatic Mount Etna looming on the horizon, views here are a transcendent experience. You’ll struggle to take your eyes away.
You can find more of this little island’s treasures at our Wellness Centre. Our signature Sicilian Sensations treatment features a lava ash exfoliation, a pumice stone footbath and handmade soap using local extra virgin olive oil. If one of the world’s most magnificent views hasn’t already sent you into total bliss, this surely will.