Don Francesco La Floresta’s decision to convert his house into a hotel in 1873 made perfect sense. Ever since a Prussian artist returned to the mainland with watercolors depicting views from his guesthouse, he had received a 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 Hotel 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 wildflowers. There’s even a kitchen garden: The 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 the 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 footpath, 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.

ACCOMMODATION

JUNIOR SUITE SUPERIOR – Stunning views of the Bay of Taormina are enjoyed from the balconies of these suites in the Timeo Building. The bedrooms, decorated in typical baroque style, feature a king-size or twin beds. All have marble bathrooms with a bathtub and some feature a separate shower. One room is connecting.

JUNIOR SUITE DELUXE – These suites recall the grandeur of the early 20th-century aristocratic Sicily. Located in the Timeo Building, they enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Taormina, with glimpses of Mount Etna, and have balconies and terraces where guests can enjoy breakfast. Bedrooms offer a king-size or twin beds. Marble bathrooms feature a bathtub, and some benefit from a separate shower. Three rooms are connecting.

JUNIOR SUITE EXECUTIVE – These suites located in the Timeo Building all afford spectacular sea views with glimpses of Mount Etna, and have spacious terraces equipped with sun loungers, chairs, and a table. They feature either a kingsize or twin beds. The marble bathroom has a bathtub, and in some suites, there is a separate shower. One room is connecting.

SUITE DELUXE – Furnished in Sicilian baroque style, these luxurious suites in the Timeo Building all feature living areas, marble bathrooms with a separate shower cubicle, bathtub, beautifully furnished double vanity basins and armoires. The bedrooms have a king-size or twin beds. Amazing views of the Bay of Taormina can be absorbed from the private balcony or terrace. No connecting rooms.

SUITE EXCLUSIVE – This one-bedroom suite, located on the top floor of the Times Building, boasts magnificent views of the sea and the Greek Theatre from its inviting terrace. The suite offers a living area and a spacious marble bathroom with separate walk-in shower cubicle and bathtub. The bedroom can be fitted with either a kingsize or twin beds. This suite can be connected to a Double Deluxe and to a Junior Suite Deluxe.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE – From its spectacular 300 sq m (984 sq ft) terrace overlooking the Bay of Taormina, guests savor a 180-degree panorama, stretching from the medieval village of Castelmola to Mount Etna and all the way down to the Bay of Naxos and the Greek Theatre. The terrace is the perfect setting for elegant private parties and also boasts a Jacuzzi overlooking the sea below. This sophisticated suite, decorated in Sicilian baroque style, is located in the Timeo Building and features two bedrooms, each with either a king-size or twin beds. The marble bathrooms offer a bathtub and separate walk-in shower. No connecting rooms.

DINING

OTTO GELENG RESTAURANT  – Join us in our intimate restaurant, seating just 16 diners, that conjures up the ambiance of a noble Sicilian family home. Sit at a table set with baroque-inspired silver cutlery and locally handcrafted table linen and absorb the views. Our Executive Chef, Roberto Toro, has created a menu that tells the story of his Sicily, including his signature dish Otto di Mare.

TIMEO RESTAURANT  – Soak up the mesmerizing views of Mount Etna and the sea from our spectacular terrace. Feast on Sicilian and Mediterranean specialties, accompanied by irresistible local wines.

POOL RESTAURANT  – Live cooking, stunning views of Naxos Bay, and delicious organic ingredients await you in this shaded, fully-refurbished dining spot. Savor the freshest meat or fish of the day cooked using a Josper Charcoal Oven. Open during the summer months.

LITERARY TERRACE AND BAR  – Order a cool cocktail and relax as you absorb vistas that have entranced great writers and artists through the ages. Inside, the bar’s elegant Sicilian carpentry and antique fittings evoke a 19th-century winter garden. Enjoy piano music in the lounge area from 19.00 till late. 

EXPERIENCES

DINING UNDER THE STARS – Taste Sicilian flavors under the stars as you admire Mount Etna and the Naxos Bay at your feet, with a personalized menu signed by our Michelin starred Chef Roberto Toro.

DISCOVERING MOUNT ETNA – Embark on an exciting adventure surrounded by Sicilian nature culminating with an aperitif on top of Mount Etna.

APE TOUR: TAORMINA ON THREE WHEELS – Jump aboard a famous Ape Calessino to discover Taormina’s historical center and its surroundings in perfect dolce vita style.