Less than an hour drive from Catania International Airport, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is a luxury resort hotel located at the heart of Taormina in Sicily, adjacent to the magnificent Greek Theatre. The charming town of Taormina provides an ideal backdrop for a timeless Dolce Vita experience, its small streets being a magnet for travellers, buzzing with a great sense of energy and vibe.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is at the heart of it all, boasting a unique sense of prestige and exclusivity. Against the backdrop of the Etna volcano, the picturesque town of Taormina and the breathtaking uninterrupted picture perfect sea-views, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo provides a majestic experience, a true sanctuary of serenity. Etna is an active stratovolcano between the cities of Messina and Catania.
In 1863 Otto Gèleng, a 20-year-old Prussian baron, visited Taormina to paint watercolours and took residence in a private house belonging to Don Francesco La Floresta. Don Francesco had started renting rooms in 1850 and called his house “Timeo”, the name of the founder of the Greek city “Tauromenion” in 358 BC. In 1874 Don Francesco sold an orange field and with the proceeds bought a house right below the Greek Theatre, he added five guest rooms on the spot where Belmond Grand Timeo now stands.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of Godfather, the epic movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, with many iconic scenes filmed on location in several Sicilian hotspots, including Taormina. In June this year, the screening of ‘ the The Godfather’ movie at the 68th edition of the Taormina Film Festival at the ancient theatre in the presence of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, was a most memorable experience. Tour guides organise the most diverse tours of the sites where the movie was filmed.
Perching on the Sicilian clifftops, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo boasts a wide selection of generously sized accommodations which comprises of a great variety suites and bedrooms split between the main building and the separately positioned Villa Flora, which is a 3 minute walk from the main building. More than half of the accommodations features uninterrupted views over the clustered terracotta rooftops of the medieval town, and beyond to the headlands brushing the Ionian Sea. Some of the rooms and suites feature either a balcony and a terrace.
All the accommodations features a subtle blend of classic and contemporary, with a predominant understated feel. Without any exception, all the rooms and suites are serene, with a consistent sound-proofing especially at Villa Flora. The vistas are magical, perfectly capturing the charm of the town but also soaking in the sea views, flanked by the Etna volcano. All rooms and suites boast all marble bathrooms, with plush Egyptian cotton towels and amenities by Acqua di Parma. You will be impressed by the very attentive and constant maintenance and upkeep of all rooms and suites !
The rich Italian baroque style exudes a romantic atmosphere, ideal for a honeymoon in Sicily. But at the same time, the luxury hotel resort is equally chosen by those travelling for a family vacation (including with children), couples but also friends – some of them seeking the ultimate exploration of Taormina, Sicily overall and beyond while others would be longing for the ultimate relaxation, sunbathing by the exquisite swimming pool of the resort, experiencing the wellness centre but also indulging with gourmet dining.
Do not miss the expansive lush gardens of the resort which resemble a private park. There is a unique sense of privacy and intimacy which is predominant throughout the entire resort. One can choose from a stroll in the lush gardens, plunge in the panoramic pool to a sophisticated Spa treatment and exquisite fine dining. It is this versatility and consistency which attracts a great number of returning guests,.
Among the many experiences which the very knowledgeable Concierge is proposing is the Etna Discovery, A visit to Europe’s largest volcano offers an incredible chance to see lava flows up close. Guests can join a tailor-made tour of Mount Etna’s lunar-like landscapes and savour a sparkling surprise en-route. The next stop is a winery on the slopes of the volcano, where one has the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting among the sun-splashed vineyards. An aperitif on Etna’s craters can also be arranged.
The resort proposes a wide range of dining options form the Pool side Bar and Grill to the Michelin starred Otto Geleng restaurant. You can also enjoy all day dining, including buffet breakfast and a-la-carte lunch and dinner at Ristorante Timeo, which will once again impress you with spectacular views of Mount Etna and Naxos Bay, with the infinite sea in the background. Breakfast offers a wide selection of dishes and service is impeccable.
The wellbeing centre of the resorts will surprise you with a wide range of activities and treatments, from a Technogym private trainer fitness session to facials, body treatments as well as more specialised treatments for men, pregnant women and children. There are shorter treatments but also rituals which combine detox, body scrubs and drainage. The wellness uses pure ingredients such a pure olive oil but also the natural products of Italian based beauty and cosmetics brand of Comfort Zone.
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