Even in the heart of Taormina you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your very own hideaway.
In the beautiful city of Taormina, here perched on a hilltop is Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. You may be right in the heart of a city but you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your very own hideaway, whereyou won’t have to wait long for a sense of enchantment to wash over you.
Converted from a house to a hotel in 1873, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has offered guests breathtaking vistas and unique charm for well over a century.
At first, you’ll lay eyes upon an entrance swathed in bougainvillea. After entering you’ll be greeted by the warm doorman and lead through to the mixologist’s aperitivs. Once settled you can soak up the sun by the pool or stroll through acres of lush garden graced with tropical palms and wildflowers.
When it turns time to dine Timeo Restaurant uses only the freshest local ingredients for its Sicilian dishes, whether that be Mozia salt or Bronte pistachios. There’s even a kitchen garden from which these delectable local delicacies are grown for guests’ dishes.
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. Take in the dramatic sunset with an Etna Spritz on the 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. So writer’s block be damned, sit here and craft your postcards home.
Treat yourself to signature Sicilian Sensations treatments at the Wellness Centre. With a lava ash exfoliation, or a pumice stone footbath using handmade soap made from 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.
WINING AND DINING
OTTO GELENG RESTAURANT
Visit this intimate restaurant, seating just 16 diners, that conjures up the ambience of a noble Sicilian family home. Sit at a table set with baroque-inspired silver cutlery and locally handcrafted table linen and absorb the majestic views. The Executive Chef, Roberto Toro, has created a menu that tells the story of his Sicily, including his signature dish Otto di Mare.
Dinner: 20.00-22.00.
TIMEO RESTAURANT
Soak up the mesmerising views of Mount Etna and the sea from a spectacular terrace. Feast on Sicilian and Mediterranean specialties, accompanied by irresistible local wines.
Breakfast 07.30-10.30; lunch 13.00-14.30; dinner 19.30-22.30.
POOL RESTAURANT
From May to September, the tempting Pool Restaurant beckons. Sit in the shaded terraced gardens and linger over buffet-style appetisers, brick-oven pizza, pasta and specialities from the salad bar.
Lunch 13.00-16.00.
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.
Open: 10.00-01.00
RELAX AND KEEP FIT
SWIMMING POOL
Take a dip in the heated, outdoor swimming pool or recline on a sunbed. Towels supplied.
FITNESS CENTRE
Work out with a view, enjoying the latest Technogym equipment and large picture windows overlooking the shimmering sea and mountains.
WELLNESS CENTRE
Treat yourself to a Sicilian-inspired ritual at this Wellness Centre. Relax in the sauna and steam room or visit the hair salon for a trim or a glossy new look.
BEACH
Hop on this complimentary shuttle to Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea to enjoy the private beach. Hire a luxurious beach cabana for your own sanctuary beside the azure sea. Enjoy a sofa, table, minibar, tented veranda and two sun-loungers and exclusive waiter service.
Available 08.30-19.00.
BOAT CRUISES Join one of the complimentary boat cruises along the coast in the summer months – just ask the Concierge, or we can organise prior to your departure.
FAMILY FUN
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo hotel is perfect for family adventure. Offering children’s bathrobes, slippers and a gift in your room, as well as a bottle warmer on request. An extra bed and baby cots can be supplied in Junior Suites and Suites. You’ll find tasty children’s menus and highchairs in the restaurants. They also offer a range of exclusive activities for little ones, as well as children’s spa treatments at the Wellness Centre. Take youngsters aged 4 to 12 to the Smile Club at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, where, from May to October, they’ll enjoy supervised fun and games. A babysitting service is available on request.
Getting There
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH