Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is the oldest yet grandest hotel in the town of Taormina, Sicily. The hotel offers the best tourism experience to visitors with heavenly gardens and a breathtaking view of Mount Etna. Moreover, its ancient style décor takes one back to the era of Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner.

History

This hotel dates back to the 1860s as the very first hotel in Taormina. It is one of the must-go places for history lovers. Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo was transformed from a shabby house in an orange orchard into a modest guest house with only five rooms. Moreover, one of the initial visitors of this hotel is a German artist Otto Geleng.

Since then, this resort has been popular among artists, writers, and European aristocracy, feeding their creative souls with dramatic views from its terraces. This includes famous Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, and Audrey Hepburn.

Location

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is a luxurious hotel. It sits in the magnificent hilltop village of Taormina on the East coast of Sicily. Taormina is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Sicily is immensely rich in history, art, traditions, and cuisine. Additionally, the island has ethereal natural beauty with a pristine blue sea view, a rocky coastline, and active volcanoes.

The key location makes it a fantastic place to stay. The Grand Hotel Timeo overlooks Taormina's beautiful public garden with spectacular sea and volcano views. Moreover, it is next to the ancient Greek Theater. The ruins date back to the 3rd century BC. Corso Umberto, the town's main walking street, is also at a 5-minutes distance from the property. Furthermore, the famous street has numerous exquisite wine bars, local shops, and upscale fashion boutiques.

Rooms and Suites

This hotel in Taormina offers a vast range of accommodation. It comprises 70 spacious rooms and suites. Moreover, all have luxurious decor in the Sicilian Baroque style. They also entail marble tiles, shiny hardwood floors, and polished wood furnishings. Also, the contemporary décor of the rooms includes classic oil paintings with golden frames, handcrafted rugs, and crown moldings. The guest rooms also offer stunning sea and volcano views. Besides, the magnificent marble bathrooms have the fluffiest towels and the orange-blossom-scented toiletries by Ortygia.

The hotel houses 14 Double rooms. All have a private balcony or terrace offering a gorgeous view of Mount Etna and villa flora. Furthermore, their suites range from exquisite Junior Suites to the top-floor Presidential Suite. They include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate dining, and a spacious terrace with stunning views. All suites feature Nespresso machines, LCD TV, Bose music system, minibar, and free Wi-Fi.

Restaurant

Hotel Timeo, a Belmond hotel Taormina offers excellent culinary experiences. It currently has two superb restaurants. Otto Geleng is a signature restaurant at the hotel inspired by the legendary German painter Otto Geleng. The contemporary ambiance of the restaurant features exquisite Sicilian designs, handmade linens, and traditional oil lamps. Moreover, the restaurant provides a limited 8-table venue. Chef Roberto Toro also manages an exclusive Michelin-starred menu. Fresh and seasonal restaurant menus feature scrumptious dishes. These include spaghetti with clams and seared tuna steak with a zesty orange sauce.

Furthermore, the main Timeo restaurant, Ristorante Timeo, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here, guests can dine on the scenic terrace overlooking the Italian gardens and sea. Their menu offers a satisfying combination of Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their tasty breakfast includes classic eggs, bacon, pastries, and granitas. Furthermore, lunch and dinner dishes include Red Tuna Tartare, Eggplant Gnocchi, Lobster Risotto, and much more.

Bar

Aperitivo Bar is the perfect meet-up spot for guests. From signature drinks to a curated bar menu, everything is excellently produced. Moreover, the live cooking station at the Bar allows guests to watch professionals cooking mouthwatering street food. The Bar also offers stunning views along with living music which completes the magical ambiance of the place.

Furthermore, Belmond Grand Hotel features one of the best bars in Taormina. The Literary Terrace overlooks the marvelous Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina. The Bar's elegant interior includes Sicilian carpentry and antique decorations. Additionally, the Literary Terrace and Bar serves throughout the day, and features live piano performances at night.

Spa

Belmond Grand Hotel Spa provides rejuvenating massages and treatments. The Spa is nestled in acres of magnificent Italian gardens. The Wellness Centre brings absolute tranquility in the discrete location. Their relaxing treatments include all-natural, organic products instilling a sense of peace and wellbeing. Their signature treatment includes Sicilian Sensations. This treatment uses Sicilian soaps and natural products to create a truly Mediterranean feel. It also features a sauna, steam bath, and hair salon.

Fitness Center and Pool

Belmond Grand Hotel has a 24-hour fitness center. This area has modern Technogym equipment, free weights, and a variety of exercise machines to help the visitors stay fit. The gym also offers scenic views of Taormina. In addition, their heated swimming pool is surrounded by stunning, terraced gardens. It is a perfect spot to relax and joy the beautiful panoramic views.

Event Space

Grand Hotel Timeo offers Italy's most picturesque landscapes and exclusive event space. From exquisite parties to romantic weddings, the hotel provides an ideal ambiance. Customers are open to choosing the location for their dream-like wedding ceremonies, including Taormina church, town hall, or the luxuriant Italian gardens. Moreover, the hotel team manages and organizes each event up to the customers' expectations.

Their excellent dining facilities can seat up to 250 people. For smaller parties, guests can arrange more intimate gatherings. The hotel works on every detail, such as lovely floral arrangements and lavish décor, to make the event even more stunning.

Takeaway

The historic Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is the top luxurious and opulent hotel in Sicily. The hotel provides upscale accommodations with Baroque Sicilian décor, minibars, and 24-hour room service. Moreover, the resort offers a free airport shuttle service and transport down to the sister hotel, Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea, to enjoy the private beach facilities. The excellent dining options include an elegant dining restaurant. Additional features include a deluxe spa and fitness center. All this makes Belmond Grand a favorite get-away for celebrities, romantic honeymooners, and landmark anniversaries.