Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Italy
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
Via Teatro Greco 59, 98039 Taormina, Sicily, Italy
www.belmond.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Belmond
Owners
LVMH
Date of Creation
1873, property of Belmond since 2010
Hotel General Manager
A native Sicilian, Massimiliano Puglisi has travelled and worked extensively throughout his 22 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Having worked with numerous renowned luxury hotel brands in the United Kingdom, Spain and the United States,he has developed a strong guest-focused approach and strived to understand what makes each hotel unique. He has consistently led the team to create bespoke guest experiences, proven by great results and success throughout his career.
Hotel Positioning
5-star luxury
GRAND HOTEL TIMEO, A BELMOND HOTEL, TAORMINA
History & Story
Don Francesco La Floresta’s decision to convert his house into a hotel in 1873 made perfect sense. Ever since Prussian 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, Grand Hotel Timeo’s breathtaking vistas and unique charm continue to enchant.
Date Renewal
In 2023, Dior Jardin des Reves has been installed in the hotel’s lush gardens. Villa Flora, adjacent to the main building, is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in 2026.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Privileged location in Taormina to admire sweeping coastal views with dramatic Mount Etna taking centre of the stage.
• An artistic legacy – a refuge to inspire writers like Goethe and numerous painters like Otto Geleng.
• Located beside the ancient Greek Theatre and in the centre of Taormina but away from the crowd, giving a sense of exclusivity.
• Incredible place to savour Sicilian specialities or exquisite dishes at the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng
• Courtesy shuttle to Villa Sant’Andrea on Mazzarò Bay at scheduled times.
• Complimentary boat cruises along the coast available in the summer months at Villa Sant’Andrea.
Location
Located right next to the magnificent Greek Theatre, the hotel boasts a prime position in the heart of Taormina.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Combine a fascinating trek on Mount Etna with a tasting of some exceptional volcanic wines.
• Take a tour of Taormina on the world’s most glamorous three-wheeler, the Ape Calessino
• Discover the secrets of Noto. Visit sumptuous palaces, savour the best traditional pastries at Caffé Sicilia and enjoy exclusive access to Sergio Fiorentino’s atelier.
• Explore a clam farm near Messina and meet a local firsherman.
• Sail to the magical island of Filicudi to feast on warm Aeolian hospitality.
• Take in a show at the ancient Greek theatre, adjacent to Grand Hotel Timeo.
Fun Facts
Otto Geleng is a culinary novelty launched by Grand Hotel Timeo to celebrate the 145 years since it opened its doors. Born in 2018 as a fine-dining restaurant, after only one year it has been awarded its first Michelin star. The exclusive location serves dinner only and is open to parties of up to 16 guests – the perfect location to enjoy a memorable evening.
Children’s Corner
From May to October, in a dedicated area next to the lobby of our sister property Villa Sant’Andrea, our Smile Club provides a supervised playroom where children can come and enjoy some time together with a professional English-speaking tutor. They can participate in exciting activities such as seashells hunting on the beach, authentic Sicilian cannoli making and many more.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Choose from 40 rooms and suites, most with terraces or balconies affording spellbinding views over the coastline. The décor evokes traditional Sicilian style with a charming blend of elegance and comfort. As well as the Timeo Building, guests can stay in Villa Flora, a country house just 50 metres (164 feet) away.
• La Floresta Suite
• Greek Treatre Suite
• Deluxe Sea View Suite with Balcony or Terrace
• Premium Sea View Junior Suite with Terrace
• Deluxe Sea View Junior Suite with Balcony or Terrace
• Deluxe Sea View Room with Balcony or Terrace
• Superior Room
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 40
All accommodation includes: Air conditioning – 24-hour room service – In-room bar with complimentary soft drinks – Complimentary Wi-Fi – Twice-daily housekeeping service – Satellite TV – Press Reader with over 3,000 periodicals in 18 languages – Courtesy line by Acqua di Parma
Restaurants & Bars
• Otto Geleng:Join us in our 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 views. Our Executive Chef, Roberto Toro, has created a menu that pays homage to authentic Mediterranen cuisine, including his signature dish Otto di Mare.
• Ristorante Timeo
Soak up the mesmerising views of Mount Etna and the sea from our spectacular terrace. Feast on Sicilian specialties, accompanied by irresistible local wines.
• Timeo Grill
Live cooking, stunning views of Naxos Bay and delicious organic ingredients await you in this shaded,fully-refurbished dining spot. Savour the freshest meat or fish of the day cooked using a Josper Charcoal Oven.
• Bar Timeo
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.
• Pool Bar
Take a seat beside the sun-splashed pool for a spritz or traditional cocktail. Whatever you order, stunning views of Naxos bay are the perfect accompaniment.
Wellness
The Dior Spa treatment cabins perched in the trees at the heart of the stunning gardens will provide a unique setting for an unforgettable experience in natural surroundings with views overlooking the sea.
The two treatment rooms, one double and one single, are nestled in the majestic cypress trees, accessible by simply climbing a few steps up a wooden staircase. These organic cubes are elevated with the famous toile de Jouy in the same verdant shade, including the curtains that protect guests from the bright sun and ensure perfect privacy. Each has its own individual terrace with a parasol in matching fabric, rattan furniture, plants, and a sea view. This matchless moment of well-being and absolute serenity can be extended after a treatment.
Corporate & Celebration Events
Our sublime venues, set in colourful gardens with their own private entrance, include palatial ballrooms and outdoor terraces boasting beautiful views of the Greek Theatre, Mount Etna and Bay of Naxos. The hotel is ideal for weddings and celebrations, as well as corporate meetings and incentives.
Extra Notable Features
Guests can enjoy the facilities of sister property Villa Sant’Andrea and its private beach. The two properties are connected with a complimentary shuttle service.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2025
• Four-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Awards’
• Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (#4 Top 10 resorts in Italy)
Number of employees
Up to 150