Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina

Nestled beside the Greek Theatre and offering a unique view of the sea and Mount Etna, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has stood as an opulent symbol of Sicilian aristocracy since 1873. It has welcomed guests such as Oscar Wilde, D. H. Lawrence, Guy de Maupassant, and Kaiser Wilhelm II — all undoubtedly captivated by the sublime views and the grandeur of the Timeo’s interiors, adorned with Sicilian Baroque flourishes. Today’s traveler, though, cares little about whether Oscar Wilde lunched here; what’s important is the immediate sensory impression. If the Timeo was fading at the end of the last century, a thorough renovation put things right, restoring the splendor of the public spaces, adding a modern pool and fitness center, and bringing the guest rooms up to the standards of contemporary luxury. Guest rooms come packed with antique furnishings and period artworks, but the main event is outside — each room has its own private balcony or terrace, with a panoramic view of the hotel’s stunning surroundings. The starred restaurant Otto Geleng serves a refined Sicilian cuisine with a breathtaking view, and the “literary terrace” is the ideal spot for a moment’s reflection, perhaps sharpening your Wildean wit overlooking the city and the sea. For a relaxing seaside break, the hotel offers a shuttle service to the private beach of Villa Sant’Andrea, another Belmond property overlooking the enchanting bay of Mazzarò. The hotel also features a reserved parking area, located at the lower end of the gardens.