Belmond Grand Timeo Hotel Review Taormina
If you love luxury, you must know and adore the chic chain of Belmond hotels.
They are a very well-managed luxury hotel group with properties in the most glamorous and historic areas of the world.
For the last several years, they have been quietly acquiring some of my favorite long-time boutique hotels.
Here is an example.
In the past, I have been a summer regular at the gorgeous La Residencia hotel in the Balearic Island of Mallorca.
This goes back to the days when it was still a very small boutique hotel.
At the time it was owned by Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines fame.
In fact, the old La Residencia was so intimate I actually had the opportunity to play ping pong with Sir Richard by the lovely pool.
Then several years back I was a bit surprised to read exciting news of the La Residencia in Mallorca.
It had been bought and renovated into a grand luxury estate by the Belmond Ltd.
I was quick to check out various reviews of the Belmond La Residencia.
The experiences were quite positive, so I booked a week’s stay.
Renovation at the Belmond La Residencia
Upon arrival, it was clear that the La Residencia hotel had been completely renovated by the Belmond luxury hotel group.
Though La Residencia now had more rooms and pools, it still retained its boutique, personal approach in terms of guest relations.
This was my first experience with the Belmond.
Instinctively I knew to discover exciting new Belmond locations to visit.
Luxury Belmond Taormino: The Grand Timeo
Taormina, a coastal city in Sicily, is one of the world’s most fashionable resorts.
This is as true today, as it was thousands of years ago.
At that time, the aristocracy from neighboring areas made it their summer resort.
In fact, in ancient days Taormina was so chic could be considered the St. Tropez of its day.
The Belmond Grand Timeo is the most luxurious hotel in the area.
The Greek Theater
The Greeks, who first settled the area, built the Greek theater.
It is located next door to the Belmond Grand Timeo Hotel.
The Greek Theater is still used today for film festivals and opera performances.
When the Romans entered Taormina, they improved upon the Greek Theater.
They also created the shopping streets that are lined with jewelry shops today.
Ancient Days
In ancient days, fashionable people from nearby regions would travel to Taormina to relax, take in the sun, enjoy fabulous cuisine, and of course … see and be seen.
Just as now.
Today the vibe in Taormina is chic and elegant, attracting the rich and famous from the Italian fashion world and beyond.
The Belmond Luxury Promise
Remembering my exceptional experience at the Belmond La Residencia in Mallorca, it was easy to book my visit to the Belmond Grand Timeo.
Yes, there were some other luxury resort hotels to choose from.
Yet by now I knew the Belmond was a trusted brand.
And I also knew myself.
From reviews of the Belmond Grand Timeo – and more from my experiences at the Belmond La Residencia – I knew I could experience the best of what Taormina had to offer.
Yet at the same time, I knew I could escape the crowds into my own private luxury world.
I knew that on very hot sunny days, floods of day-tripping tourists, and crowds would quickly send me in search of a hotel sanctuary.
A sanctuary where I could view lovely Mount Etna from the quiet of my hotel terrace.
Or the hotel pool.
And just relax.
So without even needing to think more about it, I booked a room at the Belmond Grand Timeo.
History of the Belmond Grand Timeo
The Belmond Grand Timeo had its origins in 1863.
I am a UCLA English major who specialized in literature of the 18th and 19th century.
So I already knew the leading writers – and artists – of the day flocked to Taormina for its beauty.
And of course, that was the era of the “Grand Tour.”
The Grand Tour was a luxurious trip across the European continent.
It usually taken by aristocratic newlyweds and people graduating university.
Just about anyone who could afford it.
Many of the leading writers and artists of their day actually stayed in the exact spot that would in time become the Grand Timeo Hotel.
Don Francesco La Floresta: The House Where the Grand Timeo Hotel Began
Don Francesco La Floresta lived in Taormina in the 17th century.
He had a lovely house near the Greek Theater.
Don Francesco welcomed artists to his home.
In 1863, the 20 year old Prussian born Otto Geleng visited Taormina to paint watercolors.
Mr. Geleng took a room in a private house belonging to Don Francesco La Floresta.
This is now the site where the Grand Timeo stands.
These watercolors were displayed in art galleries in Paris and Berlin.
The beauty reflected in these watercolors resulting in many artists visiting Taormina.
These stayed at the house Don Francisco, which he called “Timeo.”
In 1883 Don Francisco enlarged the Timeo.
Later his son added 60 new rooms between 1896 and 1906.
Guests during that time included emperors, kings, and grand dukes of European courts.
They all wanted to spend the winter in a warm climate.
In 1896, rulers such as Kaiser Wilheim II of Germany would rent out the entire hotel for the month for his family and the entire court.
Hotel Grand Timeo Present Day
Today the Grand Timeo Hotel is owned by the Belmond hotel group.
Belmond refurbished the property to its very exacting specifications.
My Arrival at the Grand Timeo
The Hotel Timeo is located at the very top of this hilltop resort town.
Most of the streets are pedestrian only.
My cab was able to enter by calling the Grand Timeo at a special checkpoint and continuing up the hill.
After the hour long journey from the Catania airport, it was great to be met at my cab by a well dressed bellman.
My luggage was quickly dispatched to my room.
I was able to have a quick check in.
And how I looked forward to my aperitif on the famous patio overlooking Mount Etna and the Ionian sea!
Feeling Excited About My Junior Suite at the Grand Timeo
When I book a hotel room for couples’ weekend, a suite is usually required.
We work hard and a vacation is a time to celebrate.
This trip was different.
It was all about the upscale solo female traveler experience.
As a wine expert, I usually travel around the world alone for wine competitions and wine region travel.
Yet this Taormina trip was a personal vacation.
An add-on to what would be a series of wine judging and wine writing experiences.
These would take place elsewhere in Sicily in the days to come.
The Dream of Sicily
It was my long-held dream was to come to Sicily.
And of course, I wanted to experience it in the most luxurious way possible.
The opportunity was realized at the Grand Timeo Hotel.
My suite was just one room, yet it was an extremely large room.
And if you consider the extensive bath area — and a walk-in closet the size of a NYC studio apartment – it was almost three rooms in one.
Even better, the patio overlooked the swimming pool.
And beyond the swimming pool, I could see and the Ionian sea and Mount Etna.
The suite also offered a sitting area where I could sit and read magazines.
As well as a desk.
Yet why stay inside when the large patio had a table as well, and I could do all this in the glorious sunshine?
The Best Things About the Belmond Grand Timeo
One of the best things about the Belmond Grand Timeo is that you get two hotels for the price of one.
By that,I mean that when you book a room at the Grand Timeo, you also have immediate access to their sister hotel the Sant’Andrea.
The Sant’Andrea is near the beach at Mazzaro Bay.
You can take a private complimentary shuttle to this resort hotel.
This is a great option if you want to enjoy a luxurious – and private – hotel beach experience.
I say this because I really value and appreciate having a beach to myself.
It’s also fun to meet fellow residents of the hotel.
Yet it is not very interesting to deal with the beach crowds during summer.
Couples & Families
During my visit, I liked the tranquility of the Sant’Andrea.
Couples will obviously enjoy the romantic aspects of this hotel.
Most children love the beach.
But they are probably are not too keen on being dragged around to historic sites.
So the Sant’Andrea is a great choice for families.
With the complimentary and frequent hotel shuttle, it is easy to go back and forth between the Sant‘Andrea and Grand Timeo as you please.
Discover Hotel Activities in Advance
When you book your hotel, be certain to ask the concierge for an ebook of activities created by the hotel.
This will be sent to you via email.
Depending on the dates of your visit, you may be able to book a variety of activities.
These can include trips to the village, a cooking class, a journey to Mount Etna, a “Dolce Vita Tour” of Sicily (involving stories featuring famous Old Hollywood personalities) and other events.
These other events can include shows at the Greek Theater, Helicopter Tours, and wine-related adventures.
You can even book a complimentary boat tour originating at the Sant’Andrea hotel.
It’s a good idea to speak to the concierge about what activities can be arranged as they are always changing.
Breakfast at the Grand Timeo
Like most five-star hotel breakfasts in Italy, this is a buffet.
You are free to order a variety of other dishes, such as omelets, poached eggs, pancakes, and other hot dishes that are included with the buffet.
Also included with breakfast are fresh juices, and Italian sparkling wine.
Guests have the option of sitting on the terrace with a view of Mount Etna and the azure Ionian sea, or the elegant interior dining room.
Final Thoughts
This is a luxurious hotel where you can experience the best that Taormina has to offer.
The best cuisine, the best service, and the best way to revisit the ancient past while enjoying the comforts of the modern world.
You can learn more about the sister hotel, Sant’Andrea here
