Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, and though it may not be the easiest destination to reach, the beauty of its location more than makes up for the journey. Belmond’s two hotels here, Villa Sant’Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo, are the most special places in stay in Taormina. Sant’Andrea is perched at the sea’s edge, surrounded by the rippling Mediterranean sea, while Timeo is found in the town next door to the ancient ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre with impressive views of the actively smoking volcano, Mount Etna.
We spent a couple of days at Villa Sant’Andrea, enjoying the Sicilian way of life and visiting nearby towns in search of the best pasta and granita! Unfortunately, the weather was unusually wet for mid-September but the air was still warm and the landscape equally beautiful.
There are 71 rooms to choose from at Villa Sant’Andrea, each is decorated in a bright contemporary style with a fresh pale blue and beige palette. In our spacious Junior Suite the big windows opened out onto a balcony that offered stunning views of the sea and town. The relaxed living area, with Matisse-inspired prints, was a pleasant place to enjoy breakfast, while our table by the window had a delicious offering of fresh fruit and Sicilian Almond wine.
The plush King-sized bed was extremely comfortable, topped with a cashmere blanket and the softest cotton sheets, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The large bathroom – complete with bath, shower, dual sinks and separate toilet – featured generous bottles of Ortigia toiletries, a range that is inspired by the Sicilian flora and fauna. My only annoyance in the bathroom was the overly complicated geometric tap system, which we found to be a bit of a challenge to master!
Leave plenty of time for breakfast, it is a feast of local delicacies and international wonders. We feasted on courgette flower & ricotta omelette, fresh juices, and granita with brioche and whipped cream. It was all absolutely delicious.
There are plenty of perks to enjoy on site at Villa Sant’Andrea, including a complimentary two hour boat tour to see the nearby islands and secluded coves. You can also hire a beach cabana for the day, with a stocked minibar, dedicated service and your own extra luxe sunloungers. There is a complimentary shuttle service between Belmond’s Villa Sant’Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo hotels so you can hop between the two for mealtimes and experiences.
If you have a spare day and fancy venturing further afield I highly recommend spending a day exploring the nearby towns… Noto is particularly beautiful and the famous Caffe Sicilia is a must for foodies and gelato-lovers. If you are in need of a comforting Italian meal in Noto head to Manna for unmissable classic pasta dishes. The quaint island of Ortigia is also lovely for an afternoon of strolling and sightseeing.
Even after just a few days Sicily captured my heart, it is such a beautiful island with a strong culinary culture and some of the most brilliant architecture I have ever seen. For a luxury getaway in the sun, Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea will look after your every need, ensuring you get the most of your Mediterranean minibreak.
I was a guest of Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea, more information here.