Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
In an original villa from 1919, the hotel refers to as an English country house by the Sicilian sea. Therefore, it has sophisticated environments but with clean decor and beachy touches. In total there are 71 rooms, a heated outdoor pool with sun loungers and also beach service, as the hotel has direct access. Additionally, there is also a kids club among flower gardens, two restaurants, bar and full SPA.
I had a typical Italian lunch at Sant’Andrea, one of the hotel’s restaurants, overlooking the sea. The menu features fresh produce and seasonal Sicilian cuisine, as well as freshly caught seafood. Therefore, among the starter suggestions are burrata with a selection of Sicilian tomatoes and a warm seafood salad. As for the main dishes, there are pasta options such as, for example, linguine with prawns, guanciale, datterino tomatoes, zucchini, zucchini flowers and Bronte pistachios and risottos, such as fish ragu “marinara”.
In addition, the hotel offers a free hourly shuttle service to its sister hotel, Timeo, which we will talk about below.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Certainly one of best hotels in Taormina, which began in 1873 as a five-bedroom guest house. It was popular with artists, writers and European aristocracy, and names like Tenessee Williams and Truman Capote are just a few examples of former guests. Located in the center of Taormina, in the upper part of the city and accessible only by cable car, the hotel is next to the Teatro Grecco Romano, a Greek amphitheater from the 3rd century BC
The historic gardens that surround the hotel, in fact, are impressive and very well maintained. The Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo has 70 rooms and suites, a heated outdoor pool, surrounded by gardens, a gym and SPA.
The gastronomy
In total there are two restaurants, one of which has a Michelin star, Otto Geleng, and two bars. I had lunch at Timeo, which has a magnificent view of the Etna volcano and the sea, with a very pleasant balcony. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed. The menu features Sicilian cuisine, with local ingredients, prepared by chef Roberto Toro. To start, we opted for lighter starters, such as burrata with bruschetta and carpaccio with pecorino cheese.
Among the main dishes, there are pasta options, such as, for example, Spaghetti “Estilo Moresca”, with tuna roe, and risottos such as “Risotto Reserva Ecori” with redfish, pumpkin flowers and wild fennel. For dessert, classic cannolis!
Without a doubt, two classics of luxury hotel in Taormina and that surprised me with its beauty!
Journalist Renata Araújo traveled connected with O meu Chip and insured by GTA.
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
