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The historic Ashbee Hotel is one of Taormina’s most elegant accommodation options. Built in 1908, the hotel takes its name from its designer, the English architect Charles Robert Ashbee. He was a leading member of the Arts and Crafts Movement, though his final design for the villa ended up distinctly Greco-Sicilian in style. Leading down from the property, a panoramic terrace opens out onto tiered gardens and a charming swimming pool, overlooking the Strait of Messina and the Italian mainland. Inside, a grand lobby leads to a sweeping marble staircase and balconied upper landing.
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The rooms at the Ashbee Hotel are all beautifully furnished in a classic but contemporary style. All offer a polished and elegant feel with rich sumptuous fabrics and modern bathrooms. Most offer views across the rear courtyard and garden, while a selection at the front of the property boast sea views. A number of guest rooms also have their own balcony or terrace. For families, there’s a separate twin-level suite in the gatehouse with a living room and private garden.
Located just steps from the Porta Messina gateway and the Corso Umberto thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Taormina, the property is removed enough from the bustle of town to offer a sense of peace and tranquility, while at the same time remaining in easy walking distance of the main boutiques and restaurants. The cable car down to the beach and Isola Bella is just steps away, and the Greek Theatre can be reached in less than ten minutes on foot.
Breakfast is served each morning on the roof terrace overlooking the dramatic coastline below and is a well-stocked buffet affair. In the evenings the terrace turns into a cocktail bar. Downstairs, the St George Restaurant offers outdoor terrace seating for more formal and refined dining.
Surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens, the swimming pool at the Ashbee Hotel is a real draw and offers views down to the sea below. The hotel also offers a linen and pillow menu and staff will do their best to cater for your personal preferences.
An elegant retreat within easy walking distance of the heart of Taormina, we love the Ashbee’s sense of timeless luxury along with its impeccable service.
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
One of Sicily’s most impressive hotels, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers impeccable service and incredible views across the rooftops of Taormina and down to the dramatic coastline below. Offering a range of excellent facilities, it’s a classically elegant and luxurious hotel.
A wonderful beachside hotel, located just below the main town of Taormina, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea offers plenty of sophisticated luxury, impeccable service and relaxed charm. Guests staying here also have full access to the facilities at the sister property, the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, in the heart of Taormina.
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Mount Etna summit visit with wine tasting lunch
Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. Reaching its summit involves an adventurous trip but reveals much about its history, temperament and geology, which you can then discuss over lunch accompanied by some of the region's finest wines.
