A historical and intimate residence overlooking Naxos Bay, near Grand Hotel Timeo - read more
Honouring vibrant Sicilian heritage through a soft, contemporary lens, Villa Timeo is an exclusive 21 room residence reopening its doors in May 2026, following a sumptuous redesign by acclaimed interior designer Laura Gonzalez.
Just steps away from the legendary Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina, Villa Timeooffers exceptional views over the Mediterranean, Taormina and its ancient Greek amphitheatre.
The intimate charm of Sicilian hospitality and sophisticated ease of a noble residence infuse every space. Complete with private infinity pool, opulent indoor bar, pool terrace bar and lounge, Villa Timeo allows guests to enjoy privacy and intimacy, while having full access to the hotel’s amenities and experiences – including the Michelin starred Otto Geleng restaurant, Timeo’s lush, terraced gardens and a brand-new Dior spa.
Sicilian Heritage Meets Contemporary Design
Paris-based interior designer Laura Gonzalez was the natural choice to infuse Villa Timeo’s interiors with a creative sensibility thanks to her ability to balance one-of-a-kind craft textiles with design classics and vintage pieces. Inspired by the iconic archeological gems of Taormina and from the aristocratic Sicilian past, her design choices echo the soft white stone of ancient Greek theater and the hand-decorated Sicilian maiolica, reminiscent of the grand terraces of Palermo’s noble villas, infused with warm, inviting colors.
Each of the 21 rooms and suites blend traditional touches. Such as South-Italy stone flooring, antique furniture and classic Italian marble fittings, combined with striking mid-century classics. Fabrics from Pierre Frey, lighting from Vaughan and furniture pieces from Cox London rub shoulders with artisanal Sicilian brands. Natural textures, organic finishes and gentle curves effortlessly connect the Villa’s interiors to the lush sun-kissed terraces and pool beyond, overlooking Naxos Bay.
“I wanted to celebrate the beauty of Sicily through a storytelling approach. Villa Timeo is a place of contemplation and culture: it conjures the air of a home that embodies the warmth, poetry and elegance of the island,” states Laura Gonzalez, Interior Architect.
Her intention was to create a balance between heritage and modernity, also nature and art. And the result is a design that reflects light, softness, and the true soul of Sicily.
Each entirely unique, Villa Timeo’s rooms and suites atmosphere is united by the island’s gentle charm through rustic design details blended with luxurious finishes.
A standout suite, the Clementina, named in honour of the founding family’s daughter, is the largest of all the rooms, complete with tranquil hillside views and a roomy private terrace.
“Our treasured Villa Timeo is the place to discover the art of Sicilian living. Perfectly poised between tradition and modernity, it offers an experience set apart. Here guests can gather to celebrate, to relax or to renew in a space where no detail has been overlooked. From afternoon in-room aperitivo to personalised embroidered pillowcases, just to name a few that will make a stay unexpectedly memorable,” states Massimiliano Puglisi, General Manager of Grand Hotel Timeo.
Over 150 Years of Grand Hotel Timeo
This opening marks the latest chapter in Grand Hotel Timeo’s over 150-year history. Forever a symbol of timeless glamour, yet always at the forefront of creativity and culture. Opened in 1873 by La Floresta family, Grand Hotel Timeo was the first hotel in Taormina, setting the scene as a place of creativity for illustrious artists and writers across the decades, such as DH Lawrence who wrote and drew inspiration from the hotel for Lady Chatterley’s Lover, as well as stars of classical Hollywood cinema Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant.
Nearby, Villa Timeo came to be part of the family’s estate by marriage. Built at the end of 19th century as the private residence of the Famà, a noble family from Taormina, the property was transformed into a grand hotel managed by the owners. Until 1929 when Clementina Famà became the spouse of Francesco La Floresta, owner of the Grand Hotel Timeo, marking the union of two of Taormina’s most iconic and prestigious historical buildings.
The original design pays homage to the archaeological treasures of the island and its artistic legacy, from the Magna Graecia origins to the passage of past luminaries, like Oscar Wilde, Goethe, and Truman Capote. Traditional Sicilian craftsmanship is evident throughout the materials, showcasing authentic Sicilian elements such as cotto, antique Perlato Siciliano marble, marble marquetry, and antique mirrors.
Villa Timeo maintains today its original elegant yet familial air, effortlessly balancing the grace of an aristocratic home with the intimacy of a private hideaway. Still as intimate as an elegant family home, Villa Timeo takes its guests on a journey of imagination.
By: Kazuri Team
Photo: Courtesy of Villa Timeo
2025-12-24