If it comes to location this hotel in Sicily´s tourist hotspot Taormina is unbeatable. Next to the awesome 3rd century BC Greek amphitheatre, close to the lively Corso Umberto with it´s numerous shops and -last but not least – the best view in town of the mighty Etna, one of Europe´s most active vulanoes. And of Course there is the high standard of Belmond, now part of the Louis Vuitton group, and the legacy of Belmond-founder James Sherwood who wisely aquired a second hotel in Taormina. For those who have never been there: The center of Taormina and the Greek amphitheatre are high above the sea on a hill. The Timeo is up on the Hill, it´s sister hotel Sant Andrea (see our review) is down at the beach and the Belmond guests can use the premises of both properties. A free shuttle runs between the two hotels so as a Timeo guest you have the magnificient view of the Etna and the central location but you can also enjoy the private beach of the company. The Timeo boasts terraced grounds with lemon and cypress trees, herb gardens and cacti, a fine spa and gymn, a great outside pool, four restaurants and bars including the great terraces where you can haver dinner or a cocktail in the warm Italian evenings (lunch, too, of course). The rooms are decorated in Sicilan Baroque style, you find marble baths and hardwood floors.There is a second building, the Villa Flora, with five entry levels and garden views. Guests will find Nespresso machines and Bose music systems, bath products by Ortigia and C.O. Bigelow and also locally made things like a sweet almond soap. All in all the Timeo is considered to be the Number One hotel in town though it is now challenged by another high level competitor: Four Seasons San Domenico luxury monastery. All in all the Timeo is a great experience. It was Taormina´s first hotel dating back t0 1860 and when you have a Campari Orange at the terrace you might think of famous guests who stayed here, from aristocrats to Oscar Wilde, D. H. Lawrence, Truman Capote to Donald Trump.