"Currently closed for the season through March of 2024—springtime in Taormina being well worth the wait, our readers agree—this Belmond entry is lauded in large part for its sublime location and the views afforded as a result. The villa was originally built in 1919 by a family of aristocrats to serve as their private retreat, and the intimacy of such a setting fabulously survived the property's transformation into a hotel come the 1950s. There are, of course, modern splashes: a complimentary shuttle brings guests into Taormina proper in around 15 minutes, with a similarly free-with-admission, White Lotus-style boat excursion during the summer months. Onsite dining restaurant Brizza, which can accommodate just 12 guests at a time, gets special mentions from our readers, with one writing wistfully, “A dinner at Brizza, barefoot...”" - Nicholas DeRenzo, CNT Editors
