English villa folly
Terraced Mediterranean gardens of lemon and grapefruit wrap around a quiet hilltop villa overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Where it shines
Remarkable
A 1908 villa designed by English architect Charles Robert Ashbee, blending Arts and Crafts details with Sicilian stone.
Notable
Vibrant whitewashed interiors paired with Italian antiques, custom chandeliers, and colorful armchairs beneath historic ceiling moldings.
Notable
Attentive boutique service paired with panoramic rooftop cocktails and two-Michelin-starred gastronomy overlooking the Ionian coast.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Designed by and later named for Robert Charles Ashbee, an architect in the Arts and Crafts lineage of William Morris, the Ashbee’s twenty-four guest rooms are all unique...
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The pedestrian promenade of Corso Umberto and the Ancient Greek Theatre sit just a three-minute stroll from the front gates.
The rooms
Whitewashed walls and classical ceiling moldings frame antique Italian furnishings, with select suites opening onto private sea-facing terraces.
The infinity pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The infinity pool is carved into terraced botanical gardens, looking straight out across the Ionian Sea.
The gym
Technogym equipment sits in a covered outdoor pavilion against rustic stone walls overlooking the water.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Two-Michelin-starred St. George by Heinz Beck serves modern Sicilian cuisine on garden terraces, and cocktails are poured on the rooftop.
How it began
Built in 1908 for a retired British colonel, the villa brought English Arts and Crafts architecture to the cliffs of Taormina.
Good to know
Stay here
The Ashbee Hotel
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Taormina
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.