Seaside Liberty villa
The Liberty villa began as a Baltic baron's private home, looking out over Isola Bella through ancient olive trees.
What it’s good at
Notable
An early twentieth-century Liberty villa that housed Taormina's glittering mid-century casino.
Listed
Original suites preserve moulded ceilings and French windows beside modern park residences.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
It’s a tranquil boutique hotel these days, elegant but beach-casual, with drop-dead gorgeous views of the sea from nearly every room.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
On Taormina's coastal hillside overlooking Isola Bella, surrounded by olive groves above the sea.
The rooms
Four suites in the main villa keep their moulded ceilings and French windows. Freestanding residences spread through the olive park.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An infinity pool stretches along the villa terrace, set into timber decking that looks out over the water.
At the table
Tout Va serves regional Sicilian cooking across a balustraded terrace overlooking the sea and inside a window-lined veranda.
How it began
The villa operated as Taormina's municipal casino in the 1960s, hosting Marlene Dietrich on its panoramic lower terrace.
Taormina
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The app
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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.