Sicily September Grand Hotel Timeo

The Grand Hotel Timeo, is set in the center of Taormina amid beautiful gardens, the hotel enjoys unrivaled views of the coastline and Mount Etna. Adjacent to the Greek Theatre, surrounded by stylish boutiques, cafes and cultural attractions, the hotel has been welcoming guests, including famous artists and writers, since 1873. The celebrated Literary Terrace is a stylish and graceful place to relax and enjoy the celebrated vistas.

Wake up to views of the dazzling coastline. Most guest rooms, decorated with Sicilian baroque flourishes, enjoy sea views from their expansive balconies or terraces. Order Bellini brunch served on your terrace and then imagine a heavenly day of leisure, Sicilian Style!

A spectacular backdrop of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos, the hotel is perched high in the rugged hills of Taormina on the east coast of Sicily. The views may remind you of the Godfather movie, which was filmed 20 minutes away in Savoca.Yes, there is a tour, in a mini Fiat!

The wonderfully preserved Greek amphitheater adjacent to the hotel is a memorable environment for summer concerts with Mount Etna as its backdrop. The ancient Greeks defined location location, choosing the most spectacular spot for their theatre; centuries later, it remains one of the world’s most exciting sites. Visit the house of English water colorist Robert Hawthorn Kitson nearby or  spend a day discovering the spectacular architecture of Casa Cuseni, a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, with its authentic Sicilian decorations and priceless art.

A visit to Europe’s largest volcano offers an incredible chance to see lava flows up close. Join an exclusive Mount Etna tour, visiting Alcantara Gorge; linger at local farms to sample Etna’s bounty and atmospheric lava caverns such as the “Grotta dei Ladroni”.

The Cyclopean Coast is nearby where you can visit the enchanting fishermen villages and beaches piled with basalt blocks formed from volcanic lava. Admire the three column-shaped, Cyclopean Islands, where, according to Homer’s legend, if you remember Book 9 of the Odyssey, Ulysses encountered the one-eyed Cyclops.

Or bask in the Sicilian sun at the panoramic pool. This is the perfect time to start crossing off books on your summer reading list. You are invited to use the private beach at their sister property, Villa Sant’Andrea, on the Bay of Mazzarò in Taormina Mare. Flip flop down the curved cobblestone streets or enjoy a quick jaunt in the complimentary shuttle down the hillside to the shore, settle into one of the sun loungers.

 Gosh, why have you waited so long to visit Sicily?

Mood Music to Stimulate your Inner Sicilian Style: Franco Battiato: Inneres Auge. Upbeat Euro pop from the Sicilian legend who continues to experiment and evolve. An interesting mix of smooth vocals with electronics and a insistent beat.

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Maroma Riviera Maya

Located in the midst of a deep jungle on white pristine sands, Maroma, an Orient Express resort is magical. Quick flight to Cancun, avoid the wall of hotels and slip into the grounds of Maroma. Isolated, intimate, the ultimate antidote for worldly stress. Enclosed by a 200-acre jungle, and in the midst of a coconut grove, you won’t find a more relaxing resort in this area. Once a private estate, the sparkling white architecture and palm frond palapas and one of the world’s most beautiful sugar fine beaches, Maroma is tropical heaven!

The world’s second- largest barrier reef offers guests a fascinating ecosystem ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Maroma honors the ancient Mayan culture with intricate limestone carvings and authentic Mayan rituals. Existing somewhere between the heavens and the underworld, the lush estate is intrinsically connected to its environment.

Kinan spa, authentic meals at El Sol, the estate offers a variety of leisure activities. Three swimming pools beckon, while scuba diving, kayaking and sailing are offered at the private water sports marina for those in search of true adventure. Sport fishing and swimming with dolphins can be arranged as well.

Beyond Maroma’s lush grounds, explore the area with exclusive excursions. Guides are available for inspecting ancient sites and archaeological zones. Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba are well within a day-trip range of Maroma.

We love the ocean front one-bedroom suites, unobstructed ocean views, gentle turquoise surf  slapping the white sand.

The unexplored Riviera Maya is at Maroma – isolated and guaranteed to be free of crowds.