Hotel Ashbee

Designed by the renowned architect C R Ashbee, the hotel is housed in a magnificent villa built on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Zeus.

At a Glance

• Grand historic past with modern luxury
• Very central
• 24 rooms
• Infinity swimming pool
• Roof Terrace Bar
• Breakfast with a view
• Fine restaurant
• Valet parking
• 24 h Room service

Location

The hotel’s imposing exterior gives way to elegant interiors, which seamlessly blend the building’s historic past with modern luxury. It is set in a sumptuous villa with breathtaking sea-views from the clifftop of one of Sicily’s most glamorous cities. The location is just a short stroll away from Taormina’s famous ancient Greek Theatre and the Corso Umberto. The azure Ionian Sea, spanning all the way to the Italian mainland can be seen through the refined landscaping of the citrus groves and the infinity swimming pool.

Layout

Noted for its eclectic style, the Ashbee is dominated by a powerful background merging Sicilian architecture with English cosmopolitism. With its high ceilings, a marble staircase rising from beautiful parquet floors, a stunning array of elegant design-features permeate throughout the Hotel.

You can choose to stay in one of the 14 generously sized and sunny bedrooms, or in one of 9 premium suites.  All are elegantly furnished with an emphasis on fine materials and antiques and a few more exuberant touches here and there. Modern comforts include the monsoon showers, whirlpool baths and flat-screen televisions. A few rooms have sea views buts some of the larger rooms have private patios, while the largest – the Ashbee Suite – boasts two bathrooms and its own terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The soothing and exotic Ortygia toiletries will appeal too!

Away from the madding crowds, there can be few more glorious spots to unwind over an evening drink and the complimentary canapes.

Special features

• Services at the Ashbee are laudable. The excellent butler service itself makes one feels as if one is stepping into the timelessness of an E M Foster novel!
• The real draw that steals the show is the hotel’s exquisite setting and views. As the ideal for a special occasion, the views from the serene, romantic, fabulous gardens and the hotel’s elegant outdoor restaurant are simply dazzling. The azure Ionian Sea, golden sandy beaches and mountains spanning all the way to the Italian mainland can also be seen through the refined landscaping of the citrus groves and the infinity swimming pool.
• The hotel’s very own St George restaurant crafted by internationally renowned Michelin star chef, Heinz Beck, offers a unique and sophisticated ambiance whether you dine in the small restaurant room or the ground floor terrace. Beck’s cuisine present dishes from all over Italy, aiming to demonstrate the nation’s diverse culinary attainments: from the hearty meat and fish dishes found in the mountainous north, to the fresh citrusy flavors in the sun-drenched south.
• Breakfast is served from the rooftop Terrace Bar, with panoramic views. From the popular full English Breakfast, you can choose from a delicious selection of pastries, fruit, cured treats, cereals with local fruit, teas and coffee. From here You can also take your cocktails as well as simple evening snacks. Daytime drinks and light snacks can be ordered during summer months from a small, shaded bar in the garden.

Distances

• Closest airport: Catania, 50 minutes by car
• Mount Etna excursions: 45 minutes’ drive
• Closest beach: Isola Bella, 10 minutes by car; Letojanni, 10minutes by car; Lido Beach Club is just 6 minutes away
• Closest towns: Taormina: 2 minutes by car, Messina: 45 minutes by car; Syracuse: 1h20 by car

Prices in Euros