Where Sicilian soul meets English eccentricity
Perched above the Ionian Sea, The Ashbee Hotel is a Taormina landmark, and a love affair between Sicily and England. Designed in 1908 by Charles Robert Ashbee, this one-time villa of an English colonel now welcomes guests into a world of whitewashed calm, citrus-scented gardens, and quietly decadent detail. Just a wink away from Taormina’s lively Corso Umberto, the hotel feels both in the centre of things and worlds away. The infinity pool spills into the horizon and the St. George Restaurant, two Michelin stars strong, turns dining into theatre.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Hotel highlights
The Ashbee Hotel rests in the heart of Taormina, though you’d hardly know it once you’re tucked inside its gardens. Citrus groves, palm trees, and climbing bougainvillaea frame a 20th-century villa that was once home to English Colonel Shaw-Hellier. Built by Charles Robert Ashbee, the interiors honour their Arts & Crafts heritage with bold fabrics, antique pieces, and painterly splashes of colour against whitewashed calm. Beyond the villa’s gates, Taormina beckons with cobbled lanes, boutiques, and the spectacular Teatro Antico. But from the hotel’s panoramic terrace, where Mt Etna smoulders on the horizon, you may find the outside world can wait.
Start the day on the roof terrace with fresh fruit, ricotta, and an espresso strong enough to rival Etna. Take a swim in the infinity pool or head to the outdoor gym if you like your workouts with sea views. A wander down Corso Umberto might follow, or you could just stay put in the gardens with a book. By late afternoon, The Ashbee Bar is the place for a Negroni or glass of Etna Rosso. Dinner is an event at St. George, where Heinz Beck’s team keeps things seasonal and inventive. End the night back on your terrace, listening to the town hum in the distance.
St. George Restaurant by Heinz Beck is the culinary anchor here, with two Michelin stars to its name. Menus change with the seasons, expect delicate seafood, inventive takes on Sicilian vegetables, and desserts that are as technical as they are tasty. Sommeliers will steer you through a serious wine list heavy on Sicilian producers. Breakfast is à la carte on the roof terrace: think flaky pistachio croissants, granola with local honey, and just-squeezed juice. For something casual, the Pool Bar works for a light lunch or aperitivo. The Ashbee Bar is the social hub with comfy sofas and tempting cocktails.
Indulge in breakfast on the roof terrace, complete with pistachio croissants and sea views.
Escape to the quiet little pool bar, tucked away beside the gardens, where delicious drinks await.
Outdoor workouts are so much more appealing when they come with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
Escape to the quiet little pool bar, tucked away beside the gardens, where delicious drinks await.
Outdoor workouts are so much more appealing when they come with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
Facilities
Food & Drink
- 1 two-Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant offering seasonal Sicilian-inspired menus
- 1 rooftop terrace serving à la carte breakfasts with continental, Italian, and healthy options
- 1 poolside snack bar for informal lunches and drinks
- 1 bar with classic cocktails, wines, and craft beers
All hotel and room facilities are subject to safety and wellbeing measures (including height and/or weight restrictions on slides and rides), board basis, seasonal availability, opening times, age, dress code, and may attract additional charges.
Entertainment
- Outdoor pool
All hotel and room facilities are subject to safety and wellbeing measures (including height and/or weight restrictions on slides and rides), board basis, seasonal availability, opening times, age, dress code, and may attract additional charges.
Average weather in Sicily
Reviews
Based on 564 reviews