“…Amid the timeless allure of Taormina, the legendary Mediterranean seaside retreat, Villa Timeo is set to reopen its doors in May 2026 following an extensive restoration led by acclaimed Paris-based designer Laura Gonzalez. Her vision reinterprets Sicily’s cultural heritage through a gentle contemporary lens, imbuing the residence with artisanal charm, softness, and a refined modern sensibility…”
Framed by sweeping views of Naxos Bay, historic Taormina, and the ancient Greek theatre rising majestically in the distance, Villa Timeo presents 21 rooms and suites available for individual booking or exclusive buyout. It is the ideal setting for private escapes or intimate gatherings with family and close friends. Guests can indulge in a private infinity pool, an opulent indoor bar, a poolside terrace bar and lounge, while also enjoying full access to the amenities of the legendary Grand Hotel Timeo, from the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant and the verdant terraced gardens to the all-new Dior Spa.
Bringing Villa Timeo back to life is none other than Laura Gonzalez, whose creative signature blends whimsy, craftsmanship, and an innate sensitivity to local tradition. She harmonises woodworking, clay craft, upholstery, and sculptural elements with vintage pieces and mid-century design classics. Drawing inspiration from Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre and Sicily’s aristocratic past, Gonzalez introduces an aesthetic that feels both rooted and refreshing.
The completely renewed pool terrace is distinguished by sea-blue geometric tiles and a breezy pergola, evoking modern Sicilian elegance. Indoors, Bar Clementina features Moroccan-inspired latticework, charming curved banquettes and a hand-polished domed ceiling, celebrating the mosaic of cultures that has shaped Sicily through the centuries. Throughout the villa, warm tones, natural materials, and soft silhouettes create a seamless flow from interior spaces to sunlit terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. South Italian stone floors, antique furniture, Pierre Frey fabrics, Vaughan lighting and artisanal Sicilian works, from Le Malagioie ceramic lamps to Domenico Mori’s cement tiles, come together in quiet harmony.
Each of the 21 rooms and suites bears its own character, yet all are unified by the gentle rhythm of Sicilian living. Expect ceramic floors, antique mirrors, wooden furnishings, and intricate marble marquetry, balanced with luxurious contemporary touches. A standout is the Clementina Suite, named after the daughter of the founding family, the largest of the residence, offering serene hillside views and a generous private terrace. Works by Taormina artist Alessandro Florio, created in collaboration with Rubelli fabrics, add depth and modernity through tapestry and texture.
For guests seeking more immersive experiences, Villa Timeo offers painting classes with Alessandro Florio, mindful mixology sessions at Bar Clementina and sunrise yoga beside the pool. Further bespoke activities can be arranged, including private guided tours of the ancient Greek theatre, Ape Calessino rides through Taormina, or sailing excursions to Isola Bella and the natural wonders of the Sicilian coastline.
Villa Timeo invites travellers to embrace the spirit of Taormina, where nature, history, and culture converge in a place rich with narrative and nuance. Retaining the warmth of an aristocratic family home yet elevated through meticulous design, the villa becomes a sanctuary where time slows and imagination flourishes. It is a retreat that is both serene and evocative, capturing the very soul of Sicily in ways that linger long after the journey ends.
