There’s a sea-front, timeless place lying by a volcano. There’s a place made of countless memories; an inspiring place resulting from magnificent details and warm, Mediterranean hospitality.
The Ashbee is just like that; a fascinating, noble place. Here excellence is sober and delicate. Find it in the treats for the guests, the kindness of service, the silence of the venues, cutting-edge comfort and delicious flavours. The original building enhances the elegance of the premises and the energy of materials, from marbles to woods, from stuccos to furniture.
HISTORY
The building today hosting Taormina’s luxury Ashbee Hotel was named Villa San Giorgio; construction works began in 1907 on a project by English Architect Charles Robert Ashbee on commission by Colonel Shaw-Hellier, an English veteran who, at one point in his life, had decided to leave England and move to Sicily.
He had bought a plot of land in Taormina with a view onto the Strait of Messina right behind the Church of St. Pancrazio, built on the ruins of a Greek temple dedicated to Serapis Zeus. In January 1907 he invited Architect Ashbee, a close friend of his, to spend a few days in Taormina and entrusted him with the project of a house to be built right on that plot of land.
Once in Sicily, Ashbee got to know some of the world’s most fascinating places and absorbed the distinguishing features of Sicilian architecture; as a matter of fact, Ashbee wrote in his diary that nowhere else had he seen a place with so many magnificent buildings as Sicily.
What makes Villa San Giorgio truly interesting from a historical and artistic point of view is the well-chosen concoction of two different traditions: Sicilian architecture and English cosmopolitism.
A huge photographic archive of Charles Robert Ashbee’s visit to Taormina and Villa San Giorgio project and construction works is still preserved at the Victoria and Albert Museum’s National Library in London whereas the original drawings of the house are kept at the Drawings Collection of the Royal Institute British Architects and in Colonel Shaw-Hellier’s English house at Wonbourne Wodehouse in Staffordshire.
Plus, Ashbee used to scribble his journey reflections on his diaries which are today on display at the Cambridge King’s College and Victoria and Albert Museum’s National Library.
TODAY
Today The Ashbee has been turned into a hotel and provides guests with a wide range of exclusive services, in cooperation with Sicily’s most luxurious partners.
Your every need is met even prior to your arrival. It is the ideal place to disconnect, just a few steps away from the heart of Taormina.
It provides a rich historical background and an intimate, secluded ambiance. Upon request, you may enjoy the butlers’ white-glove treatment for a unique, unforgettable stay.
Upon your arrival the dedicated team will be delighted to meet your every request, be it choosing your favourite pillow or selecting a customised bath linen.
The Concierge is always eager to book the finest restaurants in the vicinity and suggest the best local activities.
The staff will be delighted to assist you in order to make your stay the experience of a lifetime.
All 24 individually decorated rooms feature free WiFi and 24-hour room service. LED TVs with satellite channels and first-run movies
provide a bit of entertainment, and guests will also appreciate thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers.
The most elegant and spacious suite, a symbol of true luxury in this luxury Hotel. With a beautiful terrace from where you can admire Taormina and the entire Ionian coast of Sicily.
Fully furnished with elegant wood floor, with large closets and two bathrooms, one with a precious stone sink, tub and shower.
The perfect solution to enjoy the view of the Strait of Messina and Calabria from a large terrace allowing for an outdoor experience just within your room. Everything is there: unique
accessories, total comfort, delicate luxury details, a hint of Britishness and the Mediterranean brightness. A series of natural scenarios will make your moments of relax absolutely exclusive.
Intimate rooms and elegantly furnished with luxurious fabrics that provide the finest comforts. Classic rooms offer every comfort for an enjoyable holiday in Taormina.
They are provided with a bathroom with shower, wardrobe, double or twin beds and elegant furniture elements.
The hotel’s elegant and renowned restaurant oozes high-octane glamour, a perfect venue for those that want to taste in style.
Here at St. George Restaurant astonishment begins when the first dish arrives and doesn't let up until the last.
The menu that St. George Restaurant creates for its Guests reflect modern Sicilian-style cuisine made using the best island seasonal produce.
A glamorous and stylish restaurant blend English furnishings with traditional Sicilian touches.
With food and drink options this good, why not come tonight?
Uniquely beautiful, Taormina has been an undisputed destination for special holidays ever since, thanks to an extraordinary mix of nature, culture, history and folklore. One of the most important landmarks is the ancient theatre, whose beauty is further enhanced by its scenic backdrop of water and fire (the sea and Etna).
It currently hosts events of all kinds (ranging from theatre to concerts, ballet and award ceremonies); however, the rock it is carved into, its shape and size are reminiscent of an ancient past. The hotel's team be delighted to support you in the selection and reservation of seasonal shows.
Moreover, don’t miss the chance to walk along Corso Umberto, the main shopping street, offering historic international brand boutiques as well as typical Sicilian stores.
Last but not least, walking guided tours will be organised for you to discover the historical and archaeological landmarks of this maritime pearl.
Experience the sea on board of a sailboat or a yacht. There are many ways to experience a day out at sea, including having a light lunch by majestic sea stacks or sipping an aperitif with views on Etna in the pink light of sunset at sea.
Never silent, the volcano provides great sights and moments; no wonder it was declared UNESCO heritage in 2013. The extreme environmental diversity of the whole area is surprising: thick forests, deserted lands covered in magmatic rock, snow-clad peaks.
Settled on a hill of the Monte Tauro, Taormina dominates two grand, sweeping bays below and on the southern side, the top of Mount Etna, the european highest active volcano, often capped with snow, offering a breathtaking view.
The local area is popular for its uniqueness and is characterised by small, niche wine producers. The wine and volcano have been linked for a very long time and the hotel's team will be delighted to organise cellar wine tasting for the guests.
THE ASHBEE HOTEL
Viale San Pancrazio n.46 98039 Taormina (ME)SicilyItaly