Where: Taormina is located in the province of Messina, in the North-Eastern part of Sicily. The town counts about 11,000 inhabitants and lies on the Tauro plateau, 206 meters above sea level, lulled by the Mediterranean sea on one side and protected by cliffs on the other. A truly spectacular prospect. The temperature is always mild, with the month of August reaching the highest average temperature, almost 27 Celsius.

What: Taormina is one of the most internationally renowned places of Sicily. It’s beautiful landscape and it’s history makes it a perfect spot for a vacation all-year-round. In the surroundings, visit Savoca, a medieval town with beautiful churches. Take a turn about the Naxos Gardens, Don’t miss Forza d’Agrò’s castle, Siracusa with it’s largest Ancient Greek Amhitheatre in Sicily and of course the Etna volcano! While in Taormina, go sightseeing and visit the San Nicolò Duomo in the centre, the stunning ancient Greek Theatre, the Castle of Tauro on the plateau and the many Baroque estates.

When: The history of Taormina starts Centuries ago, with one of the first testimonies of it’s existence is by Greek historian Diodoro Siculo, who chronicles inhabitants on Taormina’s plateau well before the Greeks’ landing in the bay in 753 b.C., the year in which they founded the first Greek colony on the island (right where the Naxos Gardens are today). Since then, the original inhabitants of Taormina have been subject Greek, Roman, Arabic, German, French and Spanish rules.

Why: There are many reasons to go to Taormina, and one is certainly the chance to experience a place like the Hotel Villa Sant’Andrea, where the scenery, luxury, food and SPA are worthy of the magnificence of the surroundings. http://www.hotelvillasantandrea.com

Set on a panoramic terrace with the view of Mazarò’s bay, the Restaurant Oliviero serves Mediterranean high-end cuisine based on seasonal ingredients. During summer, cold dishes are available for lunch as well as fresh fish cooked to order over a charcoal fire. Are you a foodie? Then don’t miss the next culinary tour with gastronomic weekends throughout 2012 in the Italian Orient-Express hotels, and ten brilliant chefs that tot up a staggering 21 Michelin stars.

The Spa is set in a picturesque wing of the hotel with treatments rooms in the open air as well as more private indoor ones. The range of treatments is vast, featuring both avant-garde techniques and traditional natural remedies. Mediterranean salt scrubs, cane sugar and autochthonous prickly pear essential oil facials make up just some of the unique treatments available. Classic spa treatments like manicure and pedicures are of course available, with a twist such as honey infused foot soak and massage. Couples treatments for those on a romantic getaway are available, amongst wixh a luxurious orange blossom, lotus and neroli aromatherapy massage.

Visit Taormina, where the smell and taste of Sicily will revive your senses and joie de vivre.

Written by: Elisa della Barba and Valentina Zannoni

Credits: Hotel Villa Sant'Andrea