VILLA CARLOTTA
Sleek residence on Taormina's cliffside
SMOKING MOUNT ETNA in the distance, indigo sea below and a table piled freshly-baked breads, pastries, fruits and local cheeses before you. No wonder guests rave about the rooftop breakfast at Villa Carlotta, in Sicily’s resort of Taormina. The views are spectacular while the spread – and the setting – can’t be beaten.
The rest of the hotel is pretty swish, too. New owners the Quartuccis (who also own Taormina’s Villa Ducale) have lavished it with TLC and made a good property even better.
Built in the late 1800s as an aristocratic residence, stone-clad Villa Carlotta is set in lush green gardens where there are even some ancient Roman catacombs to look at. Rooms – all different – have big bay windows opening onto balconies and large private terraces where you can soak up Mediterranean views. Cool tiled floors, cream-coloured Roman blinds and immaculate sofas set the tone inside.
Hit the spot
A stroll from Taormina's main piazza.
Bedtime
Sip some prosecco on your private terrace at sundown.
Be savvy
It's uphill to town, but you can coast all the way home.
Be smitten
Your rooftop breakfast might just eclipse your night before.
Orange and lemon trees
Sicilian cherry wood furnishings, expensive fabrics, bathrooms stocked with Etro toiletries and – in some rooms – canopy beds lend a feel of expensive indulgence. There’s huge attention to detail, and it scores high on the charm front – something that can also be said of the ultra-helpful staff.
Outside, orange and lemon trees cluster in Villa Carlotta's gardens. Swim in the sheltered pool or wade into the waves on the hotel’s private beach at upmarket Lido Stockholm – just hop aboard the free shuttle. You can also take the Taormina cable car down to the nearby beach at Mazzara.
Have a cocktail in the villa's atmospherically lit bar with its glowing candles before heading out on the town for the night. Taormina is all action after dark, and you’ll love watching the nightly passeggiata from the main square.
Villa Carlotta was reviewed by Room for Romance
The rest of the hotel is pretty swish, too. New owners the Quartuccis (who also own Taormina’s Villa Ducale) have lavished it with TLC and made a good property even better.
Built in the late 1800s as an aristocratic residence, stone-clad Villa Carlotta is set in lush green gardens where there are even some ancient Roman catacombs to look at. Rooms – all different – have big bay windows opening onto balconies and large private terraces where you can soak up Mediterranean views. Cool tiled floors, cream-coloured Roman blinds and immaculate sofas set the tone inside.
Hit the spot
A stroll from Taormina's main piazza.
Bedtime
Sip some prosecco on your private terrace at sundown.
Be savvy
It's uphill to town, but you can coast all the way home.
Be smitten
Your rooftop breakfast might just eclipse your night before.
Orange and lemon trees
Sicilian cherry wood furnishings, expensive fabrics, bathrooms stocked with Etro toiletries and – in some rooms – canopy beds lend a feel of expensive indulgence. There’s huge attention to detail, and it scores high on the charm front – something that can also be said of the ultra-helpful staff.
Outside, orange and lemon trees cluster in Villa Carlotta's gardens. Swim in the sheltered pool or wade into the waves on the hotel’s private beach at upmarket Lido Stockholm – just hop aboard the free shuttle. You can also take the Taormina cable car down to the nearby beach at Mazzara.
Have a cocktail in the villa's atmospherically lit bar with its glowing candles before heading out on the town for the night. Taormina is all action after dark, and you’ll love watching the nightly passeggiata from the main square.
Villa Carlotta was reviewed by Room for Romance
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Dining in
The restaurant serves Sicilian dishes, fresh pasta and salads alongside Sicilian wines. Tuck into spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico and caprese salad against a backdrop of contemporary Italian design. If the heat has sapped your appetite chill out in the Sicilian Bar and sip and sip an amaro or glass of wine from the extensive (and excellent) wine list. If that doesn't work cool off with a traditional Sicilian granita (lemon ice).
Dining out
Taormina's main drag, Corso Umberto, is lined with bars, cafes and places to eat.
Where?
Villa Carlotta
What’s cooking?
Breakfast – served on the panoramic rooftop terrace. The buffet table is laden with Sicilian specialities, both sweet and savoury
Dress the part
It’s Sicily – dress for the sunshine
Top table?
A terrace table overlooking the bay
See & Do
It's well worth walking up Taormina to the hilltop village of Castelmola, as well as watching the nightly passeggiata along Corso Umberto. Taormina's ancient Greek/Roman theatre stages productions throughout the summer months, and trips to Mount Etna are easily arranged.
Spa
There's a wellness club ten minutes away where you can book a massage or other pampering treatments. Alternatively a free shuttle take you to the hotel’s private beach.
Shop
There are plenty of little galleries for buying artworks and ceramics, as well as pasticcerie to swoon over. Needless to say you can also pick up the latest and best Italian designer clothes and jewelry.
After dark
Start with a cocktail at Deja vu or pub Morgana, followed by a late night at Club Septimo.
Dates
June
Rising stars of the screen world come out in force for the Taormina Film Festival.
July-August
Drama and music once more comes to the ancient Greek Theatre. The music is classical, but don't worry, it's not that classical.
The restaurant serves Sicilian dishes, fresh pasta and salads alongside Sicilian wines. Tuck into spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico and caprese salad against a backdrop of contemporary Italian design. If the heat has sapped your appetite chill out in the Sicilian Bar and sip and sip an amaro or glass of wine from the extensive (and excellent) wine list. If that doesn't work cool off with a traditional Sicilian granita (lemon ice).
Dining out
Taormina's main drag, Corso Umberto, is lined with bars, cafes and places to eat.
Where?
Villa Carlotta
What’s cooking?
Breakfast – served on the panoramic rooftop terrace. The buffet table is laden with Sicilian specialities, both sweet and savoury
Dress the part
It’s Sicily – dress for the sunshine
Top table?
A terrace table overlooking the bay
See & Do
It's well worth walking up Taormina to the hilltop village of Castelmola, as well as watching the nightly passeggiata along Corso Umberto. Taormina's ancient Greek/Roman theatre stages productions throughout the summer months, and trips to Mount Etna are easily arranged.
Spa
There's a wellness club ten minutes away where you can book a massage or other pampering treatments. Alternatively a free shuttle take you to the hotel’s private beach.
Shop
There are plenty of little galleries for buying artworks and ceramics, as well as pasticcerie to swoon over. Needless to say you can also pick up the latest and best Italian designer clothes and jewelry.
After dark
Start with a cocktail at Deja vu or pub Morgana, followed by a late night at Club Septimo.
Dates
June
Rising stars of the screen world come out in force for the Taormina Film Festival.
July-August
Drama and music once more comes to the ancient Greek Theatre. The music is classical, but don't worry, it's not that classical.
GETTING THERE
Location
Villa Pirandello, 98039 Taormina
Parking
Guest parking (payable) is available
Trains
Taormina-Giardini-Naxos station – 5km
Taxis
EUR 20 from the station, EUR 90 from the airport
Airport
Catania – 60km
Rooms and suites
18 rooms and five suites
Special features
You'll find satellite TV, a mini bar, safe and wi-fi
Also…
There is a sheltered pool, Mediterranean garden, and intimate lounge bar
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180 - 400
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10.30am. The buffet table is laden with home made cakes, quiches and local Sicilian savouries.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Over-tens only.
Pets
No.
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, Italian and French.
Wedding license?
Yes – for parties of up to 60 guests.
Your contact
Andrea Quartucci – owner
Location
Villa Pirandello, 98039 Taormina
Parking
Guest parking (payable) is available
Trains
Taormina-Giardini-Naxos station – 5km
Taxis
EUR 20 from the station, EUR 90 from the airport
Airport
Catania – 60km
Rooms and suites
18 rooms and five suites
Special features
You'll find satellite TV, a mini bar, safe and wi-fi
Also…
There is a sheltered pool, Mediterranean garden, and intimate lounge bar
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180 - 400
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10.30am. The buffet table is laden with home made cakes, quiches and local Sicilian savouries.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Over-tens only.
Pets
No.
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, Italian and French.
Wedding license?
Yes – for parties of up to 60 guests.
Your contact
Andrea Quartucci – owner
