The annual announcement of the Readers’ Choice Awards serves as more than just a list of high-performing properties; it acts as a definitive snapshot of the current global travel landscape. As the results are tabulated and shared, they offer a manual for the modern adventurer, highlighting the destinations and institutions that continue to resonate with the world’s most discerning travelers. Among the most celebrated entries in this year’s selection is a property that has long defined the heights of Sicilian hospitality: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, in Taormina.
Perched on the rugged cliffs of Sicily with an unrivaled view of the Ionian Sea and the smoking silhouette of Mount Etna, Grand Hotel Timeo is often referred to as an "Italian grande dame." Its history is as evocative as its architecture. What began in 1850 as a modest guesthouse has, over the course of nearly two centuries, evolved into one of the most luxurious and culturally significant hotels in Italy. Its inclusion in the Readers’ Choice Awards is a testament to its ability to balance a storied past with the evolving demands of contemporary luxury.
The hotel’s enduring appeal lies in its unique position within Taormina, a town that has served as a magnet for artists, writers, and aristocrats for generations. As the first hotel to open in the city, the Timeo effectively established Taormina as a must-visit destination on the Grand Tour. Today, that legacy is maintained through a meticulous commitment to service and an aesthetic that honors its 19th-century roots while embracing modern refinements.
The most significant of these recent refinements is the opening of the brand-new Dior Spa. This collaboration between Belmond and the legendary French fashion house represents a fusion of high fashion and holistic wellness. The spa’s design is a tribute to both Sicilian craftsmanship and Dior’s refined elegance, featuring stunning mosaic floors that catch the Mediterranean light. Beyond its visual appeal, the facility offers a comprehensive suite of wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art infrared sauna designed to provide deep-tissue relaxation and detoxification.
The treatment menu at the Dior Spa is extensive, incorporating the house’s signature products into therapies that range from the traditional to the avant-garde. Guests can choose from sculpting facials designed to rejuvenate the skin after a day in the Sicilian sun or opt for specialized Ayurvedic therapies that focus on internal balance and energy flow. These treatments are crafted to provide a sensory experience that mirrors the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
The hotel’s atmosphere is deeply informed by its history as a sanctuary for the elite. The guest list of the Grand Hotel Timeo reads like a "who’s who" of 20th-century glamour, with icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor having sought refuge within its walls. This sense of cinematic history is palpable in the hotel’s breezy gardens, where guests often take late-afternoon walks among the orange trees. The gardens offer a fragrant, shaded retreat from the heat of the day, providing a space where one can dress in a manner befitting the property’s long lineage of fabulous visitors.
In response to the hotel’s status as a pinnacle of Italian style, a curated selection of fashion and accessories has emerged as the essential packing list for a stay at the Timeo. This collection reflects the "Taormina aesthetic"—a blend of mid-century elegance, Mediterranean vibrancy, and uncompromising quality. Each piece is selected to complement the hotel’s various environments, from the poolside to the formal dining terraces.
Central to this curated wardrobe is the Kikki-G "Gigi" underwired one-piece swimsuit. Rendered in a bold cherry red, the piece retails for $378 and evokes the classic silhouettes of the 1950s. Its structured design provides a look that is both sophisticated and functional, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon spent overlooking the Ionian Sea. The choice of red serves as a nod to the vibrant colors of Sicily, from the lava of Etna to the bougainvillea that drapes over the town’s ancient stone walls.
To complement the daytime look, the packing list highlights the Omega Speedmaster 38. Priced at $11,700, this timepiece is a study in precision and understated luxury. The Speedmaster 38 offers a more refined, compact take on the classic chronograph, making it versatile enough for both casual daytime exploration of Taormina’s Greek Theatre and formal evening engagements. Its presence on the wrist serves as a reminder of the timelessness that defines the Grand Hotel Timeo itself.
The jewelry selection for a Sicilian getaway is led by the Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace. Featuring ten motifs of the iconic four-leaf clover, the piece is valued at $11,781. The Alhambra collection has long been a symbol of luck and elegance, and in the context of the Timeo, it reflects the hotel’s own history of hosting royalty and Hollywood legends. The necklace’s delicate gold work and intricate motifs provide a subtle shimmer that transitions effortlessly from the sun-drenched gardens to the candlelit atmosphere of the hotel’s bars.
No Mediterranean ensemble is complete without the appropriate eyewear, and the Valentino Oval Acetate glasses are the designated choice for this season. At $725, these sunglasses offer a contemporary twist on the retro oval frames that were a staple of Italian cinema in the 1960s. They provide not only essential protection from the bright Sicilian sun but also a layer of mystery and style that aligns with the hotel’s glamorous heritage.
For footwear, the list turns to Andrea Wazen and the "Carol 75" mule in a soft pink hue. These heels, retailing for $1,075, feature a 75mm lift that is practical enough for navigating the hotel’s terraced gardens while remaining decidedly elegant. The mule’s design is a modern interpretation of classic femininity, providing a pop of color that complements the lush greenery of the property.
Finally, the packing list is rounded out by an exquisite accessory from Chanel: the silk and feathers brooch. Shaped like the iconic Chanel camellia, this piece is priced at $2,550. It is a versatile addition to a travel wardrobe, capable of being pinned to a blazer for a formal dinner or used to accent a silk scarf during a breezy evening walk. The inclusion of feathers adds a tactile, whimsical element that mirrors the lightness of the Mediterranean breeze.
The intersection of the Grand Hotel Timeo’s historic charm and these contemporary luxury pieces creates a travel experience that is both grounded in tradition and attuned to modern tastes. The Readers’ Choice Awards emphasize that today’s travelers are looking for more than just a place to stay; they are seeking a narrative and an environment that allows them to step into a different world.
The success of the Grand Hotel Timeo in this year’s awards is also a reflection of Sicily’s broader resurgence as a hub for luxury travel. The island, often described as a melting pot of Mediterranean cultures, offers a depth of experience that few other regions can match. From its Greek ruins and Norman cathedrals to its world-class viticulture and culinary traditions, Sicily provides a rich backdrop for a property like the Timeo.
As the November 2026 issue of Condé Nast Traveler notes, the hotel remains a favorite for those who appreciate the finer details of hospitality. Whether it is the specific placement of a mosaic tile in the new Dior Spa or the careful preservation of the orange trees in the garden, the Grand Hotel Timeo continues to set the standard for what an Italian luxury hotel can be.
For the readers who participated in the awards, the Timeo is not just a destination but a memory of a specific kind of Italian grace. It is a place where the past is not merely remembered but is lived and breathed by every guest who walks through its doors. As travelers look toward their next adventures, the manual provided by the Readers’ Choice Awards points clearly toward the cliffs of Taormina, where the Grand Hotel Timeo stands ready to welcome the next generation of fabulous guests.
