Dom Mimi
From €28800 per week
6- 12
- 6
- From €28800 per week
SICILY
“Were a man to spend only one day in Sicily and ask, “What must one see?” I would answer him without hesitation, “Taormina.” It is only a landscape, but a landscape where you find everything on earth that seems made to seduce the eyes, the mind and the imagination.” With these words, Guy de Maupassant described this land, positioned between the sky and the sea, offering visitors unforgettable vistas of Mount Etna and endless views of the Mediterranean.
In this blessed place, a noble and historic residence, Villa Guarnaschelli, recently has re-opened its doors to welcome a discerning clientele. The luxury villa, located in the center of Taormina, had a very glorious past hosting the King of England Edward VIII, Hollywood stars, aristocrats, famous artists, intellectuals and politicians, and now, after a careful restoration, the villa is ready to be your less-than-predictable place where to enjoy an extraordinary vacation
6 BEDROOMS/5 BATHROOMS
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, en suite bathroom with shower
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, en suite bathroom with shower
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, en suite bathroom shower
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, en suite bathroom with jacuzzi tub and hand-held shower
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, shared bathroom with jacuzzi tub and hand-held shower
Queen bedroom with panoramic view, shared bathroom with jacuzzi tub and hand-held shower
All bedrooms have air conditioned, satellite TV and Wi-fi internet; all bathrooms are provided with hair dryers.
LIVING SPACES
Ground floor
The sophisticated social spaces are perfectly appointed for entertaining and designed to be welcoming and harmonious. A cozy library with a working fireplace, a formal drawing room with an adjacent smaller sitting room, a comfortable living room, and a separated dining room: all are filled with exquisite antiques and custom furniture, rich fabrics, along with heirlooms, artifacts and wall art collected by the villas’ aristocrat owners. Every room opens onto the terrace through French doors. A fully equipped kitchen and a guest bathroom complete this floor. The spaces are meant for relaxing, so that guests can embrace the Sicilian traditional yet sophisticated way of life.
OUTDOOR FEATURES
The Liberty-style villa is surrounded by a manicured private park and a panoramic terrace overlooking Isola Bella, also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. A stunning infinity heated pool with whirlpool corner was added during the villa’s latest restoration. Besides the pool and the glorious sundeck, several areas in the garden are designed to be enjoyed while either lounging, dining or just indulging in the dolce far niente.
AMENITIES
Individual air conditioning units and central heating; Sat smart TVs with Netflix streaming; Wi-Fi Internet; washing machine; dishwasher; electric BBQ, private infinity pool (salt water, depth 110 – 150 cm – it can be heated for an extra), security system with cameras in external areas, private garden, private parking for two cars.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Perfect for the discerning traveler, this property boasts modern comforts and yet it transports its guests into a world of old charm and glamour.
The tucked-away position in the historical center of Taormina and the majestic view from its terraces, add infinite value to this beautiful villa, full of character, history and panache, designed to deliver exceptional experiences.
Nearest Airport: Catania Fontanarossa 55 min
Taormina: within walking distance (10 min on foot)
Nearest major city: Siracusa 1 h 25 min
Nearest beach: 7 min to the cable car to reach Mazzarò Beach; 15 min
Driving time estimated by Google Maps
The island of Sicily offers a number of wonderful places to visit on day trips or excursions, including Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa and the utterly unforgettable volcanic peak of Mt. Etna. As the highest active volcano in Europe and Sicily’s tallest mountain. Mt. Etna is a true natural wonder: don’t miss the chance to explore it by booking a guided excursion with our concierge.
Taormina, one of the most famous towns in Sicily, is located high atop Mount Tauro. The magnificent Mediterranean blue bay and the nearby smoldering Mt. Etna merge into a spectacular view that can be seen from almost any point in the city. A renowned archaeological destination backed by incredible history, Taormina is home to one of the most famous Greek Theaters in the world. This remarkable theater hosts “Taormina Arte,” the town’s annual summer international arts festival of film, music, dance and theatre. Taormina is a haven for tourists, offering a great number of restaurants, bars, clubs, entertainment and sport venues. Take a stroll along the Corso and be sure to stop at one of the local cafés for a taste of granite (the original version of Italian ice!) and a piece of frutta martorana (marzipan sweets).
The distinctive beauty of Syracuse, rich with history and artistic presence, was featured in Giuseppe Tornatore’s movie “Malena”, starring Monica Bellucci. Since 1914, from early May to the end of June, the city has staged ancient comedies and tragedies in its Greek theatre. A stroll through the streets of Ortigia leads to the fascinating baroque cathedral that incorporates an ancient temple to Athena. Make sure you check the Fountain of Arethusa, site of the Greek legend.
Noto is the undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque. Generally listed as one of the ‘must-see’ tourist attractions on the East coast of Sicily. The town was declared humanity heritage by UNESCO in 2002. Here you can enjoy the most beautiful non equipped beaches of the island, Eloro, Cittadella or Calamosche inside the natural reserve of Vendicari, which is also home to thousands of migrating flamingos and sea turtle nests. If you prefer the comfort of equipped beaches, check the ones in Noto Marina or San Lorenzo. If you are in this area on the third week of May, take note of the famous and suggestive “Infiorata”, a picturesque festival to welcome the spring, where local artists work overnight to prepare colorful real flower carpets all over the streets. Other sites worth visiting in the surroundings of Noto (by car) include Noto Antica – the older town – Modica, Palazzo Acreide, Ragusa – a similarly-appealing Baroque town – the necropolis at Pantalica and Ispica Caves.
WHERE TO EAT
Il Barcaiolo – Enjoy typical Sicilian cuisine at this family-owned romantic trattoria and enjoy views of the Mazzarò bay from the terrace!
Via Castelluccio 43, Taormina mare (Spiagga Mazzarò – 150 steps to the beach) – +39 0942 625 633
Villa Antonio – Delightful cuisine and a terrace offering breathtaking views.
Via Luigi Pirandello 88 (at Hotel Capo Taormina), Taormina mare – +39 0942 625 502
Don Camillo – Elegant and refined, this restaurant is famous for seafood dishes and a rich wine list – try seafood risotto and the ricotta dessert.
Via Maestranza 96, Siracusa – +39 0931 67133
Baqqalà – For a nice fish lunch or dinner, try this rustic trattoria which serves superb food!
Piazzetta Ficili, Scicli – +39 0932 931 028
La Locanda Don Serafino – Romantic Michelin starred restaurant, ask for a table in the cave.
Via Avv. G.Ottaviano, Ragusa Ibla – +39 0932 248 778
WHERE TO SHOP
Food – Campisi canned food. This company is still proudly using ancient techniques dating back to the Arab period to produce and processes a wide range of fish and vegetable based products. Also, sauces, honey and wine are all worth bringing home.
Via Marzamemi 12, Marzamemi – +39 0931 841 166
Ceramics from Caltagirone – decorated entirely by hand, with nice vibrant colors (green, yellow and light blue being the traditional ones) and classical shapes, are a touch of Sicily you can bring home! Check Ceramiche Artistiche Sammartino e Delfino.
Via Roma 32, Caltagirone – +39 0933 21 067
Silk in Ortigia – One of a kind scarves that are so beautifully crafted they become true works of art. Wear or hang them, it is your choice!
Via Roma 27, Siracusa – +39 333 594 4518
Chocolate – Sotto San Pietro, visit this elegant store and you will find exquisite chocolate and other local products. Scents and flavors…from Sicily with love!
Corso Umberto I 136-138, Duomo San Pietro, Modica – +39 0932 946093
Amenities
Air Conditioning
Daily Breakfast
Parking
Swimming Pool
Terrace / Alfresco Dining
View
Walk To Village
Waterfront
Wifi
Extra Optional Services
Airport Transfer
Guided Tours
Private Chef
Pricing and Availability
Standard rates €46500
From – 03 Jan 2025 21 Mar 2025 €23800
From – 22 Mar 2025 28 Mar 2025 €28800
From – 29 Mar 2025 04 Apr 2025 €32000
From – 05 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 €28800
From – 19 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 €32000
From – 26 Apr 2025 23 May 2025 €34000
From – 24 May 2025 27 Jun 2025 €36500
From – 28 Jun 2025 18 Jul 2025 €42500
From – 19 Jul 2025 01 Aug 2025 €44500
From – 02 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 €46500
From – 23 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 €42500
From – 06 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 €39600
From – 20 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 €36500
From – 04 Oct 2025 17 Oct 2025 €29800
From – 18 Oct 2025 28 Nov 2025 €27200
From – 20 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 €4000
The benefits of the Luxury Collection
Pricing Notes
INCLUDED WITH RATE
All Utilities, including A/C, and final cleaning
Daily housekeeping service 8:00am-2:00pm, including Sunday
Daily linen change
Daily Continental breakfast (milk ,coffee, tea, rusks, butter, jams, fruit juices)
Unlimited Wi-Fi internet access (available indoor and outdoor)
Full gardening and pool cleaning service
NOT INCLUDED WITH RATE
Extra housekeeping: €35 per hour
Cook service – No third party suppliers allowed: all extra services will be provided by the villa management and in-house staff
Cost of food and beverages
Personal laundry service: €35 per hour
NOTES
Damage Liability: €3,000
Event fee: complimentary up to 25 guests; €5,000 up to 160 guests; €6,000 from 161 to 200 guests
Visitor’s tax: The Italian government might require the payment of a Visitor’s Tax (approximately €1.50 – €6.00 per person, per day, depending on the location) and may be applied for the first ten days in the destination. This tax is payable locally, in Euro cash.
Staff lives on premises, guests’ privacy is guaranteed
Non-smoking villa
Pets not allowed
Check-in: between 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Check-out: before/by 10:00 am
All the above services must be paid locally, prior departure, unless otherwise agreed
Sicilia
The island of Sicily is distinctly different from the rest of Italy as it floats just off the toe of the Italian mainland. The Capital city Palermo is splendid with its chaos and treasures. Be prepared to explore the palaces, castles and churches which are a fusion of Arab, Norman, baroque, and Renaissance gems. Life in Palermo is quite full on. A very warm hearted and noisy affair.
The people of this city love to eat. Whether they are shopping, or on their way home from work, they are always enjoying little hot snacks prepared at street stalls. A famous chickpea fritta, custard filled croissant, potato croquette, or an oily pizza topped with onions and caciocavallo cheese are just a few examples of the delicious food available in the street stands.
Sicily is a part of Italy that starts to take on a flavour of Greece or of north Africa.