Grand Hotel Miramare, Taormina

Grand Hotel Miramare is the epitome of classic Italian elegance. Situated in Santa Margherita Ligure, the heart of the Italian Riviera, the art nouveau-style building overlooks the beautiful Golfo del Tigullio. Palms, camellias and lavender are among the aromatic plants growing in the hotel's large Mediterranean garden. The spa and choice of restaurants and bars add to the sense of luxury. Built in 1903, Grand Hotel Miramare was one of the first luxury hotels on the Italian Riviera. Guests will be following in the footsteps of Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, who spent their honeymoon here in the 1940s.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Miramare's Vistamare restaurant, an elegant dining room with an outdoor terrace and panoramic views. There is also a poolside bar which serves light lunches, local Ligurian cuisine and cocktails. Then why not indulge in a martini at Bar Le Colonne, once a favourite haunt of Sir Roger Moore. Finally, the sophisticated Barracuda piano bar is the perfect spot for a digestif, or a wine tasting with friends.

With gorgeous parquet floors and restored stucco walls, the bedrooms at the Grand Hotel Miramare are stylishly refined with all the modern conveniences. All have air conditioning, satellite television, free internet access and Trussardi toiletries. There is a range of shapes and sizes available, including single and double rooms, or deluxe suites with views out over the Golfo del Tigullio, balconies and separate living areas. Interconnecting rooms can be allocated on request.

E'SPA'ce is Miramare's wellness centre, which offers numerous spa facilities including a multi-sensory room complete with a dry bath and aromatherapy to revitalise and soothe. There is also a range of treatments for one, or as a couple, in the private treatment rooms, or opt for pampering in the gazebo, tucked away in the hotel's lush garden.

Grand Hotel Miramare's outdoor seawater swimming pool is open from April to October, from 9am to 6pm. Sun loungers, parasols and towels are all provided. The Bagni Miramare public beach is also nearby. For golf enthusiasts, the 18-hole Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo just a short journey away is open to hotel guests. The course is set around the remains of the Valle Christi Cistercian monastery.

The old fishing village of Portofino is a short drive along the stunning coastal road, whilst the Portofino nature park offers trekking routes for various abilities. The Portofino protected marine nature reserve is also a popular spot for diving and courses can be booked through the hotel. Bicycles, motorbikes and boats can be rented through the hotel and concierge and babysitting services are also available.

Santa Margherita Ligure is about 25 miles from Genova Cristoforo Colombo International Airport and just under 90 miles from Pisa International Airport. There is private parking available, which must be booked in advance.


A member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Not all facilities are complimentary and are subject to seasonal demand.