Which is the best Belmond Hotel?

Belmond’s Crown Jewels: A Quiet Comparison of Splendido, Timeo & Caruso

Three hotels. Three views. One standard of timeless elegance.

For those who understand that true luxury is felt, not flaunted, Belmond hotels represent the highest tier of Italian hospitality, with charm, history, and views that rarely make it to Instagram because their guests don’t need the validation.

At Crown & Compass, we’re often asked: Which Belmond should I choose? While each is extraordinary, here’s how to decide between three of the finest.

Splendido, Portofino

Perched above the Ligurian coastline, Splendido is an icon, a former Benedictine monastery turned celebrity hideaway. Terraced gardens, cinematic views of Portofino’s harbour, and a piano bar straight out of a Fellini film make it feel suspended in time.

Best for: Glamour-seekers, yacht owners, and those who want to sip aperitivo under bougainvillea after a day on the Med.

Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina

With Mount Etna on the horizon and ancient ruins next door, Timeo is part hotel, part dreamscape. Located adjacent to the Greek Theatre, it’s the most refined address in Sicily, where marble meets lemon groves and service is orchestrated to perfection.

Best for: Lovers of culture, volcanic drama, Sicilian grandeur — and those craving something elemental yet elevated.

Caruso, Ravello

Set high above the Amalfi Coast, Caruso blends faded grandeur with floating tranquility. Its infinity pool is among the most photographed in Europe, yet the energy is calm, introspective, and luxurious in the quietest sense.

Best for: Romantic minimalists, honeymooners, and aesthetes who want the Amalfi Coast, without the crowds.

Final Thoughts

Choose Splendido if your idea of luxury involves vintage convertibles, caviar, and cocktails above the sea.
Choose Timeo if you’re drawn to art, archaeology, and operatic views.
Choose Caruso if you seek solitude, sunlight, and soul-stirring silence.

At Crown & Compass, we curate Belmond experiences beyond rooms, including private after-hours villa tours, chef’s table tastings, and seamless multi-property itineraries across Italy.