Scheduled to open on July 18, this new hotel, created inside the ruins of an old palace is managed by Hotelphilosophy who recently brought us the eccentric and eclectic Maison Moschino so we do of course expect great things. Hotelphilophy founder, the charming, cigar -smoking Stefano Ugolini names this as one of the hotels he is most excited about seeing this year.

"It is a five-star hotel with just 23 suites overhanging the wonderful Sicilian sea. The hotel rises inside a palace dating back to the 18th century, where Kaiser Wilhelm II went to take his afternoon tea", Ugolini tells The Luxury Travel Bible. "This is an enchanting place that is now back to its original beauty and majesty, located in the very heart of Taormina and deeply drinking its history and splendour."

The hotel is coming alive after what Ugolini describes as "40 years of silence" and early rendering are promising. The Luxury Travel Bible loves the Romanesque wall art, the extravagant chandeliers, the faux fur throws and the decadence of the full length gilt-edged mirrors by the beds.

We bring you a sneak preview so you can judge for yourself.