A short drive from Positano on the coast yet up the mountain face on a very windy mountain road takes you to the historical region of Ravello. I have to be honest I didn't know what to expect from Ravello apart from it being a slowly pace of life – there was only one reason I wanted to go and that was to experience the famous Belmond Caruso.

 

If your not aware of the brand Belmond, let me give you a little insight;

In 1976 Belmond opened the doors to the legendary Cipriani, a Belmond Hotel in Venice. In 1982 the brand started taking people on the famous Venice Simplon – Orient Express. In 2019 Belmond joined the LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton – reinforcing their place among the leaders in luxury.

For over 40 years Belmond has followed its pioneering spirit and passion for authenticity to uncover and create some of the world greats travel adventures in stunning destinations across the globe.

 

I personally have a list as long as my arm of Belmond experiences I want to do, yet having stayed in the Belmond Splendido in Portofino in 2018 my love for this exquisite brand grows with love and respect.

 

 

Perched high above the hilltop town of Ravello, over 1000 feet above sea level, overlooking the Bay of Salerno, it is one of Amalfi’s most romantic boltholes. It began life as an 11th-century palazzo, and its location is matched by the traditional Italianate charm of the décor.

 

The Belmond Hotel Caruso offers guests exceptional views over the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean. A masterpiece in its design is the hotel’s infinity pool, where guests will feel as if they are floating above the azure ocean, almost as if they were closer to the sky than the sea.

 

Reflecting the splendour of ages past, throughout the property there is evidence of its ancient charm, from the tiny-baroque style chapel, the hanging gardens, the vaulted terrace, its plush furnishings to its fresco-covered ceilings.

 

Once you arrive in the square right outside the door of the hotel you get out of your car and instantly feel like you’re in a classic movie - sans the vintage car and more realistically my Fiat Panda!

With the door man dressed impeccably as he rushes to assist you, my mums jaw drops to the ground as enters the building as she loves history and is crazy about antiques. Greeted by the team and handed a refreshing drink the breeze from the patio doors gets our attention and there right in front of us in the beautiful view…

 

The Property

We start with a tour of the property, with the chic designer boutique in the lobby with the celling as the masterpiece to the vintage lift which took us to the first floor. Here you will find the dining area with a large private dining room and a bar which offers the wonderful views. Theres also a glass cabinet which has all the original papers and artifacts from back in the day when the palace was owned by a sailor.

 

 

The pool

Hands down the most beautiful infinity pool in all of the Amalfi! The pool offers so many different back drops from the Ravello mountain range to the Mediterranean. You will not stop taking pictures – or should I say – I didn't stop taking pictures! The gardens are lovely, you can enjoy a quiet corner of the gardens to relax and admire the view.

 

 

Dining

You must try the pizza at the pool restaurant it’s something else.

Dinner is strictly reservation only and offers a fine dining service.

Every morning we had breakfast on our terrace as the view was so beautiful. The perfect arch was covered in pretty wisteria flowers and directly in front of us was the village on the cliff face and the med coast line - Utterly picture perfect.

 

Room

We had a junior suite with a balcony that offers picture postcard views of the ocean and coast line. You can also have the same room type with a garden. The interiors are elegant and refined and to match with the style of the hotel - TVs are fitted within mirrors and the safety box is hidden behind art – so regal like! The natural rock protrudes through the walls and celling offering a natural feeling.

 

The signature Margarita Villa is set back on the grounds of the hotel yet offers private access and comes with butler service. Entering via the beautiful garden (which soon will have a private pool)

This is the perfect villa for a family with 2 bedrooms spread across two floors with both bedrooms having two bathrooms and the downstairs bedroom is attached to a large living room.

The villa has an over sized roof top area which offers utter relaxation and views for miles.

Villa Margarita has been a celebrity favorite over the years offering utter privacy yet all the bells and whistles of the incredible Belmond Experience.

 

Service

Well what would you expect from a Belmond property – nothing less than exquisite manners served from every member of staff.

 

Ravello Town

From the entrance of the hotel you walk through the allyway into the narrow paths, where beautiful stores can be found and entrances to public gardens. Keep walking down wide steps and your greeted by the beautiful picturesque square with people eating and walking around. Coming from Positano the square was more calm and relaxed and gave a feel of tranquility.

 

While in Ravello you must have Pannis for lunch at Ii Panino in Piazza duomo - the yummiest panini sandwiches with every filling you could imagine. You know the bread is perfect when there is no bloating!

 

Design your custom made leather Sandals in 10 minutes for 60 Euro in any color from a tiny boutique in Piazza Duomo.

You will find lots of ceramic stores in Ravello - Pascal Ceramiche d’Arte is considered one of the top ceramics producers in Ravello, with so many beautiful pieces that can easily be shipped home for you.

 

Wander through the Villa Rufolo and beautiful gardens - Built in the 13th century, in its heyday the Villa Rufulo was one of the largest villas on the Amalfi Coast. Over time the villa fell into ruin. In the 19th century, it was bought by Sir Francis Neville Reid, a botanist from Scotland, who renovated what was left of the villa and brought its gardens back to life.

Ravello’s cathedral was built in the 11th century, but it has been renovated many times since. It has a simple white facade, and faces out onto Ravello’s main square, the Piazza Duomo or the Piazza Vescovado.

 

 

Room Tour - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cda6y86ofJH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

To book your stay please contact:

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

www.uniquefamilytravels.com