If Heaven on earth exists, chances are it very well could be in Ravello, Italy. The Hotel Caruso, with it’s most breathtaking views, is nestled in this quintessential Italian village, perched on a cliff top 100 feet above the water, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
And what a view it is! Every window in our room, with two private terraces, overlooked the sea – the spectacular gulf of Salerno – and the gorgeous hanging gardens below. Standing on the terrace, we felt giddy with excitement.
The interior is just as exquisite as the awesome medley of sea, mountains and gardens. Our room, furnished in Neapolitan style with antique 18th and 19th century pieces, included fine Cotto tiles, Roman mosaics and bronze urns. Plush handcrafted textiles in neutral colours complemented the stunning sea views.
After a day of exploring the cobblestone streets of Ravello, we retreated to our palatial pad for a soak in the Jacuzzi. Even while soaking in the tub, we could see the town’s lights ablaze at night. This backdrop, combined with a bottle of the finest champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and romantic candlelight, was molto bello! We felt like the pampered celebrities that the hotel has welcomed in the past. I hate to name-drop, but Garbo, Lollobrigida, Bogart and The Kennedys have all sauntered through Hotel Caruso’s majestic corridors!
The hotel opened 100 years ago and it still has the Norman arches, medieval walls, 18th century frescoes and a 16th century chapel. The two stone lions guarding the entrance are still there in their original stance, a tribute to time and tradition. However, it’s the infusion of the new and modern that sets this place apart from the others.
Imagine floating in an infinite blue sea, surrounded by the peace and serenity that comes with being high up, I mean really high-I-can-amost-touch-the-sky high up. Now breathe in the fragrant lemon trees, oleander and wisteria.
The afternoon we spent swimming, we ate alfresco at the poolside bar. They make wonderful wood-fired pizzas, wholesome pastas and a mozzarella and tomato salad to die for. I’ll never be able to eat a simple bocconcini salad again!
The highlight of our stay would have had to be the boat cruise the hotel provides for its guests. We were treated to a magical cruise of the Amalfi coast.
We will definitely be returning to the Hotel Caruso. As they say in Italy, it’s bellissimo!
Digg!
Del.ico.us
RSS