The swimming pool of the Hotel Caruso
The Costiera Amalfitana is a stretch of Italian coastline of almost obscene beauty. Only the curves of the road and the hordes of motorcycles in the middle of summer can be blamed. Solution: Biodramina and avoid July and August . The Amalfi Coast is very May or June, when you can take advantage of beaches, swimming pools and nights on the terrace without bumping into the average (privileged) Humanity that also goes in search of his slice of Dolce Vita , of his legend of Hollywood stars secluded in mansions.
One of these stars was Greta Garbo, who secluded herself in Ravello. Wise and beautiful Greta. We can/must go to Ravello. The proper place is Hotel Caruso (Orient-Express) . That because? For being in a palace of the eleventh century, for having an infinity pool with views so spectacular that they make you feel guilty for enjoying them and for being in one of the most elegant towns in the area. It has a sailboat, El Ercole, to explore the area's beaches. EITHER you can also learn how to prepare pizza . If you can fit the trip with the Ravello Music Festival, all the better. It is in the middle of summer, but it is a reason that justifies (and here comes the snobbish comment) traveling when everyone else does.
Near Ravello, to the North, is Amalfi. And in Amalfi (excited sigh), there is the Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi . This place is, like almost all the big hotels in the area, located on top of a mountain overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Paseo de los Monjes . It is not new. Nor that it is in an old monastery. Nor that it has an infinity pool. What is noteworthy is his commitment to the most essential design . Claudio Tenerelli's décor is based on white beds, curtains and furniture, and lemons in glass bowls. This summer he opens his poolside snack bar. There is no television: who needs it, if you can watch for hours through the window.
Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi: infinity pool and views
Following the route to the north, a few kilometers away, is the village of Conca dei Marini . Princess Marguerite, Ines de la Fressange, Carolina de Monaco and her and the Visconti's puppies have spent the summer here, to name a few worldly deuxe. There just opened Santa Rosa Monastery . Follow the winning format of the area provided: views, classical monastery and infinity pool . To this is added something interesting: it has the best spa in the area . And not just any: it is a center of Santa María Novella, another emblem of Italian hedonism and a firm that does not ally itself with just anyone.
Monastero Santa Rosa: here is the best spa in the area
and we come to Positano. You have to go to Positano, even if it is to complain about how wonderful it would be without so many people . The Cinema (in capital letters) have been in charge of reinforcing its image of a small picturesque but glamorous Italian town. In this hotel there is a mythical hotel: the mermaid . It had better moments, but sleeping or having a coffee there is on the list of any smart-alecky or discerning traveler, as the Anglo-Saxons say, always more marketinian with language. The lobby is charming, so far removed from the concept of a boutique or "design" hotel and so above all that.
Villa Mezzatorre, a classic in the area
And we continue to blame the cinema for our desires. Visconti lived in Ischia and we want to go to Ischia , also, always. Close to what was his home is the ** Villa Mezzatorre **, a classic in the area. It is surrounded by pine trees and with the sea two meters away. And meets the requirements: pool + historic building + views. And an outdoor reception that can only bode well.
The list of places to write down in the physical and mental agenda is enormous and at some point you have to stop. The Amalfi Coast feeds (good) memories and, very importantly, It is one of those places that make us feel more beautiful.
Always better out of season, we insist.
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View of Positano from the Hotel Sireneuse