Explore Neapolitan Italy in Hotel Caruso: a former palace hidden on the Amalfi Coast
An 11th century palace and architectural haven, Hotel Caruso invites guests to explore the rich history and contemporary culture of the Amalfi Coast.
Sat on a limestone throne at the peaceful pinnacle of Ravello, the Belmond Hotel Caruso gazes out over the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers the perfect escape for discerning travellers. Each room honours its palatial heritage: complete with arched stone vaults, century-old gardens and neo-classical antiques.
Bringing this classic grandeur into 21st century luxury living, Hotel Caruso effortlessly intertwines generations of architectural influences with the mesmerising panoramic views of the Amalfi coastline. The epitome of seclusion and seduction, this hidden palace encompasses Italian history like no other.
Choose from 50 spacious rooms and suites, each imbued with their own individual style and private balconies. Most rooms afford private gardens or the view of crystal blue waters and cascades of sunlight bouncing off the Bay of Salerno as the day begins and ends retrospectively. The décor embraces Neapolitan style, furnished with exceptional 18th and 19th century antiques or decorated with charming ancient frescoes.
A sense of romanticism overwhelms the visitor upon entrance: blending light, airy spaces with beautiful historic features, Hotel Caruso captures authentic Italian luxury. Finding that beautiful equilibrium between nature and modernity, rooms are equipped with a plethora of technological entertainment and the choice of courtesy lines from industry leaders such as Bulgaria, Penhaligon’s and Molton Brown.
As a former 11th century palace ‘Palazzo d’Affitto’, one would expect an exceptional al fresco garden where rose bushes climb around the building’s edge and crops of aromatic herbs can be found with every footstep taken across the grounds.
Guests will be delighted to hear that every fantasy about luxury Italian mansion living is fulfilled at Hotel Caruso, with century-old subtropical gardens carefully maintained to preserve their age old glory by head gardener Gaetano.
The Sparkling Garden offers guests the opportunity to appreciate the grounds, glass of champagne in hand. Seated on the ancient colonnade leading to the pool and basking in the warm Mediterranean breeze: canapés, finest champagnes, Italian wines and traditional food delicacies are all accompanied by lounge music, allowing guests to bask in the Italian sunshine comfortably and carelessly.
The Belvedere restaurant is also a popular for fine dining option, with an exceptional array of local cuisines available. Under the watchful eye of celebrated Chef Mimmo di Raffaele, opt for pazzogna (local sea bream) with capers and black olives or black tagliolini pasta with rock lobster sauce, accompanied by a Caruso spritz with limoncello. This dining experience is best served on the romantic terrace seats overlooking the Gulf of Salerno.
For a more intimate affair, candlelit dinners on a platform suspended above the sparkling waters of the infinity pool are available upon request, with a tailor-made menu.
Beneath sunlit or starry skies, the pièce de résistance of this award-winning hotel remains poolside overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Known as ‘one of the best pools in the world’, the heated infinity pool extends straight into the ocean: blurring the shades of azure to create an impressive backdrop for all guests that truly allows you to swim suspended between the sea and the sky.
At Hotel Caruso, the clever architectural design of the grounds allow guests to unwind in whatever locations suits their mood: be it in the pool, lounging on its precarious edges or re-energising in the fully air-conditioned gym.
Personal trainers are available for intensive sessions or visitors can take advantage of a range of cardio equipment and weight machines, all overlooking the panoramic view.
Unique experiences are aplenty on or off the grounds of Hotel Caruso. Onsite, take a Neapolitan pizza-making lesson at the poolside bar using local ingredients or under the guidance of a professional filmmaker, create a video of your Italian escape.
A short walk or car journey away from the retreat, there are endless excursions and day trips to suit each individual: from adrenaline-fuelled excursions to hikes across coastal lemon groves. Walk on the ‘path of the gods’ or visit the ravishing ruins on the hills of Scala before exploring Amalfi by vespa and tasting local specialities from the street markets.
No trip to the Amalfi would be complete without reliving the road trip of former First Lady, Jack Kennedy. Step into a vintage Fiat 500 Jolly Ghia cabriolet with an English-speaking, non-smoking driver for seven hours of coastal havens. Course along the scenic spots from Ravello to Positano in style and choose your desired itinerary carefree.
Hotel Caruso is a 60 minute journey from Naples: travel to the city by plane or take the train from Milan, Venice, Florence or Rome before driving along the Amalfi Coastline. Guests travelling by helicopter can land in the town of Scala, just a few minutes by private car away from the hotel grounds.
For more information, visit belmond.com
