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OUR REVIEW
Admiring a crib.
A cascade of pastel coloured houses: the Amalfi coast must be savoured slowly, driving along the coastal road in an area that is always different at every turn, and always full of surprises. Leave the coastal road, climb up the hill, and after four or five bends you will arrive at Ravello, a small and tranquil 6th century hamlet of Roman origin, which falls steeply to sea. Its “palazzi” and villas with their luxuriant gardens have inspired both artists and intellectuals, such as Gide and Wagner. Even today, Ravello still hosts both symphonic and chamber music concerts at the Ravello Festival .
Close to the main square, in front of a beautiful Baroque church, an imposing white palace that was transformed in the early 1900’s by the Caruso family, from whom the hotel takes its name.
During the highly skilled restoration, undertaken a few years ago, the original features have been retained, including the mosaic floors and decorative frescoed ceilings which can be admired from the various lounges where one can sit peacefully reading a book, or enjoying an aperitif. You barely have to cross the threshold to feel surrounded by an elegant ambience and a refined, but always cordial, atmosphere, so that it will seem as if you have visited many times before.
The restaurant is on the terrace, with a panoramic view of the coast. In the evening it is possible to admire a magnificent crib, and should any of the ladies start to feel chilly, there is always a shawl on hand.
Top quality, fresh, local produce is used in the high-class gastronomy, which is simple, but made with the utmost skill and care, offering typical specialities, such as home-made “paccheri” and the not-to-be-missed crustaceans, freshly fished from the bay below.
The bedrooms are ample and spacious, but all different in style. The furnishings have been especially created for this elegant hotel, reflecting the Neapolitan style and tradition.
The balconies and private gardens have wrought iron furniture with mosaic inserts and a romantic view out over the sea.
Further refinement is to be found in the well-stocked mini-bar, which is full to the brim with exquisite gastronomic delights catering for all tastes, from Fauchon’s sweets through champagne to Tuscan Chianti and more.
The bathroom is an impressive area and is divided into three separate spaces: shower, bath, “servizi”and washbasins, but still leaving plenty of room for a cabin-wardrobe. For each basin there is a personalised set of Bulgari or Penhaligon’s toiletries, white tea for the ladies, green tea for the gentlemen.
The day begins with breakfast, prepared with the same expertise as the other meals, a buffet full of fresh sweet smelling fruit plays an important role alongside the pastries, mozzarellas and cakes typical of the area. All this can be brought to your table on beautiful, brightly coloured ceramic or majolica plates, all hand made and individual.
You should experience breakfast in your room at least once: if you have never been to the Amalfi coast, the rising of the sun is a sight not to be missed.
A terraced rose garden with aromatic plants surrounds the panoramic, romantic swimming pool, which leaves one speechless at the first encounter, suspended between a cobalt sky and a turquoise transparent sea, shimmering green and violet.
In addition to all the other facilities available, the health-conscious may enjoy a visit to the health centre, whilst others may choose to take a romantic excursion on board a typical wooden boat, in search of hidden coves and hamlets.
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