Belmond Hotel Caruso | Cliff Edge 1,000ft Above The Sea

Vacation where sea meets sky

Location: Piazza S. Giovanni del Toro, 2, 84010 Ravello SA, Italy

The Belmond Hotel Caruso is nestled on the edge of a cliff some one thousand feet above sea level. It is referred to by guests and staff as “your private balcony over the Amalfi Coast.” The hotel overlooks the peaceful town of Ravello from atop its limestone throne.

The structure was a palace in the 11th century and has been restored to all its former Neapolitan glory. Guests will traipse across hand-crafted terracotta floors, admiring bright yellow walls adorned with neo-classical antiques. Decorative fresh floral arrangements and stunning coastline vistas complete this oasis of worldly luxury.

Marbled hallways will lead you to the 50 guest rooms, all impeccably restored and designed to be a feast for the eyes. Suites of stunning blue and white tiled floors, original Neapolitan paintings and glossy wood furniture open out onto beautiful balconies trailed with vines. The views will leave you breathless, whether it is a view of the verdant gardens or the endless sea view.

The gardens are meticulously kept by head gardener Gaetano, who takes up a tradition of excellence that has lasted 100 years. The grounds boast a rose arbour that leads to the spectacular infinity pool. The pool is a marvel to behold, as it seems to extend directly into the ocean, creating a feeling of serenity that is unrivalled by any other establishment on the coast.

When a location this beautiful delights with sights and sounds, it must do the same with taste. That’s where the on-site Belvedere restaurant comes in. Guests embark on a culinary journey alfresco, dining on a terrace that is sun-soaked in the day and equally romantic in the moonlight. The menus focus on local ingredients, creatively reassembled and sure to surprise even the most worldly of taste buds. Once dessert is served, you won’t want the night to end. This is when the Arcade Bar takes over. You can choose from a list of inventive cocktails, fine wine, champagnes— or of course local Prosecco.

Admittedly, it will be difficult to ever want to leave this hotel. Should you peel yourself away from its enchantment, Ravello awaits. The hotel concierge will happily handle the logistics of your excursions. A helicopter ride over the Amalfi? That can be arranged. Being escorted on the hotel’s own wooden boat to visit Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento? An unforgettable two hour ride. A driver to take you to visit Pompeii and whisk you back home after hours walking in the beating sun? Of course. Right on time for a soak in the infinity pool.