An intriguing and glittering past has led to Caruso, a Belmond Hotel on the Amalfi Coast, becoming the romantic haven it is today. Its origins date from the 11th century when a noble family was shipwrecked off Ravello en route to Constantinople. They built a palace high atop the stone cliff face, a place of beauty and inspiration for the generations to come. In 1893, hotelier Pantaleone Caruso transformed it into a relaxing retreat that attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo and Jackie Kennedy. The cocoon-like privacy that lured them is a strong part of the hotel's appeal today. Set in richly layered gardens filled with pomegranate, olive and lemon trees, it boasts unrivalled views over the coast. The majestic pool offers the sensation of swimming in the sky, while the mesmerising spa is the place where to truly unwind and relax, revive and restore.The 50 rooms and suites, reached by marbled hallways, captivate with stone vaulted ceilings, Italian antiques and vine-clad balconies. “Ozio creativo” – creative idleness – has defined this dreamlike setting, a place of ongoing inspiration rooted in Amalfi culture. At the acclaimed Ristorante Belvedere, imaginative cuisine combines with fabled sea views on a sun-splashed terrace. Each ingredient is celebrated for its simple beauty, from the freshest local fish and succulent lemons to homemade gelato. A short ride down the winding pathways, guests are welcomed to Caruso's private beach. Courtesy tours of the coast are available in the hotel's traditional wooden boat. Further exciting excursions include private tours of Pompeii and tailor-made itineraries along the coast on the hotel elegant gozzo. Each summer, Ravello transforms into a world stage for orchestral concerts.
