In elegant Ravello, the Hotel Caruso feels like a castle in the air…

There are hotels and then there are exceptional hotels. Those special properties that are not just about luxury but about extraordinary travel experiences that remain a warm feeling long after you left. The Belmond Hotel Caruso atop Ravello is such a place. The Caruso embodies the elegance and exceptional natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast capturing its essence in the property’s cascading gardens, painterly views over the sea, and an infinity pool in the sky that leaves you flying.

The ease of relaxation welcomes you, the staff are extremely friendly and sincere in their kindness and smiles. Every need of the guest is done with effortless grace, from the breezy check in to the fairies who do the turn down service at the end of the day. The hotel reflects something grand and formal but with the ease of a friend’s summer home.

The spacious rooms are decorated in period wood furniture with bright regional majolica tiles and crisp luxury linens. The bathrooms are, like so many Belmond properties, grand and well equipped. A deep bathtub as well as a large shower, and a generous supply of bath products from Penhaligons. Everything throughout feels luxurious. From the balcony you can see the sea falling endlessly into the horizon.

Then there is the property itself. Terraced gardens, including a chef’s garden where fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown for the restaurant kitchen. Vaulted windows with views of the sea and coast which offer quiet corners to rest or the perfect place for a cocktail. A gourmet restaurant serving a creative menu of local specialties, of course overlooks the sea. There is even a champagne bar in one of the garden spaces or check out the grand tour fashioned bar space indoors with frescos on the walls.

The public spaces are flawless and offer so many different choices of views and moods, one could be perfectly happy never leaving the hotel and still feel they had experienced the Amalfi Coast. But the piece de la resistance has to be the breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the sea from high above in this castle nest. The sharp blue of the pool melts into the blue sky above and the sea below that from the air you are swimming in the sea.

Ravello is just outside the door and the main piazza short walk away. The concierge desk will arrange anything, from sightseeing tours, to custom excursions to experience the best in the area. Lemon grove tours, meeting a local artist or craftsmen, even a helicopter tour can be arranged. Ravello itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Belmond Caruso is perfection. There is so much to see and enjoy along the Amalfi Coast but here is a place to also relax and savour the flavour of the area at a much slower pace. Both the property and the staff are there to bring happiness, sunshine… and even a bit of limoncello into an exceptional stay.

In Brief…

Rooms: Spacious, many with views of the sea. Luxury bathrooms with a cornucopia of designer bath products from Penhaligons. Beds are heavenly to sleep in.

Property: Elegant outdoor and indoor spaces with balcony views and manicured gardens throughout.  Fine dining restaurant with outdoor seating in season, and a full breakfast buffet in the morning. Fresco lounge bar, or choose from the champagne bar or terrace bar overlooking the gardens. And an infinity pool floating over the sea below.

Extras: The pool must be mentioned again as it is one of the most breathtaking in the world. Should you venture out of the hotel, there is a regular shuttle service to Amalfi town, and a private boat for hotel guests.

Please note, I paid for my own stay and my review is based on my personal experiences while staying at the Belmond Hotel Caruso.