Amalfi Coast (w/ Capri) - Part DUE!!!!

Amalfi Coast
Part DUE
October 2012

 Victoria Excelsior Hotel

We woke up early yesterday and drove to Sorrento.  After walking around the city (again) we had a chance to peak at the Virtuoso property, Victoria Excelsior Hotel.  This is the best option in Sorrento.  Its location is perfect overlooking the Bay of Sorrento.  There are gardens to walk through and it is close to the main square of the city.  The rooms are nice and I really loved the common rooms.  Very Italian!

After we met our driver, it was time to drive to Positano to visit this famous city and go on our site tour of Le Sirenuese.  Positano is not for anyone with mobility issues.  All of the tiny shops and restaurants line the alley taking you down to the Sea.  The shops have very trendy clothes and there are quite a few art galleries.

Le Sirenuse is perfect.  Its the setting, the feel you get when you arrive and the fragrance that instantly transports you to another level of being.  We had a chance to visit the different room categories and they are wonderful.  Sea views are a must…it’s the reason why you would choose to stay at Le Sirenuse.  We enjoyed cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Sea and it was lovely.  This is an expensive hotel to stay at but the experience that you would have would last a lifetime.

After visiting Le Sirenuse, it was time to return to our hotel to freshen up before our pizza class.  On the way, our wonderful I. C. Bellagio hostess, Monica arranged for us to stop at Hotel San Pietro which is part of Relais and Chateaux.  Hotel San Pietro is a Virtuoso hotel as well.   To access the hotel, you are dropped off in front of the San Pietro Church which is on the street level.  You can also access the hotel via their private boat.  We walked around the grounds of the church overlooking the Sea and then were invited to the elevator which took us to the magical Hotel San Pietro.  I fell in love - it was LOVE at first sight!!  There is something so special about this hotel.  It is located 1 mile outside of Positano with 24 hour complementary transfers to and from the city.  Being removed from the city gives one a sense of serenity.  This was my “zen” hotel.  It is an adult hotel and children under 10 years old are not allowed.  Throughout the entire 9 level property, there are small cozy areas to discover and relax in.  Did I say that I’m in love with this hotel?!?!?

View from Breakfast in Amali (October 2012)

The rooms are perfection.  Each is unique with different layouts and even different ceramic tile designs.  The bathrooms are quite large – even the entry level room.  Sea views again are a must…this is the reason to stay here! 

We enjoyed cocktails (again) as the sun set in the most serene terrace overlooking the sea.  We had a moment to enjoy speaking with the owner of the hotel as well.  When we consider which hotel to stay at along the Amalfi Coast…San Pietro is right there on the top of my most favorite lists.

After our surprise tour of Hotel San Pietro, we only had time to drop off our bags (we all bought something in Positano) and went to Da Maria Trattoria and Pizzaria to learn how they make pizza.  We enjoyed antipasti, caprese salad and then went over to the pizza kitchen for our lesson.  Everyone had a wonderful time!!

The following morning, we left for Ravello. On the way, we stopped in the city of Amalfi for a tour and…some more shopping!

Orient Express Hotel - Hotel Carusso

After lunch, it was time to drive the hairpin turns up to Ravello.  Ravello is stunning!  The views of the Sea are breathtaking.  We had a chance to visit the Orient Express Hotel, Hotel Carusso which I am not wild about.  The views are beautiful and the infinity pool was voted “One of the Most Sexy Pools in the World”.  Unfortunately, the furniture is tired and the rooms were small and beds definitely looked worn down.   Even though there was plenty of space, the breakfast room and dining area near the pool looked cramped.

Palazzo Sasso

Next, we walked next door to our hotel for the night, Palazzo Sasso.  Palazzo Sasso overlooks the Sea.  For Ravello, this is the best option.  I say this with some hesitation.  Our greeting was one of the worst I have ever experienced.  The person rushed us to our room and then said since we were going to have a site visit, she wouldn’t explain the hotel.  VERY NEGATIVE.

Palazzo Sasso is in an 11^th century renovated building.  Due to UNESCO, nothing can be changed.  As a result, each room is different.  The standard rooms overlooking the Sea are quite small with tiny bathrooms.  What balances this are the views from the hotel.  It wasn’t until we saw the Deluxe Special Room with Terrace that I loved the hotel.  These rooms are stunning.  The bedrooms and the bathrooms are spacious and the views are breathtaking from the terrace.  So, if you would like to consider staying at the Palazzo Sasso, please consider this room type.

Rossellinis

We were treated to an extrodinary dining experience at the one star Michillen restaurant on property, Rossellinis.  The cuisine and presentation was perfect.   This was following cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Sea.  What a perfect evening!

Amalfi Marina

The following morning, we woke up, had breakfast and then made our way to the Amalfi Marina for a 3 hour yacht cruise along the Amalfi Coast to Capri.  It was beautiful with calm seas.  We arrived to Capri and were met by our wonderful guide, Maria Louisa and taken to 

our next hotel, Villa Marina.  We were greeted by one of the owners, a 25 year old firecracker named Frederica.  Frederica and her aunt are passionate about their “baby”.  

Villa Marina

This is a quirky fun hotel more 4 star than the 5 star that they say…and I really liked it.  The owners WANT you to feel like you are at home here at Villa Marina.  The 22 rooms and suites are unique and the views from the rooms are stunning. We quickly went to our rooms to freshen up and then were off to the Capri Tiberio Palace for a site visit and lunch. 

The Capri Tiberio Palace

The Capri Tiberio Palace is situated just steps away from the main shopping area of Capri.  I adored the décor, the warmth and rooms of this hotel.  EVERYTHING speaks quality but in a subtle way.  I loved the bed linens and the bathrooms were quite large by Capri standards. We toured the rest of the hotel and discovered the spa which was perfect!  We had a lovely simple lunch with the General Manager, Simona who explained that at the Capri Tiberio Palace, they too wanted their guests to feel like the hotel was an extension of their home. 

Caprese Ravioli in Capri

We split off from our group and returned to Villa Marina for a nap.  Afterwards, the owners arranged for each one of us to have a complementary 30 minutes massage.  What a treat!  My massage was with Alesandra, the Spa Manager and it was one of the best massages I have ever had.  The spa was compact but had every amenity you would want and the creams that they use are all organic.  So, when you visit, ask for Alesandra!

After the massages, Villa Marina treated us to a delicious meal of typical foods from Capri Ziqu Restaurant.  Most of the dishes were fish based and delicious.  I had the opportunity to sit with the owner of Villa Marina Hotel, Francesca and learned more about her and her passion for her very special Villa Marina Hotel.

Tomorrow, we are off to ROMA with a stop in Pompeii.

Ciao!!

Mari