Editors' Picks

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello

Gorgeous grounds, stunning views, sprawling

Piazza San Giovanni Del Toro 2, Ravello 84010

39-089-858-801

See Website

Indagare Adored

At a Glance

Conjure up your dreamiest vision of an Amalfi Coast escape. You’re picturing the Caruso. Perched amid the cliffs of Ravello, this serene sanctuary feels like a private villa—which it was in a past life. There’s a wonderful sense of space, and you could spend a full morning wandering, like Alice in the Garden of Live Flowers, through shaded loggias onto hedged terraces in search of the pinkest rose and the juiciest lemon. The 50 guest rooms and suites are lovely in their simplicity—with playful details like colorful patterned-tile floors, traditional majolica ceramics, restored 18th-century frescoes and modern luxuries like Frette sheets. The center of Ravello is a five-minute walk away (don’t miss Villa Rufolo, with its 14th-century Torre Maggiore), and the plugged-in staff can organize explorations in Amalfi or Positano—but be sure to leave plenty of time for the Caruso’s finest pleasures: breakfasts of fresh pomegranates and strawberries on the terrace, chats with head gardener Gaetano, time at the private beach club, pizza making with the chef and long evenings watching the sun set over the sea.

The Standout: Villa Margherita, a secluded hideaway a short walk from the hotel, with two suites that are great for families or groups of friends Don’t Miss: The complimentary two-hour boat trip along the Amalfi Coast

Indagare Loves

  • The infinity-edge pool that floats above the Bay of Salerno and has one of the Amalfi Coast’s top views
  • Caruso Bar, whose iconic arched windows were featured in Tenet, the 2020 Oscar-nominated film
  • The ultra-private rooms across the street from the main hotel, set around a church garden

Review

The generous basket stuffed with toiletries in the Caruso’s lavish bathroom says it all: instead of one haute brand, it features three—Bulgari, Molton Brown and Penhaligon’s. Ravello’s other palazzo property, located next door to the old-world Avino, offers polished pampering and luxe details. Upon entering the spacious lobby, guests will be drawn to the terrace at the end of the room, which has stunning views of the coast. The hotel feels like a private mansion, which it was in a past life. The elegant public spaces are never-ending and guests will stumble upon corridors, terraces, gardens and a chapel while exploring. During an extensive renovation in 2005, centuries-old frescoes were uncovered, and the palazzo’s original chapel, with a Baroque altar, was left intact and in place (it’s off the bar area). Excavation around the property brought to light remnants of medieval walls, which are now visible in the gardens.

The 50 guest rooms and suites at the Belmond Hotel Caruso were all refurbished during the hotel’s makeover and are decorated in traditional Italian style, with unique touches like colorful tiled floors, archways or spacious terraces coupled with modern luxuries like Frette sheets and bathrobes. Many also have fantastic sea views. The spacious bathrooms come with both showers and soaking tubs, which are perfect for the Bulgari bath bags provided.

The Caruso also owns the property next to the small church across the street. Belmond financed its restoration and, in return, received the priest’s former quarters, which were turned into five guest rooms. They don’t have sea views, but the rooms come with their own private gardens, and several of them connect. The hotel and all services are located across the street, but there’s definitely something romantic about being based in the small church garden with views toward terraced Scala, the oldest town on the Amalfi Coast. Best of all, these “standard” rooms are the least expensive.

The Caruso is great for return travelers who want to do a fair amount of relaxing in a beautiful setting. The generous outdoor spaces, including a lovely, sun-dappled breakfast terrace and a hilltop pool area with an infinity-edged extravaganza that seems to float above the Bay of Salerno, have sweeping views of the sea. For those eager to explore, the Caruso can assist in arranging a variety of day trips, including a complimentary two-and-a-half-hour morning boat trip along the coast (the boat can also be rented for private tours in the afternoon). The property is a short five-minute walk into the center of charming Ravello and there is a shuttle to Amalfi that runs twice daily.

Who Should Stay

Travelers who want a glorious setting that’s heavy on relaxing and lighter on activities (and want to spend a lot of time on the property). Families and friends traveling together can take advantage of the ultra-private garden rooms across the street from the hotel.

Written by Simone Girner

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