
Belmond Hotel Caruso
Belmond Hotel Caruso, sitting proudly atop the hill top town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast, was once a large palazzo (palace) dating back to the 11th century and much of its grandeur still remains today.
Standing high on the hill above the town of Ravello, Villa Cimbrone overlooks the sea and the green Mediterranean hills. It rests within beautiful expansive gardens, now open to the public for a small charge or complimentary for hotel guests. While you explore, visit the Terrace of Infinity or find the roses imported from England in the 18th century. The property only has a small selection of exquisite rooms. The house is furnished with generations of collector’s items and heirlooms, from 16th century paintings to early edition Dickens novels.
The rooms and suites, often named after their most notable past occupants, have frescoed ceilings, original painted Vietri tiles on the floor, large stone fireplaces and antique furniture. All of the rooms have views of the sea or gardens. Each one is individually decorated, with plenty of natural light and all the amenities of a five star hotel.
From Ravello square, it’s a 15 minute walk up steps to the hotel, but the views on arrival are worth the exertion. Ravello itself is a pleasant hour’s drive from Positano along winding coastal roads. Alternatively, you can drive to Amalfi town in a mere 25 minutes and, from there, catch a boat to any major port on the coast.
The Michelin starred restaurant, Il Fauto di Pan, is of the highest quality. The restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and requires advance booking due to its popularity. To accompany the Mediterranean cuisine, there's an extensive and enviable wine cellar. In the early evening, you can sit in Lucille’s Bar for a cocktail with a view.
The swimming pool is a peaceful refuge overlooking the hills. There’s a helipad onsite and the option for hosting events in the private cloister. Biking, trekking, horse riding and yoga classes are available.
On arrival, you'll be dropped off at Ravello square, after which the hotel is a 15 minute walk uphill. Unfortunately, there's no other way to reach the Villa but there's an electric cart that can carry your suitcases for you.
We were stunned by this hotel. It’s easy to see why so many important historical figures and aristocrats have sought inspiration here over the years. With a small number of rooms, it achieves a sense of intimacy and tradition that we find refreshing.
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, sitting proudly atop the hill top town of Ravello on the Amalfi coast, was once a large palazzo (palace) dating back to the 11th century and much of its grandeur still remains today.
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The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
A private guided tour of Pompeii
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, preserved by six meters of volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 AD.
Experience a cooking class with a local family
Experience a half day cooking class at a local family home. You will learn the secret recipes of the D’Antonio family, from making homemade pasta to filleting the catch of the day.
When life gives you lemons tour
Discover the role that lemons play in traditional life on the Amalfi Coast with this half-day tour. You’ll take a guided walk through the lemon groves and tour a local limoncello distillery, as well as sitting down to a seaside lunch.