Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy is an 11th-century masterpiece set atop a cliff with unparalleled views of the blue sky and sea. Our founder Dervla checks into the hotel to experience the spa retreat and learn more about the jewel of the Amalfi Coast.
Location
The 11th-century palazzo-style building perched on a cliff 1,000 feet above the sea is one of the most exclusive and romantic hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The frescoed drawing rooms, arched vaults, rose arbour, breathtaking infinity pool, lemon groves and paintings by Old Masters are a few details that make it the secluded retreat of choice for celebrities, presidents and writers including Jackie Kennedy and Justin Bieber. The property is in the small and picturesque town of Ravello, about a one hour drive from both Naples and Positano.
Accommodation
There are 51 unique rooms and suites within the property, many of which have terraces and private gardens with panoramic views of the water. Beautiful majolica tiles adorn the floor, and large chandeliers or copper lights light up many of the rooms.
The century-old gardens have climbing rose bushes and aromatic herbs that you stroll through to get to the famous infinity pool that is an architectural masterpiece. Concierge on site can bring you iPods preloaded with your favourite tracks, help you book the complimentary Amali Coast boat tour that’s exclusive to hotel guests, organise sailing lessons for the family and everything else you can dream of. The warm Italian hospitality and service with a smile make the grand palace feel like home.
Food Programme
There is no strict nutrition plan in place as part of the programme, but both the Belvedere and Pool Restaurant use world-class fresh local produce and offer a range of healthy options including a lavish salad bar. Neopolitan Pizza and Italian wine are plentiful too if guests do decide to retreat in a more relaxing way.
Treatment Programme
Currently, Belmond Hotel Caruso only offers one wellness package. The Spa Retreat is an all-inclusive package that includes accommodation, breakfast, two meals and €300 spa credit per room per stay. It is perfect if you want to combine an indulgent Italian escape with some pampering. The petite but perfectly formed spa with a fitness centre and two treatment rooms (one single and one double) is open from 10 am to 8 pm daily. Yoga happens in the romantic gardens, and certain treatments can be enjoyed in a sea-view gazebo under the sky. What the spa lacks in size it makes up for with a wide variety of treatments that cater to everyone including women, men, pregnant guests, children and couples. My favourite treatment is the Signature Happiness Ritual using artisanal products from Sicily. The footbath, body exfoliation and tangerine butter massage right before a candlelit dinner in a kaftan by the pool is the perfect way to end an evening.
Results
Expect to feel utterly relaxed. This hotel is for those looking to add a wellness aspect into their travels, perhaps to balance the indulgence of Italian cuisine. The heavy spa-focus will leave you feeling mentally and emotionally recharged and would be ideally suited to those seeking a luxurious wellness weekend in Europe.
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Piazza San Giovanni del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello (SA), Italy
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