Positano and Amalfi might draw the crowds, but the hilltop town of Ravello is the coast's quieter, more cultured little sister — a place that seduced Richard Wagner, Gore Vidal and Virginia Woolf into staying for a lot longer than planned. And right at its highest point sits Hotel Caruso, an 11th-century palazzo originally built by a noble family shipwrecked on their way to Constantinople. Opened as a hotel in 1893 by a local vintner named Pantaleone Caruso, it was lovingly restored by Belmond and reopened in 2005, complete with stunning (and original) 18th-century frescoes, centuries-old terraced gardens and an infinity pool so photogenic it has its own fan base.
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Every one of the 50 rooms and suites has its own character, shaped by the palazzo's thousand-year evolution. Expect vaulted or frescoed ceilings, terracotta floors and furnishings sourced from antique markets across southern Italy. Amalfi-tiled bathrooms come with generous marble tubs, Bulgari and Penhaligon products and more space than you'd expect. Most rooms have a terrace or private garden with coastal views, though a handful face the village or the hotel's own greenery instead. They are still lovely, but worth knowing when you book. The separate Villa Margherita, with its own chef and garden, is perfect for families or groups.
The view from the infinity pool. Suspended 1,000 feet above the Tyrrhenian, the water seems to spill right into the horizon. In fact, Gore Vidal called this the most beautiful view in the world...
Ask head gardener, Gaetano, for a tour of the terraced grounds. He'll walk you through a century of roses, pomegranates, olive groves and aromatic herbs.
The hotel is seasonal (mid-April to early November) and the winding drive from Naples takes a good hour. Gents will also need long trousers for dinner at the Belvedere.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Belmond Hotel Caruso can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Italy trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Italy trips featuring Belmond Hotel Caruso or get advice and suggestions from one of our Italy specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Belmond Hotel Caruso start from around $1.5K, or US$1.5K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A heady blend of cerulean waters & old-world glamour on the world’s most theatrical coastline.
