We were cruising along the Tyrrhenian Sea (Picture: James Besanvalle)
The Amalfi Coast is rich in old Hollywood history, according to 70-something Michelangelo – a born and bred Amalfitani and my tour guide.
We were cruising along the Tyrrhenian Sea across some of the 13 main towns that make up the famously luxurious 50km Italian coastline – and each port has a story to tell.
In Ravello, actress Greta Garbo and conductor Leopold Stokowski reportedly had an affair (there’s even a plaque on the wall at Villa Cimbrone), while the likes of Liza Minnelli and Tennessee Williams have stayed in Positano.
Actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s relationship was famously branded ‘erotic vagrancy’ by the Vatican after they had a tryst while on the Italian set of Cleopatra.
In fact, their ‘favourite’ holiday spot was rumoured to be Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi – which has been operating for 120 years. Just a couple of months earlier, I’m told a very furtive Bill Gates stayed at this hotel too and even went on a private yacht with Jeff Bezos.
The view from my room in Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi (Picture: James Besanvalle)
Exterior of Hotel Santa Caterina (Picture: Hotel Santa Caterina)
And that’s exactly where I stayed for four days and three nights at the end of October, considered the low season for the Amalfi Coast.
For those looking to book an off-season getaway, now is the time to start planning – and don’t be put off by the fact that you won’t be visiting during a less popular time. There was still so much on offer – and I’m told a lot less crowds than the high tourist season between June and August.
After arriving at Naples airport on Sunday morning, a 1.5 hour transfer saw us drive through winding cliffs towards striking sea views.
Enter, the small town of Amalfi – the main historical and political centre, where the coast gets its name from – spanning over just two square miles and mainly built into the towering rock face.
Once checking into the hotel, the first thing on the agenda was an Aperol spritz on the gorgeous balcony with panoramic views of the sea.
Soaking in the sun and sipping on a cocktail while feeling a cool seabreeze felt like the perfect way to start the trip.
That’s not the only view I was treated to during my stay, with my room having a beautiful seafront balcony with private seating (except for one very sleepy cat).
On top of that, I had a bathroom that was bigger than my small East London flat’s entire living room, including a spacious tub and shower.
The perfect touch was the small selection of sweet treats welcoming me to the hotel, including chocolate-coated strawberries, small cakes and macarons.
And the incredible food didn’t stop there. Hotel Santa Caterina boasts two restaurants – the beachfront Al Mare and fine dining Michelin-starred restaurant, Glicine.
In the …read more
Source:: Metro
