Let’s talk travel: specifically, my two-week tenure on the Amalfi Coast. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Even though I consider myself fairly well-traveled, and I have read and heard wonderful stories of the Italian coast, I didn’t adequately anticipate the level of excitement and luxury this brief stretch of the Italian coast had in store for me.
I began my tour of the coast in the town of Amalfi itself. I arrived early in the day to check in to my premium pool suite at Borgo Santandrea–a romantic, picturesque hotel built right into the side of the coast.
The best way I could describe it would be charming yet opulent. My palatial suite was decorated with bespoke furnishings, and each morning of my stay here I was greeted by the seemingly infinite sea, thanks to the panoramic window across from my bed. The adjoined private garden terrace and infinity plunge pool became my personal sanctuary. I spent much of my time here lounging on the hotel’s immaculate private beach and wandering the lush connected gardens.
In the mornings I enjoyed breakfast at one of the hotel’s restaurants, Alici, where I watched chefs make my meals from scratch in the open kitchen. After that, though, the city became a culinary playground. I spent the afternoons and evenings trying everything Amalfi had to offer–from quaint bistros and cafes to some of the best restaurants on the fine dining circuit. My favorite? I had several. I had an incredibly intimate dining experience at the chef’s table at Sensi, where head Chef Alessandro Tormolino walked an elite group of patrons through the courses and wine pairings. I also loved the Michelin-starred restaurant, Glicine, where the elegant atmosphere and incredibly fresh, local, Mediterranean-focused dishes took my breath away.
Another notable stop was the Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi. Surprisingly, this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. I will forever remember sitting at a bistro table outside the centuries-old cafe with a flaky pastry in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling street and the historic architecture in this coastal gem.
I quickly learned at my first stop that getting around the tiny streets in an Uber XL or a private town car wasn’t the best option. Everywhere I looked people were zipping about on scooters–so I bought one. Instead of renting, which I’m sure was likely an option for other tourists, I stopped by a Vespa dealership and acquired a powdery blue number with the upgraded trim package. I had the time of my life! I’ve long held an international driving permit, so after a crash course I was able to flex a bit more independence and feel more integrated into the local culture. I hired a driver to follow me from destination to destination to pick up my purchases and my luggage, when necessary. I had the Vespa shipped home to Chicago after vacation as a practical keepsake from my opulent Amalfi adventures.
Sorrento was my next stop on my tour of the coast. I didn’t take the Vespa all the way down the coast and instead arranged to have it transported from city to city while I coasted in a luxury Mercedes Benz. I lodged at the inimitable Bellevue Syrene Sorrento in the Lord Astor suite. Bellevue did an incredible job of marrying modern and ancient imperial details. I felt like royalty during my stay. Every time I gazed over the Gulf of Naples from my outdoor jacuzzi or private balcony, I marveled at the beauty of nature and what bygone civilizations were able to build so long ago.
Sorrento was one of my favorite culinary stops! Several Michelin star restaurants–Lorelei, Il Buco, and Terraza Bosquet–kept my palette entertained through evenings after spending all day shopping and tanning on the beach.
The next stop on my magnificent journey was the majestic seaside town of Positano. Le Sirenuse, my next stay, was full of character and exactly what you’d expect from a luxury Italian resort. I thoroughly enjoyed taking in the cliffside views of the colorful buildings dotting the seaside town with a cocktail in one hand and an oyster in the other.
My mission in Positano was art-centered–everywhere I go, I collect a few pieces to bring home. I found exactly what I was looking for (and then some) at the Italian Fine Art Gallery. Beautiful works in different mediums tempted me from every perspective. I may have to buy another house to display all of my purchases!
My final stop on my extravagant coastal expedition was the stunning island of Capri. Most people take a ferry from Positano, but I chartered a luxury yacht–I like to travel in style, preferably with a glass of champagne in my hand. Because of my incredibly comfortable transportation, I decided I was in no rush, so we took it slow and even went the scenic route (they’re all scenic routes on the Amalfi Coast!) to see a few angles of the island before docking. I had almost completely uninterrupted 360° views of the shimmering emerald ocean surface and the breathtaking coastline from my seat at the deck.
My last in a long line of five-star accomodations, the Hotel Caesar Augustus was an experience in itself. I stayed in the Capri Master Suite, which encompassed the whole of the top floor of the hotel, including the rooftop garden and terrace. The all-white interior was constantly flooded with natural light and rivaled the beauty of the sea, which I could view from almost anywhere in the suite.
I had the pleasure of taking one of my final meals at L’Olivo, a recipient of not one, but two Michelin stars–and for good reason. L’Olivo offers elevated versions of the region’s traditional fare, and I opted to try Chef Migliaccio’s signature dish: tagliolini with red prawns, burrata cheese, sea asparagus and oyster leaf. It felt like the perfect end to my trip. I was amazed at the way a singular dish could encompass the essence of my trip.
I can’t wait to go back and explore even more of what the beautiful Italian coast has to offer! In fact, I’ve already begun plotting with my travel agent at Amavio Travel for my next getaway–next time I’m thinking of extending the trip and including Naples and Pompeii in my adventures!
