Elite Traveler January-February 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 HOTELS EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2018 67

BELMONDHOTEL CARUSO RAVELLO, ITALY

CAPRI PALACE CAPRI, ITALY

Once an 11th-century palace, the enthralling Belmond Hotel Caruso is perched at the highest point of Ravello, on the edge of cliffs overlooking the Amalfi Coast. To this day its frescoed salons, vaulted rooms and balconies entwined with vines brimwith charm. The Exclusive Suites have furnished terraces and private gardens. Use this beguiling setting as your base to visit the region’s lemon groves, set out along the coast on the hotel’s wooden boat, Ercole , and seek out Ravello’s artisanal boutiques. As the sun dips below the horizon, dine on Mediterranean cuisine at Belvedere Restaurant or head to the new Bubbles Bar, which lies alongside an ancient colonnade. Exclusive Suites from $5,050 per night. Contact Federica Vitali, reservations manager, federica.vitali@belmond.com, +39 018 5267 8400, belmond.com/belmond-hotel-caruso

This cliffside hotel in the village of Anacapri features creamy interiors flooded with Mediterranean light, but it is truly distinguished by its witty murals and owner Tonino Cacace’s vast art collection. Also not to be missed are Capri Palace’s two Michelin-starred restaurants: the two-starred Restaurant L’Olivo, where chef Andrea Migliaccio showcases his modern interpretation of local favorites, and Restaurant il Riccio, which specializes in simple Mediterranean cuisine. Each suite has appealing contemporary design, but the Presidential Suite Paltrow also has a panoramic terrace and private pool. Presidential Suite Paltrow from $8,732 per night. Contact Adele Arpaia, reservations manager, arpaia@capripalace.com, +39 081 978 0224, capripalace.com

IL SANPIETRODI POSITANO POSITANO, ITALY

LE SIRENUSE POSITANO, ITALY

PALAZZOAVINO RAVELLO, ITALY

The only hotel in Ravello with private access to the sea, this is one of the Amalfi Coast’s most celebrated properties, combining a romantic 12th-century facade with spectacular sea views andMichelin-starred cuisine. Past guests at the family-owned hotel include Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. A recent upgrade saw the renovation of all rooms with new design accents including Barovier&Toso chandeliers. Rossellinis Restaurant, meanwhile, just launched two new dining experiences: the chef’s table and the sommelier’s table. Stay in the opulent Belvedere Suite, which lies amid the hotel’s hillside garden and features a large terrace overlooking the sea. Helicopter transfers available. Belvedere Suite from$2,566 per night. Contact Mariella Avino, managing director, mariella.avino@ palazzoavino.com, +39 089 818 181, palazzoavino.com

Clinging to the lushMediterranean cliffs of Positano, this hotel has an especially dramatic setting, with panoramic sea views from its sprawling suites, terraces and even the tennis court. Glamorous decor and flourishing gardens add to the hotel’s unique appeal, as does the elevator carved into rock that transports guests down to the private beach. Try the Italian fine-dining plates of chef Alois Vanlangenaeker on the terrace of Michelin- starred restaurant Zass, and indulge in caviar and gold treatments at the La Prairie spa. Past guests include Julia Roberts and Robert De Niro. Request Prestige Room number five for particularly captivating views of Positano. Prestige Room from$1,560 per night. Contact Lorenzo Pastore, reservations manager, reservations@ ilsanpietro.it, +39 089 875 455, ilsanpietro.it

It’s the warmth, attentive service and atmosphere of this family-owned and -run hotel that makes guests return when it reopens each spring, as it has since its founding in 1951. Follow in the footsteps of former guests Pablo Picasso, Richard Gere, Hilary Swank and Princess Eugenie; take a ride along the coast on the hotel’s own boat and explore the meandering streets of Positano. Each charmingly decorated, luxurious room has balconies and terraces with jaw-dropping clifftop views. Le Sirenuse also houses the celebratedMichelin-starred restaurant La Sponda, an outdoor swimming pool lined with lemon trees and a spa designed by renowned architect Gae Aulenti. Two-bedroomSuite Sea View from$6,824 per night. Contact Marilena Schiavo, reservations manager, info@ sirenuse.it, +39 089 875 066, sirenuse.it

Photos Tyson Sadlo, Vito Fusco, Roberto Bonardi