Our stay at la bored

OUR STAY AT
BELMOND HOTEL
CARUSO

This past summer we had the opportunity to celebrate Jesse’s wedding to his wife Carrie, and it was one of the most beautiful and meaningful events I have ever had the pleasure of attending. While this is true because it was my brother, best friend, and business partners event, it was significantly supported by the inspiringly curated surroundings that the event venue had to offer. It is for this reason that I want to offer a glimpse into our stay at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy.

Upon our arrival at what we thought was the entrance, you are greeted with the charming architecture of this small town about 20 minutes outside Amalfi. Just when you think you got there, and it looks like the street ends, I recommend you pass off your keys to the hotel valet staff as you need to drive through a tunnel that was made for horses and donkeys hundreds of years ago. It makes sense that this gem of a boutique hotel started as a private palace in the 1100's. The medieval structure sat high on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. The palace was crafted with a combination of Romanesque and Moorish architectural styles, reflecting the influences of the time and the region’s importance as a cultural and trading hub.

However, upon entry of the exterior courtyard you quickly understand the experience you are about to have. The courtyard is flanked by a centuries old church, a stone entrance way leading to the michellin star restaurant and pool, and the entrance to the hotel lobby that offers a view of the coast. The hotel topographically sits at the top of the elevation of the town, and features stunning views of the Sea no matter where you are throughout the grounds. This boutique hotel is home to 50 rooms, each of which is designed in its own style featuring an extensive collection of 18th century fresco’s, sculptures, and art. The villa’s, typically offered to wedding parties were an incredible setting for getting ready before the big event. Each fetures a terrace overlooking the sea, and lots of South facing natural light.

With all of this in mind, our favourite part of our visit to this stunning establishment was by far, the gardens. Perfectly curated over 4 tiered platforms overlooking the coast, they frame the view beautifully in their own unique way on each level. Jesse and Carrie’s event was held on the top tier overlooking the coast with a view of the simple yet elegant Italian architecture of the hotel’s main structure. On this level, you will find a canopy of olive trees, where the dinner was held. The setting was nothing short of magical, especially in the evening hours. In other areas, vines grew across the canopies; topiary lined the walkways layered behind the olive trees and lush flowers.

What we admired most about this stunning establishment was its ability to wrap you in a sense of curated surroundings throughout the grounds. The gardens are integrated thoughtfully into every outdoor entertainment space and strategically in front of different suite windows, the rooms featured a uniquely luxurious environment in each, and the setting was unmatched at any hotel we have had the opportunity to stay at. This environment directly appeals to Jesse’s design approach and played a large role in why he selected this location for his wedding venue. We highly recommend checking it out if you find yourself in Ravello, Italy!