Belmond Hotel Caruso

The 11th-century palazzo that houses the Belmond Hotel Caruso features Moorish arches and preserved ancient walls. But the most spectacular aspect of this property is its ultra-exclusive setting: at the highest point in Ravello on a lush hillside overlooking the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Terraced gardens that surround the cream-colored building are laced with olive and lemon trees and scented with herbs, picked daily for the on-site restaurant. Naturally, interiors take advantage of the location, with open archways and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out upon the grounds and water. Despite its haute location, the Belmond has a relaxed, Mediterranean vibe, from the open-air poolside bar with clay tile floors to the Loggiato Bar furnished with wicker chairs and mosaic-tile tables. Elsewhere, such as in the lobby, a more elegant feel is achieved with antique-style artwork and furnishings and soaring frescoed ceilings. Guests are typically well-heeled couples from around the world drawn to what are undoubtedly some of the finest views available anywhere. Those who want to stay in this area but can't afford the price tag here could consider Palumbo Palazzo Confalone, an upscale property with stunning views, although less luxe rooms, a few minutes down the hillside. 

The Belmond Hotel Caruso sits at the highest point in Ravello, a pristine town on Italy's picturesque Amalfi Coast. It's a five-minute walk down to the center of town where there are restaurants, bars, and the 11th-century Duomo di Ravello. It's about a 15-minute drive to Amalfi, a highly touristed town filled with shops, cafes, and sights such as the Duomo di Amalfi. The cliffside village of Positano is about an hour away by car. Free shuttle service is offered by the hotel to both Amalfi and Positano. The ancient archaeological ruins of Pompei are about 45 minutes away by car. It's about 40 minutes to the former fishing village of Praiano, where it's possible to catch a