The Villa Cimbrone is a world famous site and its gardens renowned for their beauty and spectacular setting. For years we could only tell our guests to visit the gardens by day when they were open to the public. However last year, the hotel finally opened its much awaited swimming pool and restored various parts of the hotel, now making it a heavenly place to stay.
The aristocratic ivy clad villa has retained the style of its previous owner Lord Grimthorpe, an eccentric Yorkshireman who bought the villa in 1904 and is entirely responsible for the design and layout of the gardens. There is a delightful library filled with books, antiques and an impressive Renaissance fireplace. The restaurant produces a combination of Southern Italian specialities often served with a modern twist.
Bedrooms are generally of a good size, with the frescoes and simple majolica tiles generally enhancing the cool simplicity of life here. Our favourite rooms are in the small annex across the gothic courtyard, adorned with beautiful terraces and spectacular views out to sea. These rooms were specifically made for honeymooners!
For those unable to make use of the helipad in the garden, the hotel and gardens are reached only by foot from the main square in Ravello. This is due to the precipitous nature of the landscape. A porter will carry your luggage but you should be aware of the 15 minute walk it takes to reach the hotel.
In the evening after the garden has closed to the public, guests of the hotel have this breathtaking sanctuary to themselves. There is no finer experience than walking down the main path strewn with vines and wisteria, glass in hand, to sit and watch the sunset over the Amalfi Coast from the Terrace of the Infinite.
More hotels... |
