Updated on 18 August 2017
Ravello is an enchanting little town perched high above the Amalfi Coast, and Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of the most historic hotels there, so what better place to experience a luxurious lunch! This 11th century hotel was previously a palace and has far reaching views towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Recently voted one of the top 25 hotels in Europe in the Condé Nast Reader’s Choice Awards, it’s been lovingly restored, retaining many original features. We had been invited to lunch in the Belvedere restaurant, and marvelled at the terraced gardens leading towards the infinity pool.
Built on the highest point above Ravello, it appears to float above the sea, and provides unparalleled views. Hotel guests can request an Evian vaporizer, fresh fruit appetizer or an iPod pre-loaded with their choice of music, what a brilliant idea! A well-known rockstar was relaxing by the pool when we visited.
They can also take a complimentary boat ride around the bay.
The Belvedere Restaurant is renowned for its local Mediterranean dishes. Chef Mimmo di Raffaele has been inspired by traditional Italian specialities to create a contemporary menu. We chose to dine on the picturesque outdoor terrace, although you can also dine in the elegant indoor restaurant or the al fresco area near to the pool. Our friendly waiter brought us a wonderful complimentary appetizer of langoustine tail with truffle sauce and purple potato and olive emulsion.
Always a sucker for a theme, I had opted for the Neopolitan Tradition lemon menu. My starter was an aromatic dish of lemon leaves roasted with provola cheese and delicate thresher fish. They had even prepared a mini version for Mr Luxe to try.
My next course was lemon Scialatelli pasta with marinated prawns, seasoned with sfusato Amalfi lemon. These are very large lemons grown on the Amalfi Coast, with a point at the end, and bursting with flavour.
My main course was a very tasty fillet of seabream with lemon emulsion and potatoes of candied lemon. The presentation was very appealing and the skin was perfectly crispy.
We shared my final course, this beautiful platter of lemon wedge mellow with ice cream – they look rather like slices of egg don’t they?
Mr Luxe opted for the à la carte menu, starting with linguine pasta flavoured with a traditional colatura combination of salted anchovies and lemon from Amalfi. The pasta was perfectly al dente, cooked just enough to retain its springiness.
His main course was a mixed grilled fish of crustaceans from the coast served with grilled vegetables which he thought was utterly delicious. It was accompanied by a homemade tartare sauce.
After this spectacular lunch, we were shown around the rest of the property – there’s a lovely piano bar as well as event spaces and a wellness centre.
The 50 rooms and suites each have their own unique design and look out onto the sea or the terraced gardens.
There’s even a little chapel decorated with 18th century frescoes.
The hotel boutique is a work of art in itself, with more frescoes on the walls and ceiling. There’s even a line of clothing that takes the fresco motif and reproduces it on silk. I couldn’t resist purchasing one of the beach cover ups designed for the Belmond Jimbaran Bali, whose beach club we had visited a week before.
The olive oils are beautifully packaged too and make excellent gifts.
If you get time, make sure to visit the church opposite the hotel, it’s been beautifully preserved.
The gardens of Ravello are also a must-see, whether the Byzantine arches of the Villa Rufolo below or the infinity terrace at the romantic Villa Cimbrone. Of course, there are many more unmissable places to visit on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, but the Belmond Hotel Caruso is definitely one of the best hotels in Ravello.
Have you visited Ravello or the Amalfi Coast?
Belmond Hotel Caruso, Piazza San Giovanni del Toro 2, 84010 Ravello, Italy
Suze, I’ve been really enjoying having a catch-up on your blog after a few hectic weeks away from it, but I have to say this is my favourite post yet!! We spent a night at this hotel slap bang in the middle of our honeymoon and we were actually talking about it again last night – it’s one of the most beautiful hotels we have ever stayed in, for its views and situation as well as the staff, food and history. I would love to go back one day and stay for longer. I am dreaming of wallowing in that perfect pool right now, cocktail in hand!!!!! You’ve captured the essence of the place so beautifully, and your photos are truly wonderful. I just hope my upcoming post can do it as much justice as this!!
Polly xx
Follow Your Sunshine
I can’t wait to read your post, Polly – it must have been the perfect honeymoon experience. There is something very romantic about the place and I hope that you do get to return with your little one
It look absolutely beautiful! The food looks spectacular and that view is breathtaking!!
C x | Lux Life
It certainly has everything going for it, Catherine – have a great weekend
OMG that pool!! I love your food choice too, I think I would chosen the exact same things
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Yes I didn’t realise that Amalfi lemons are so unique but they’re really worth trying
Looks amazing especially that pool!!
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
The pool looked very tempting, if only we’d had more time for a swim!
This looks like the most incredible hotel with such beautiful views! Plus your meals sound delicious!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I can see why it’s such a popular hotel, with those views
Every place you visit is so beautiful! Your photos and description of this historic hotel perfectly show why it is among the 25 best hotels in Europe. The food looks exquisite! I would love to try your husband’s main course! The swimming pool and the view from this hotel are stunning! Have a great weekend!
Danielle
www.spring2spring.com
I’m very lucky, the food was fantastic and my husband’s main course was really tasty. Would have loved to spend longer there and to swim in the infinity pool
The place is beautiful and the food looks really nice ♥♥
summerdaisy.net
You’re right Summer, the food was delicious! Have a great weekend
Oh thank you Honey, Villa Rufolo is stunning – well worth a visit
I LOVE that they give you the option of an iPod loaded with your favorite tunes, such a nice and luxurious touch!!
Brilliant isn’t it, never heard of that before!
WOW! This place look stunning. I just found you blog, and I am glad I did. I love visiting new places, and seeing your photos is inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Xo, Ellese
http://rockpaperglam.com/
That’s very sweet, Ellese – I’m glad that you enjoyed reading and hope you have a fantastic weekend
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This is amazing! would love to visit 🙂 great photography as well x
The Fashion Matters- Fashion & Travel Magazine
It’s such a great place to visit and glad you liked the photos!
Your pictures are always stunning! That pool… That food…
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
That’s very kind Amy, it was a great place to photograph!
Wow, I am loving all the beautiful architecture…and that pool has such a stunning view!
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http://ourruins.com
The view from the pool was quite something, Valerie!
What a GORGEOUS place for lunch and so much more! Ah, Suze, I’d so love to spend at least a couple of days at Belmond Hotel…
You and me both, Anda – it’s a great base for exploring the coast
OMG that’s a lovely place for lunch! I’d surely love to spend a weekend at this hotel
Style.. A Pastiche – Acro Yoga
It would be an amazing place for a relaxing weekend!
Such a stunning hotel Suze, that’s quite a view for lunch! I’m a sucker for a themed menu too,and all these lemony dishes sound so fresh for somewhere so warm and summery!
The lemon was a great theme, it works so well for savoury and sweet dishes
Beyond gorgeous? Everything looks stunning! I want all of the food you had, it looks fantastic
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It was such a delicious yet healthy meal, couldn’t have hoped for better!
This place looks absolutely amazing! The food looks yummy (;
Nati xx
www.simplyartdicted.com
It was very yummy, Nati – have a great Sunday!
You too!
Wow, what a gorgeous property! I love the lemon theme of your meal, I’m a big fan of citrus flavours 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
I wouldn’t mind recreating that theme for a dinner party, it was so nice
The hotel looks amazing!
The last photo of you is perfect 😉
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
That’s very kind, thank you – loved Villa Rufolo and the hotel
I’m always so jealous of your adventures. I’d love to go to a hotel that has one of those pools that seem to drop off and blend into the sea 🙂
Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
It was amazing though we would have loved to have time to swim in it!
Thank you Jalisa, loving your style inspiration – have a wonderful end to your weekend!
so so beautiful! amazing post 🙂
xx Sera | STARDUSTBOHEMIAN.COM
Thanks very much Sera, have a lovely Sunday
You seriously eat in the most stunning places!!! I love how the pool blends seamlessly into the sea 🙂 And how beautiful and intricate are the details on the chapel walls? Gorgeous!
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
The chapel is so gorgeous, nice that they have looked after the building’s heritage
Your photos look like taken from a movie. The food looks fantastic and the location is so romantic. I absolutely have to visit the Amalfi coast one day.
PS: Yes, we have to meet in London when I’m over. Next month I will be travelling with a friend but when I’m over on one of my solo trips, I will reach out to you before and hopefully we can arrange something 😉
www.LUXESSED.com
We were very lucky with the sunshine, that helped for the photos – you really should visit when you get the chance Anouk. In the meantime, have a lovely visit to London
That view, just that view!
I could look at that view for hours, listening to the tunes they’d put together for me 😉
This place is absolutely stunning! And the food looks delicious!
District of Chic
The food was lovely, lemon is a great theme!
Wow the view and the pool and everything on it are amazing!
Love the shot babe
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The view from that pool is one of the nicest that I have seen, just gorgeous!
Your posts give me the worst wanderlust. It doesn’t bode well for me sitting in an office staring you the window to the grey skies. Very jealous. x
Ashleigh x
www.quintessentiallyme.co.uk
On the plus side the sun has come out now Ashleigh 😉 Hope you get to travel somewhere wonderful soon
We’re Belmond fans – and have written on our luxury travel blog about our stays at Belmond’s Casa de Sierra Nevada in the fairytale Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende and Belmond’s magical La Residencia on Mallorca (Majorca). Maybe some day, we’ll make it to this lovely property in Ravello. In the meantime, we’re drooling with envy!
Ooh I haven’t been to either of those yet, will check your posts out – am actually hoping to go to Mallorca next year
Beautiful place, and the food looks good!
The Belmond hotel is beautiful and I love the architecture and gardens. The food looks wonderful too Lucy x