OMG!!!! I feel like I shouldn't write more because a part of me doesn't want anyone else to know…read moreof this place, but....
We are a culinary tour company, and block out the entire property for a week at a time. This past week was the first of 2 this year (and 6 next year), so here goes....
If you have driven or boated the Amalfi Coast, you may not realize it, but you know this place. You probably even have photos of it. On the stretch of coast between Amalfi and Minori, there is a an unmistakeable castle-tower right on the water. The tour boats that pass by all point it out as a highlight... Jackie O stayed here, the King of Italy, etc. etc. etc. No matter how you view it, the place is breathtaking. But unless you have set foot on the property and seen it "behind the gates", *you-have-no-idea*.
You approach from a very unassuming gate. You see the medieval tower behind it, and you think that is the attraction. But the second the gate opens and you step through it, you have just crossed over into wonderland. You are met by the bridge that crosses over to the towner, and on each side breathtaking villas and terraced gardens that go down to the sea. As you go down each level of steps, your camera shutter will go into overdrive, as every angle is like something out of a fairy-tale. As you continue down, you get to the swimming pool level, where the pool is built out over the sea. Unbelievable. Down more steps and you are right at the water, on a private dock, and it is simply hard to believe this place exists in the first place.
It is the kind of place that once you enter, you just never want to leave.
The Stay:
This place is so amazing that if the rooms were awful, it wouldn't matter much. Still, they are not. The rooms are quite nice. Let me be clear, the rooms could be better, and they don't live up to the opulence of the rest of the property, but they are still quite nice.
The property has twelve units. Some are full 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, and some are more "rooms" than apartments. All but two have amazing balconies overlooking a 180 degree view of the Amalfi Coast. Most are furnished with antiques that fit perfectly in this setting, and all are air conditioned.
What makes the rooms "nice" and not "amazing" is the lack of fine details and the little touches that make a difference. They are a bit spartan, the pillows could be better, and the beds could be newer. Each room has a small flat screen television, but consider that the 3 bedroom apartment I was in had one in the den, and none in the bedrooms. But to be honest, it is not a place one would normally want to watch TV. I almost feel that if you put these rooms in a less stunning setting, they would have seemed much better, but the contrast with the heavenly property was clear. In other words, 4 Star rooms in a 10 Star villa.
Internet here was lacking to be sure. It does not reach all of the rooms, and even when it does, it is very hit and miss. I found tethering my iPhone's data connection to my computer gave me faster and more reliable service.
Food on the property may or may not exist depending on your situation. There is a kitchen (with the most stunning verandah you have ever seen), but I believe they only operate it for breakfast. In our case, since we took over the entire villa, we had other arrangements for food at the villa for our group.
The Staff:
Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful all the time. An absolute pleasure, to the point that I very much look forward to seeing them again when I return in September.
Overall:
I mentioned a few relative negatives, but I only did so in order to give a fully rounded review. I'll repeat" This place is so stunning, the minor negatives just don't matter. I would rather stay HERE than any 5 Star property I have ever seen.
