Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, is a haven of romance and inspiration above the Amalfi Coast. Soaring between sea and sky, it’s where the heart fills and the mind runs free. The elegant Ravello palace, carved high into the rocks with wondrous views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, blends original frescoes and vaulted ceilings with contemporary, artisanal elements. Its origins date from the 11th century when the noble d’Afflitto family, having been shipwrecked off the coast, fell deeply in love with the romantic setting. Today, many original features and fragments from the palace they built have been carefully preserved – fitting for an archaeologically rich area that embraces Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1893, hotelier Pantaleone Caruso transformed the palace into a cocoon-like retreat that attracted the likes of Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo and Jackie Kennedy. Set in richly layered gardens filled with pomegranate, olive and lemon trees, Caruso boasts unrivalled views over the coast. The majestic pool offers the sensation of swimming in the sky, while the mesmerising spa is the place to truly unwind. The 50 rooms and suites, reached by marbled hallways, captivate with Italian antiques and vine-clad balconies. For the ultimate privacy, guests can book Villa Margherita, a private standalone residence with outstanding vistas. The ethos of La Dieta Mediterranea is celebrated at the Belvedere Restaurant, where the flavours of Campania combine with fabled sea views. Laidback alfresco glamour is on the menu at the poolside Caruso Grill.