Maria Betteghella – The News Desk

7Aug

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Travel

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

1/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Perched on the cliff above the small village of Conca dei Marini, Monastero Santa Rosa welcomes travelers into a timeless sanctuary. The property is suspended between the water below and the coastal rocky mountains above. We were immediately taken by the hotel's mystical aura and relaxing ambiance.2/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)At the entrance, front office manager Pompeo Amendola greeted us with a mint-scented hand towel and fresh lemonade before ringing the property's ancient monastery bell as a welcome sign. The hotel's tasteful renovation preserved the antique monastery walls, whose secret doors once provided the cloistered nuns with safe passage to the adjacent church of Santa Maria del Grado.3/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Previous visitors rave about the ...

4Aug

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Travel

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast

1/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Caruso's hall is a luminous salon embellished with original mosaics, frescoed arched ceilings and red marble Roman statues. We suggest relaxing in the hotel's elegant foyer, furnished with straw sofas, plants and antique mirrors, to get a feel of the hotel's vibe.2/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Ravello offers some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast. While waiting for our on-site tour to start, we could spot the towns of Maiori, Minori and Amalfi from the hall's balcony.3/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Iolanda Mansi, our hotel tour guide, joined us for a quick coffee on the breakfast terrace. She told us about when the hotel's staff organized a spectacular wedding proposal for a special guest. Iolanda managed to coordinate a private airplane exhibiting a will-yo...

4Aug

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Il San Pietro di Positano

1/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Il San Pietro di Positano is one of the most iconic retreats along the Amalfi Coast. The property's scenic ambiance of understated luxury seduced us as soon as we arrived. Regular visitors say it's a must-see and often return to enjoy its familiar atmosphere provided by the attentive staff and welcoming ambiance.2/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)We experienced the thrill of reaching Positano by ferry boat and hopping on a private sea transfer that took us straight to Il San Pietro's private beach. This way, we could avoid the coast's significant on-land traffic jams.3/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Carlino restaurant is one of Positano's most romantic dining options. Perfect for a light lunch during a summer beach day, the restaurant sits on a platform by the sea.4/...

3Aug

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Photos: Le Sirenuse

1/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)As soon as we entered Le Sirenuse's lobby, we realized we were in one of Positano's most glamorous spots. Blessed by a central location that allows guests to easily reach both the town center and the coastal main road, the hotel is a journey unto itself thanks to a museum-like collection of contemporary art pieces and rare antiques.2/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Le Sirenuse's property develops vertically, delivering views over Positano and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel's lobby coincides with the fifth and highest level. From there, we toured the hotel descending downwards, using the fast elevator and several sets of stairs decorated with wall paintings and historical memorabilia.3/15 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Le Sirenuse's fourth floor hosts the terrace of A...

3Aug

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Photos: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

1/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)We walked across the hotel's 5-acre park before reaching the main entrance to begin our tour. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has kept most of its antique furniture and frescoed ceilings intact. We loved spotting the Mediterranean Sea from afar, thanks to the salon's glass wall.2/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Furnished with wooden grills and flower baskets, the art nouveau Winter Garden is an elegant sitting room where guests can enjoy breathtaking sea views in total comfort. The chairs found in this living area were designed by the famous Italian architect Ernesto Basile, an exponent of the liberty style. We felt a thrill sitting in the same chairs that are displayed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.3/16 Credit(Maria Betteghella)Vittoria Terrace is a panoramic dec...