Hotel Villa Cimbrone

Villa Cimbrone stands on a rocky outcrop on the edge of Ravello, high above the Gulf of Salerno. According to the hotel, the first reliable mentions go back to the 11th century, and the name derives from the rock on which the estate stands. In the early 20th century Lord Grimthorpe had the house remodelled; the gardens were largely laid out anew at that time, with the involvement of the English gardener Vita Sackville-West.

Today the Vuilleumier family runs the hotel. By their own account, their tradition as hosts in Ravello begins in 1874. According to the hotel, the rooms and suites are individually furnished, with details such as stone fireplaces, ceiling frescoes and majolica floors from Vietri. The hotel has a pool and solarium, a gym and the restaurant Il Flauto di Pan.

According to the website, the villa's gardens are open to visitors every day for an admission fee, so the hotel sits in the middle of one of the best-known estates on the coast. It cannot be reached by car: from the town centre a paved path with steps leads to the villa in about ten minutes. The house suits travellers looking for peace, gardens and history who use Ravello as a base for concerts and excursions. If you are not steady on your feet or have a lot of luggage, check before booking how luggage transport is organised.