When Anthony walked through the door at Abbotts Travel, Julian knew he had to pull out all the stops to make sure Anthony and his future wife had an incredible honeymoon. It turns out the Amalfi Coast really does offer it all…
“I was looking for some honeymoon inspiration. I knew what I wanted (and what my future wife would probably prefer) but I just needed some reassurance from the travel experts, which is where Julian stepped in.
Amazing food and wine, stunning scenery, luxury accommodation and most importantly… somewhere to make lifelong memories. Julian assured me that the Amalfi Coast ticked all the right boxes.
After a few conversations about my budget, preferred hotels and a rough itinerary, Julian did all the hard work by making the decisions for me based on him knowing what I was looking for. Importantly, I trusted Julian’s experience, and it certainly paid off.
The first hotel, Hotel Capo la Gala, was a short 45 minute transfer from Naples airport. Set in a stunning location, perched on some rocks, the hotel was quiet (apart from the sound of the sea crashing against the shore below our room). Typically Italian, the hotel had a cool design and service was faultless.
The first couple of days were spent getting into honeymoon mode, chilling on the sun loungers, sipping cocktails and sampling the amazing local Italian food. It could not have been more perfect.
We ventured into Sorrento for shopping and lunch, using the hotel shuttle service to drop us off at the train station. Sorrento is a bustling place with lots of side streets. We found a great lunch spot in one of the little fishing ports on the sea. On our last night at Hotel Capo la Gala we enjoyed private dining at the Michelin starred restaurant. A truly unforgettable experience in a stunning location. Our next stop was in Positano. A private transfer drove us along the stunning coastline. As much as I like driving, the roads are narrow and I was glad I was sat in the back so I could admire the coastline.
As I mentioned to Julian in my honeymoon brief, I wanted to experience traditional local hospitality. Julian recommended the Casa Buonacare, staying in a superior room with terrace. The B&B had been run by the same Italian family for generations. Again, it was exactly what I wanted. Comfortable rooms and great location.
Positano was everything that you read and hear about. Bustling steep streets and lots of colourful buildings. Impressive at day and night. I had organised a private boat tour to Capri, which was a trip highlight. After a bit of research, I booked with Giannis Boat, a family run business who were passionate about the Amalfi coast and Capri. I can't recommend them highly enough. We enjoyed Prosecco whilst relaxing on the sun loungers, diving into the clear blue sea and exploring the famous Grottos around Capri. After all the adventure, we were ready to see somewhere a little less hectic. A short drive down the road to another bay we ventured onto Praiano. We walked a section of the Path of the Gods, which I would highly recommend if you have a reasonable fitness level. The walk is well signed posted and takes you high above the dramatic coastline with incredible views overlooking Positano and the Amalfi coast.
At the modern looking and stylish Casa Angelina we stayed in the Eausdesea Experience. These former fishermen's houses offer an authentic charm replete with patios overlooking the ocean and are reachable directly from the hotel via an elevator plus 200 steps. As a result, they have their own butler service. When we arrived at our room we were treated to a chocolate cake and a personal message from Abbott's Travel, which was a nice touch. Another great touch was arriving back to our room after dinner to find a hot bath covered in red rose petals, as if by magic.
We rented a rubber boat from Lucibello for half a day, which anyone can drive, stopping off in deserted bays and exploring more of the dramatic coastline. It's much better and quicker to travel by boat than car. We found an amazing restaurant that only the locals went to for the best fresh fish, pasta and tomatoes.
Then it was time to go home. A private transfer to the hotel took the stress out of having to drive the narrow roads. An amazing honeymoon that ticked all the boxes. If you would like traditional with a bit of wow factor, this really was the perfect trip!”