Ravello and Villa Cimbrone

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is as dizzyingly treacherous as it is beautiful – a pulse pounding conflation of awe and fear – and our driver, who felt compelled to navigated at Grand Prix speeds, did much to tip the scales toward the really scary side of things. Needless to say we were mightily relieved to come to a halt at the blissfully peaceful town of Ravello, which is practically devoid of motor vehicles of any sort! Following helpful little signs here and there, we wound our way upward by foot past ancient churches, shops, inns, and hotels, finally arriving at the world renowned Villa Cimbrone.

Situated approximately 1100ft above sea level, the Villa commands incomparable views of the Amalfi coast, and after a brief respite in our rather palatial room, and an energizing terrace lunch, we were eager to explore its elevated vistas and richly fragrant gardens.

The most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in the world is the panoramic view from Villa Cimbrone on a bright winter’s day, when the sky and the sea are so vividly blue that it is not possible to distinguish them from each other. – Gore Vidal

Ravello has been a haven for writers, artists, statesmen, royalty, and aesthetes since the 18th century, and the Cimbrone itself has been the romantic destination for such legendary figures as Greta Garbo and Leopold Stokowski. Other esteemed visitors include D.H Lawrence, Henry Moore, Winston Churchill and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

More about Villa Cimbrone coming up!

I am pictured (top) discovering the wonders of this magical place, and I’m wearing a pink and white striped cotton shirt with pink gross grain ribbon trim by Alexander McQueen (RIP), shorts by Our Legacy 1980-81 in hemp, cotton and silk, python belt with silver buckle by Gucci, Tom Ford ivory suede loafers, KVA sunglasses, Cartier “Tank Divan” from Raj Tolaram, and my fragrance is Creed Bois de Cedrat.