LUXURY

Ayana Resort & Spa
at a glance
Even at close to full capacity, this exclusive
section of the resort felt exactly that:
exclusive and very much a peaceful haven.
bedroom then opens onto the biggest and
most sumptuous villa bathroom you will
ever see. With floor to ceiling glass, the
Hotel Caruso Belvedere
at a glance
Category: Beach Resort
Villa reviewed: Ocean Front Cliff Villa
What’s great: So many things, but I
particularly liked Dava and the Martini Bar,
the Cliff Villa facilities and special mention
to the dramatic Ocean Beach Infinity Pool,
built into the side of a cliff, with the surf
just metres below.
What’s not so great: It’s a small walk or
buggy ride to get to the private beach,
but with such an array of great pools this
wasn’t an issue for me. Also, rooms in the
main hotel are looking a little tired.
Editor’s tip: Pre-book into the spa to avoid
disappointment – you won’t want to miss
out on this experience.
Rate: From NZ$1900; AU$1500++ per
suite per night. Rates exclude service
charge and local tax.
Website: www.ayanaresort.com
Reservations: For more information or
enquiries please call United Travel
on 0800 730 001.
A swimming choice was the dramatic
Ocean Beach Pool, built into the cliff
face and located just metres above the
beach of Jimbaran Bay. No need to bring
any accessories here, because sunscreen
lotion, pre-loaded iPods, complimentary
chilled fruits, sorbets and mineral water
were waiting. Of course the poolside team
are also more than happy to accommodate
any of your other beverage requirements.
Mojito anyone?
Each villa is positioned in its own walled
compound and this, coupled with the
staggered layout of the villas, provides the
ultimate in privacy. The villa exteriors are
traditional in style with pitched, thatched
roofing and solid plaster walls. Inside they
are opulent and timeless – think Armani
meets classic Balinese.
The villa layout consists of three main living
spaces: lounge, master bedroom and
massive bathroom, all of which look out
to the lava stone infinity pool with floating
pavilion and then across the 20 metres
of manicured lawn out to the cliff edge
and ocean. Each room has large, double
glass sliding doors making the most of the
views and enhancing the indoor/outdoor
flow. Large dark wooden panelled double
doors, framed by beautifully carved
sandstone, lead you into the master
bedroom and the romantic canopied
bed laid with superior cotton linen. The
bathroom features a step-up marble bath
for two, positioned to take advantage of
the ocean views.
Good food is a vital component of any
great holiday and the Ayana definitely
excels here. With 12 restaurants, cafés
and lounge areas, you are positively
spoilt for choice. We enjoyed Dava, the
resort’s signature restaurant with a strong
focus on local seasonal ingredients,
prepared in a modernistic Asian style.
Other restaurants include Padi, for classic
Thai with a modern twist, and Kisik, the
most informal of the three, cut into the
side of a cliff and serving fresh seafood
grilled to order. All three impressed with
their service, cool ambience and food
quality. The presentation at Dava was a
real highlight – well done to Dean and the
exceptional front of house team.
On the spa front, the Ayana includes one
of the world’s most awarded destination
spas, including the 22,000m 2 Thalasso
Spa Complex, reflexology centre, beauty
salon and the world’s largest Aquatonic
Seawater Therapy pool. So impressive
are the facilities that they’re worthy of a
feature all of their own.
In summary, this resort ticked the three
big boxes: stunning facilities, fantastic
food and absolutely impeccable service.
We wouldn’t hesitate to return and loved
everything about our experience.
Hotel Caruso
Belvedere
Ravello, Italy
Ravello is unquestionably one of the most stunning destinations on the entire Amalfi
Coast. Occupying an absolutely prime position, built into the cliffs of this remarkable
historic settlement, is a former 11th century palace and one of the world’s great hotels,
Hotel Caruso Belvedere.
The boutique nature of the hotel, with only
48 rooms and suites, affords its guests the
ultimate in privacy and service. In keeping
with the uniqueness of the property,
many of the rooms and suites vary in
size and design. Rooms are spacious and
are beautifully appointed in a traditional
Italian style.
One of the highlights was the overall
quality of the cuisine. Guests can choose
between two restaurants, both affording
peerless vistas of the Amalfi Coast. The
Belvedere on the terrace is perfect for
sunny days and warm evenings, while
the Caruso Restaurant, boasts a beautiful
outdoor terrace and elegant indoor dining
room. Featuring magnificent frescoes
from the 18th century, the hotel bar is a
perfect spot for a pre dinner drink. The
Poolside Bar & Restaurant beside the
hotel’s much photographed infinity pool,
was a personal favourite and where I
enjoyed the best pizza I have ever had.
Opulent hotel, magical location,
outstanding cuisine. But the other key
ingredient of a truly unforgettable
experience is the people. Plaudits must
be given to the charismatic leadership
skill of General Manager, Franco Girasoli
who seems born for such a role. Service
is precise and discreet without the
forced formality and stiffness of some
establishments in this quality category.
It’s also probably one of the main reasons
why so many guests fall in love with this
property, returning year after year.
Category: Resort Hotel
Suite reviewed: Superior Suite
What’s great? The magical location
combined with the history and sense of
privilege you get staying in such a grand
former palace. Also the attention to detail
and overall quality level of the hotel.
What’s not so great: Only thing I could
come up with was that the bed was a tad
firm for my liking.
Editor’s tip: Book the highest level
room or suite possible facing the
Mediterranean. In fact, book Suite 303,
I loved it…. it also happens to be the
General Manager’s favourite.
Rate: From NZ$1340; AU$1040 per room
per night. Rates exclude service charge
and local tax.
Website: www.hotelcaruso.com
Reservations: For more information or
enquiries please contact United Travel
on 0800 730 001.
Location
Location
Villa size
Suite size
Villa interior
Suite interior
Overall service level
Overall service level
Food & beverage
Food & beverage
Hotel pool
Hotel pool
Business needs
Business needs
Recreational facilities
Fitness facilities
Spa facilities
Spa facilities
Value for money
Value for money
94%
Stunning facilities,
fantastic food and
What a find. Found it
very difficult to fault
impeccable service.
this property.
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93.5%