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Back to Amalfi Vistas
Jessica,
The group (9) of us had a great time at Amalfi Vistas. The accommodations were great and we didn't have any of the plumbing problems that others have written about. Having a maid and gardener were a surprise, but a very pleasant one!
Took awhile to hook up with Antonietta (because she was letting others into their villas on a Saturday), but when we did, things went pretty fast. We had 4 cars amongst us and soon realized that it was easier to park one outside the "carpark" area - even with the tiny size of these things! Even though we were told that the mosquito "season" was past, a few of us were eaten alive so be prepared for it at any time of the year (we were there 1st week of October). Perfect weather except for one night of thunder/lightening/rain. Pretty spectacular fireworks outside the windows! Some guy was burning brush one night at 3 am and the smoke drifted into the open windows, which kind of freaked us out until we went up the street to figure out what was going on and if someone needed to call the fire department or not (not necessary).
We especially like Ravello to visit (pottery at the factory there was much better quality and priced reasonably compared to the pottery "center" Vietri which we thought was cheap, touristy stuff unless you wanted to pay the really big bucks). Also, Ravello has a market on Tuesdays that is fun to visit and has lots of bargains - they really will dicker with you here. If you are ever there for the international music festival - go. We bought tickets for the last night (a chamber music performance) that was very romantic and really lovely.
Our favorite restaurant on the peninsula was Restaurante San Giovanni in Pontone - incredible views and food! Recommend taking the local bus to Positano rather than driving - no parking. We tried to take the ferry, but they left 1/2 hour earlier than the schedule reported. Watch out for that. The ferry ride back to Amalfi was very picturesque, however. Of course, our bus driver was text messaging on his cell phone as he was driving around the corners (no hands driving), so that was part of the thrill! Note, one afternoon I got the last bus out of town toward the villa as they had a bus strike scheduled at 3 pm. The drivers will tell you if one is coming up or scheduled...
Also recommend a winery tour in Altripaldi called Mastroberardino. Great winery, wines and tour. Took about 1 hour to get there once you were off the peninsula. Of course, getting off the Amalfipeninsula was the biggest drawback of the place - it took so long that "day trips" were much longer than expected. Note that the worst is the weekend when the tourists abound (especially Saturday when the rental folks were all changing at all the villas, etc.). Otherwise, driving was a kick - just make sure the passenger can pull in your side mirror as fast as you can to get past the oncoming traffic!
Would return...
Kathie S.
Dear In Italy,
It’s always good to come home. Amalfi Vistas turned out to be great and just fit our needs. Gerardo and Angela were so helpful, friendly, and informative. Views of the
gardens, seating areas, plants, all the little hidden terraces. Just wonderful! Strawberries from our own little strawberry patch every morning in our fridge was a definite plus. We hope to come again and spend more time at the Villa rather than doing so much sightseeing.
The only minus with the Villa was the plumbing near the kitchen. It needs repair. The last three days we were there, the kitchen floor was flooded. Had to sop up the floor with towels. There were guests coming in right behind us and hopefully that was repaired before their arrival.
We took a boat to Positano...just so so. There has been so much hype about Positano, it was a bit disappointing. Mostly shopping; however, was very pretty.
Took a boat from the Amalfi dock to Capri. The island itself was wonderful. Went on a couple of nice hikes. Very nice restaurants. As far as the shopping, that is not our bag. Expensive shops, way too foo foo. If you're into that sort of thing, this is your place!
Cliffside town of Ravello is beautiful and the Villa Cimbrone in Ravello a must! The bus ride up from Amalfi was an experience and so was the walkdown. Quite the "little" hike, but fun.
The Ruins of Herculaneum - a must! Have heard that Pompeii is a lot larger but had also heard Herculaneum is 1/3 the size and better preserved. We were not disappointed.
We loved the restaurant, Maccus, in Amalfi up a little alley just left of the Duomo; great food, great wine, and entertainment!
Also, the referral of the B&B just right up the hill from Amalfi Vistas was perfect for our extra guests.
Driving was a real experience in Amalfi (so was walking). We walked to "town" from the Villa every day and it was very exciting.
We loved Italy. Thanks for all your help!
Ciao!
Faynette D.
David,
Our trip was wonderful. Amalfi Vistas was lovely. I always rent villas when there are more than a few of us traveling so I can tell you that this one was one of the best we have chosen. I was particularly surprised by the included housekeeping services. It was a luxury to have daily housekeeping. Even though we all pitched in daily to keep the house in order, she also did laundry and gave it a special touch.
Also, the house had just about everything we needed. I've been in places where they didn't provide towels, here we had it all. A big plus when you don't have go out and buy a coffee pot. I have no criticisms at all of the house nor the staff. They were as hospitable as could be and made us feel very comfortable. Antonietta and Angelina were top notch in their work, tending to all our needs, few as they were. The only problem I had was that my safe in my room (another surprise) did not open after I put my passport in it. One call to Antonietta and the safe person was out immediately. An example of their attention.
We found out that the owners also own one of the best seafood restaurants in Amalfi so we paid them a visit and had a wonderful meal. They are a family of hospitality and it shows in all they do.....
Sincerely,
Marion N.