What they say about the Amalfi Coast: it “…bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”

This sums up all my heart feels for this place.

Dress: Agua by Agua Bendita, similar here and here

What did I do in Positano?

After our 12 hour delay, traveling through different time zones, and back to back flights overseas we made it to our hotel, Le Sirenuse Positano at last. Little fun fact: the property was a former summer family home turned luxury resort…still keeping with the intimacy and charm of a private home. In my book, it’s the hotel to stay at when you are here – every moment felt like a scene from a movie! My fiance and I were so impressed and in awe of the warm welcome (he approved of the splurge!). We were able to ease in and relax together…and it finally felt like a vacation. We had our first meal at their Champagne Bar & Grill and fell in love with the view and cuisine. Then, we sipped on a nightcap at Franco’s Bar the latest addition to Le Sirenuse. If you like alfresco drinks with vibrant colors of the coast, you’ll love this elegant bar!

Crop Top, Bottoms: Alexis Hat: Janessa Leone Sandals: Who What Wear Collection for Target, similar here and here

The next day we left for a complimentary boat ride from the hotel where we took in all the amazing views of the coast and sunny skies. Simply captivating! Since, I did get a little seasick during the ride, I was happy to be heading to Spiaggia Grande Beach after. You actually might already know what beach I’m talking about. Hint: it’s easily spotted by the rows of blue and white striped umbrellas and is quite the iconic Positano capture. It was definitely busy, but we didn’t mind it. I will say the beach attendants will charge you for anything and everything! So we stayed here awhile and basked in the sunshine until we were both pretty golden. Even though we live near the beach, it’s rare we get to spend it together…so being here, surrounded by the hillside town, turquoise seas all under the Italian sun is incredibly refreshing on every account. But as the sun lowered, I started noticing how restless and fidgety my fiance was getting and the way he kept scanning the crowds of people (very suspicious lol!). Little did I know, this moment was about to change my life. Once he made eye contact with someone, he asked me to go on a walk with him and when I turned around he was on one knee proposing (promise to share more of our story!). By the way that mysterious someone was a local photographer he discreetly hired to capture our engagement photos (he knows me so well!).

After the proposal, we finished the day with dinner back at Le Sirenuse in the Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant where we were serenaded with Italian singers and guitar players. Wow. The entire atmosphere was unbelievable! Imagine an entire space lit with 400 candles and serving the most delectable dishes – we were so in love and over the moon with everything that has already happened.  

#unreal

Crop Top: (c/o) Stella & Amelia, custom Pants: (c/o) & Other Stories  Sandals: Zara, better quality here and here Earrings: (c/o) Lisi Lerch

The next few days were spent roaming Positano’s famous streets, getting so many steps in (because you have to walk a trillion steps up and down the hills here) and spent our last evening with drinks on the terrace and dinner at Zass at IL San Pietro. I’ll never forget how mesmerized I was by every interior touch, ceramic decor, alfresco corner accompanied by the twinkling Mediterranean Sea (getting even more inspired about my apartment refresh!). Pure bliss.

Crop Top: A.L.C., affordable version here Pants: Zara, better quality here and here Sandals: Miista

Up next: Ravello.

Dress: (c/o) Stella & Amelia, custom Bag: (c/o) Eric Javits  Sandals: Zara, better quality here and here

We arrived in the mesmerizing city of Ravello (city of music) at the Belmond Hotel Caruso where lunch was ready for us poolside – not a bad way to start a Monday! There were so many fun activities to choose from, I couldn’t decide, thankfully, Pete helped. Although, there was one thing I wanted to do and that was the lemon tour! Because when life gives you lemons…make limoncello like the Italians. *wink

Jumpsuit: Gal Meets Glam Hat: (c/o) Eric Javitz Wedges: Castaner Earrings: (c/o) Lisi Lerch Bag: (c/o) Indego Africa

Hiring a driver was also a huge tip, that is why we contacted Salvatore (a tip from Julia Engel’s blog, GalMeetsGlam) who drove us around the city in a dreamy, vintage Fiat Jolly with wicker seats. These cars were made specifically for commuting through the narrow roads in the Amalfi Coast and we could not have been happier with our experience! Salvatore was so cheerful, sweet and insightful throughout the entire ride. If you are planning a trip here, definitely look into booking Salvatore’s Fiat through his site – I have a feeling you will love it as much as we did!

During the rest of our time, in and out of rain storms, we explored Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo both historic properties turned hotels with impeccable interior details and cascading gardens overlooking the sea; timeless treasures. As we made our way back to the hotel, we visited Villa Margherita the latest addition to Belmond, which completely exudes the Mediterranean charm.

Dress: Rhode, also love this one and this one Sandals: Miista Hat: (c/o) Eric Javitz 

For our meals, we made it to some of the best restaurants, here’s what made our favorites’ list: Trattoria Da Cumpa’ Cosimo aka Mama’s Place, Rossellinis Restaurant at Palazzo Avino, Silver Moon, Taverna degli Apostoli and Belvedere Restaurant on our last evening here (back at our hotel). Safe to say, one of our hobbies was dining our way through town…the food is honestly on another level!

Complete in Capri.

First stop: Capri Tiberio Palace. It was so eclectic and captured all of Capri’s liveliness, I loved the encompassing history and splash of color combined. Once we were all checked in and settled, we left for La Fontelina. Picture blue and white comfy beach loungers sipping on espressos that later turned into rosé because we were there from pretty much sunrise to sunset. I even caught a little nap, but was awakened by a cold splash from my fiance, who was already diving in for the third time. Speaking of which, time totally escaped us. The atmosphere was so peaceful and for the first time in a very long time…I was able to disconnect and truly feel present.

Swimsuit: (c/o) Montce Hat: (c/o) Eric Javitz Earrings: (c/o) Tao Jewelry Company Pashmina: Bloomingdales

We spent the evening under a sky of hundreds of lemons at Da Paolino Restaurant where I wore this evening dress. The fragrance and ambiance here was pure magic. I only wish I had more days to go so we could dine here…every night!

After such a restful night, the next morning we rented a private boat (through here) and were ready to trek to the Blue Grotto. Pete was really excited about this, though I have never been through a sea cave before, I was looking forward to sharing this experience with him. We made it through, and saw how the sunlight illuminated the water from the side of the mountain. I was in complete awe of the striking, rich blue that filled the cave! I can’t believe that it has been known since the Roman times.

When we made it to shore we spent the remainder of the day shopping, which was something I was excited about. I also loved walking the streets of Capri in this linen look.

Tank: Zimmermann Midi Skirt: Zimmermann Sandals: Miista Sunglasses: (c/o) Givenchy

Then, it was time for our last meal in Capri (so bittersweet!), which was shared at JKitchen on an expansive panoramic terrace with a glass of wine in our hands overlooking the Bay of Naples. This was an absolute highlight for us! The food was outstanding and the new chef, at only 32, curated dishes that honestly swept us away. I have not had a dining experience like that in some time!

When day 9 came around, it meant we were nearing the end of our trip. Where did the time go? Even though it felt like we were here for awhile now, in the same breath, it also felt like we just got here and could stay longer. Sigh. We flew back to Rome to make it on our flight home. But first, we had to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, go out to dinner at Pianostrada (quite delicious!) and of course, grab some gelato and walk through Roma at night…because “when in Rome.”

I cannot wait to share my personal travel tips to the Amalfi Coast with you next…and yes, our engagement story, too!

Xo, Stephanie