Sunday, December 20, 2015

Capri Boat Rental



Going to Capri or the Amalfi Coast for the holiday season is a fabulous idea! The coast is not just a summer destination, but a winter one as well. Staying in the city of Naples? You can still go sightseeing from a private boat...get picked up at the port in Naples and head to Capri and Positano. The sea is still very calm on many days throughout the winter months-the sun shines and the colors are vibrant. Your private captain will cruise the boat along the coastline to all of the villages, decorated for Christmas with their shops and markets. Enjoy the island of Capri- you will see the island as the locals see it, without the crowds of tourists. You will have the freedom to truly enjoy this wonderful coastline...through the eyes of a local. Contact us for more information: exclusivecruisesitaly@gmail.com
www.exclusivecruisescapri.com

Saturday, December 5, 2015

CONCA DEI MARINI & THE MONASTERO SANTA ROSA


CONCA DEI MARINI & THE MONASTERO SANTA ROSA




Conca Dei Marini is a lovely little fishing village of roughly 700 people, situated strategically between Amalfi and Positano in the Gulf of Salerno. Conca, as the village is dubbed, remains close to our hearts because Exclusive Cruises calls this their primary base during the summer months.


If you are traveling to the Amalfi Coast/Sorrento/Naples/Capri areas, do not miss a stop in Conca dei Marini. Simple beauty, extreme luxury, breathtaking views and out-of-this world cuisine, Conca  is a slice of paradise that has (luckily for locals and visitors alike) kept it’s old-world charm and values.

The locals of Conca are a close-knit community, sharing their homegrown crops, freshly caught fish, homemade liquors and much more. Since Conca is a “verticle town” there are many stairs and hidden walkways leading to tiny stucco homes, delicious smells of traditional cooking seeping out of every door, and fabulous views of Li Galli Islands, Capri and Praiano on one side, Amalfi, Maiori and Salerno on the other, and the Cilento Coast directly across the Mediterranean.

The beach in Conca (I call this my “happy place”) is a hidden gem all on it’s own. Rent a lounge chair and relax in the sunshine on the beach or the man-made solarium. The solarium has a wonderful breeze and always seems to maintain the perfect temperature. Swim in the turquoise water…. since Conca, (Conca means “shell” in English), is situated in a quiet inlet, the water is always clean and clear. Hungry? Choose from three delicious and genuine family operated restaurants on the beach for a full barefoot luxury experience.  It was on this beach that Jacqueline Kennedy chose to spend her days during the summer of 1962, at the private villa of Gianni Agnelli.  



If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, the five star, luxury hotel Monastero Santa Rosa sits high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, with an infinity pool stretching out to the horizon. This 17th century monastery was purchased by American Bianca Sharma, and completely restored- maintaining it’s original structure and style.  The story goes that Sharma first spotted the monastery while boating along the coastline! (People see much more while boating in this area, since many of the structures are actually built BELOW the windy Amalfi Drive.


            The nuns who lived within the monastery walls invented the famed Sfogliatella pastry, celebrated every year by the village of Conca with a big street party.

If you are planning a vacation to the Amalfi Coast, don’t overlook Conca Dei Marini as a base to stay; it truly is a peaceful inlet of serenity, culture and beauty.