Boating Along the Amalfi Coast

Guest Blogger: Michael Mammele 

“Does it get any better than this?” That’s what one of the guests asked yesterday as he laid on the back of a 38-foot Itama boat, with sunglasses on, beer in hand, and a massive smile on his face. No one answered him because no one needed to; the answer was clearly, “No, it does not.”

Yesterday I had the chance to embark along the Amalfi Coast on one of our boats for the first time, something I’ve been chomping at the bit to do since January, when I learned I had the opportunity to join the Exclusive Cruises team. 

There’s something special about being on boats that is almost impossible to describe. Maybe it’s the breeze blowing in all directions, or the drop in your stomach each time you catch a bit of wake, or perhaps the sound of the motor cutting through the water. I’ve always loved boating, growing up on the Long Island sound where it’s quite popular, but something I had never done elsewhere. 

With a family of four on the boat, I tried my best to appear like I was an expert of the coast on the outside, but on the inside I was giddy like a kid on Christmas morning. We drove along the coast from Salerno all the way to Capri, examining crumbling towers, five-star hotels, and the naturally made limestone arches and rocks that decorated the waterfront. 

We examined cavities and caves in cliffs, with Valeria listing the various facts and notable sights. Francesco drove us through arches of rocks in Capri and around the Li Galli Islands, and backed the boat into grottos so the guests could swim through the illuminated areas. I wanted to jump in with them so badly, but had to restrain myself from doing so, reminding myself that while this may be a vacation, work comes first. 

For lunch, we stopped in Nerano at a restaurant called Maria Grazia and ate dish after dish that led up to pasta with zucchini, and melted parmesan cheese. The restaurant laid on a gorgeous beach, with the sun shining and reflecting off the turquoise water, only adding to what was an all around unbelievable day. 

Songs by Bob Marley and Dave Matthews accompanied us on this nearly 7-hour day, only allowing for a more relaxing vibe on the boat. On the ride back Francesco drove slowly along the coast so the guests could take in each feature and sight. 

I’ve been on family trips to places like St. Marten and St. Thomas, and always envied the Americans I saw there who were able to leave the constant movement and hectic life of America to come work in a more mellowed-out place. I’ve even questioned if that sort of thing was really the right gig for me. I’m unbelievably lucky to have this opportunity, and be able to have days where I can spend hours on a 38 foot luxury boat, speeding along one of the most beautifully decorated places in the world. What blows my mind is that I’ve only been here for one week. Hopefully, my return to the United States doesn’t creep up too quickly, as I truly feel at home in this stunning area of Italy.

What is the Blue Grotto in Capri?

HISTORY:

Many people ask us to explain a bit more about the Blue Grotto-the history and what makes it is special. 

The history of the Blue Grotto dates back to the Roman times, when the Roman Emperor Tiberius allegedly used it as his private bath house during his retirement on the island. Ancient Roman statues were even found there! 

For years, the grotto was avoided by locals, thought to be cursed until a fisherman ventured in with German novelist and tourist August Kopisch. Kopisch subsequently included the Blue Grotto in his next novel,  Entdeckung der blauen Grotte auf der Insel Capri in 1838. Many people claim that after this novel was published, Capri and the Blue Grotto sprung into the limelight as a must-see destination. 

The Blue Grotto is now one of the most sought after sites on Capri. 

  

WHY IS IT SO BRIGHT?

The sunlight enters the cave through an opening located directly under the cave's mouth. This limits the amount of light that enters the cave at any given moment, causing the bright blue effect, which seeps through the rock crevices. 

VISITING:

• The grotto may close due to weather because if there are high waves they will cover the entrance of the cave.  
• Tickets cost €13, to be paid directly at the entrance
• Wait time can range anywhere between 1-2 hours and time in the cave is about 5 minutes
• Visiting the cave is optional and of course not required when purchasing a private speedboat cruise with Exclusive Cruises. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!

Savor the Sweetness of the Amalfi Lemon Groves

From Skyscrapers to Lemon Groves: Part 6 -

“Leaving behind my beloved New York skyscrapers has of course been a bit tart, but I prefer to savor the sweetness of the lemon groves”

The other day I brought a literal meaning to the title of my column, as I dove head first into the abundant lemon groves that ascend through the Amalfi Coast hills. I discovered that something called a Lemon Tour exists, created by the De Riso family here in Minori, Italy. This tour takes people up into the mountains to explore the paths and passageways of the groves high above the Mediterranean Sea.

View from the gardens in Scala, Italy

I brought along my 7 year old cousin Myriam to experience this adventure, as I thought it would be a special experience for her. The tour began very early in the morning, where we met Carlo De Riso, the mastermind behind the tour.

Climbing into a refurbished antique bus, we clambered up the mountains from Minori, through La Marmorata and into Scala and Pontone. It was a gorgeous morning and as we made our way up from the seafront into the dense gardens, the view of the sun rising over the sea created a serene glow. Scala is a small town situated above Minori and is one of the oldest communes on the coast. This is where we find fresh fruits, vegetables, and livestock.

With Myriam in the heart of the lemon groves. Notice the grapes hanging above our heads.

Once in the groves, we began our descent on foot, climbing down crumbling stairs, through soil and trees and under a canopy of lemons, figs, grapes, zucchini and tomatoes.  We trekked past pigs, horses, rabbits, and ducks. Cats scampered out from under our feet as we trudged along. It was cool and fresh and the smell of lemons filled the air and our noses.

The celebrated lemon groves: The lemons are folded under a wooden umbrella for protection from the wind and weather. They are supported by the wood which in turn allows them to grow larger.

Lemons are one of the most important crops cultivated on the Amalfi Coast. Years ago, during the depression, the cultivation of lemons was relied upon to feed and maintain large families. They are now a world renowned symbol of the coast, growing to be larger than grapefruits and being used in everything imaginable; from sweets to liquors, pastas, salads and even eaten alone, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The De Riso family has been in the lemon business since 1927. Each cousin has branched off into a specialty-desserts, liquors and distribution. The lemon tour was started last year and has been a success among tourists looking to see for themselves what all the lemon hype is about.

Carlo De Riso giving me a lesson on Amalfi Coast lemons.

One of the most beautiful parts of the tour was meeting the men that work in the gardens, picking and caring for the fruit every day. These men don’t do this work for the money but instead for the tradition and the culture-their love for the land and the importance of what it means for Italy and the coast. To me, that is raw and beautiful truth.

Two of the magicians behind the lemon cultivation…and their dog!

I learned that some of the different types of lemons cultivated on the Amalfi Coast are:

Verdello: Cultivated in September and October, they are round in shape and contain more of a green tint.

Zagora Bianca: Smaller in size and round in shape.

Sfusato: Generally longer and thinner in shape.

Primo Fiore: The most fragrant with more of an acidic juice.

We finally made it through the groves and down into the town of Pontone, where we sat in the shade and enjoyed slices of lemon cake, drank lemonade and munched on freshly picked lemons drizzled with olive oil and balsamic. From there we boarded the little bus back to Minori where we were able to get a glimpse of the De Riso lemon factory. Once in the factory,  the lemons are then converted into deliciousness (Limoncello, anyone?) and sent out to be sold and consumed.

Limoncello and lemon treats at the De Riso factory in Minori, Italy.

In all, leaving behind my beloved New York skyscrapers has of course been a bit tart, but I prefer to savor the sweetness of the lemon groves.

From Skyscrapers to Lemon Groves – Easter in Campania

The start of new Amalfi memories

Winter in the USA was unusually mild this year and I kept busy with personal styling and writing about Italian Fashion. Luckily I made it back to Italy just in time for Easter.

This Easter was especially exciting because it was my first Easter in Italy. I celebrated part of the holiday vacation in Minori, a village on the Amalfi Coast. We began the festivities on Good Friday, honoring Jesus’ death.  All the lights in the town were turned off and nothing but fiery torches and glowing candles lined the streets. My cousin and I respected the Good Friday tradition and didn’t eat meat that day. 

By the end of the day we were gathered in the streets with the rest of the townspeople, watching the procession, eating and socializing. The streets were vivacious and full of people laughing and greeting each other. My cousin who is also named Valeria, decided to buy a hot dog (not very Italian of her). As she held the hotdog in her hand, mouth open, about to take a big bite, her husband sauntered over. When he saw the hotdog in her hand, his eyes grew wide and he shrieked, “What are you doing, it’s Holy Friday, and you’re not supposed to eat meat!” We had completely forgotten with all the excitement going on around us. Imagine! She had gone the entire day without eating meat and was about to break the “fast” a few hours before midnight! We looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

Good Friday procession in Minori Italy

As the procession of white hooded believers paraded the Virgin Mary and the body of Jesus through the streets of this seaside village, I couldn’t help but feel a pride for the tradition and culture. The band played and the prayers were said over a microphone for all of us to hear.

After the procession came Holy Saturday, a day for rest and time with family.

Finally Easter Sunday arrived and I spent the day with my boyfriend’s family in Salerno. The holiday lasted well into the evening. We ate too much, talked too much, and had a fabulous time.

I was even able to bring the tradition of the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt to Italy, where my seven year old cousin, Myriam, was thrilled to learn about the concept of candy hidden in plastic Easter eggs….and presents from a rabbit. 

The Easter festivities don’t stop at Easter Sunday, however. Monday is a national holiday as well, called “Pasquetta”. Pasquetta is usually spent in the mountains or by the sea, amongst family and friends, and is another excuse to eat, drink and laugh too much. I was in Paestum experiencing a full emersion into this Italian tradition. Paestum, a town on the Cilento Coast, over an hour south of the Amalfi Coast. Paestum is known for its farmland- especially artichokes, mozzarella, and livestock, as well as Ancient Greek Temples.

Paestum and the ruins of the Temple of Athena

A Pasquetta Rainbow in Paestum

Easter seemed to be just the thing that was needed to bring life back to the Amalfi Coast after a long winter.  With tourist season beginning, the locals are busy preparing the coast for a long and beautiful summer… full of exciting things to write about.

Exclusive Cruises Teams Up With Voyage 'a la Carte To Form Premier Wedding and Event Services

America’s Cup World Series Naples, Italy

The World’s Best Sailors.  The World’s Fastest Boats.

The World’s Best Sailors.  The World’s Fastest Boats.This April the America’s Cup World Series 2012-2013 was held in Naples, Italy. Cheering fans poured into the streets and along the “lungo mare”, or sea wall, to celebrate the 9 teams racing their 45s catamarans.

I had the opportunity to represent Amalfi Coast yacht and speedboat charter companyExclusive Cruises and Italy’s premier international catering and event planning agency In Tavola S.p.A  while in Club45, the official lounge of the famous Oracle team USA. The lounge was situated directly on the Gulf of Naples with a clear view of Mergellina port, Mount Vesuvius, the Castle dell’Ovo and of course the immense sailboats racing to the finish line. The actual Cup is the oldest trophy in sport, dating all the way back to 1851.

America’s Cup is comprised of nine teams with five crew members and a guest racer. The race consists of 15-20 minutes of the sailboats racing to stay within boundaries, between their opponents and the turning marks, despite shifts in wind direction and speed. Throughout this, the guest racer sits silently on a netting behind the rear cross bar.

The idea of a guest racer is perhaps an idea to market the Cup more strongly, as rumors swirl that the Cup has an image problem…the majority of the fans and people involved are extremely wealthy and largely out of site, participating in a sport with a set of rules that is not always easy for the general public to grasp.

While in Club45, I was lucky enough to meet one of these guest racers, Dr. Ray Tesi, who recounted his experience to me while he was a guest on the Red Bull catamaran.

“We are literally flying. With this big sail flying, I am 15 feet off the water on the flying hull on the high side. The power of the sails is impalpable. I think I saw 26 knots. There is a moment of peace while we chase the fleet to the next mark. I am able to look around at the beauty of the bay, the city of Naples tumbling up the hillside. Mt. Vesuvius and the island of Capri are in the distance. What a day, what a setting, what a ride. I was getting comfortable moving across my 18 inches of real estate…”

City of Naples

Aside from the guest racer, some of the biggest names in the world capitalized on the race for marketing purposes. Nespresso was the official coffee of the event while Puma and Louis Vuitton were official partners.

In summary, America’s Cup World Series was a silky mix of big name luxury brands, the most talented international, an elite crowd of guests and the city of Naples-one of the most beautifully unique and romantic backdrops in the world.

Watching America’s Cup…overlooking the Bay of Naples

Going to Italy is Always a Good Idea

Going to Italy is always a good idea

Private Charters with Exclusive Cruises Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia, Naples, Sorrento and the Cilento Coast Many of you have worked with me in the past when planning a luxury, private, group trip or special event for your clients on the Amalfi Coast. I am happy to announce that I am now Communications Director for Exclusive Cruises. We live life the Italian way- full of love, laughter and passion. We run Exclusive Cruises the American way- with precision, professionalism and attention to detail. We find the perfect balance between the two cultures and I am proud to represent Exclusive Cruises. Please contact me directly and I am happy to provide details, boat and excursion information.

I caught the sunset while on Li Galli Islands, off the coast of Positano The Rio Blu,our 32 foot speedboat. Modern, safe and fuel efficiant, it is ideal for a cruise around Capri. Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

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