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 17^th 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.

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.

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.

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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