Look any any photo of the Amalfi Coast and you’re liable to tell yourself it’s too beautiful to be true. From the crystal blue Tyrrhenian Sea to the undulating Lattari Mountains to the colorful buildings nestled within peaks and valleys, it’s a mythical place that leaves a permanent impression on anyone who visits. But instead of dreaming of the smell of the copious lemon groves (and Limoncello, of course), and the sound of crashing waves, start planning your next vacation.
Keep in mind that there’s no “perfect” place to stay in. If you asked a few previous travelers for their opinion, you’d probably receive a range of responses because choosing a town all comes down to personal preference and needs. For example, how important is location to you? Are you traveling with kids, elderly, or is it a romantic getaway? Are you into nightlife, the best beaches, or shopping? You get the picture.
While some visitors choose to stay in Salerno or Sorrento due to greater transportation options to surrounding areas, the following are the true towns of the Amalfi Coast. Read on to learn more about each of these charming respites so you can find the perfect home base and itinerary to match.
Studded with pastel houses and boasting breathtaking views, Positano remains one of the most popular towns on the coast — but don’t come here for the beaches. Pebbles replace the sand and many locations are privately run, only to be accessed for a fee. You will find, however, jet-setters and the glitterati (tourists, too) people-watching and socializing on the Spiaggia Grande, a long stretch of the waterfront that’s considered the nucleus of Positano’s dining and nightlife scene. Of course, with this ambiance also comes upscale accomodations — the priciest on the entire coast — like the legendary Le Sirenuse, for example. If you’re into chic resort wear, Positano is the place. It’s had a worldwide reputation for its ethereal beachy wares since the early 1900s. Keep in mind that Positano is known as the vertical town (read: ample steps), so it’s not the place for anyone who isn’t relatively physically fit or has difficulties walking.
For those looking for more of a quieter (and arguably more romantic) experience, look no further than Priano (“open sea”), an ancient fishing village and resort town that’s nestled between its more well-known neighbors, Positano and Amalfi. Once a holiday destination favored by first-century Roman emperors, Priano continues to be a relaxing respite for those lucky enough to know about it. No matter where you go in this charming Eden, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping vistas — many of which can be captured from the more budget-friendly accomodations in the area. The majority of its 2,000 residents work in the fishing industry, so rest assured you can enjoy a fresh seafood meal at one of the many cozy trattorias burrowed in the mountainside, or while catching the sea breeze on the waterfront. If you’re the active type, Priano is a perfect base for burning off your linguine con le vongole and vino on the famous Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Italy — if not the world.
If you’re not looking to hop from town to town, public transportation is not a need, you plan on spending a generous amount of time on the beach, hiking is on the agenda, or you’re on your honeymoon or romantic getaway, this small town is for you. Home to only a small handful of residents, you won’t find the same bustling scene here as in other towns. Perhaps the most touristy aspect of Conca dei Marini is the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto), a partially-submerged cave that boasts a mysterious green glow inside that’s caused by light filtration. If you’re not up for a tour, don’t worry — there are plenty of other sea caves you can explore on your own. Head up above the town to the Convent of Santa Rosa to see birthplace of the sfogliatella, an internationally-renowned Neapolitan dessert (a shell-shaped filled pastry) that was created by nuns in the 17th century.
The largest of the towns on the coast, Amalfi offers a little bit of something for everyone (from museums to historic churches to nature parks to beaches), so it can be a good choice for those who aren’t quite sure where they want to stay. Another appealing aspect is that it’s centrally located, making it easy to visit other locations via public transportation (from bus to ferry for places like Capri), or with your own car should you feel inclined to take a white knuckle drive on the notorious Amalfi Drive. While there are plenty of seaside dining options, don’t miss out on the incognito trattorias housed in a hidden alleyway or quiet, narrow street as they offer both charm and authenticity. As long as you’re in the area, pay a visit to Atrani, a small and charming cliffside town (the smallest in southern Italy) that shares the same beaches with Amalfi.
Perched atop a cliff and away from the coast, the tiny village of Ravello is still considered one of the most beautiful, thanks to its well-manicured gardens, ample villas (including Moorish-style Villa Rufolo, home to concerts in the summer), picturesque alleyways, and unapologetically exquisite views of the sea. While it has the elegance and class of Positano, you won’t find vibrant nightlife or crowds here — especially after the sun sets. It’s a peaceful location that is best enjoyed by those looking to decompress. The accommodations vary in price range, but many of the more luxe offerings are housed in private villas. If you’re looking for a treat while you’re in town, book a Mediterranean-inspired cooking class and lunch with Mamma Agata’s Kitchen. Agata formerly cooked for the likes of legendary movie stars like Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Elizabeth Taylor.
The two main draws in Maiori are its beach (the largest on the coast) and budget-friendly nature. It’s not as charming as other towns, but it’s also not as crowded and is a good destination for families who wish to keep their kids entertained without breaking the bank. This is not to say there aren’t other things to do and see aside from sunbathing. Maiori also has some magnificent ruins, to include the Villa Marittima Romana, one of the most influential Roman archaeological sites on the entire coast. The town has also been known for its pasta since the 16th century, so foodies can enjoy an authentic carb-heavy feast at the without having to worry about the cost or crowds.
Located just two miles from Salerno, the small town of Vietri sul Mare doesn’t necessarily cater to tourists — but that’s part of its charm. There aren’t a lot of accomodations right in town, but the ones that are on offer are a bargain without compromising quality or character. Vietri sul Mare is known for its vibrantly-colored earthenware pottery called majolica — you’ll literally see it everywhere around town — something to keep in mind if you want to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Zanzibar has long been one of our favorite destinations, but this year for the first time it has come out as #1 in the region, winning our Experts’ Choice Award for Best of Africa & the Middle East.
Zanzibar is rightfully renowned for its beaches. Vogue, in choosing Zanzibar for its list of top holiday destinations in 2019, says that the archipelago “boasts some of the most brilliant shores around, making it a dream-worthy holiday destination”.
We’ve been tracking a number of exciting new hotel openings in Zanzibar over the past couple years. The most talked-about is the Zuri Zanzibar, which consists of 55 thatched bungalows, among the most tasteful and well-appointed rooms on Zanzibar’s main island.
Zanzibar is more than white sand beaches, clear warm water and diverse marine life. Its culture, with Arabic, African, Persian and European influences, is also a unique attraction. It reaches the height of its expression in historic Stone Town, where the mosques, palaces, and bazaars have been built in an eclectic range of architectural styles.
In awarding Zanzibar the title of Best of Africa & the Middle East for 2019, we took into account trends in reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions throughout the region. As always, only expert reviews were taken into account: at TripExpert, we focus exclusively on reviews written by professionals for leading travel media.
“Los Angeles,” as Dorothy Parker said, “is 72 suburbs in search of a city.” Though it can be a bit far-flung, with traffic that would frazzle even long-term meditators, travelers and locals alike find unity in wellness and fitness activities. These destinations show that staying fit while traveling can be fun and affordable, while keeping you stress-free and centered throughout.
Mondrian Los Angeles Hotel
Tucked away in a discreet yet central part of West Hollywood, the Mondrian typifies L.A. chic. Rooms are spacious, with white, cream and glass accents serving an Alice in Wonderland theme. Views are spectacular from nearly every room, and the fitness center is state-of-the-art, with a gorgeous teak wood pool for those who want to get in their laps before grabbing a drink at Skybar. An air of whimsy continues with oversized mirrors and rain showers, not to mention bath products from Malin + Goetz. Though there’s no spa, in-house services can be arranged through the front desk, and Ivory on Sunset, the hotel’s restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many healthy options.
Visiting Los Angeles means visiting the beach, and all it has to offer. Santa Monica’s Viceroy delivers, with step-out balconies for all guest rooms (ask for one facing the ocean, though, since only about 25% of them do) and stunning Kelly Wearstler retro designs. Amenities include Egyptian cotton linens and Neil George bath products, not to mention floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool or ocean. The hotel’s in-house Cast restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create interesting and unique dishes, while the fitness options include personal trainers, poolside yoga and Pilates, as well as guided canyon hikes and surfing lessons. End the day at one of three nearby spas, with treatments galore.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
Set in the busy Sunset Strip area, The London West Hollywood caters to the entertainment business, especially the music scene, with mosaics, Berber carpeting and marble desks inviting visitors to cultivate their own inner rock star. A beautiful, well-maintained fitness center is accompanied by a sparkling pool and tennis courts to get the blood pumping, and off-site wellness choices include guest passes at nearby Aura Studio for yoga and TRX classes, or concierge-curated hikes in Runyon Canyon. The London West Hollywood is also dog-friendly, for those who wouldn’t think of leaving home without their pets, and offers in-room hair, nail and makeup services, so you can always put your best foot forward.
The Langham Huntington Pasadena
If you’re visiting Los Angeles near Rose Bowl season, look no further than the Langham Huntington Pasadena, which offers stylish navy and gold decorated rooms, flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi and Italian marble bathrooms. Larger cottages add patios and kitchens, in case you have special dietary needs and enjoy cooking, and one suite even has a baby grand piano, Jacuzzi and its own service entrance. Set on 23 acres of beautiful country estate, it’s perfect for long walks among the Spanish-style buildings, followed by a dip in the giant swimming pool. The Chuan Spa offers wellness treatments from high-tech skincare to Chinese medicinal massage. Several on-site restaurants offer hearty fare like steaks and burgers, or lighter dishes like dim sum and upscale California cuisine.
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles, or what locals call the Historic Core, was once a busy hub of commerce and entertainment. Thanks to redevelopment of new lofts, condos and artist spaces, it’s undergoing a renaissance. The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles was built in 1923, and retains its old-school glamour. Visitors may even recognize it from movies such as Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop, Bugsy and Chinatown. Though the lobby drips with opulence, the rooms are on the small side, but marble touches throughout make it worth exploring further. Have a custom cocktail in the period Gallery Bar, or take afternoon tea in the Rendezvous Court, with Spanish cathedral architecture and ornate carvings. But don’t miss the Art Deco-designed health club, with a stunning pool inlaid with original Roman tiles.
If you’re looking to splurge on some beachfront glamour, Santa Monica’s Casa del Mar is the place to see and be seen. Five-star accommodations come with amenities like Keurig coffeemakers in every room, sunken tubs and luxury bath items. Multiple restaurants focus on Mediterranean fare and fresh-catch seafood, while an everyday hotel bar becomes something special with an off-lobby wine tasting room, complete with sommelier. Though the fitness center is on the small side, it has basic cardio machines and free weights to get the job done, and the daily resort fee buys you access to classes ranging from beach boot camps to Pilates and yoga. Since the hotel is located steps from the boardwalk, walking, running, biking and rollerblading are all there for all your fitness needs.
The United Arab Emirates is no stranger to excess, with the world’s tallest building and a hotel that uses 24 carat gold as wallpaper. Glittering Dubai, the City of Superlatives, is in the spotlight more than Abu Dhabi, but anyone going to the UAE should make a point to spend at least one day in the country’s capital.
The 2019 Experts’ Choice winner for top attraction in Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which Frommer’s describes as having “enough marble, gold, and silver to make the Taj Mahal jealous.”
The massive building’s 82 domes, 1,096 pillars, and the largest floor mosaic in the world give Abu Dhabi bragging rights. What Travel + Leisure calls one of the country’s “most impressive and striking structures“ is certainly worth the one-and-a-half hour travel time from Dubai.
The mosque, which can hold 41,000 worshippers, offers free admission and free daily tours in a variety of languages. If you have small children, we recommend picking up free audio guides and seeing the building at your own pace. The group cultural tours are interesting but last more than an hour and are regimented.
Visiting hours are 9 am to 10 pm but Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an active place of worship so it’s important to note that the mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays, the Muslim holy day, until 4:30 pm. We recommend going at dusk to see the marble both reflecting the sun and illuminated at night. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and at the mosque, there’s clear signage in English, and staff is available to answer questions. The mosque receives 5.7 million people a year: 1.4 million worshippers and 3.4 million visitors so they understand visitors’ requirements.
There’s a separate entrance for women where attendants lend, again at no charge, loose hooded robes that fit easily over clothes. It is acceptable to wear usual Western warm-weather clothing in most circumstances in the UAE, but when entering a mosque both men and women must cover their extremities, women must cover their heads, and all must remove their shoes.
Since only 12 percent of the UAE’s 9.5 million residents are Emiratis and people from 200 countries call the UAE home, the country is open to other cultures and welcomes explaining theirs.
We think that this remarkable building should take its place among the world’s most notable houses of worship; worth a special trip to experience the awe-inspiring edifices man has created in tribute to God.
Just another WordPress site
