The thought of a 3.45am wake up call was less than appealing
but experiencing the dawn concert at The Ravello Music Festival has
been on my bucket list for a long time so I ‘leapt’out of bed and headed for
Gatwick in the dark, wee small hours.
Travelling Business Class is of course so much more
civilised and the three hour flight whizzed by as I caught up on the inbox,
making the most of some blissful, uninterrupted time.
On arrival in Naples, along with half the population of Tel
Aviv it seemed, I was thrilled to see the Palazzo Avino driver with my name
board. He whizzed me through the crowds and we were soon on our way to paradise
on the Amalfi Coast!
After a warm welcome by Mariella Avino and her team, I
headed for lunch on the Belvedere Terrace where my early alarm call and the
Autumnal August weather became a distant memory as I soaked up the iconic view
in the sunshine.
There is nothing quite like that first glass of prosecco when
you arrive in the Mediterranean. I inhaled deeply, acknowledging how lucky I
am.
On entering my room, a deluxe sea view, I pinched myself !
It doesn't matter how much I travel I am still very conscious of the fact that
to experience places like Palazzo Avino is a privilege. Resisting the urge to
just collapse onto the frette linen bedding , I quickly changed and made my way
to the pool. It was lovely to hear so many different languages being
spoken by the mixed clientele Italian , Russian , American and English and I
spent a leisurely Wednesday embracing the rugged coastline, once again in total
awe of the vista before me.
I dined at Villa Maria in Ravello that evening which has
stunning views. They also run an excellent cookery course but make sure you go
hungry and do not have lunch beforehand as we did, as you will savour the
results of your hard work afterwards on their lovely terrace.
On Thursday morning I slept late and of course enjoyed the
wonderful breakfast on the terrace at Palazzo Avino . Can anyone tell me why
fresh fruit tastes so good in the Med? Every year I try to prepare a fresh
fruit platter for breakfast at home during summer months, but it's just not the
same.
The rest of the day was spent doing exactly what I had
planned to do…nothing! A leisurely spot of sunbathing by the pool, a wander
into Ravello (without sinning at the linen shop!), finishing off with delicious
grilled sea bass and vegetables at the hotel's Terrazzo Belvedere. It's
interesting how traveling solo on holiday can actually feel perfectly
comfortable . It was a first for me (and to be honest not without some
trepidation) but I need’nt have worried. Perhaps it was because they all know
me, but there was another single lady who actually stays at Palazzo Avino twice
a year on her own and never thinks twice about it. In an ideal world though,
the Amalfi coast is made for sharing!
Friday arrived bringing the highlight of my trip. The
Concerto d'Allba ( dawn concert ) takes place every year on August 11th as part
of the Ravello Music Festival ( July - Sept). Another 3.50 am wake up call! I
got dressed excitedly and headed for the piazza .
You cannot believe how lively it was at 4.15 am with
crowds of well dressed, glamorous concert goers, chatting animatedly
whilst ordering much needed expresso from the cafe which had opened early for
the occasion. At 4.30am we entered Villa Rufolo, which in itself is an
enchanting experience, and took our seats. It was completely dark when the
concert started. We sat in anticipation as the orchestra took their seats and
warmed up until Antonello Venditti entered the stage to rapturous applause
.
It's hard to explain how spectacular this performance was,
but let's just say it lived up to my every expectation. I would highly
recommend it and ticket prices are around 60 Euro so very reasonable, though
obviously hard to come by unless of course you know Antonio Ferrera , Front
Office Manager at Palazzo Avino since 1997. When it comes to getting things
done, Antonio is a magician! I have the greatest respect for him and his
knowledge and passion for the area. Simply unequalled!
What does one do after such an extravaganza when it's still
not even 7am ! I tried in vain to go back to sleep - how could I ?
I decided to go to Amalfi but have to say it was so crowded
and hot that I made a speedy retreat back to " The Pink Palace". It's
just like coming home. As I write this, I am flying back after three wondrous
nights and the kind of special memories that will stay with me for a very long
time .
I consider my bucket list well
and truly ticked. Now, what’s next…
