Hotel Caruso

Ravello, Italy

All honeymoons have one thing in common, no matter where in the world you go: they encourage newly married couples to experience romance in ways unique and special, whether historic, elegant, simple, relaxed, and breathtaking or all of the above, as you'll find during a romantic escape to Italy's Mediterranean coast or the Greek islands.

Small mountainside towns with houses and shops line narrow cobblestone lanes, opening onto piazzas ringed with cafes. Seated at an outdoor table, your eyes follow a path to the blue Mediterranean below. Quiet, laid back, romantic this is the essence of life in the small towns of Italy's Amalfi Coast.

Ravello, my favorite Amalfi Coast town, seems to cascade down the mountain to the sea. The Hotel Caruso, situated at the top of the town, opened in 1893 with five rooms in a wing of the Marquis DAfflittos 11^th-century palace; the views, secluded location, food and wine have drawn a whos-who of nobility, writers, and movie stars for more than a century.

The Hotel Caruso has been completely updated, retaining its old-world architecture but now offering 50 rooms, most with sea views and terraces. Lay in the hotels infinity pool and you will feel like you are swimming in the clouds. The Belvedere Restaurant, offering the freshest selection of the day's catch, has the best views on the Amalfi Coast. Spend your days walking through the local vineyards or take a boat to the island of Capri, which sits just off the coast. Evenings can be spent strolling the streets of Ravello to find the perfect caf or restaurant.

East, past the famed city of Genoa and the port of Portofino, lies the small seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure. Set on the beautiful Gulf of Tigullio, the Grand Hotel Miramare offers honeymooners pure relaxation and the comforts of absolute luxury at "eSPAce," the hotels spa.

Just inland from the town is the Monte di Portofino Natural Park, which can be hiked with a guide or on your own. The nearby Villa Durazzo offers a glimpse of the 17^th century, and a concert in the palace is an opportunity not to miss. Deep-sea fishing, sailing, and swimming in the blue waters of the Mediterranean are joys for an afternoon. Dining is an Italian obsession, and I suggest trying one of the seaside restaurants in Santa Margherita. Stroll along the waterfront reading the menus and choose the one that excites your palate.

Greece, the cradle of western civilization, is a destination where history and luxury come together to embody the romance of the sea and the great epic poems of yore. The people of the Greek islands use the colors of the sea and land to paint their buildings, and blue, white and ochre tones set the stage for your arrival.

Crete, the fabled land visited in Homers The Odyssey, is the largest of the Aegean islands, and the ancient city of Knossos and many other remnants of the past dot the landscape. Mornings are best for exploring the island, including shopping and sampling village life.

Afterward, return to The Blue Palace Resort and Spa at Elounda for an afternoon spent lounging in your private villa pool. Dining is an event: for lunch, try the Blue Door for an authentic Greek Taverna experience. For a more private meal, take advantage of 24-hour room service: you can order from any of the resort's five restaurants.

The island of Santorini, 63 miles to the north of Crete, is the top of the cauldron of a slumbering volcano rising up from the Aegean. Some historians say that an eruption that blew much of the island away in antiquity also destroyed the ancient city of Atlantis.

Complete your Greek journey on a cliff high above the Aegean, home of the Kirini hotel, an all-suite Relais & Chateaux property near the town of Ia. This resort is really an oasis: linger and enjoy the spa and the wonderful cuisine of its Basilico Gourmet Restaurant or dine at one of the four tables of the The White Cave, with its spectacular views of the caldera.

Written by Kleon Howe