12th may 2025, by Susy Pepe
There was a dreamlike stillness in the air on Monday 5 May in Ravello, as Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, officially unveiled La Piscina – A Caruso Pool Club, its exclusive private pool club on the Amalfi Coast. It was an event steeped in understated elegance and coastal ease, unfolding under a soft blanket of clouds that seemed to lift guests above the mountaintops into another realm.
Welcoming guests with the warm, unmistakable hospitality that defines the Costa d’Amalfi were General Manager Iolanda Mansi and Communication Manager Emilia Filocamo. After a stroll through the hotel’s fragrant terraced gardens – this former 13th-century convent perched between sky and sea – guests arrived at the show-stopping centrepiece: the infinity pool, a breathtaking sight shimmering like a living jewel, blending the sky’s azure with the endless expanse of the Mediterranean.
To mark the reopening of this iconic pool, suspended above the Authentic Amalfi Coast, Christian Boyens, Vice President of Belmond, officially opened the evening and kicked off the live music. Setting the tone was Beatrice Grannò – singer and actress best known as Mia from the second season of The White Lotus – who gave a soulful live performance to open the night. As the evening unfolded, the vibe shifted into full Dolce Vita mode, with an all-out dance party led by Cat Poulaine at the decks.
The dress code? Pool party chic with a playful twist.
The mood? A refined blend of international flair, lighthearted charm and Mediterranean allure.
With mellow music, signature cocktails and carefree smiles, La Piscina revealed itself as the perfect harmony of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. It’s here that Belmond’s summer 2025 comes to life, with a calendar of curated events promising moments to remember, infused with creativity, wellbeing and style. The setting itself is a celebration of southern Italian craftsmanship: warm-toned fabrics by Livio de Simone, hand-painted ceramics, and thoughtful details that reflect the Campania region’s most authentic soul. Cushions, loungers and umbrellas bring a touch of ‘60s glamour to this sun-soaked sanctuary.
“This is more than just a pool,” notes Iolanda Mansi, General Manager. “La Piscina is an experience to savour at dawn and dusk – a creative hideaway where slowing down becomes an art. Open until 26 October, it’s reserved for hotel guests but also welcomes anyone looking to treat themselves to a truly unforgettable day. The design blends modern lines with decorative elements from the original 11th-century palace. Two private cabanas, overlooking the Dragon Valley and the village of Scala, offer the ultimate escape, with dedicated service, local sparkling wine, and wellness treatments among lemon trees and pine groves.”
And it was precisely among these Mediterranean scents that Executive Chef Armando Aristarco cast his culinary spell at the opening party, enchanting guests with a tasting journey between land and sea. His refined take on Campanian tradition began with humble luxury: a live-prepared pasta e patate (pasta with potatoes), a beloved classic from Naples, served poolside with theatrical flair. In striking contrast came a decadent pasta salad elevated with bottarga and caviar, a bold reinterpretation that transported palates to new heights of indulgence.
Adding to the culinary crescendo was a selection of pizzas designed to impress: starting from the simple beauty of a margherita and building towards daring, lavish creations like truffle pizza, pure Caruso style, where elevated flavours meet rooted identity.
The drinks list was just as thoughtfully curated, beginning with a Limoncello Spritz crafted with sfusato amalfitano, the golden citrus of the Amalfi Coast, as a tribute to local tradition. Among the alcohol-free options, one tropical twist stood out: a refreshingly original mix of coconut water, fresh lemonade, basil and a dash of spirulina, a feel-good blend both unexpected and utterly delicious.
In true Italian holiday spirit, La Piscina becomes a refuge and a stage, a garden for leisurely relaxation and a theatre for slow-burning emotions. A place where, between a midnight swim and a communal plate of spaghetti, guests rediscover the joy of simple things, beautifully done and shared in style.
The events calendar promises a rich, immersive season. It all kicks off with the Ditirambo evenings (11 June, 2 July, 9 August), which celebrate Cilento traditions through live music, food tastings and cultural storytelling. There’s also moonlight cinema, late-night swims, bartender showcases with midnight spaghetti, sunrise yoga and much more.
The crowning moment of the evening?
A show-stopping cake-cutting ceremony by the pool, where a lifebuoy-shaped cake – with La Piscina proudly scripted at its centre – was sliced by Iolanda Mansi alongside Christian Boyens, Vice President Belmond. A sweet ending to an unforgettable night, poised to launch a summer season filled with style, serenity and a touch of the divine.
