Our trek across the Amalfi Coast began in Ravello, the famed Italian village which is said to be the birthplace of the Jet Set, or la nascita del jet set. Back in the summer of 1962 Jacqueline Kennedy

and sister Lee Radziwill completely changed the future of this quiet Italian village when they lived at Villa Episcopio for 3 weeks, fully enjoying la dolce vita and the feast to the senses this coast offers. The world watched on in fascination, as she embraced this Italian way of life and a new style of European travel was launched.

For the first part of my trek with Mountain Trek we stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Avino,  which is nestled into the {still} quaint village of Ravello, high on the hills above the Mediterranean Sea. The Villa was originally built in the 12th century for a noble family.

It has changed hands over the decades and was even left abandoned back in the late 1900’s but it has always had this dramatic view of the fishing villages along the Mediterranean sea,1000 feet below.

Jackie loved the proximity to the sea and went to the salty waters each day to water ski {her favorite sport} and swim.

I arrived to the hotel early and as I was shown to my room I was told that lunch was being served at the Michelin starred Rossellinis restaurant below, talk about a room with a view!!

Believe me, it didn’t take long for me to settle in my room and then onto my tuffet at the front table of the terrace. As I listened to the birds sing and nibbled on the elegantly presented, flavorful local cuisine {most from the sea and the tiered farms in my view} and sipped a crisp, white local wine I was mesmerized by the scene in front of me. It seemed to be more of a painting because it was completely still, and the contrast of the craggy Alps as they dipped into the smooth Mediterranean seemed too dramatic to be real, not to mention the harmonies of blues as the sea met the sky and the white stripes of motor boats skimming by.

The hotel’s proximity to the charming village and town square enticed us to wander in,

While the ancient architecture, fruited grounds, tiled spa and beach front clubhouse encouraged us to remain on the grounds.

I can see why the relaxed charm, patina and sensory delights of this town brought such contentment to the first lady so many decades ago

and how it has captured the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries.

Whether you are staying close to home or traveling abroad, I hope you have a chance to fully enjoy all that the summer has to offer your senses.

Arrivederci jackie e grazie per aver condiviso il tuo stile e grazia.