IWC JOURNAL: From the Tuscan sun to the Amalfi Coast

Sarah-Louise and Christopher return to Italy for an adventurous road trip from the magical landscapes of Tuscany to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Many years ago, we made a promise to visit Italy at least once a year, a destination that has fast become our second home in Europe. There is something familiar, friendly, and enchanting about this country. The cadence of the language, the delicious fresh food and the family orientated ethos can be found everywhere — yet the culture and scenery differ from one town to the next. Italy immediately draws you in, with its everchanging landscapes, rich history and big heart.

This year, we decided to begin our adventure in the region of Tuscany, and make our way south to the iconic Amalfi Coast. An Italian road trip, what could be better?

— Sarah-Louise and Christopher at Borgo Santo Pietro

Sarah-Louise at Le Sirenuse

Christopher at Borgo Santo Pietro

The heart of Tuscany

We touched down in Pisa and set off through the sprawling green Tuscan countryside, already in awe of its breath-taking beauty. Our first stop was a bucket list moment for us, the inimitable Borgo Santo Pietro, a hotel we’d been dreaming of visiting for years. The entrance was nothing short of mesmerising, we were immediately taken back by its majestic tree lined driveway. What a welcome.

Owned by Jeanette and Claus Thottrup, Borgo Santo Pietro is an exquisite boutique hotel in a lovingly converted 13th century villa in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. The design and attention to detail is spot on, with each element tailored towards relaxation and romance — elegant and opulent, but understated and comforting, it truly feels like home.

True to its reputation for excellence, the food at Borgo Santo Pietro is also exceptional. Breakfast is served in the open-plan kitchen beside a crackling fire, and at Michelin Star Meo Modo, chef Giovanni Di Giorgio serves up an earth to plate experience, inspired by the estate harvested produce. An incredible 90% of the hotel’s produce is grown on site or sourced from local farms.

Life in Italy, is a combination of magic and pasta.

— Breakfast at Le Sirenuse

Destination Amalfi

After a tranquil few days, we hit the road and headed south along the coast to Positano. There is something indescribable about the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, it is unlike anywhere else in the world. John Steinbeck said it best: “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”

Our home for a few nights was the timeless and world renowned Le Sirenuse, a glamourous residence perched on a cliff edge in the heart of Positano. It has a sense of old-world glamour, “if the walls could talk” they would tell a thousand stories. A glance down at our IWC Portofino, and it was time for some food. When in Positano, a visit to Da Vincenzo for grilled langoustine and the homemade ragu pasta is a must. The pizza at Il Capitano is unrivalled and for true romance, start with sundowners on the terrace at Le Sirenuse followed by dinner at Michelin starred La Sponda.

Our third and final stop was along the coast in the charming town of Ravello, the legendary Belmond Hotel Caruso. Set on a cliff edge 1,000ft above sea level, the Caruso is your private balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast. There is no better place to swim than the Caruso’s dramatic infinity pool, its blue waters merge with the sea and sky to a mesmerising effect. The hotel is immaculately decorated, featuring classic touches and warm tones, and the food and service is outstanding.

Want to know where we’ll head to next? Follow the @iwcjournal to find out. #AdventureswithIWC

— Christopher at Belmond Hotel Caruso

Sarah-Louise Marks and Christopher Phelps run the popular travel blog “The Adventures of Us”. The London-based couple are sharing their breathtaking escapes on The Journal in a special travel series.