The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitetravel P erched on the clifftops of the Amalfi coastline in Sor - rento, Italy, the 187-year old Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria affords you views extending from the island of Procida across the Gulf to Naples and Mount Vesu- vius. Built on the ancient foundations of a villa designed for Emperor Augustus and famous amongst the stars, the hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a boutique spa and fascinating history. Just an hour’s drive from Naples, the hotel has been continuously run by the Fiorentino family since 1834. Here you will discover the preserved ashes of Pompeii, which gives you an insight into ancient Roman life in the once-thriving city, frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Recently, impressive discoveries were made in Regio V, an area of the archaeological park that yields several surprises, such as a fresco depicting an erotic scene from the Greek myth Leda and the Swan, found in an old upper-class townhouse. According to Greek mythology, Leda’s children included the beautiful Helen of Troy and the twins Castor and Pollux. The excavations now are the biggest in the last 50 years, and guests at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria can take advantage of the Campania Express. The excursion provides a comfortable 20-minute train journey from Sor - rento to the Pompeii archaeological site in southern Italy’s Campania region near the coast of the Bay of Naples from March to November. When you have finished exploring, the hotel offers a tour to a local mozzarella and tomato producer to discover the benefits of ingredients in traditional Italian recipes and learn how to pair the perfect wine with each dish. As you wander through vineyards and cellars, you will learn the ancient traditions of the winemakers. Once back at the hotel, the Head Sommelier will recommend the best wines to complement your evening meal at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Terrazza Bosquet. In a hotel that boasts 79 elegantly appointed rooms and suites that evoke a welcoming, residential ambience, the most romantic is the Avanti Suite. Here, everyone from King Edward VII of England to Jackie Kennedy and Julia Roberts has enjoyed la dolce vita. The hotel has hosted several films including the Billy Wilder movie Avanti star- ring Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills. The Avanti Suite is decorated with memorabilia, including stills autographed by Mills and evokes the timeless romanticism seen in the film. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. https://www.exvitt.it G rand H otel E xcelsior V ittoria Discover the Secrets of Pompeii on the Ultimate Romantic Italian Getaway Images courtesy of ASA Luxury