Villa La Rondinaia in Ravello

Where?

Villa La Rondinaia is a sophisticated retreat, a priceless residence nestled in a cliff at 1.300 feet above the sea on the promontory of Ravello in the Amalfi Coast, at approx. 1-hour drive from Naples airport. Its name comes from the idea of creating a nest, like swallows – “Rondini” in Italian – would do in a hidden park of untold beauty.

Venue description

This enchanting villa was built at the beginning of the 20th century to please Lady Lucille, the daughter of Ernest William Becket, Lord Grimthorpe, who choose this park to create a private residence perched high on the cliffs and immersed in gardens with cypresses, palms and lemon, olive and chestnut trees. The access is through an avenue of trees among luxuriant vegetation that hides the villa till the very end of the panoramic path leading to the front door. The park is characterized by terraced gardens safely sheltered from indiscreet glances. Lady Lucille made it her own personal home and impressed her personality. Soon the villa became a centre of local cultural life, an irresistible destination for writers, artists, painters, luminaries and dignitaries who could delight in cultured discussions, concerts, plays and dances.

For over 33 years this villa was a place of refuge for the celebrated essayist, writer and dramatist Gore Vidal who purchased Villa La Rondinaia in 1972 and inspired by the beauty of this property wrote much of his work here. The villa was renovated to add all modern comforts and turned from a salon of intellectuals to a privileged refuge that gave hospitality to movie stars, directors, First Ladies, choreographers and contemporary writers and painters who loved and were inspired by the architecture and the splendour of the views of the Amalfi Coast. Nowadays the opportunity to organize an event without equal at La Rondinaia cannot be missed by the most discerning couples looking for a one-of-a-kind location for their wedding in Italy, a location that cannot be seen from a higher point of the promontory or the sea, that guarantees total exclusivity and privacy with no external guests or tourists around during the event.

Wedding ceremony and reception

The extensive grounds of La Rondinaia are an excellent choice for a splendid destination wedding on the Amalfi Coast. Rental fees vary according to the dates selected and are applied for groups of approx 100 guests. There are reductions for groups of less than 50 guests and extra fees for groups over 100 to a maximum of 200 guests.

Symbolic or Protestant ceremonies can be held in one of the terraces of the villa. Highly recommended is the romantic Terrazza delle Muse in a round shape which is suitable for groups of 80/100 guests and has gorgeous views over the sea. Civil and Catholic weddings take place in the centre of Ravello, within walking distance. A photo shooting in town will add some magical portraits to your photo album.

The Aperitif at La Rondinaia can be organized on the Pool Terrace, which is right above the Terrazza delle Muse and offers a nice and informal setting for the Open Bar, DJ set with tables, chairs and lounges or in the Terrazza degli Eventi, on the same level of the Terrazza delle Muse where a more formal atmosphere may be created with sofa sets, garden chairs and tables and elegant bars and buffets. Gala dinners are served in a third garden terrace called Giardino d'Inverno where a Crystal Greenhouse is available for a group of 100 guests and can be extended to accommodate larger groups up to 200 guests on round or imperial tables. The choice of areas depends on the number of guests attending.

All the mentioned areas share the same extraordinary view of the coastline and sea.

Other areas available for events: the Terrazza Belvedere, at the far end of the property, a semicircular terrace suitable to intimate dinners with 10/12 guests and the Terrazza Panoramica, on top of the Villa suitable for after-dinner parties with Open bar under a Patio and dancing with max 80 guests that can go over midnight thanks to the secluded position of the Villa facing the sea with no buildings around. The after-dinner party can begin by the pool but at midnight guests must be moved to the Terrazza Panoramica.

This is the only villa in Ravello where the wedding reception can be handled through the most renowned and rewarded catering companies, able to customize every proposal with creativity and mastery. Wedding menus include a cocktail hour with Prosecco, Spritz and fruit juices accompanied by a selection of finger food and canapes that can be organized by the pool. Menus have a starter, a first course with genuine local ingredients, a fish or meat main course with a side dish and an Italian wedding cake. White and red wines during dinner and sparkling wine with the cake are included. A list of courses and wines available will be provided to the couple.

Accommodation

Villa La Rondinaia has 6 bedrooms (2 Suites and 4 Deluxe) for 12 guests all with A/C and heating. Two extra beds can be added to two suites. Common areas are a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen other than the terraces and the pool. Moreover, it is possible to visit Gore Vidal's Studio, which is now a Museum hall available for guided tours, four fireplaces and a fully equipped kitchen.

Rooms open onto terraces with extraordinary views of the coastline and the grounds of the villa. One of the suites has a Jacuzzi carved into the rocks.

Buy out of minimum 3 nights is compulsory to plan a wedding at the villa. 

Open

April to October.