VILLA IRIS - CONCA DEI MARINI

6 Bedrooms

Location and Surrounding Area
Located on the Amalfi Coast,this marvelous seafront property is ideal for a large family or group of friends to use as a base to discover the wonders of the Amalfi Coastline. The tiny fishing village of Conca dei Marini is a coastal gem nestled in between Amalfi and the Furore Fjord and has become one of the Amalfi Coast's most exclusive retreats.It was an important part of the historical Maritime Republic of Amalfi and once boasted 27 galleons crewed by skilled sailors and experienced traders.

The houses here are typically Mediterranean with vaulted ceilings, whitewashed walls and lovely balconies overlooking the sea. The terraces are still cultivated today with lemons and another delicious local specialty, piennolo cherry tomatoes. These juicy tomatoes are tied into bunches immediately on picking and stored in the dark where they keep for up to a year. Their distinctive taste is due to the iodine-rich sea air and they are an essential ingredient in the village's legendary fish soup.

For a village with only a couple of hundred inhabitants, there is a lot to see. Conca dei Marini is perhaps most famous for its Emerald Cave, la Grotta dello Smeraldo. This 30-meter high, karst cave was discovered in 1932 by a local fisherman and is named after the shimmering green interior light as sunlight filters through the turquoise waters of the underwater entrance. The cave can be reached either by boat or via a set of picturesque steps.

Among the countless enchanting places to visit in the area, Ravello, Positano and Amalfi stand out for the first-time visitor. Sitting high in the hills above Amalfi, Ravello is famous for its gardens and stupendous views, the best in the world according to former resident Gore Vidal. Ravello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers unforgettable architecture and scenic beauty. The Cathedral and Villa Cimbrone are magnificent and a summer music festival is held each year in the gardens of the 13th century Villa Rufolo.

With a seeming maze of streets and staircases, Amalfi is a town best explored on foot. While Piazza Duomo and the main street are home to most of the town’s shops and restaurants, do spend some time wandering and exploring the quieter side streets, where you will find arched passageways, hidden gardens and tiny piazzas. The higgledy-piggledy, white-washed houses clustered up and down the winding steps, and sophisticated shops and restaurants all combine to create an exceptionally chic atmosphere.

Despite its mountainside setting, Praiano has always had a strong connection with the sea. Its ancient name likely derives from the Latin for “open sea” because the town sits on a cape along the Amalfi Coast. The town has long been known for fishing, including the production of nets, and later coral fishing. Evidence of the fishing tradition can be seen at the Marina di Praia beach, which is often covered with small wooden boats and heaps of fishing cages and nets.

Villa Iris is 64 km from Naples Capodichino International Airport and 291 km from Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Amalfi is 6 km from the villa, Praiano is 7 km, Positano is 10 km, Ravello is 13 km, Sorrento is 26 km, Pompeii is 38 km, Herculaneum is 53 km, Naples is 63 km. The villa is located in the center of Conca dei Marini, just 2 km away, where all the necessary services can be easily found.

The Property
Located in Conca dei Marini and overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Iris boasts a bright and airy atmosphere providing a perfect hideaway in one of the most celebrated destinations on the Amalfi Coast. Trapped between an infinite blue sky and azure sea, the spectacular cliff-top setting of the villa ensures superb panoramas. Offering a calm atmosphere, Villa Iris can accommodate up to twelve guests featuring six double bedrooms with en-suite bathroom spread over two floors.

Most of your time will probably be spent outside, splashing about in the panoramic swimming pool, which is nestled into the cliffside and overlooks the sea below. Otherwise, you can sit back and relax in the Jacuzzi or just soak up some Mediterranean sun on the comfortable sun decks. Offering a peaceful atmosphere and unparalleled views of the sea, the terrace is the perfect setting for romantic dinners and stargazing. The villa also features an exceptional outdoor heated Jacuzzi, which is available on request at an extra cost.

Flooded with natural light, Villa Iris boasts 500 square meters of accommodation on two floors. There is a spacious yet comfortable sitting room on the first floor and each floor has its own sunny balcony with breathtaking sea views. What could be better than an evening aperitif on the terrace while you watch the twinkling lights of the boats on the water? The dining area seats up to twelve guests and there is plenty of space for dining outside on the terraces if you prefer to feel the fresh breeze in your hair.

The main kitchen is on the first floor and is fully equipped with everything you might need for creating some deliciously authentic, local dishes. There is a smaller kitchen on the ground floor for any overflow or to make that early morning coffee in peace. You will also find a useful laundry room with washing machine on the first floor or you can choose to make the most of the available laundry service. Three bedrooms are on the ground floor and three are on the first floor, each with its own en-suite bathroom with shower.