Le Officine di Villa Giusso In Vico equense

This is an unbelievably beautiful and special place. It is rustic in all the right ways and extremely welcoming. It is a little out of the way to get to, and you will want the smallest car possible!

I'll sum it up in a few words: it's a breathtaking location. For my photography studio it's always a pleasure to be able to create wedding services in Astapiana. The spaces are truly immense and vary from the grove with the belvedere to the interiors of the farmhouse. Without forgetting the rooms, cared for and kept in a timeless period atmosphere. The staff, led by the maitre Domenico and the owner, Mrs. Giovanna, is very attentive and fast, organized in a Swiss way and this can only be a joy for a photographer. At the same time, all the dishes, from the aperitif buffet to the desserts, are finger-licking good. I always recommend trying the cured meats and mozzarella made on the spot: they are a delight. The panoramic colonnade calls for spectacular photos and, in summer, the pergola is the dinner area. It will be a pleasure to return for future occasions with my staff.

Mamma mia, we are back from Villa Giusso and I simply can't take it out from my mind and heart. This place is a completely magical blend of history, charm, nature, beauty and hospitality. Who would believe that in the middle of the posh area of Amalfi coast, with its glitter and excitement, reigns on the hill a place of miracle and peace? The old world looks with indulgence at the new world unfolding at its feet. Everything is unique at Villa Giusso: the old monastery with a rich history, the owners story, once one of the richest and noble families of Napoli, the location watching over the golf and the Vesuvius, the greenery of the domain with the healing olive trees, the little pool seated almost up in the skies, with a breathtaking view, the original majolica tiles kitchen, the absolutely interesting museum in the attic's and not last, the special rooms furnished with many original but comfortable pieces of antique furniture. Every evening the dinner in the old kitchen, together with the italian family and the other guests was a delight. The ladies from the village cooked us delicious italian dishes, with fresh ingredients from the farm belonging to the Masseria. We were lucky to share the place with two lovely German families with whom we instantly clicked and spend joyful meals and after drinks plus an extraordinary domain walk. We hope to meet them again in Germany or Romania. The place is a true wonder but the condiment giving the aroma is Mrs Erminia, one of the two owning sisters, who took care of us. Rarely I meet somebody so attentive to its guests, she immediately feels if you need something and gracefully finds a solution. I still have her beautiful and cheerful laugh in my head as I see her leading us through the olive trees like a fairy spreading around joy and energy. You can see she is a genuine and caring person. We left the villa on our motorcycles in strong rainy conditions and she gave us her number to message upon safely arriving at the ferryboat so she knows we are well. She touched our hearts completely. PS. Cannot end without mentioning the lovely Roxy the dog, which we all adored. Watching her sleep and snoring by the fireplace was pure joy. Dear Villa Giusso, we can't wait to come back to you...not only because one of our favorite movies by Sorrentino was filmed here (that's how we've discovered you) but because you are a true gem, a rare find in this superficial world. Thank you!

Unbelievable place! The building is a 500 year old structure that used to be a monastery. Amazing architecture, with even original elements still well kept and used till today. Nice spacious rooms with all the necessities to make a quick lunch. Don't forget to ask the owner for a tour of the property where you can see all the places and also the small 'museum' with some interesting objects of her ancestor's everyday life. Definitely worth visiting and staying there.

Wow ... a truly special place to stay. A sprawling hillside location just 35 mins drive from Pompeii and Naples one way and Sorrento (30min) Amalfi (90 mins) the other. Erminia (Yes a real Italian Countess) is truly a fantastic, smiling, helpful host. The rooms are beautiful, clean and have everything you need including bags of character. This is a true antidote to Euro hotels. From Limoncello spritz on the sunny balcony overlooking Naples bay and Vesuvius. Stunning sunsets. To healthy, hearty, out of this world meals at shared tables with other guests, made from amazing local ingredients (including plenty of veggie options)... at 35 euros pp including a generous few glasses of wine. Make sure you chill in the gardens, ask Erminia for the tour, and make some new friends by chatting to other guests. The road up is 20 minutes of narrow (VERY narrow) winding road, which takes a confident driver, especially when the bus is coming the other way. You could prob get a taxi from the railway station at Meta (which is on direct line to Naples) BUT the winding roads mean that could take 30 mins easily. There are some great walks from here, if you head further up into the hills. Also worth noting that car travel anywhere around here, to Amalfi, Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii etc involves narrow winding roads with over excited horn hooting (in a friendly way) locals. And traffic is very heavy even when we travelled in October.