Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

take a tender ashore to its pristine beaches. Keep an eye out for the Medici’s stone watchtower, and the small grey-pink island of Montecristo. A visit to the Maddalena archipelago on the northeast coast of Sardinia and a stop near stunning Cala di Volpe requires disembarkation in fashionable Porto Cervo, while the Bay of Naples serves as a gateway to the striking Amalfi Coast, taking in the chic destinations of Capri and soaring Positano. Treat yourself to a pair of handmade bespoke Canfora Capri Sandals, favoured by Jackie Kennedy, before exploring the island’s whitewashed backstreets. Step aboard a culinary voyage at fresh seafood restaurant Aurora, or literary buffs can people watch in GrahamGreene’s favourite central square of La Piazzetta. Either way, be sure once back on board to take a tender to the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue due to sunlight passing through an underwater cave. A visit to Ponza, frequented by Jacques Cousteau, will deliver Michelin- starred eateries and Pilates Grottos - a complex of caves dug at sea level and dating back to the Romans. Beautiful ceramics, lacework and intarsio (marquetry items) can be found at the picturesque resort town of Sorrento, not to mention palate cleansing limoncello, made from freshly picked lemons from the citrus orchards that dot the land. To finish an Italian charter in style, however, run down to Stromboli to view the erupting volcano by night from the hot tub on the sun deck. “Truly one of the most magical experiences for guests is a dinner served in the evening shadow of Stromboli,” says Tripp Hock, Captain of 45m Heesen yacht Amore Mio. “Cruising to and from as the sun sets, while the intermittent pop of the eruptions sends hot red rocks and lava skyward is the ultimate, unusual backdrop. Invariably guests happily gaze for hours at the magma flowing down the mountainsides, watching the stars.” 1 8 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I