Traveler: Aytül Ayke Fıratoğlu – Communication Manager for Louis Vuitton Turkey
When did you escape? Last June; it was the first escape of this summer and I loved it!
What was the purpose of your travel? I spend most of my holidays in Italy – whether by the sea or in the middle of beautiful Tuscany. I love the good vibes of Italian people, their relaxed culture and of course drinking prosecco while the sun goes down.
With how many people did you travel? Of my nearest and dearest managed to come together at the same time from South of France, Venice, London and me from İstanbul! It was a family trip with my beloved ones.
Where did you stay? We stayed on a boat and it’s one of my favorite types of holiday. I love sleeping at sea, under the stars and waking up very early in the morning while on a boat.
What did (do) you most like about the trip? I’m obsessed with tiles and every little corner on the Amalfi Coast is a tile paradise. I love to see magical Italian ceramics all around – they make me feel like I am in a colorful daydream together with the wonderful scent of lemon everywhere.
Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? I experienced a tornado for the first time in my life on our first night in Naples during the summer afternoon. There was torrential rain the whole night afterwards but it still didn’t stop us from having fun and toasting our champagne glasses while listening to lovely music on the boat. Global warming or cooling, not sure how best to describe it, managed to give us an unforgettable memory.
Your most surprising find during the trip? Cabana is a new authentic store in Capri. The store was opened by gracious New Yorker living in London with an exceptional taste in fashion. This store is one of those rare finds where I can buy anything she chooses. There’s an exquisite selection from kaftan jackets to home accessories, each item carefully chosen with an artisanal touch from around the world. This is the place for contemporary Jackie O’s…
Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip? I plan my restaurant reservations sometimes before the hotels. It’s true! My phone is full of restaurant notes in different cities around the world, even in cities that I haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Ristorante La Favorita-O’ Parrucchiano in Sorrento is like a monument that has been protected so well and its charm which dates back to the 19th century still exists. Blooming lemon trees meet Mediterranean culinary delights here – What more could I ask for? Da Bruno in Positano is another food gem. When the waiter told us to eat pasta with bread, we thought he was teasing. But no! If you eat “spaghetti di mare” in Bruno, you need bread to finish the sauce.. I did it!! Ristorante Da Paolino doesn’t need any explanation. Those lemon trees and table settings with bougainvillea arrangements make me so happy… I don’t even need any food in Da Paolino.
What is the must tries of the city? We visited Naples, Sorrento, Capri, Positano and Amalfi this time and each has its own must tries. For some culture, and if you’re lucky enough enough like us, you should catch a nice concert in Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. Hotel Bellevue Syrene with a view of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius in the background in Sorrento and has the best bellini – their barman can compete with the infamous ones at Harry’s Bar in Venice. At least for me! No Capri trip can be complete without Fontelina Beach Club surrounded by the Faraglioni rocks and no Positano trip can be complete without Da Adolfo Beach. Positano means sunset and San Pietro Hotel is the ultimate definition of how to live in “dolce vita” style…
Any hidden gems you could whisper to us? Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano has a luxurious collection of fragrances with different flavors of the Italian coasts. Those looking for exceptional scents shouldn’t miss the little boutique across the hotel. Michele Pagano Capri Interiors has a great selection of furniture and home accessories. If you want to carry some Caprese style into your home, it might be the best address. There’s a no name store, in fact it might have one but I don’t remember, in Marina Grande right next to the market which sells super chic beachwear at affordable prices. But you have to be passionate to pick your style in a store full of unnecessary clothing.
If you go to Amalfi don’t miss 1830 born Pasticceria Andrea Pansa. And Maison La Minervetta suggested us one of the most local pizzerias in Sorrento; Da Franco. If you’re not allergic to plastic forks and knives, you’ll have a chance to eat one of the best pizzas in your life in this casual place.
Would you go back? As soon as possible!
Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with? These can be anything from traditional finds to airport finds to hotel creams!
We’ve got a glorious Spice Market in our city but I’ve to admit that I find the best spice mixes in Italy. I returned back home with dozens of packages of spices; from Arrabbiata mix to truffled salt. I looked around to find best ceramic plates and found the most beautiful ones in a tiny store in Amalfi.
Any tips that might be useful to know before going there? You don’t need any heels on the Amalfi Coast. But it’s the best place to enjoy your light and chic outfits that you’ve bought from the latest Cruise and Summer collections. White can form the basis of your wardrobe with touches of gold, pink or lavender…
Next stop you would like to visit? My next stop is Berlin… I missed the city so much! I’ll visit it for the first time in 6 years, I’m so excited…
Aytül Ayke Fıratoğlu
Communication Manager
