Destination Expert

Belinda Collins

I was born in the UK and have always loved travelling. I went to Italy in my late 20's on holiday to Positano, where I fell in love with both the country and my favourite person. I couldn't do my city job in Positano, so I started by teaching English to the locals, and then when my son was born I was lucky enough to get the job at CV Villas, which I've now been doing for over 20 years, and I've loved every moment of it. I starting by visiting all the clients, and then went on to manage the Exclusive Resorts and Inspirato programme in my area. I have made so many amazing lifetime friendships with colleagues and clients - and so many unforgettable memories. I love everything about Italy - particularly the great food - and even its crazy bureaucratic systems, the fact that they can't queue, and that they're always late! It is my home where I have my Italian family. I feel blessed to have lived my life amongst two cultures that are so different.

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Destination Expert

Belinda Collins

I was born in the UK and have always loved travelling. I went to Italy in my late 20's on holiday to Positano, where I fell in love with both the country and my favourite person. I couldn't do my city job in Positano, so I started by teaching English to the locals, and then when my son was born I was lucky enough to get the job at CV Villas, which I've now been doing for over 20 years, and I've loved every moment of it. I starting by visiting all the clients, and then went on to manage the Exclusive Resorts and Inspirato programme in my area. I have made so many amazing lifetime friendships with colleagues and clients - and so many unforgettable memories. I love everything about Italy - particularly the great food - and even its crazy bureaucratic systems, the fact that they can't queue, and that they're always late! It is my home where I have my Italian family. I feel blessed to have lived my life amongst two cultures that are so different.

Describe the perfect day in your destination?

A boat day cruising along the Amalfi Coast, seeing the spectacular coastline from the sea, stopping to swim in the water and visiting the caves, going on the boat to Capri and seeing the island from the sea, and then visiting the island for a few hours or having lunch at one of the amazing restaurants in Nerano - famous for it's spaghetti with courgette.

What are your top travel tips for your destination?

Come prepared to eat lots, as everything is so delicious! There are great local wines and wineries, all offering wine tasting. Cooking classes are the real trend this year but I would recommend going to the authentic Italian mamma ones that you can still find around. Enjoy a holiday filled with culture and sunshine and make sure you pack flat shoes - NO heels needed!

What local cuisine would you recommend to people staying in your destination?

Everything is truly delicious, but the musts include Caprese (fresh tomato and mozzarella), Spaghetti a vongole (spaghetti with clams), and parmiggiana (baked aubergine) pizza!

What experiences would you recommend to our customers in your destination?

A boat day to Capri, an excursion to Amalfi and Ravello, a visit to the ruins of Pompeii, enjoying a pizza in Naples, going on a hike along the Path of the Gods, and watching the sunset whilst having dinner in Nocelle!