Reviews of Villa Gioia

Beautiful home with a breathtaking view

September 2023 - Beautiful home and pool. Comfortable beds. Spacious. The view from the villa is breathtaking.

We had a wonderful holiday

September 2022 - Villa Gioia was fabulous. We had a wonderful holiday.

Mircea and Rodica really were the icing on the cake! Mircea was the kindest, most helpful caretaker you could have wished for and Rodica's cooking was superb.

The best vacation we ever had

July 2022 - We had three generations at Villa Gioia. We all said it was the best vacation we ever had. Our group of ten including 4 children ages 10, 8, 8 and 5 all said there was nothing they would change. It is the only vacation I have ever been on that I was truly sad to leave. We definitely want to go back.

Many times we hiked, we walked to Ravello, but every afternoon we returned to Villa Gioia and sat on the deck, some of us went swimming in the huge wonderful pool. We thought we wanted dinner at the villa every other night, looking back we had dinner at the villa every night, but two.

Rodica is a fabulous cook and Mircea made sure everyone was happy. One of our group is gluten free and Rodica easily made his dinner happen. It was delicious! We are thinking of when we can go back. Transportation in Amalfi area is challenging, but nothing was too much trouble for Mircea and he has a big Mercedes van that could handle all of us. We were a little "tight" - so he had to make multiple trips to the airport, but from the house to pick us up in Amalfi or Minori, etc. Was never a problem. Keep Rodica and Mircea happy :) They are beyond wonderful.

Summer In Italy, Luca and Klint, answered my many questions about transportation, chartering a boat, cooking and the house. All of the questions were promptly answered. The best advice they gave me was to wait until I got to the house because Mircea and Rodica were so knowledgeable, helpful and nice, they would take care of our every wish. Summer In Italy was wonderful. I am already thinking of planning another trip. I cannot thank you and Klint enough for always answering my many questions and helping me plan this trip for our family. Best BEST to you, you will be hearing from me!

Travel tips

Excellent

May 2022 - Special location. Engaging home. Terrific hosts.

Excellent

September 2021 - The villa and the view were spectacular, one of the nicest places we have ever been. The stunning vista left us speechless everyday. Our family savored our time at this magical location.

The villa was well maintained, clean and inviting; the beds very comfortable, the decor was tasteful and relaxed, all the patios and porches provided ample space to congregate to enjoy views and family time together. The multiple terraces were beautiful with many fruit and flowering trees- lemons, figs, prunes, grapes. The pool was perfect- clean, refreshing and lots of fun for our family to play and relax. It was a treat to have it to ourselves, unlike being at a hotel.

The caretakers Rodica and Mircea were fabulous- very helpful and kind. Rodica is a wonderful cook and we took full advantage of eating many meals at the villa. Mircea was a gem- he drove us places, picked fresh fruit, made amazing lemonade, maintained the pool daily (among many other things around the villa) and helped us with any questions, always with a smile.

To be honest we didn't want to leave the villa very much during our stay and felt like it was our own home by the end of the week. We hope to be back again someday!

We loved working with Summer in Italy. The team was so responsive to all our questions and connected with the caretakers of the property on our behalf to make sure we were organized for our stay. Using Summer in Italy put our minds to rest knowing that we were working with a reputable company for an international rental. We would use them again without a doubt.

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It was amazing!

August 2019 - It was amazing! And the staff on site were unbelievable. They were so good. Dinners were awesome at the house and it was an incredible place.

So easy.

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Excellent

July 2019 - It exceeded our expectations in every way!

Rodica and Mircea [the caretakers] are jewels!

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Excellent

August 2018 - This was our 2nd stay. The espresso-cappuccino machine was a nice addition from our last visit. The well-kept pool was a nice reprieve from the summer heat.

The location made for wonderful ferry trips from Amalfi to Capri, Positano, and Sorrento. But, the joy of this place is sitting on the covered terrace sipping wine and cheese watching the lights twinkle from the towns below. For the intrepid members of our group, there were the long, ancient steps down to the towns of Minori and Maiori (and for some the bus ride back up). The restaurants in the area were nothing short of great. And on those nights that we decided to eat in, the individual shops for bread, vegetables, meat and fish were well-stocked with fresh product. For me, I enjoyed a morning walk to Sisina's Snack Bar - a coffee bar with fresh, warm, cornetti (and full breakfasts). For a week, I got to live the life of my Italian ancestors.

The caretakers added to the splendor of the villa and the ambiance of the area. Simple surprises awaited us: fresh figs, grapes, lemons, and herbs from the garden. One morning we found a still-warm berry tart to have with breakfast. Keep up the good work.

It was a pleasure to book through Summer In Italy.

Travel tips

We felt we landed in the perfect spot

July 2018 - Our group of 8 adults had a fabulous time at Villa Gioia. It was everyone's first trip to this part of Italy, and we felt we landed in the perfect spot. The views from Villa Gioia cannot be beat, and the house itself is very comfortable for a big group, with great gathering places and also room to spread out. The bedrooms are air-conditioned, which is nice, and the pool is BIG and beautiful.

We loved Ravello, and it was so nice that we could walk to town. We were also very glad to be staying in Ravello -- it is so charming and felt more low-key and less crowded than some of the other towns we visited.

The villa has a lovely couple on staff, Mircea and Rodica, and they are available to help.

I read reviews from other travelers who mentioned how great Summer In Italy was to work with, and I could not agree more. Everyone I dealt with was so friendly and responsive, and their local knowledge of the area was a huge help in our planning. I would highly recommend Summer In Italy (and special thanks to Luca and Andrea, who were the two I corresponded with the most)!

Travel tips

Excellent

September 2017 - Villa Gioia is an amazing property!

We were 4 couples staying for a week in mid September. Certainly the pictures on the website looked lovely but this property far exceeded our expectations! The inside and outside of the house was perfect for our group and, as already mentioned in prior reviews, the views from the numerous areas to enjoy are incredible.

The caretakers of the property were a true highlight as well; checking on us and helping us with questions. They are also amazing cooks!! We would just like to thank the owner of Villa Gioia for such a wonderful, comfortable, property. It truly was perfect for us.

We feel fortunate to have found Villa Gioia and be able to spend a perfect week there in Ravello!

I'd also like to thank Summer In Italy for making this so easy and their prompt responses to my numerous questions! You are amazing!

Travel tips

Amazing villa

September 2017 - A wonderful holiday in this amazing villa. Clean and comfy inside but we spent most of the holiday enjoying the amazing terraces, gardens and pool area.

A fantastic location for a group holiday - enough space for privacy and peace and quiet but brilliant spaces and amenities to socialize as a group.

Villa Gioia and guests are looked after incredibly well by the housekeeper and her food is wonderful. Would highly recommend asking her to cook for you and your guests. Local delicacies cooked with local ingredients.

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Fantastic

July 2017 - The property was everything we expected and then some. Ample space for everyone to do their own thing if they wished or be together.

Ravello, which I must admit we had never heard of before selecting the villa, was a real bonus.

I visit Europe every two years and my first choice for any future villa bookings will be Summer in Italy.

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Had an amazing time

May 2017 - We had an amazing time at Villa Gioia. We were there May 6 - 13, 2017 and we had beautiful sunny warm days for our entire stay.

We spent two days on the water with a boat and captain. We was a fun way to see the coast and towns without having to drive on those crazy roads. We stopped each day for lunch in small fishing villages and the food was wonderful.

We loved having breakfast each morning on the patio. Rodica and Mircea [the caretakers] took such good care of us. The cappuccino and fresh orange juice was the best! We ate several dinners at the villa and enjoyed our meals very much.

You will love your time at Villa Gioia.

Summer in Italy was very easy to work with. Their response time was great. They made the booking experience very easy.

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Excellent

October 2016 - We enjoyed Villa Gioia and appreciated the hospitality from the caretakers, Ilde and Nicola.

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Fantastic

September 2016 - Felt like we'd hit the lottery when we showed up. As great as the photos are, they only hint at at the beauty of this property. Multiple perfect outdoor spaces. We had 5 couples here, all with great bedrooms and enough room for all to find private space when desired. Great pool.

Kitchen was only average but we were having too much fun trying the local restaurants. Location was a perfect walk through old Ravello to town center. Get off the main road up the stairs as soon as you can --it's worth the stairs. A map is available from the tourist office in town that shows all the walking paths. Walk down to Atrani and Amalfi is beautiful. Can take the local buses and ferry everywhere. Don't feel like we could have done better. And after visiting Amalfi and Positano very glad we stayed in Ravello

Ildy and Nicola [the caretakers] were great hosts. Spoke little English but we communicated beautifully. Her attention was above and beyond expectation. The house and grounds were immaculate.

Viva Villa Gioia!

Travel tips

Excellent

September 2016 - Villa Gioia was incredible. We had a great time, it was very large and comfortable. There were plenty of places to just lie in the sun and enjoy the views. The views are indescribable.

It is a short walk to town and we did it daily. It is an easy walk to Atrani and Amalfi by the trails that lead out of Ravello - going down, at least. I would add that there is no need for any day trips to the other tourist areas on the Amalfi coast, the villa and Ravello have everything you need.

All things considered, it was remarkable and unique vacation experience and we will definitely do it again. (Ildi [the caretaker] makes great Tiramisu and lemon cake!)

Great service, very attentive and helpful. I have already recommended you to several of my friends. Many thanks to Anna and Luca for their help.

Travel tips

Excellent

August 2016 - Villa Gioia was absolutely phenomenal. We absolutely LOVED it!!! We will definitely return.

Excellent

September 2015 - We absolutely loved Villa Gioia. The view is breathtaking!

Excellent

May 2015 - Villa Gioia far exceeded our expectations!

Ildi, one of the caretakers was absolutely amazing! In spite of speaking different languages, we communicated well, and she made our stay incredible. (cooked us desserts, directed us to shops and Restaurants, etc.).

The location is private, yet close enough to easily walk into Ravello.

The house is very well supplied with glassware, plates, art... Exceptional!

You were exceedingly helpful. Thank you!

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Excellent

August 2014 - Villa Gioia is absolutely spectacular. We had an idyllic holiday.

The caretakers Ilde and Nicola are very special people, and did everything they could to make our trip a pleasure.

A truly wonderful experience.

Excellent

October 2013 - We very much enjoyed Villa Gioia. Perfect for outdoor living.

Excellent

July 2013 - We loved Villa Gioia! We had a great stay, it was perfect for our group of ladies.

You have terrific caretakers, Ildi and Nicola were wonderful!

Travel tips

Excellent

July 2012 - We stayed at Villa Gioia July 21-28, 2012; there were 10 of us (8 adults and 2 children). This villa and location are exactly as described on your website and as others have said - the setting is beyond words or photos.

The house is very well appointed and maintained. The town of Ravello really is walking distance away and was wonderful to visit.

All the glowing compliments that you read in past reviews about Nicolai and Ilde are absolutely true - they are wonderful, kind, hard-working people! We will remember them as a part of this extraordinary experience; the villa would not be the same without their warm hospitality.

You were so professional to work with. We would love to visit Villa Gioia again. Our experience with another villa rental company in Tuscany the following week was very disappointing. Had we known we would have opted to stay 2 weeks in Villa Gioia. You really shine like stars relative to that experience. Thank you for all your help. We have referred you and this villa to several interested friends and co-workers.

Travel tips

Excellent

October 2011 - We loved Villa Gioia. There were 10 adults and three young children in our group and the villa was the perfect size. The views are spectacular.

The caretakers Ilde and Nikolai were fantastic.

Walking distance to Ravello but very secluded. It was also a very short drive down to Amalfi.

We all highly recommend this property.

Travel tips

Excellent

June 2011 - Villa Gioia was more beautiful in person than we could have imagined.

The villa is set on a cliff with incredible views of the historic town below and the ocean. In addition, the terraces, flowers, gardens and lemon trees on the property were spectacular.

We traveled with 9 total including 4 children ages 12-14. They loved the house and had plenty to occupy them.

The villa was very clean and the housekeeper and grounds keeper were very sweet, giving us fresh lemonade, homemade dessert and fresh lemons and cherries from the grounds.

We loved the town of Ravello and felt so safe that our kids walked there by themselves to get gelato on the square. Restaurants were within walking distance, no more than a mile, and were delightful with many having million dollar views.

We hiked down the mountains and through the ancient towns to the beaches of Minori and Amalfi. The villa provided a great home base for us. Though we did have a car there was public transportation to most places.

We also cooked in two nights to a fairly well stocked kitchen and ate on the beautiful terrace.

It was a true Italian experience. I would highly recommend this villa.