The Amalfi Coast with the Bentley Continental GT Speed W12
A journey through the most iconic landmarks and hospitality venues along the famed Statale Amalfitana, with the last Bentley Continental GT Speed equipped with the mighty 6.0L W12 engine
The similarities between luxury cars such as the Bentley Continental GT and destinations with a high tourist vocation such lie the Amalfi Coast, are increasingly evident and mainly concern a demand that tends to exceed supply. This allows charming accommodation facilities and manufacturers of fine cars, to boast their status with an admirable offer that from driving experiences to hospitality, updates the century old charm of the Italian Grand Tour.
The slick ambiance of the Continental GT Speed
From this perspective one could say that the ensemble between cockpit, silhouette and power-unit of the Bentley Continental GT, represents the current apotheosis of gran turismo travelling. Dedicated to contemporary luxury but infused with detailed references from the past, the GT “Speed” used for this journey from Rome to Il Faro di Capo d’Orso via Conca dei Marini, was trimmed with elaborate piano black panels juxtaposed to carbon fiber. Irreprehensible upholstery, jewel like workmanship and a double choice (digital and analogic) for almost every input, finds continuity in the retractable screen that placed in the centre of the dashboard, rotates on itself to reveal three old-school dials.
The swan song of the 6.0L W12
The word Speed applied in chrome on the Continental GT side panels, evokes the most glorious moments of the British company that during the late '20s, utilized Speed Six for those models dominating the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Consequently, the new and elegant Continental GT can reach 335 km/h and in the process, accelerate from 0 to 100 in 3.6 seconds. Regal interiors aside, the pièce de resistance of resides in the 6.0 W12 twin-turbo with 659 horsepower and 900nm of torque. Powerful or barely perceptible depending on one’s pressure over the left pedal, the masterpiece engines increases the already elevated sense of special occasion, naturally conveyed by all Bentley cars.
A dream called San Pietro di Positano
The mellow driving beats of SS163, facilitate interaction with the many functions and toys available in the Contiental GT passenger compartment. Proceeding at a trickle of gas and always lulled by that perpetual Bentley "cloud" effect, we dive deep in the Statale Amalfitana vibes, via Sorrento. Once the sea concedes itself to the eyes, the road exudes charm and character with cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, island of Li Galli on the horizon and colourful architecture of villas, palaces and domes making for a truly unique drive. Also unique and jaw dropping, is historical Hotel San Pietro di Positano announced by a tiny church covered in ivy from which the hotel takes his name. Both the chiesa and the albergo cling from the very same rocky spur, porviding heavenly views of Praiano, Positano and the entire Amalfi Coast all the way to Punta Campanella and Capri.
Home hospitality; Dolce Vita mood
Owned since inception in the 1960’s by the Cinque family and impeccably managed by Director Andrea Zana, Hotel San Pietro is a one-stop destination firmly at the pinnacle of Costiera hospitality. The property offers space, privacy, stunning panoramic terraces and interiors embellished with porcelain, colourful tiles, period furniture, enamels, antique chests and painting. All rooms overlook sea, mountains and villages while breakfast (prepared with the same top quality ingredients as the fine dining) in the veranda, contributes to an enchanting wake-up. Digressions range from tennis games in a spectacular court with a sea view, to a private beach club reachable by elevator or from a nature path similar to via Krupp. Amenities extend to a free of charge yacht for nautical excursions, shuttles (boat or car) to Positano, pool area, gym and pieds dans l'eau Carlino restaurant, dedicated to the visionary founder of the hotel. Part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, the hotel also hosts Michelin-starred restaurant Zass which just like every other gastronomic outlet in the San Pietro ecosystem, is supplied with organic crops grown within the property.
Starry corners
The twist and turns of SS163, meander along 11 Michelin star venues and the gastronomic route, can find a very pleasant beginning at romantic La Serra restaurant (part of Les Collectionneurs) before the superb epilogue at the Michelin-starred Il Faro di Capo d'Orso - Andrea Aprea. Located after Maiori and characterized by large windows overlooking a long stretch of Costiera extending to Capri’s Faraglioni, this address is made unmissable by the tasty, enveloping and sophisticated cuisine of Andrea Aprea (who also received a Michelin star in his Milan restaurant). According to the Michelin Guide, menus at Capo d’Orso are skilfully executed by Salvatore Pacifico, "offering technical, complexity and avant-garde dishes often starting from local, regional and local resources".
The discreet charm of Borgo Santandrea
The Alici restaurant (chef Crescenzo Scotti) inside Borgo Santandrea also participates in the selection of local gastronomic venues chosen by the Michelin Guida. This resort is located next to primordial cliffs and halfway between Conca dei Marini and Amalfi. Santandrea is the only hotel on the Amalfi Coast boasting a real private beach and the venue, proved to be one of the most striking hotel openings from the Italian tourist scene. Admired from the water, views of the structure built parallel to the rocky ridge, are as fascinating as the style of the mid-century interiors in which the rigorous yet soft modernist design, is mixed with decorative elements linked to arts & crafts from the surrounding territory.
A mid-century Mediterranean villa
The refined rooms, soft pastel shades and the polished woods utilised in chairs, tables and boiseries, make for a sophisticated yet warm interior design, that continues also in the terraces arranged on various levels. The beach-club reachable by lift, is another sight to behold as in this bay, waters are particularly clean water while the soft notes of the "Italian song" and the traditional Neapolitan recipes (including pizzas), brighten the gentle flowing of days. The hotel feels like a rich friend’s villa overlooking the Mediterranean where hanging gardens, frame memorable views (including that of Sophia Loren villa adjacent to a Saracen tower) and where the art of bon vivre, embraces every moment of the stay. At Borgo Santandrea, breakfast is a particularly exciting as the buffet with freshly baked products as well as a plethora or sweet and savoury delicatessen, is literally displayed inside the kitchen. Many warm dishes are cooked on the spot according to individual requests while from dawn to sunset, guests can count on the attentions of the General Manager Maurizio Orlacchio.
The sense of a Continental GT in the Amalfi Coast
The truth is that aside from its dazzling beauty, the Costiera Amalfitana road is often busy and narrow. In fact, only two-wheeled vehicles can overtake and negotiate with ease the small dual carriage way. Considering an average speed of 25km/h, it really doesn't change much if a car has 1000 or 100 bhp because what really makes the difference, are comfort and spaciousness on board. As a near perfect grand tourer, the Bentley Continental presides both realms with impeccable levels of tactile and visual excellence. The cockpit is a magnificent place to watch the landscape unfold and the multi-adjustable seats encompass massages, ventilation, lumbar support. Also, in the smoothest and less busy stretches of SS163 between Maiori and Vietri sul Mare, the deep powerful howl from the 6.0L W12 engine, adds intense drama and panache, to an already epic journey.
To follow the footsteps of our writers, book one of our cars or request be-spoke travel experience in Italy, please write an email to info@thedriversclub.it
Matteo Morichini
My childhood memories are of arts, literature and visits of far away lands and now, I love writing about tourism, travel&motoring experiences as well as gastronomic cultures. Following the Degree in History & Politics and the Masters in International Relations at London School of Economics, I start my journalist career in 2004. Since then, I made it a point to visit all of the seven continents, while daily enhancing my passion and curiosity towards cuisine, charming hospitality and millenial traditions from the beautiful Italian territory
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