“The Heart of the Coast” – An Interview with Giovanna Villani, Founder of The Amalfi Coast Heartist

Some people plan trips. Others craft memories that linger for a lifetime.
Giovanna Villani is the founder of The Amalfi Coast Heartist, a name that’s become synonymous with soulful, tailor-made travel along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. Her work is not just about luxury—it’s about connection, emotion, and capturing the essence of the Amalfi Coast in a way that feels personal and alive.
We sat down with Giovanna to talk about what inspires her, how she curates her experiences, and why the Amalfi Coast continues to steal the hearts of travelers from all over the world.

Giovanna, your company name is so evocative—The Amalfi Coast Heartist. What does being a “Heartist” mean to you?
It means creating from the heart. Every itinerary, every experience, every villa I recommend—it’s all chosen with emotion and intuition. I don’t just want my guests to see the Amalfi Coast. I want them to feel it. To connect with it in a way that stays with them. Being a Heartist is about curating with care, with soul, and with love for this magical place.

How did your journey in hospitality and travel begin?
I’ve always loved welcoming people and sharing stories, even as a child. I started in traditional hospitality, but I quickly realized that my passion wasn’t in standardized luxury—it was in personalized experiences. Over time, I built strong relationships with local artisans, chefs, and families. That’s when I knew I could offer something different—something real. That’s how The Amalfi Coast Heartist was born.

What makes a travel experience truly unforgettable in your eyes?
It’s the unexpected touches. The moment a guest realizes a dinner is happening in a hidden lemon grove, or they meet a local ceramicist who shares stories passed down through generations. It’s not always about extravagance—it’s about intimacy, sincerity, and that sense of “this was just for me.”

What’s one experience you love planning for your guests?
Oh, there are many! But one of my favorites is a private sunset cruise followed by a candlelit dinner at a villa. The sea, the colors, the quiet beauty of the coast at twilight—it brings people to tears sometimes. And when the chef arrives to prepare dinner with local ingredients and wine from a tiny vineyard I know… it’s perfection.

Your guests always speak about how everything feels seamless. What’s the secret behind that effortlessness?
It’s all about anticipation. I take time to truly understand each guest before they arrive—what they love, what they dream of, what pace they prefer. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of planning, but what they experience is pure ease. That’s luxury: not having to think or worry, just being fully present.

How do you balance luxury with authenticity?
For me, they go hand in hand. True luxury is being welcomed into a local home, tasting a dish cooked by a nonna who’s never worked in a restaurant, or sipping wine while listening to someone’s family story. It’s about experiences that are grounded in tradition but delivered with elegance.

What do you wish more travelers understood about the Amalfi Coast?
That it’s not just a postcard. It’s a living, breathing region full of history, emotion, and contrasts. It’s beautiful, yes—but it’s also soulful, layered, and deeply human. When you slow down and engage with it, the coast reveals its true heart.

What’s one moment with a guest that has stayed with you?
A couple celebrating their anniversary once told me, “We came for the view, but we’re leaving with a piece of ourselves changed.” That meant everything to me. They cried when they left. I did too. These are not just trips. They’re emotional journeys—for them and for me.

What’s your hope for every guest who travels with The Amalfi Coast Heartist?
That they feel seen, cared for, and inspired. That they fall in love—not just with the landscape, but with the people, the traditions, and maybe even with themselves again. I want them to go home with full hearts and unforgettable memories.

Lastly, how would you describe the Amalfi Coast in one word?
Alive. Every stone, every breeze, every lemon tree has a heartbeat. Once you tune into it, you never forget it.

✨ In Love with the Med Takeaway
What Giovanna creates isn’t just a luxury service—it’s a bridge between travelers and the soul of a place. The Amalfi Coast becomes more than a destination in her hands. It becomes an emotion.

To learn more about her work or begin planning your own unforgettable journey, visit The Amalfi Coast Heartist.