Belinda Collins
Did Italy adopt Belinda or did Belinda adopt Italy? It’s hard to say, but what is clear is that Belinda is a local in the Positano area, no matter her birthland. Born in the UK, Belinda fell in love with Italy in her twenties and has been living between the two countries for the past 3 decades contributing to the success of the luxury rental and concierge industry in this area.
Interview with Belinda Collins
CONNECT WITH BELINDA FOR ITALIAN COOKING, PRIVATE BOATS, HELICOPTERS, HIKING AND ALL KINDS OF TRANSPORT INCLUDING FAST AND VINTAGE CARS.
Did Italy adopt Belinda or did Belinda adopt Italy? It’s hard to say, but what is clear is that Belinda is a local in the Positano area, no matter her birthland. Born in the UK, Belinda fell in love with Italy (and an Italian) in her twenties and has been living between the two countries for the past three decades. What she likes to call “30 years on holiday and counting”.
However, Belinda’s never-ending vacation is the result of hard work and passion having contributed to the success of the luxury rental and concierge industry in this area for the past 20 years or so. Find out more about Belinda and why she is the perfect local friend of a friend on the ground to help make your stay in the Positano area all the more special.
What attracted you to the role of Tripwix Ambassador?
I have known and worked with the Tripwix ambassador for the Algarve, Portugal for many years. Every time we spoke, he seemed so happy in his job. When I met two of Tripwix’s co-founders, Lisa and Miguel, I immediately understood why. The values and commitment of the company are similar to my own; quality is not about how much things cost. Luxury can be simple, it can be opulent, but it is ALWAYS customized. I love that about Tripwix.
What makes you an expert on the Positano area?
I have lived here since my twenties and am fully immersed in the local culture. My son’s father is Italian and, as you might imagine from the movies, here family is everything. I feel very privileged to be part of that family. On a professional level, I have been working in this field for over 20 years and have so much experience and genuine passion to offer visitors.
What are your passions?
I love fast cars and boats. Nothing beats feeling the wind in your hair! Driving fast or vintage cars along the Amalfi Coast is an instant thrill (always sticking to the speed limit, of course). I also love food, walking and anything to do with the sea. Wherever I am, I need to be close to the ocean or water.
What kinds of activities do you want to share with guests?
- I always recommend a day on a private boat, cruising along the coastline, swimming in caves and then having a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants by the sea. It is such a beautiful way to experience this area.
- Fornillo Beach is a family beach full of Italians. I always took my son there when he was little, so it has a special place in my heart.
- Cooking lessons or private chef dinner in villa as this area is famous for its fish dishes, Spaghetti alle vongole, zuppa di cozze, risotto alla pescatora and the fresh catch of the day.
- I also like to recommend daytrips to Pompei and Naples, Amalfi and Ravello and to the islands such as Capri and Ischia
- And finally, guests who like to walk must do the famous hike called the Path of the Gods for some pretty spectacular views of the bay.
How do you want your guests to feel at the end of their stay?
I would like that they leave understanding how much pride Italians have in their culture. Wherever you go, there will be a local grandma’s recipe for the best pomodoro or the best limoncello. It really is inspiring to see how much enthusiasm Italians have for keeping their heritage alive for the next generations.
What souvenirs can guest buy?
Often visitors are not aware that ceramics are pretty impressive here. You can even take pottery painting classes. Handmade Capri sandals are popular too and you can watch as the artisans make them to measure. And, then there are lemons … this area is famous for lemons so you will find lemon in everything. Lemon dressing to lemon soaps to limoncello. They all make great souvenirs.
Any other details that make the Positano Area so special?
It is always full of A-listers and celebrities. Actress, Sofia Loren and director Franco Zeffirelli famously used to have homes here, while today it remains a top choice for the jet-set to vacation. It also has a huge selection of Michelin Star restaurants, so your taste buds will be spoiled for choice!
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Guest Reviews
Matthews Family from Lansing, MI, USA: ” I had an amazing experience with my local Tripwix Ambassador! She was simply amazing – friendly, detail oriented, timely, caring and easy to work with. I wish I could bring her home to America and have her be my personal assistant! She was a pleasure to work with and I couldn’t have asked for a better concierge.”
Schneider family from Bel Air, MD: “Belinda exceeded our expectations! She arranged transportation for us as well as a wonderful tour of Pompeii with an excellent guide. She was so thoughtful and responsive – checking in with us during our stay to inquire about our needs. Belinda went significantly above and beyond after our return, resolving an outstanding issue for us. She is fabulous!”
Tully Family: “Belinda thoughtfully and effectively guided our family group to have the most incredible Amalfi Coast trip that will be etched in our memories for ever. We had not been to the area in over 20 years and […] Belinda helped to book reservations that provided unique experiences we could not have found on the internet, social media or travel books.”
Yau Family from Hong Kong, CN: “Belinda’s hardwork made our trip so memorable and enjoyable. She made wonderful recommendations, followed through the bookings, kept track of all our transfers and last minute changes.”
Lancashire Family from Dallas, USA: “I was beyond thrilled and impressed with Belinda’s attentiveness to the details of our stay. She has fantastic organizing skills and was able to maneuver our lack of knowledge about the area to ensure we had the best options available to us given what we wanted to do. I wish every concierge was as skilled as she has been with us.”
Green Family from Rhode Island, USA: “Belinda was our boots on the ground contact and she exceeded our expectations […] I couldn’t have asked for a better representative for our trip to Positano. Belinda was there every step of the way to help with our excursions, dinner reservations, rides, etc. I can only hope she gets to plan our next vacation again.”
Yau Group from Hong Kong: “Thanks to Belinda for the hardwork that made our trip so memorable and enjoyable. She made wonderful recommendations, followed through the bookings, kept track of all our transfers and last minute changes. Our group of 10 are very grateful.”
Kolssak family from USA: “Thank you again. First class trip the whole way. Belinda is our new best friend.”