Five Star Luxury on the Amalfi Coast
Top Hotels beyond Sorrento, Sirenuse, Santa Caterina, Palazzo Sasso
On the southern side of the Sorrentine peninsula, the Amalfi Coast enjoys spectacular scenery, framed by mountains and cliffs plunging down to a rugged shore.
Fringed with secluded coves and attractive beaches, old fishing villages have found a new lease of life in the tourist trade, with a marked preference for upmarket options. New luxury hotels have appeared while old ones spruced up their image to compete.
Travel on the Amalfi Coast is scenic but slow, with hairpin bends and vertiginous drops at times, so it’s important to consider the location when choosing a hotel. The first resort along the coast is Positano, Amalfi is tucked half way along while high up on the slopes, Ravello is away from it all but claims unbeatable views.
Positano, Leading Small Hotels of the World, Le Sirenuse
The award winning family run Sirenuse is a delightful hotel with whitewashed walls, hand made tiles and traditional vaulted ceilings. The architecture is complemented by collector’s prints and stylish period furniture. Most rooms and suites have sea views and public areas display paintings by old Masters and exotic plants.
The candle lit restaurant serves delicious Neapolitan cuisine based on local produce. There is a Champagne and Oyster bar with a panoramic terrace and a pool framed by lemon trees. The seasonal spa specialises in Aveda treatments from face and body ritual to Chakra balance or four-handed massage.
Five Star Luxury in Amalfi, Hotel Santa Caterina
This elegant residence is also a Leading Small Hotel of the World, boasting spacious rooms and open plan suites, including fabulous honeymoon retreats, in classic Italian style. All have hand painted majolica tiles, marble bathrooms and balconies with sea or garden views.
The wellness centre offers a range of treatments based on local herbs and citrus fruit. These include lemon massage, Rose Aromatic skincare and Arovita C anti-ageing options. There’s a gym and a private seawater pool above the shore.
The Al Mare restaurant serves grilled fish and pizza in season while the Santa Caterina is reputed for its traditional recipes with a creative touch.
Top Hotels beyond Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Palazzo Sasso, Ravello
Set in a 12th century villa, 350 metres above the sea, the award winning Palazzo Sasso in Ravello has a choice of rooms and suites, top of the range the Infinito with Jacuzzi and dining area on a large panoramic terrace. The views from the gardens are spectacular and can also be enjoyed from the outdoor fitness area under the gazebo.
Beauty treatments, Turkish bath, solarium with Jacuzzi and hydro pool are available in the spa which also looks out to sea.
The two Michelin star seasonal restaurant, Rosselini, offers some of the finest cuisine in Italy, with a tasting menu including buffalo mozzarella, giant squid ravioli and lamb fillet in rose crust.
Palazzo Sasso, Ravello
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Palazzo Sasso, Ravello
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