Social Life Magazine | Luxury Publication for the Hamptons
Travel

Cliff-Side Paradise on the Amalfi Coast: Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa Is Simply Spectacular

Infnity pool at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
Infinity pool at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is hands down, arguably the best hotel on the Amalfi Coast. The property is a coveted secret for those who seek to disappear for a luxurious, peaceful, private getaway. Located between Positano and Amalfi, the sky-skimming 17th-century monastery, was restored (with impeccable love and care) into the spectacular and very exclusive boutique hotel that leaves little to be desired. ENCHANTED GARDENS The unrivaled grounds, which hover over the Mediterranean Sea with breathtaking panoramic views, are covered with four levels of gardens designed in the tradition of palatial Italian villas: plush landscaping, plentiful lounge chairs, and canopied daybeds. The air is

ENCHANTED GARDENS

The unrivaled grounds, which hover over the Mediterranean Sea with breathtaking panoramic views, are covered with four levels of gardens designed in the tradition of palatial Italian villas: plush landscaping, plentiful lounge chairs, and canopied daybeds. The air is filled with many botanical wonders like bougainvillea, lavender, agapanthus, coreopsis, rosemary, roses, and local-origin lemon trees, to name just a few. Approximately 5,000 plants were imported for the gardens from 10 different countries to flourish in cycles throughout the year, growing in beauty season by season.

Thermal Suite at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa.
Thermal Suite at the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa.

RESTFUL & RAVISHING ROOMS

There are only 20 rooms, immaculately furnished and most with sweeping views of the water. The suites represent an authentic Italian residential experience. They are enormous; some are multi-leveled; and the rooms come furnished with all the luxuries you can imagine (including pomegranate Santa Maria Novella bath salts, which are a decadent treat for your skin and senses). Each room is named after an herb that the nuns grew in their convent garden to make medicines.

Vaulted ceilings and the primary structure of the nuns’ rooms and refectory have been preserved and married with modern amenities to create sumptuous bedrooms, each with a spellbinding sea view stretching from Conca dei Marini’s fishing harbor below to Amalfi beyond.

SOAK UP THE SUN AT THE STUNNING INFINITY POOL

The vanished-edge pool is unquestionably the most dramatic along the entire Amalfi Coast. Architecturally sculpted into the rock-base cliff of Monte San Pancrazio at the lowest level of Santa Rosa’s sloping cascade of gardens, the elliptically shaped fresh-water infinity pool blends into the sea, disappearing between the horizon and sky. Sip on a local rosé wine while enjoying the mesmerizing views. It’s stunning.

SERENITY AT THE SPA

Guests can indulge in complimentary use of the spa’s 753-square-foot thermal suite, consisting of connected spaces for relaxation and well-being within the stone sauna, domed herbal steam room, hydrotherapy pool, experience shower, crushed ice fountain, and tepidarium (a room that is pleasantly warm for relaxation, an homage to Ancient Rome). You could spend an entire day here decompressing by strolling from amenity to amenity.

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa

RISTORANTE IL REFETTORIO

The executive chef, Christoph Bob, designed an innovative Mediterranean menu that includes only the freshest ingredients from the surrounding Campania region. Christoph has said, “I fell in love with the destination and its food. Nowhere on Earth does the sun and the soil give us such richness of flavors as do the fresh produce, herbs, and seafood found right here on our coast.” With Monastero Santa Rosa’s own herb and vegetable garden on site, every morsel combines the freshest local, organic ingredients of Conca dei Marini. Chef Bob uses a 100 percent Italian, special select olive oil from Conca dei Marini, produced specifically for the hotel. It’s called Il Mulino della Signora, meaning “the mill of the lady.” He also sourced the finest pasta, the famed Pastifcio dei Campi Gragnano, with a unique shape created for the restaurant. Pastifcio dei Campi is known as the best pasta in Italy, bronze-drawn, slowly dried, and prepared in a traditional way respectful of the environment.

COCKTAILS & ITALIAN VINO AT THE BAR

Looking to chat with other guests? The library bar serves fun cocktails and offers a substantial wine list that includes local wines that are delightful discoveries. The bar is chic and boasts a sophisticated European vibe. Rooms with breakfast begin at 400 € per night, plus tax.

monasterosantarosa.com