Perched majestically on the edge of the jaw-dropping Amalfi coast, this hotel and spa, converted from a 17th-century monastery with many of the original features remaining, has just 20 bedrooms and suites.
The weight of history adds to the romance of the setting – we had big plans to visit many local tourist spots, but couldn’t drag ourselves away from the serenity of the hotel.
It’s set on different levels, with the restaurant on a pretty terrace that’s heated in the chillier months, so there’s no need to retreat inside and miss out on the view.
The thermal spa is designed around the ancient monastic spaces and the alfresco gym overlooking the sea very nearly had me on a treadmill.
This is a place I would return to time and time again, to escape, indulge and find a little bit of peace – or perhaps to visit the 12th-century chapel in the grounds, which hosts weddings.
Rooms from €400 for bed and breakfast, excluding taxes call +39 089 832 1199 or see www.monasterosantarosa.com for more information.
The food
Breakfast here is a veritable feast and includes the juiciest strawberries, fresh from the hotel’s kitchen garden, from which much of the food is sourced.
Chef Christoph Bob serves up the most delectable pasta and fish dishes I’ve tasted in Italy, expertly paired with wines by the sommelier. Request a word with Bob himself and he’ll put together an inspired tasting menu for you.
Taking a boat trip
It’s often the people that make a place and all the staff here are absolute heaven – low-key and relaxed, they’re a far cry from the stiff-collared waiters so often found in five-star hotels.
Ask them about a boat trip with Salvatore from Lucibello Boats, who has ‘more Prosecco than gasoline’ onboard and will take you on a tour of the coastline and private islands (www.lucibello.it).
Around the area
When not on the water, buses are the best way to get around. Take the hotel’s free shuttle to Amalfi, then hop on an open-top bus tour up to Ravello in the hills and visit Villa Cimbrone.
Here, you can potter round the gardens and find the perfect backdrop for a photo on Terrazza dell’Infinito (the Terrace of Infinity).
Great escape: Kandima, Maldives
Into the wide, blue yonder.
Credit: Ken Hayden Photography
Great escape: Jumby Bay, Antigua
A private island paradise only accessible by boat.
Great escape: Bequia Beach, St Vincent and the Grenadines
A Caribbean world away.
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
-
The legacy od Dad's ArmyKate Green takes a look at Dad’s Army, the iconic BBC sitcom written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry.
-
The East African holiday hotspot that should be top of your travel wishlist — and where to stayThere's more to Kenya than just safari.
-
Winchester: The ancient city of kings and saints that's one of 21st century Britain's happiest places to liveKings, cobbles, secrets, superstition and literary fire power–Winchester has had it all in spades for centuries and is as desirable now as it ever was, says Jason Goodwin.
-
'He has 27 camels — and four daughters, too, whom he professes to love almost as much'Pamela Goodman takes a trip to Oman and catches a glimpse into the strange world of camel beauty pageants.
-
Penicuik Estate review: An exclusive use house and cottages for collectors and connoisseursThe Penicuik Estate in Midlothian, Scotland is an ever-growing hospitality empire with a fascinating history.
-
Prussia Cove: Shrouded in mystery and romance, this former smugglers' paradise is an isolated idyllCome for the history, stay for the swimming and walking.
-
‘In Rome, you can see through the cracks of the world into all of human history’: Assouline's new book is a visual declaration of love to the Eternal CityTo mark the publication of Roma Eterna — which celebrates the Italian capital through the medium of photography — we asked one travel writer to write his own love letter to Rome.
-
Sea Containers London: The 1980s called and it wants its bedroom backThe Sea Containers hotel on London's South Bank has unveiled four bespoke ‘cabin suites’, inspired by four different decades.
-
The Old Bell, Malmesbury: England's oldest hotel meets Lone Star style to create something specialHow do you bring a 13th century hostelry to life, while keeping its historical charm? Ask Kim and Whit Hanks.
