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It strikes me that once a hotel reaches a certain level in the luxury stakes, what really stands out is how unique the property is in terms of its originality and geographical location. A huge bedroom with all mod-cons and a magnificent bathroom is expected in an “uber-luxe” establishment, but finding a hotel with the most sympathetic restorations and a jaw- dropping vista is what sets apart the most special hotels in the world.
With this is mind, the journey to the Monastero Santa Rosa, driving along one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines, is truly memorable. Suspended precariously high on a cliff on the Italian Amalfi Coast, stands this unique and spectacular converted monastery, juxtaposed to an original 12th century private chapel. Tucked away on a bend, this ancient magnificent retreat, dating back to the 17th century, is ideally located between the towns of Positano and Amalfi.
The excitement you feel as the 55 incredibly informative and helpful staff learn of your arrival – a large church bell is rung to dutifully notify one and all that a new guest has arrived – is nothing in comparison to the sheer joy and wonderment you experience as you are led along the “atmospheric” corridors to your bedroom. The exclusive Monastero Santa Rosa only has 20 guest rooms, including eight suites.
What sets this retreat apart is the feeling of almost stepping back in time. The former monastery has been respectfully renovated, with almost all the original features sympathetically retained. The original “grid” where nuns would meet visitors from the outside world is still used today as the reception area of the hotel. This authentic ambience is achieved while still offering guests all their indispensible “mod-cons”. Alfonso, the front desk manager, explained how privileged staff feel working within a former “holy” building and how important it is to retain a certain amount of austerity and respect while doing so.
Guests suites, each named after one of the many herbs and plants grown in the gardens, are tastefully decorated, complete with hand-picked antiques and framed historical images of the monastery before and after the renovations, which all adds to the atmosphere of the former function of each room. Small arched doors and vaulted ceilings of the original nuns’ quarters have been cleverly preserved and linked together with beautifully appointed en-suite bathrooms, creating a contemporary yet authentic feel.
A glass-fronted elevator offers far-reaching panoramic views over the glistening blue Bay of Salerno as well as the hotel’s magnificent tiered garden. The breath-taking heated infinity pool looks as if it is quite literally ‘falling off the cliff’ into the sea below. It is surrounded with the most picturesque gardens and the outdoor gym enables guests to tone their bodies while admiring the magnificent surrounding views and soaking up the therapeutic Mediterranean sun.
Bianca Sharma, the owner of the Monastera Santa Rosa, caught sight of the former monastery by chance while visiting this enchanting area back in 1999. She was immediately captivated by its charm and its dramatic location precariously perched on a cliff face, which offered stunning views across the Mediterranean and the picturesque town of Amalfi.
After Ms Sharma acquired the property, she appointed a local company, headed by the formidable Francesco de Martino, to work alongside specialist engineers and historical authorities to retain most of the original features and to transform the monastery into the magnificent luxury hotel and spa that it is today. The hotel received its first guest after the restorations were completed in 2012.
The outstanding spa, designed by Jane Goff, is another highlight of the hotel. This space has also managed to retain the original 17th century vaulted ceiling and many of its rustic walls – some adorned with gauze to ensure protection from any falling particles. Amenities include a thermal suite, a tepidarium, whirlpool footbaths, a domed herbal steam room and a hydrotherapy pool. Products used in the spa and throughout the hotel have been exclusively created and blended, following the ancestral tradition of Italian herbalists using plants and flowers known for their healing properties that were traditionally grown in monasteries.
Christoph Bob, the executive chef, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Monastera Santa Rosa and ensures many ingredients and condiments used are locally sourced, with much of the organic produce, including herbs and vegetables, being grown in the hotel’s grounds. The dinner menu, served in the formal dining room overlooking the picturesque gardens, includes probably the best pasta I’ve ever tasted in Italy!
A nightcap of Limoncello – a traditional liqueur made from lemon skin, alcohol and sugar – is the perfect way to end a magnificent meal. This area is renowned for lemon groves with the Sfusato Amalfitano lemon unique to the Amalfi Coast. Our souvenir bottle of Limoncello still allows fond memories of this wonderful visit.
It was refreshing to experience the a la carte breakfast and also the option of enjoying lighter food and snacks by the bar throughout the day – the outdoor seating and fire welcomes guests once the chilly autumn and spring evenings set in.
The hotel offers a daily 10-minute shuttle service to and from Amalfi, which conveniently runs until midnight. Hotel guests can enjoy the buzz and shopping opportunities in this cobbled coastal town and take in the magnificent views by joining the hordes of excitable tourists eager to hop on a ferry and experience the short scenic journey to Positano.
Taking a two-hour flight from London to Naples with an hour and a half’s (mostly) scenic drive to the Monastero Santa Rosa will recharge the most frazzled winter batteries and allow for a break that is certain to be etched in your memory forever. And I’m quite sure you will return – this place is certainly no one-stop wonder.
by Amanda Bernstein
www.monasterosantarosa.com