Located in the beating heart of southern Italy, Amalfi Coast is a one-of-a-kind destination. This place feels like time has stopped there. You’ll still be able to see cars and scooters from the 50s, cheekily flying around the small alleys and intricate coastal roads. The scenery is very traditional and picturesque, but Amalfi is home to some of the most incredible luxury experiences you could dream of. The world-famous Santa Caterina hotel is one of them. I had the opportunity to spend several nights in this beautiful establishment with my wife last summer, and our stay was unforgettable.
One of the most luxurious things about the stay at the hotel was the fact that the establishment has its own private bathing deck. This means that you can get out of bed, head down to the elevators (or walk down some steep stairs, if you feel like moving), and enjoy a day by the water without ever needing to leave your hotel. This was truly amazing for us. Not only was it incredibly comfortable to have the best umbrellas and beach sofas, but it was great to have quiet and privacy, not to mention being able to bathe in crystal-clear water without having to go to a crowded beach (something we definitely wanted to avoid, as by then the COVID-19 threat was looming around the corner). One of the most amazing things about the hotel’s beach club is that they built a pool parallel to the ocean filled with seawater. This is perfect for people who feel safer in a pool environment, rather than being out in the sea – the water is quite deep at around 12 meters, and some people might feel uncomfortable with that. Thankfully, the pool offers the same beautiful scenery and seawater so that you won’t be giving up on the experience of bathing in the Mediterranean.
The hotel itself is just gorgeous. The historical building is perfectly maintained, located on the side of a very steep cliff, diving down into the beautiful “mare,” as the locals call the sea. The rooms weren’t particularly large compared to some of the suites you can find in major cities like London or New York. However, they were still plenty of space, and the brightness of the Italian decor made everything feel more open. There were so many incredible details in the rooms, such as hand-painted floors, as well as a marble bathroom, not to mention the view overlooking the whole coast.
The service was impeccable. You can order food and drink by the water, and room service is also a possibility if you feel like staying in for a private dinner – but why would you? The hotel is home to Glicine, a Micheline-starred restaurant located right in the main building. This was one of the best food experiences we had the chance to try during our stay, and it had a high-end atmosphere that matched the world-class cuisine provided. We always try to taste local food when we travel, so we were happy to see that the menu reflected some of the best-known local specialties. You can’t beat the seafood here, and the produce was as fresh as it got. Breakfast was terrific as well, with plenty of international options for guests who want more choice. While we loved Glicine, the hotel also has another restaurant located at sea level, aptly named “Al Mare,” which means “By The Sea.” The food here was also incredible, and perhaps even a bit more to my taste since it had a bit more of a traditional feel while still maintaining its luxurious vibe and excellent service. The atmosphere was a bit more casual, and there is nothing that can beat the experience of eating a world-class lunch right on the water in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I’ll have to admit we didn’t do a lot of drinking and late-night partying in the hotel, but I noticed that they had a fantastic wine cellar, with some extremely rare bottles as well. The cafè was also stunning, and the service there was kind and attentive, always happy to accommodate requests.
Find out more and check out the hotel’s website for more information about the luxury experiences it offers at www.hotelsantacaterina.it.