Why go?
For classic Italian luxury steeped in history against the iconic backdrop of the Amalfi coast.
Honeymoon style:
This is living La Dolce Vita at its best. From afternoons spent dotting between the thermal rooms at the award-winning spa, to sundowner cocktails and Michelin-starred dinners, there is little reason to leave this exquisite haven. Couples can relax into the sweet life in this majestic, former monastery.
Set the scene:
After ringing the Monastero welcome bell (a charming tradition remaining from the hotel’s time as a working monastery) couples are led to a fairy-tale-worthy, sun-soaked balcony. Chilled glasses of lemonade (squeezed from Amalfi lemons) and refreshing towels wipe away any hot and bother of the journey as couples take their first gaze of the endless blue sea and sky. Days are long and luxurious at Monastero. Mornings seem to glitter under the hazy Amalfi sun as honeymooners begin the day with platters of fresh fruit, Italian pastries, and strong espressos, all served from the hotel’s own delightful range of locally made ceramics that greet you with the words ‘Buongiorno’. Sandy stone pathways lead you through enviably manicured Mediterranean gardens, past the spa, open-air gym, the hotel’s two restaurants, and eventually to the breathtaking infinity pool. Guests clad in the latest resort wear unwind on pillowy soft sunbeds or private pergolas as the day unfolds. Come Aperitivo hour there is a shift as the glamour dial increases and couples emerge, be-jewelled and heeled, and ready for a round of expertly mixed martinis before supper.
Rooms:
Much care has been taken to preserve the remarkable history of Monastero. Warmly lit corridors with vaulted ceilings that were once the routes of the monastery’s nuns lead you to the hotel’s twenty elegant rooms. Named after herbs used by the nuns in making their products from the Monastero Santa Rosa garden, the rooms strike a perfect balance between history and luxury. Sumptuous bathrooms are paved in underfloor heated Jerusalem stone and feature powerful rain-head showers and indulgent bath products from Ortigia. Each of the rooms promises a serene sea view that stretches from the Conca dei Marini fishing harbour below to Amalfi. The most decadent suites boast their own private terraces perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of Amalfi lemon trees and jasmine from the hotel gardens.
Food and drink:
The birthplace of the famous Sfogliatella Santa Rosa pastry, Monastero has been at the forefront of culinary innovation since its historic days as a working monastery. This delectable shell-shaped pastry filled with vanilla cream was originally created by the monastery sisters and is a must-try delicacy when in the Amalfi. Monastero offers couples the chance to enjoy what arguably still remains the best Sfogliatella Santa Rosa in the world. The philosophy of preserving tradition whilst propelling innovation runs throughout the entire culinary offering of Monastero. The hotel’s very own Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Refettorio takes you on a seven-course tasting journey celebrating the ingredients of Campania. Their Crudo Amalfitano, made with fish caught that very day, arrives alongside “sfusato Amalfitano”, a lemon mayonnaise made with lemons that grow just metres away from where one is sitting. House-made egg tagliolini is adorned with ‘Pollino’ summer truffle, sea urchin, and local ‘migliarini’ peppers, whilst Italian cheeses are complemented with a range of extraordinarily good jams and marmalades (no doubt using recipes handed down from the resourceful nuns who once ran the Monastero kitchens).
The story:
Originally a Dominican monastery, Monastero Santa Rosa was built in the 17th Century. After the last sister passed, Monastero changed hands multiple hands until it was spotted in 2000 by Bianca Sharma. Holidaying by boat whilst in Amalfi, she admired the spectacular property towering above her. Entranced by its beauty, she bought the property immediately, moved to the coast, and began her decade-long quest of restoring the former monastery into a luxury boutique hotel. Much to her relief, the Caterina family, who had purchased the monastery before her had also envisioned transforming it into a hotel. They had begun the work of implementing modern conveniences for guests whilst maintaining the monastery’s original structure. Monastero Santa Rosa remains, to this day, one of the most iconic hotels in Italy.
Family-friendly:
Monastero Santa Rosa prides itself on creating ultimate serenity and luxury. An adults-only hotel, it is a place where couples can truly indulge in quality time with one another.
Spa:
There is a special magic to the Spa at Monastero Santa Rosa. Vaulted ceilings and arched openings lead couples through the various rooms of the impressive thermal suite including a traditional sauna, herbal steam room, and thermal pool. The one-of-a-kind design preserves the heritage of the building whilst offering world-class treatments making Monastero Santa Rosa’s spa not just the ultimate spa destination along the Amalfi coast, but one of the most sought after in the world. Perhaps the most impressive treatment room is the Spa Suite. A stunning double-height vaulted space with its own steam room, manicure and pedicure stations, private dressing room, and relaxation area, couples emerge feeling rejuvenated and refreshed before relaxing with local herb tea in the Spa Suite’s private garden terrace.
Location:
Crowning one of the most enviable viewpoints of the Amalfi coast, Monastero Santa Rosa seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of its neighbouring seaside towns and overlooks the charming fishing village of Conca dei Marini. Tranquil gardens blooming with delicate flora and fauna offer a multitude of plush outdoor nooks. Honeymooners enjoy an uninterrupted view of shimmering blue as they sink into a good book or make use of the hotel’s ‘secret bar telephone’ to call for afternoon Campari sodas. Conveniently located between Amalfi and Positano, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus is on hand to whisk couples to town for an afternoon of shopping or suppers of seafood and hand-made pastas at celebrated restaurants such as Lo Smeraldino and Il Pirata.
Rooms from £550, monasterosantarosa.com
Related Article: Honeymoon Review – Rome Cavalieri
