As guests are dropped off at Monastero Santa Rosa, a boutique hotel property on the Amalfi Coast, they tend to just stop and stare in awe of its cliffside location. Next, their gaze falls upon a huge bell that hangs from the property’s front door. The instructions read to pull on the rope and ring the bell. As the door slowly swings open to this 17th century monastery, guests are immediately transported back in time.
The beauty of the original rustic structure can be seen in the lobby’s vaulted ceiling. Although the primary structure of the original monastery remains, through renovations, the property has turned into a luxury boutique hotel. The owners, along with a local designer, hand-picked all furniture and decorated each room with timeless one-of-a-kind antiques and lavish amenities.
There are only 20 rooms, each named after an herb the nuns had used in their medicine making hundreds of years before. The focus of every room is the view. Each room was built with a spellbinding sea view that stretches from the fishing harbor directly below and spans the entire Amalfi Coast.
The spa at this resort will sweep you off your feet, and worth a visit even if you are not a hotel guest.
The Italian traditional form of bathing is presented in the spa via inter connecting spaces, each with arched openings and changing levels.
It wasn’t hard to convince my guest (Former MLB player and World Series MVP, Bret Saberhagen) to spend time in the “Tepidarium” (heated domed relaxation room). We started side by side with a pomegranate infused foot spa and continued with the steam room and Jacuzzi. Next, we were escorted out of the Tepidarium, down a long winding candle lit staircase (I’ve never visited a spa with this ambiance). When we reached the bottom we found ourselves in an enormous dungeon like room, with extremely high ceilings; it looked like a scene out of a science fiction movie. Laying side by side on treatment “pods” we were indulged with a full body exfoliation. The exfoliation was followed by wax being poured from a lit candle over our bodies for an truly incredible massage.
*The wax was the perfect heated temperature and as it touched our skin melted into an oil.
*At the end of the treatment, we were each given the candle used for the massage to take home.
Just when we thought the property couldn’t be any more luxurious—leading out from the spa—an infinity pool. With surrounding wide tiered gardens, and views over the edge of a towering cliff – it is breathtaking.
Our dining experience at Monastero Santa Rosa was equally impressive. Breakfast was elegantly served under the pergola -shaded terrace with the freshest juices you have ever tasted.
For dinner, dining at Il Refetorio, the Michelin- starred restaurant on property, featuring Chef Christoph is a must. His Mediterranean creations are made with the freshest ingredients direct from the Campania region. Whether you choose to be seated in the intimate cave like room, or opt to dine outside with ocean and garden views, you can expect a WOW.
Chef Christoph informed us his special select extra virgin olive oil is the basis of his cooking. This olive oil is the perfect complement to the Pastificio dei Campi Gragnano pasta, arguably known as the finest quality pasta made in Italy. As a testament to its exquisite quality, Chef Christoph has created his own shape unique to this restaurant.
Between the tasting dinner and the perfectly selected wine pairings, we had an evening that can only be described as “acquolina in bocca” (mouth – watering)!
Our stay at The Monastero Santa Rosa combined so many exclusive experiences, each one uniquely special. Guests can surely expect to walk away with incredible memories they will not soon forget.