True-blue luxury overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea that is timeless yet trendy.
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is high on every traveller’s must-visit list. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, it sees thousands of tourists driving through the many towns and villages every year. You go there for the vistas of cliffs plummeting down to the azure sea and picturesque towns precariously perched on the hillside; for the secluded grottos where you can dive and destress; to savour authentic Italian cuisine; and mainly, for a chance to taste the high life that you’ve seen the stars in countless films enjoy.
Luxe it up
Now, there’s another reason to visit. After two years of refurbishment, the Borgo Santandrea is finally open and welcoming guests. One of the most awaited hotel openings, probably the most luxurious property to open here in the last 15 years, its new avatar is the perfect combination of the lavish and the local.
This resort-style hotel nestled 90 metres above sea level, overlooks the enchanting, centuries-old fishing village of Conca dei Marini, a beautiful stop on the already stunning Amalfi Coast. It offers 29 full-service rooms and 16 luxurious suites, a private beach, jetty and boat, an outdoor salt-water pool, and a well-equipped fitness centre.
Savour fare
The Borgo Santandrea’s three restaurants serve classic Mediterranean fare with a modern and elegant twist. Chef Crescenzo Scotti personally designs each dish individually across all the restaurants. From Alici’s panoramic patio to the idyllic ambience of the Beach Club and the reading hall of La Libreria Kitchen, the food is inspired by the fresh, abundant produce of the Amalfi region, preserving the exquisite local flavours and culinary traditions, finessed with the most ingredient-forward techniques.
All eyes on design
We love that the mid-century design developed by local and international architects, designers, and landscape gardeners, incorporates Mediterranean elements such as terraced gardens redolent with olive and lemon trees.
The rooms, each of which have sparkling views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, feature bespoke furniture and eclectic antiques that showcase the finesse of Italian craftmanship. Accents in burnished brass, local stones, and rich linens add to the spectacular feel.
Tile in style
Their collection of artisanal handmade tiles, used throughout the hotel, is really special and worth feasting your eyes on. A result of a 15-month project that started with researching the history of Mediterranean geometric designs, followed by a lengthy trial and error process in studios of ceramic tilemakers, the tiles aim to go beyond the traditional baroque, nature-inspired curvilinear patterns that are ubiquitous in the region. The final designs created are based on the classic Roman period and the typical Opus sectile (Latin for ‘cut work’) mosaics of nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum. Design jargon aside, they’re drop dead gorgeous, adding a vibrant edge to the already lovely interiors.
This one’s definitely going into our little black book of must-book travel indulgences.
Read more.
Belmond Hotel’s New Campaign – A Love Letter to Italy
Elena Fucci: First-generation winemaker from southern Italy
Video game launched with the aim of boosting tourism to Italy