Santa Caterina Hotel

Built against Amalfi's seaside cliffs in 1880 as a home residence and turned into a hotel in 1904, this five-star luxury property seems to go through a renovation at each turn of its inheritance. The Santa Caterina's four generations of ownership have treated her well, preserving historic elements while successively and successfully adding modern comfort and style. Large and beautiful spaces are bathed in light and accented by nature, with ivy laden archways, lush gardens, and open-air verandas creating a classical Mediterranean vibe.

From the parking lot, the white three-story building curves precisely along the cliff. Inside, fresh flowers top antique furniture while marble-based columns support vaulted ceilings. Throughout the Santa Caterina, the attention to detail is meticulous. This is a fantastically decorated property that has tons of upscale charm. Somehow the owners have maintained a personal, boutique residence vibe while providing full resort services.

Located less than a half-mile from the center of town along the stunning Amalfi Coast, Santa Caterina Hotel, like many in the area, is built directly into a rocky cliff. This seemingly precarious location affords for gorgeous, uninterrupted views of the seascape. The roads along the coast can be quite narrow and difficult to walk down, though guests can explore Amalfi by foot once they’re in town. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful strolls through the nature reserve Valle delle Ferriere, take in the famous cathedral, or admire a variety of shops, stands, and restaurants. The closest train in Salerno requires a 50-minute drive. Naples International Airport is almost 90 minutes away.

The rooms at the Santa Caterina successfully combine an antique aesthetic and a spotless, updated vibe. It is elegant luxury at its finest with floor-to-ceiling drapes, individually painted Majolica tiles, wall murals, and beautiful wood furniture. Vaulted ceilings and large windows ensure spaces feel open and bright. Decor accents in different room categories are more contemporary than in suites, but every unit has a seamless style of its own. Bathrooms are clean, bright, and feature deluxe toiletries and round spa tubs. Terrace or balcony size depends on the room category, but all are spacious enough for at least a table and chairs, while the Chalet Giulietta & Romeo Honeymoon Suite has a large wooden deck with private heated infinity pool. Full sea-view rooms are located in a separate building and are the most private. Rooms below the ground floor offer garden or courtyard views. Those concerned about noise should stay away from the main level.

The Santa Caterina’s exquisite grounds is a topnotch feature. Seemingly stuffed to the brim with lush plants, flowers, and citrus trees, the gardens evoke an exotic, relaxing atmosphere. Other outdoor options include soaking up the sun and grabbing lite bites or cocktails at the beach club's sea-facing pool, which is open seasonally. Guests can also sweat it out in the sauna or receive wellness and body treatments (for a fee) in the spa.

Bar La Terrazza serves al fresco drinks on a shaded terrace or in the hotel lobby. And while the lunchtime Al Mare seafood grille is only open between May and October, guests can dine on delicious cuisine from the Restaurant Santa Caterina and sample the extensive wine cellar all year long. In addition to breakfast, freebies include transfers, parking, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a business services desk as well as two meeting rooms.