Tart lemon groves, distant shades of burnt peach, fragrant scarlet tomato flavours, crystal clear azure sparkles and Amalfi blue hues – The Amalfi Coast is a pleasure dome for each of the senses and a masterpiece of natural beauty. Cushioned on the coastal road is The Santa Caterina Hotel: the epitome of Italian sophistication and elegance. A true home away from home, defined by impeccable service and refined luxury. StyleNest’s Clarissa Lenherr visited the Santa Caterina Hotel and tells us about her magnificent Amalfi Coast escape, an experience that puts Eat Pray Love’s Roman adventure to shame.
A sea of hand gestures, macho flirtations, the aroma of freshly served espressos and the far away cry of beeping horns and “ciaos” – welcome to Naples. A two hour and twenty minute flight, and we have arrived. We are greeted by a suited and booted Santa Caterina driver, and zoom off in the direction of the Amalfi Coast.
The drive to Amalfi covers the scenic coast road, tilting and swerving along the sea side cliffs. This is not a drive for the faint hearted, and we are extremely thankful for choosing the hotel service. The road protocols consist of overtaking on sharp bends and beeping rather than indicating. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, you have found it!
After an hour and a half drive we arrive at the majestic entrance of the Santa Caterina Hotel. We have arrived home… as we walk through the door, we are instantly greeted by staff that know our names, and we welcomed with open arms and homely smiles. There are no large, empty-feeling reception areas, or miles of nameless corridors. Each reception room and space feels lived in and tells its own story, all fashioned with unique charm and antique beauties. The hotel has been in the family since 1850, and although it has developed, the fundamental foundations of tradition, impeccable service and beauty still remain at its core, and can be felt in every detail.
Our suite is in keeping with this timeless elegance. White washed walls and flowing curtains are peppered with antique pieces whilst eye capturing, patterned tiles provide Mediterranean flair. The bathroom is a piece of art – floor to ceiling malachite coloured tiles cover the sumptuous Jacuzzi bath and rainfall shower. Stepping out onto our private balcony, we overlook flowering Bougainvillaea and miles of brilliant blue sea. This is understated elegance at its finest.
One of the exceptional elements of the Santa Caterina Hotel is their beach club and pool area, perched on the sea. We travel down the cliff side in an open glass elevator, and arrive at the lower level to find the beach club, pool, fitness suite and Al Mare restaurant. The beach club consists of a number of luxurious salt and pepper coloured beds that surf the sea edge, and a fresh seawater pool for those too scared to brave the waves. We spend our first day lapping up the warm rays, drinking local Italian vino and nibbling on juicy queen olives.
The hotel has two award winning restaurants: the Santa Caterina main restaurant, and the more casual Al Mare. Before descending into a gourmet feast, we celebrate the sunset with some exquisite cocktails in their upper level bar. The lounges are draped in fresh table bouquets and ceiling garlanding, blending the indoor/outdoor environment. Their outdoor terrace makes the perfect evening perching spot. After much deliberation, we opt for the bartenders advice (their cocktail list is three pages long!) and sip on cucumber martinis and quintessentially Italian negronis.
In a haze of delicious light-headedness, we head to the Al Mare restaurant for our dinner. The restaurant is constructed into the mountain side and is surrounded by romantic rock walls, citrus diffusing lemon groves and built out of wooden beams. A tree grows through the centre of the restaurant which augments the already stunning beauty. We are lucky enough to have delicate live music that evening, as we sit surrounded by hanging tea lights and fire burners. The sea waves lapping at the rocks below us sets a backdrop of peace and serenity.
What makes us come back to the Al Mare twice on our short trip? The food is tantalising, sumptuous, delicate and fresh. Each hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, bread basket good, main course and dessert was flawless in taste, texture and satisfaction. To start we shared a plate of their grilled Mediterranean vegetables, straight from the hotel’s own garden and soak up the fragrant olive oil with their home baked, heavenly light rosemary focaccia. To match the earthy flavours, we trial their wine of the evening; a local white that has notes of elderflower and honey. Our mains arrive promptly and my gosh, beautifully. The local fish of Amalfi comes served alongside potato stuffed red peppers and garnished with cucumber and tomato salsa. A bowl of creamy indulgence simultaneously arrives – a homemade orichette pasta served with pumpkin blossom and courgette, all dressed in a delightfully rich yet soft onion, cream and egg sauce. The dishes are all simple and made from the freshest of ingredients, yet the flavours exceed any complex Michelin star dish I have ever sampled.
The hotel concierge can organise a plethora of activities and outings, should you wish to divulge in a little more history and culture. Ravello, Positano, Capri and Sorennto are all within easy reach, with the town of Amalfi only a short 5-minute drive down the road (the hotel offers free transfers throughout the day). Ravello has always been a bucket list destination, and after a twenty-minute open air bus ride up the steep cliffside hills, we arrive at this historic town. Delights included the spectacular Villa Cimbroni Gardens, browsing the traditional pottery stores and exploring the ever-winding roads that make up the quaint area.
The town of Amalfi is a perfect, poster picture collection of gorgeous stores, terracotta alley ways, al fresco cafés and the magnificent Amalfi Cathedral. Strolling through the streets, tempted by lemon truffles and limoncello tasting, you will come across authentic Italian trattorias and gelato bars, perfect for an evening of genuine Italian flavours. After an exhausting day of shopping, and sun basking, we spend our evening enjoying fresh truffle pasta and seafood deliciousness.
The breakfast at the Santa Caterina is on a par with its counterparts. Held in the magnificent lapis marbled main dining room, the buffet is exhaustive and includes an omelette station, freshly cooked waffles and breakfast items, homemade pastries, garden-fresh fruit, a spread of antipastis, a juice bar, cereals and even a dedicated gluten and dairy-free corner. The choice is endless and everything was splendid.
The Santa Caterina also has a beautiful spa that offers a wide range of 5 star services including facials, massages, nail services and body treatments. The candlelit spa is a hub of heaven, with additional access to a Scottish Hydrotherapy Shower, sauna and Turkish bath. Their fitness suite, located on the lower level, offers the perfect quantity of cardio machines and weights for you to fit in your routine workout. After two days of massive carb consumption, the gym was a welcome addition to the hotel. Overlooking the bay through giant boathole windows, running on the treadmill is transformed from a routine of pain to a picturesque joy.
The Santa Caterina Hotel is a more than a resort or hotel: it is a welcoming abode, a place of comfort, indulgence and a true love affair. It is no wonder than 40% of their visitors are return customers. Once you have fallen in love with the charm and sophistication of the Santa Caterina, there is no going back. With such a cultural offering in the surrounding vicinity and over 67 rooms in the hotel, we dare you to get bored.
A standard double with partial view is priced at €360 in low season and ranges to €830 in the peak months. For more information please visit their website: www.hotelsantacaterina.it or call them on +39 089 871012