The elegant, old world style, Santa Caterina in Amalfi, perfectly captures the spirit of the Amalfi Coast. Grand Tour elegance, as if time stood still, meets the beauty of the blue sea below. Like a nest perched above the coast, with ethereal views and cascading gardens, the Hotel Santa Caterina is perfection. The outdoors are practically indoors with lovely painted floral tiles and green vines delicately hanging throughout the property Pretty, Belle Epoque decor stands majestically over the cliffs and seaside creating a truly magical stay.

The staff is simply the very best, making each guest feel like they are the only person. From the kind and warm reception, to the discreet housekeeping staff, to the eager to please waitstaff, every wish is attended to, happily.

As one would expect the rooms are lovely. Pleasant and serene with creamy tones and light coloured accents. Bathrooms are blue like the sea with lush, gorgeously scented Bvlgari bath products. Many or the rooms have amazing views and the perfume of the flora throughout the property drifts in on warm days and nights.

There is not one, but two outstanding restaurants. The more formal can be found on the ground floor in a glass gazebo terraced room overlooking the sea and the town of Amalfi. Polished and refined yet cheerful with airy space and a relaxed atmosphere. While below, near the water there is a second more casual restaurant, yet still serving exquisite food worthy of much note. Their pasta in lemon sauce is absolutely outstanding! So good it is worth having more than once! Finish off with lemon profiteroles while listening to the ocean waves and there is really no spot more delightful.

Drawing room styled bar up by the main restaurant will temp you with wonderful nibbles for aperitivo hour, and soothe you by candlelight after dinner. There is a spa, and a fashionable boutique to explore, or relax by the pool next to the sea. A complimentary shuttle will take you back and forth to the splendid town of Amalfi, only 5 minutes down the road. That is if you can get yourself to leave this little piece of heaven. The Hotel Santa Caterina really is luxury at its best.

Quick Review:

Check in: Friendly and very happy to see you. Quick with a smile and very welcoming while being efficient and getting you settled in and set up quickly. Bags were delivered immediately while I was shown the room by a member of staff from the Front Desk.

Concierge/Front Desk: Eager to grant your every wish. Extremely knowledgeable of the entire area and town, how to get to places, and could set anything up at a moment’s notice. They had information and suggestions on excellent restaurants, not just the the typical well known ones.

Staff: Everyone from check in to the waitstaff could not have been friendlier. Did not encounter any attitude or frowns from anyone the entire stay and service was flawless. You really feel like you are a special guest in someone’s home as the staff was entirely approachable.

Housekeeping: Again, flawless. My room was always made up to perfection, bath soaps and gels replenished liberally, and turn-down service was always done while I was out of the room and I was never disturbed or rushed out.

Rooms: Comfortable with airy decor. White with striped accents of colour, blue tiled bathrooms, and orchid plant made for a homey interior. Bathroom had both a shower and a whirlpool bathtub. My room had a huge jasmine covered balcony with view of the sea which was such a treat!

Beds:  A bit simple, but comfortable.

Restaurant: The hotel boasts not one but two wonderful restaurants. Both excellent. One quite formal, the other airy next to the sea. Both offer serene views of the water and tempting dishes.

Bar: I loved how this bar was in the sitting room as you got the sense you were sitting at home -with someone serving you delicious cocktails! Aperitivo hour included some substantial snacks!

Pros: Gorgeous Belle Epoque feel to it and luxurious service to match. Breathtaking views and a property that has it all from elegant fine dining, to relaxation by the pool and sea.

Cons: Only a tiny one, that it is that hotel is not right in town and you need to take the shuttle to get to Amalfi. Though many people might find that a plus, as this gives a sense of it being a bit of a retreat -plus you have all you need at the hotel! And of course the other problem is that you will cry when you leave as you feel you have met some truly lovely people and had such a magical stay!

Extras: Complimentary shuttle service to and from Amalfi town. Their Al Mare restaurant has festive themed evenings every couple of weeks.