As the vibrant hues of spring paint the Amalfi Coast, the esteemed Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa throws open its doors to commence the 2024 season. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape, this former 17th-century Dominican monastery, transformed into a boutique hotel, stands as a beacon of opulence on Italy’s southern shores. Perched precipitously on a cliff between Amalfi and Positano, the Monastero Santa Rosa has undergone meticulous restoration to offer 20 exquisitely appointed sea-view rooms and suites, an infinity pool that seemingly hovers above the coastline, a world-renowned spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled amidst the fragrant terraced gardens for which the Monastero Santa Rosa is renowned. From weddings to romantic escapes, this enchanting retreat promises an idyllic setting with unparalleled vistas and luxurious amenities.
Spring heralds the perfect time to explore the Amalfi Coast, offering fewer crowds and the chance for guests to savor the bounty of the property’s garden’s first harvest. April’s seasonal yield includes the exclusive friarielli broccoli, indigenous to the vicinity of Monastero Santa Rosa, alongside artichokes, ‘taccole’ beans, and peas, all expertly integrated into fresh culinary creations by Executive Chef Alfonso Crescenzo, hailing from the nearby town of Sarno.
From its inception, when the sisters crafted the famed Sfogliatella pastry within the monastery’s walls, Monastero Santa Rosa has been synonymous with culinary innovation. This tradition endures, with the monastery continuing to draw on its rich heritage to offer guests exceptional dining experiences. A visit to Monastero Santa Rosa is elevated by the Michelin-starred Ristorante Il Refettorio, where guests can indulge in fresh local cuisine from the Campania region. Seasonal menus showcase daily catches from local fishermen, locally produced olive oil, and organic vegetables and herbs harvested from the hotel’s garden. Signature dishes include ‘Il Crudo a Mano Libera’ – thinly sliced raw fish of the day served with ‘sfusato Amalfitano’ lemon-herb mayonnaise and a Campari-fruit emulsion, as well as housemade egg tagliolini with ‘Pollino’ summer truffle and raw sweet shrimp. Complementing these culinary delights, the onsite sommelier meticulously selects wine pairings from the hotel’s curated collection, ensuring a truly exceptional dining experience.
The spa at Monastero Santa Rosa seamlessly blends modern luxury with the monastery’s historic charm, nestled within original 17th-century vaulted ceilings and ancient stone walls. Featuring a Thermal Suite, complete with a double-height vaulted Tepidarium, a domed herbal Steam Room, a wood Sauna, a Hydrotherapy Pool, and a Rasul room, guests are invited to indulge in ultimate relaxation. Additionally, a private outdoor Treatment Pavilion offers alfresco treatments, exclusively crafted for Monastero Santa Rosa, utilizing the esteemed Santa Maria Novella products.
Introducing a host of new offerings for the season, Monastero Santa Rosa presents live music performances in the newly unveiled outdoor lounge area. Furthermore, the property invites guests to partake in a variety of local experiences, including Rosa Romance, A Day in Ancient Pompeii, and Health and Hike. Rosa Romance offers couples a romantic getaway, featuring a 3-night stay in a Sea View room or Suite, a complimentary upgrade, Prosecco on arrival, an 80-minute Candle Massage Treatment at the Santa Rosa Spa Suite, access to the Thermal Suite, a 5-course dinner for two by Executive Chef Alfonso Crescenzo, and nightly turndown gifts. For a deeper exploration of the region, A Day in Ancient Pompeii includes a private tour of the ancient ruins, followed by a lunch and wine experience at a nearby vineyard. Back on-site, guests can enjoy a dinner inspired by ancient Romans and Greeks, followed by spa treatments reminiscent of Pompeii’s bathhouses. Health and Hike beckons adventurers to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast on guided hikes, uncovering hidden gems of the area and concluding with a farm-to-table lunch and rejuvenating Arnica Body Wrap Treatment.
Owner Bianca Sharma has curated a captivating ambiance, adorning the interiors with locally sourced antiques from Santa Rosa and her travels across Italy. Historical photographs grace the walls, narrating tales of the area and the monastery’s legacy. Vaulted ceilings and arched windows have been meticulously preserved and seamlessly integrated with en-suite bathrooms, creating contemporary yet timeless spaces. Select rooms and suites boast private terraces overlooking the azure sea, offering an ideal setting for romantic breakfasts and sunset soirées.