Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
Housed in a 13th-century Capuchin monastery on a cliff overlooking Amalfi, this new hotel is an oasis of calm within easy reach of the center of town.
What to expect
There are many five-star hotels on the Amalfi Coast, but this one sets itself apart with a location that’s removed from the bustle but within easy walking distance of the center of town. It opened this spring under the flag of Thai brand Anantara, which is well known in Asia and has been trying to enter the European market. Anantara prides itself on offering immersive activities and excursions, like cooking classes, sunset cruises and guided tours with a Franciscan friar.
Background
Built as a monastery in the 13th century, the building became a hotel in 1822 and was a stop for many Grand Tourists. Until recently, it was an NH hotel, but when Anantara took over NH, they upgraded the property into a luxury hotel in line with their brand.
Location, location, location
It would be hard to find a better location in Amalfi. The hotel is built onto a cliff overlooking the city center, with spectacular views from the restaurant terrace and some rooms. It only takes about ten minutes to walk into town, but with a handy shuttle service for the return trip, so you don’t have to walk back up.
Where you’ll sleep
There are 52 rooms and no two are exactly alike. Some have a little balcony with wonderful views and one even has original 14th-century ceiling frescoes. The old dining hall has been converted into a spacious suite. While the design is a bit more sober than that of its nearby competitors, with brown terracotta tile floors rather than the cheerful hand-painted ones you often see on the coast, the sleek modern furnishings complement the historic architecture.
Dining and drinks
Breakfast — served on beautiful hand-painted ceramics — is worth waking up for here. For lunch and dinner, executive chef Claudio Lanuto uses fresh herbs and lemons from the garden to whip up dishes like a sublime tagliolini al limone. He does the classics well, but really shines at Dei Cappuccini, the fine dining restaurant. Another standout offering is the pizza by renowned pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo, served in the evenings at the al fresco Locanda della Canonica.
Service notes
The staff are consummate professionals who go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. In particular, Angelo Cirella, the maître d’ at the restaurant, likes to joke around with the guests in that charming southern Italian way.
Spa time
Being a Thai brand, Anantara puts a premium on spa offerings. Here you’ll find a variety of eastern and western treatments, including massages, facials and scrubs.
Family perks
There are family-friendly accommodations, kids’ menus and babysitting services available. The concierge team can also organize kid-friendly activities, like a guided tour of the Amalfi Paper Museum.
You should know...
The open-air cloister and consecrated chapel are very atmospheric locations for small weddings and other events.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Seaside
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Parking (paid)
- Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Fitness room
- Pets allowed
- Family-friendly
- Elevator
Contacts
Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
Via Annunziatella 46, Amalfi
Tel. +39 0898736711
Website
