Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa opens in May 2012 suspended over the Bay of Salerno on Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast. The hotel, formerly a 17th Century monastery, will consist of 20 guest rooms and suites – all with sea views – a restaurant, a heated infinity pool, stunning landscaped gardens spread over five tiers, a historic herb garden and a private 12th Century Chapel. There will also be a spectacular and unique spa that has been created within a labyrinth of historic monastic spaces and outdoor pavilions. The hotel stands along the famed Blue Highway near the quaint fishing village of Conca dei Marini and is located close to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. It is built directly into the side of the cliff with the floors connected by a glass front elevator allowing panoramic views of the hotel’s gardens and the sea.
The hotel is owned by American Bianca Sharma, who by chance caught sight of the property whilst travelling the area in 1999. She was immediately captivated, in part because the building offered one of the most dramatic locations in the world. After acquiring the building she set about working closely with a local team of architects, engineers and historical authorities for over ten years to transform the former monastery into a luxury hotel and spa whilst maintaining the integrity of the building.
Given its heritage, the building has been respectfully restored to honour its roots and traditions. Whilst the exterior and the interior maintain the asceticism of the property, the style within is offset by warm and inviting contemporary design.
Suites are decorated with historical photographs of the area and the monastery itself, adding to the sense of history. The vaulted ceilings and arched windows of the nun’s rooms and refectory have been carefully preserved and are cleverly linked together with en suite bathrooms to create truly contemporary spaces. The grounds feature a heated infinity pool, stunning landscaped gardens, and a private herb garden, all situated over five terraced levels.
All rooms and suites have flat screen TVs, complimentary high-speed internet access, mini-bar and room service. Each is named after one of the herbs grown in the hotel’s herb garden and feature antiques hand-picked by the owner herself, sourced locally from Santa Rosa and from her travels across Italy.
Attached to the hotel by tiered gardens is the hotel’s own private 12th century chapel, making the perfect wedding venue. For a completely unique venue the entire property is available for exclusive hire, turning into a palatial Italian villa for guests personal use.
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