Hotel Luna Convento, Amalfi

Location

Long a fixture on the ‘Grand Tour’ that so fascinated the nobility of yesteryear, this is a destination with history behind it. The landed youth of the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries were enthralled by the neoclassic beauty of the region, enjoying piazza living and fine art. Although Amalfi, once a maritime superpower, watched its 14th century old city glory pushed, by an earthquake, into the sea, its historic tumble of colourful buildings clinging to the cliffside is nothing short of beautiful. And, just a couple of hundred metres down the coast, Hotel Luna enjoys both secluded isolation and direct access.

Accommodation

“I saw the cathedral and the streets of Amalfi, I slept in an ancient monastery, the Hotel Luna, and I would have stayed a long time on the terrace looking at the ships' lights shining on the silky sea,” writes a certain Simone de Beauvoir. You’ll stay in a Moresque cloister, facing a central leafy courtyard – the host of an array of colourful flowers. Each room is individually designed and enjoys a spectacular view onto the seas once ruled by Amalfi’s ancient maritime republic. Decorations and furnishings are all Mediterranean in style, with flowing drape curtains, statues hiding in alcoves and friezes adorning domed nooks. The en suites are particularly impressive, tiled in azure blues. Consider upgrading to a suite for hand-painted ceramic tiles, antique furnishings and extra living space.

Dining

The hotel features two restaurants, both with panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast. You’ll enjoy traditional regional cuisine while overlooking the town’s famed colourful architecture that spills down towards the sea. Torre Saracena is located in a historic coastal tower, once part of the Duchy of Amalfi’s defence against pirate raids. Here Neapolitan classics and drinks from the cocktail bar are all prepared by expert chefs, making full use of high-quality, local ingredients. Back at the convent, La Veranda is beautifully decorated with frescos and enjoys similarly impressive views and further regional cuisine. 

Facilities

Dramatically tiered along the cliffside towards the sparkling azure, Hotel Luna spills down towards a picturesque pool. Set on a cragged jut, it provides stunning views along the Amalfi Coast and the terracotta roofs of its precipitous buildings. You’ll enjoy private access to the sea along with the sunny benefits of the hotel’s solarium. You’ll also want to head out and explore with sweeping coastal drives and walks on your doorstep. Return to a nightcap in the hotel’s bar. You’ll also find literary inspiration. Henrik Ibsen wrote A Doll’s House here during a three-month stay in 1879, while guests in the Torre Suite – found in the ancient guard tower – have ranged from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman to Roberto Rossellini and Gore Vidal