The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular places in the world and if you’re looking for a unique place to stay then Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is a real delight. Set in a former monastery dating from the 17th century, it has the most incredible views over the Gulf of Salerno with beautiful gardens. As for the infinity pool, it has to be seen to be believed.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel and Spa Review
Perched high on Monte San Pancrazio cliff close to the town of Amalfi, Monastero Santa Rosa is an intimate retreat with just 20 bedrooms. It’s perfect for honeymooners or anyone who wants utter tranquility. One of the nicest things about the hotel is how they have built on the history of the building to create memorable experiences.
For example, when you arrive, ring the monastery bell to let them know you are there. The staff are so welcoming that you really do feel like you’re in a home from home.
Luxury Amalfi Coast Hotel
Each room has been given the name of a herb that the nuns used for making medicine and our suite was called Salvia. There was even a pretty bed cushion with the name on it.
We instinctively sensed a woman’s touch behind the design and sure enough, the owner Bianca has had a great deal of creative input. She has worked with a local Neopolitan designer to incorporate Italian antiques and to create a timeless style.
The well equipped bathroom had a separate shower and toilet, and was stocked with one of my favourite Italian toiletry brands, Ortigia. Not only that, there are also fragrant Santa Maria Novella pomegranate bath salts from Monastero’s spa.
It’s fascinating to think that you’re staying in what was once a nun’s room, yet every modern creature comfort is present. The living room has a flat screen TV and there is complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
The air conditioning and ceiling fan would come in handy in the height of Summer and there’s also a minibar, safe and hairdryer. We were treated to fresh fruit and prosecco upon arrival, with bottled water provided at turndown.
Related post: The Most Luxurious Hotels in the World
Facilities at Monastero Santa Rosa
Where do we start? For a boutique hotel, the facilities are truly impressive. Firstly, the gardens are on four levels and beautifully maintained. They lead down towards the iconic infinity pool…
You really do get the impression that you’re on the brink of the cliff but it’s perfectly safe as it curves naturally at the edges. No wonder that the pool has won awards for its design.
It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic spot.
Close by, you can try your hand at a game of boulles. There’s also an indoor library and bar, in the unlikely event that the weather turns bad.
Whilst the outdoor fitness area is way more inviting than your average gym ;-). It’s got all the latest TechnoGym equipment including an elliptical trainer, rowing machine, recline bike, upright bike, dumbbells and more. Kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving can also be arranged.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel Spa
The hotel’s luxurious spa is a must visit. Access is complimentary for all in-house guests, and you can book a range of relaxing spa treatments. There’s a stone sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and vaulted tepidarium.
We tried out the foot spas here, making ample use of the pomegranate foot scrub and heated loungers and refreshing ourselves with the Emotion shower and crushed ice fountain. We were lucky to experience a signature Light a Candle treatment in the Spa Suite.
Designed to relax the nervous system and restore the body’s natural biorhythms, it starts with a pomegranate foot bathing. After an invigorating body scrub, my therapist gave me a face, scalp and feet massage using the wax from a Santa Maria Novella candle.
The wax is made from pure emollient butters and plant oils and is gradually worked into the skin to leave it super soft. Our scalp and feet were given a gentle acupressure massage and my hair felt much more hydrated afterwards.
We were given the remnants of our candle to take home, another nice touch. The Spa Suite itself is an imposing vaulted space with its own steam room, double wet and dry treatment couches, a relaxation lounge and a garden terrace for outdoor treatments.
Amalfi Coast Views
The elegant cascading gardens have dramatic views over the Mediterranean. Around 5,000 plants were imported for the gardens from 10 different countries. With a nod to the past, 20 percent of the hotel’s plants are either edible or therapeutic —recalling the therapeutic creations of the nuns here in the 17th century.
Take a moment to savor the aroma of bougainvillea, lavender and mint, as you lounge on one of the many daybeds.
The Sunset Terrace is situated at the highest level of the hotel. With extensive views from Amalfi to Positano, it’s a great place to propose or to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Once the sun has gone down, no need to head indoors just yet. The grounds are artfully lit up at night time.
If you’re lucky, you might even get a tour of the hotel roof with its very distinctive architecture.
Monastero’s carefully restored chapel is still used for occasional ceremonies.
Monastero Santa Rosa Restaurant
The hotel has a fabulous restaurant, Il Ristorante Il Refettorio. Executive Chef Christoph Bob uses all natural ingredients in order to prepare the most healthy and nutritious dishes possible.
Sourcing many of his ingredients from Monastero’s own garden, Christoph has come up with an authentic yet contemporary Mediterranean menu. We particularly enjoyed our fresh sea bream and osso bucco with polenta.
Although the real star of the show for us are the desserts…just look at the presentation! The wine list was equally impressive and the knowledgeable sommelier will guide you to wines that match your choice of dishes perfectly.
The restaurant has a lovely al fresco terrace for outdoor dining and a cosy indoor area for chilly evenings. For lunch you can also opt to eat beside the pool or in the gardens.
With true attention to detail, Christoph sourced the finest quality olive oil and pasta. He even created a unique shape for Monastero Santa Rosa.
Pastificio dei Campi is considered by many to be the best pasta in Italy as it is slowly dried and prepared in traditional fashion, respecting the environment. We were delighted to be given a pack of it when we left the hotel.
Breakfast at Monastero Santa Rosa
We decided to have breakfast in the shaded dining terrace, although you can take it in your room if you prefer. We love the homely crockery and the local specialty, the sfogliatella, a delicious shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-flavoured ricotta. You can see them below on the Buon Giorno plate, they really are a must try!
Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
When you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the hotel, there are some amazing sights on the Amalfi Coast including the little town of Amalfi itself, less than 10 minutes away and the fishing village of Conca dei Marini’s just below.
We can promise you this, if you visit Monastero Santa Rosa, you’ll savor the memory forever. Don’t forget to post your “confession” before leaving…no it’s not anything too serious, they would just like your opinion on how you enjoyed your stay 😉
We had an amazing stay at Monastero Santa Rosa, and hope you like this tour of the property.
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We’re still dreaming of that glorious infinity pool and the kindness of the hotel staff.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, Via Roma 2, 84010 Conca dei Marini, Italy
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OMG that view!!! I would never want to leave
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
It was very hard to tear ourselves away!
Oh my Gosh, so gorgeous- I want to go immediately!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I can certainly see why, Ashley – it’s heaven on earth!
Wowzer! It looks incredible! That view from the pool is breathtaking and I love love LOVE that garden!
C x | Lux Life
It’s amazing what they’ve managed to achieve with the garden considering it’s basically built on a rock!
That view of the ocean is so gorgeous!! The Amalfi Coast looks like such a dream place to vacation!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
The Amalfi Coast is like something out of a film, it hasn’t changed much in years
I’m very glad you enjoyed reading about it Jalisa, the place had such a special atmosphere and so much space for each hotel guest
It really does have a woman’s touch with all the attention to detail, that’s probably why I felt so at home!
I Know this place, it’s a paradise, one of the most beautiful in the world!!!!
Kisses, Paola.
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You’re spot on Paola, it really is a paradise
So beautiful! Monastero is firmly on my wish list!
I hope you get to travel there Angie – and looking forward to hearing all about your trip to Champagne!
What a unique Italian paradise! They put so much thought into everything. The food looks delicious and the spa looks so relaxing. Heaven! A wonderful review, I felt like I was there with you!
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I’m glad that it gave you the feeling of being there with me, it really is unique
This place looks amazing!
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In love with this place! xxx
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This is a hotel worth travelling to alone…!
You’re right, Emma, it’s definitely worth the journey
Gorgeous pool! I love the shot of it from up high, just makes you want to dive right in!
I know, it’s very tempting isn’t it!
That beautiful video with the lovely music made me feel like I was right there, stunning Suze 🙂
I always have fun choosing the music! Glad you liked it Shikha
Quite exquisite, Suze! I can’t think it can get much better than this. The view from that swimming pool at the edge of the cliff is worth a million bucks!
It’s one of those places that you just don’t want to leave, Anda
I have to say that your posts about the Amalfi coast have convinced me to visit later this year! When I see the photos, I just feel like this will be a place that I will feel great at. Still pondering, whether I should drive there by car or fly there and then rent a car…
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That could make a fun road trip and you’d see so much along the way. The roads are pretty narrow on the Amalfi Coast but they’re very safe
Beautiful! I think I just found the perfect spot to celebrate my big 5 0 next year!
I have to say that you look way younger, Kerri – anyway it’s a fantastic place for such a celebration, I hope you have an amazing time
Aww..thanks! I happened to be vacationing when that photo was taken. I think we all look younger when we are on holiday!
Yeah okay, this one wins. You’ve stayed at some lovely places in the past but the grounds, gym.. the views in this place has to be an absolute winner! I’m actually really jealous haha.
Corinne x
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I have to agree, this really is up there as one of my faves! Hope you get to experience it one day, Corinne
Oh Suze, you have really done this once in a lifetime hotel justice by capturing the magic and uniqueness of the place! We loved our stay and you’ve brought back some excellent memories – and your photos are beautiful! I can’t wait to write my post in a few days time 🙂
Polly xx
Looking forward to reading your post Polly, your video certainly did it justice too!
Santa Rosa is such a dream, I literally wanna move in there. Their interior decoration is to die for, the outside, the lawn, the chapel and the food is all so amazing!! This definitely a place I wanna visit someday. You look so beautiful in the few photos of yourself that you managed to post!
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Oh that’s very kind Meron, I was actually wearing a “Ravello” bikini, I couldn’t resist buying it as Ravello is the place we visited for our friends’ wedding just before this
How gorgeous Suze! Especially that pool. I could float in that all day staring at those views 🙂
It was a bit breezy when we stayed but I couldn’t resist a quick dip!
Is this place actually real! It’s so dreamy 🙂 Who thought that a nuns place could ever turn into something so idyllic. That pool set against the old stone architecture is just amazing
Rachel xx
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It must have been so different in the nuns’ day though I’m sure they enjoyed the views too!
This is one of the best place you featured here so far.
I’m lovin the outdoor gym and infinity pool.
Looks like a great luxury experience
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I didn’t get time to use the gym though it’s probably the nicest one I’ve come across!
Oh wow I have wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast for ages and this review has cemented going. The hotel is paradise, a beautiful setting and the hotel looks wonderful, especially the infinity pool Lucy x
It’s perhaps the best infinity pool that I’ve swum in so far what with that amazing view!
Okay, we confess – we want to go! We’ve visited Capri, Sorrento and Positano by cruise ship a few times. But we’ve never stayed put and just soaked up the ambience. This place looks perfect :-). That pool looks totally divine…
What a lovely property! It reminds me so much of Count of Monte Cristo, so romantic 🙂
Wow! Definitely luxurious and magnificent place. I would love to stay there.