Hotel Santa Caterina delivers affordable luxury on Amalfi Coast

by CelebrateTravelInc, 10/28/2009 14:10
Destination: Amalfi
Category: Honeymoon

Hotel Santa Caterina

delivers affordable luxury on the Amalfi Coast. This member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World is carved into the face of a rock cliff overlooking the incomparable Amalfi Coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Since the hotel faces the ocean, it has a rather unremarkable entrance on the land side which belies the interior’s stunning looks. However, step into the entry, and you’re immediately transported to another world with intoxicating citrus blossom fragrances and colorfully hand-painted tiles on the floors and walls that simulate the sea and landscape. This region is famous for its hand-painted tiles and pottery, and Hotel Santa Caterina artfully capitalizes on this treasure.

Tranquility reigns, and any stress or fatigue immediately evaporates, leaving only a sense of calm and serenity.

At check- in, you are greeted with the warmth of an old friend. And while being escorted you to your room, a staff member also provides you with a tour of the property.

Walls, floors, windows, murals in public areas and accommodations—all contribute to light and airiness. A wave of sea blue tiles undulates on the floor of the dining room, clearly mimicking the gentle waves of the ocean. The sea blue tiles are actually the semi-precious gemstone lapis lazuli. Appointments are designed to add to this feeling of heaven and sea, and in fact, at Santa Caterina, you don’t feel earthbound at all, but floating above, in the heavens.

Floor to ceiling windows and French doors allow panoramic views from any vantage point. You can see the ocean as well as the town of Amalfi, about a 10 min walk away. The most difficult choice you might have to make is whether to drink in the ambience from the lovely lobby areas, sip a glass of wine on the terrace overlooking the ocean, or relax in one of the innumerable chaise lounges by the pool or ocean.

Because the property is carved into the hillside several hundred feet above sea level, it actually terraces down to the ocean. Meandering paths through the gardens—which include orange groves and cherry trees—lead to the pool at sea level. Steps from the pool lead you directly into the Mediterranean.

The rooms, regardless of the views, offer fine furnishings, plush robes, marble baths, emerald green marble floors, and the upscale bath amenities you would expect of a five-star resort. Service is impeccable—discerning but not hovering. Some rooms offer Jacuzzi bathtubs for two, and the showers are terrific: a 1ft square shower rainhead above with 6 vertical sprays for an invigorating massage over your entire body.

The included breakfast is a hearty, full-fledged affair with cooked-to-order omelettes, grilled vegetables, cheeses and salamis and hams, fruits, fresh-squeezed juices, and breads and pastries. It’s doubtful that you can eat lunch after a repast like that, but come time for dinner, you do want to try their restaurant which features the abundant produce of the region and seafood, fresh-caught that morning in Amalfi.

Hotel Santa Caterina is definitely a luxurious property and commands a perfect location in the Amalfi region, but yet it frequently offers amazing promotions that make it more value-laden and more affordable than other properties in their class. Call me to discuss whether Hotel Caterina would fulfill your expectations for your next adventure to the Amalfi Coast.

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Filed under: revitalize, beauty, Santa Caterina, Amalfi Coast, Honeymoon, breathtaking views, relax, luxury