HOTEL SANTA CATERINA RE-OPENS FOR ANOTHER GLORIOUS SUMMER SEASON

 This year, easyJet will be launching the UK’s only direct flights to the Amalfi Coast, with twice-weekly flights from London Gatwick to the newly commercialised Salerno-Amalfi Coast airport launching this July. Up until now, visitors to the Amalfi Coast have had to fly to Naples before making their way to the iconic coastline. Now with these new flights, what better reason to pay a visit to the iconic Hotel Santa Caterina? 

Known as the “grand dame” of the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Santa Caterina has now proudly reopened its doors, marking the beginning of another glorious summer season.  

Situated along the ever-popular and world-renowned Amalfi coastline, this five-star luxury hotel steeped in history and family tradition continues to captivate guests with its unrivalled service and breathtaking views of the Amalfi Bay. 

Below, we highlight some of the reasons why Hotel Santa Caterina should be on your travel bucket list for this year. 

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR 

Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking scenery of its coastal locale, Hotel Santa Caterina emanates an aura of timeless elegance and refined charm, so it’s no surprise that it’s attracted a wealth of famous faces over the years. As a cherished fourth-generation family establishment, returning guests and regulars are greeted with hugs and kisses on arrival. Previous famous guests have included Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie who sought respite from the limelight in the early days of their romance, while Hilary Clinton and daughter Chelsea have also holidayed at Hotel Santa Caterina. Furthermore, the hotel holds a storied past, having played host to icons of Hollywood’s golden era, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, adding to its illustrious legacy. 

SAMPLE THE FLAVOURS OF AMALFI: DINING AT HOTEL SANTA CATERINA 

At Hotel Santa Caterina, dining is an experience to savour; every meal is a celebration of the rich flavours of the Amalfi Coast. Santa Caterina is home to two restaurants – Michelin-starred Glicine and oceanfront Al Mare – both of which offer breathtaking views and divine dishes, inviting guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other. 

Guests begin their days with a spectacular breakfast served outside on the terrace overlooking the Amalfi Bay and a panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea – a perfect backdrop to any morning. Breakfast can of course also be enjoyed in the guest rooms and suites, setting the tone for a day of indulgence and relaxation. 

For lunch and dinner, Al Mare awaits, offering a beautiful stone terrace overlooking the azure waters. Renowned for its traditional cuisine, seafood specialties, and handmade pizzas cooked in the wood-fired oven, Al Mare celebrates the authentic flavours of the region, ensuring every bite is a delight for the senses. Here, guests can sample the hotel’s famous Spaghettini al Limone Sfusato di Amalfi, a rich and creamy lemon pasta which uses the citrus fruit taken from the Amalfi groves. 

Carved into the rock, Il Grottino opens onto a terrace overlooking the sea, creating an enchanting atmosphere where guests can enjoy refreshments during the day or sample an aperitif at sunset, allowing guests to experience the unmistakable feeling of “Dolce Vita Amalfitana,”. Meanwhile Bar La Terrazza, the hotel’s lounge with panoramic terrace, makes for the perfect choice for a pre or post dinner cocktail. 

And for the most special dining experience of all, guests can indulge in the culinary creations of Michelin-starred restaurant, Glicine. Under the guidance of Chef Giuseppe Stanzione, the ever-changing A La Carte menu and tasting menu showcases the seasonal and Mediterranean flavours of the region with passion and expertise. With its veranda and picturesque gardens below, dining at Glicine is an unforgettable experience that epitomises the essence of luxury and fine dining. 

LEMON LUXURY: WELLNESS EXPERIENCES AT HOTEL SANTA CATERINA

Whilst lemons play an integral part in several of the dishes served at Hotel Santa Caterina’s restaurants, they are also weaved into the hotel’s wellness offerings. 

“Oro di Amalfi” is an exclusive treatment offered by Hotel Santa Caterina which uses a lemon-based oil to relax and stimulate the Chakras. The oil itself has a toning, smoothing, purifying and vitaminising effect, leaving the recipient with complete balance of mind, body and soul.  

The hotel offers a number of other treatments, such as the Sothys Indonésie Ancestrale Signature Massage which is based on an original Indonesian ritual of a total body massage combined with breathing techniques. There are also a range of facial skincare treatments available to book at the spa. 

EXPLORING AMALFI: ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS IN THE AREA 

Nearby Amalfi offers a plethora of captivating excursions for guests of Hotel Santa Caterina, each promising to immerse visitors in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures of the Amalfi Coast. 

Begin by strolling through the historic streets of Amalfi, a town steeped in maritime glory and medieval charm and just fifteen minutes on foot from the hotel. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle bus back and forth to the town of Amalfi. Delve into history at the Civic Museum where the famed “Tavole Amalfitane” – the 12th century maritime code – takes pride of place. Visit architectural gems like the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea and the Cloister of Paradise, or the Paper Museum situated in the Valle dei Mullini in an old 13th century paper mill; one of the area’s most noteworthy sites. 

Just a little further from the hotel is Atrani, where the new Netflix series Ripley was recently filmed. A picturesque fishing village of peace and tranquillity, Atrani is home to a number of quaint cafes and the Baroque Church of Santa Maria Maddalena.  

Only a few kilometres south lies Minori, renowned for its sandy beaches and fragrant citrus groves. Explore the ruins of a 1st-century Roman villa which was discovered back in 1954. Stop by Vietri sul Mare, famed for its vibrant majolica tiles and ceramics, many of which have been used to decorate the rooms at Hotel Santa Caterina. 

Located just 30 minutes by taxi or private boat, visitors can also explore the nearby town of Positano, which served as a backdrop for the original 1999 The Talented Mr. Ripley movie. Historically a retreat of the ancient Greeks and the Roman nobility, Positano boasts both the serene beach of Fornillo and the bustling Spiaggia Grande. Opposite the town and rising out of the waters is the legendary archipelago of Li Galli, reputedly the abode of the Sirens from Homer’s epic tales. Guests of Hotel Santa Caterina can embark on a private boat excursion from the hotel’s private jetty to enjoy the beauty of secluded beaches, hidden caves, and idyllic vistas along the way. 

All of this awaits and more, making a visit to Hotel Santa Caterina and the Amalfi Coast unmissable in 2024.