While Amalfi, Positano and Ravello are familiar to travelers around the world, the Amalfi Coast is home to many other charming towns as well as hidden villas and hotels tucked away in between. Let me introduce you to one of the most spectacular – the Monastero Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini. Located between Amalfi and Positano, you may have spotted it from the sea. It’s a striking white building perched right at the very edge of a cliff. Once upon a time it was convent where the remote location and expansive views were ideal for a contemplative and quiet life. For fairytale Amalfi Coast settings, this one wins hands down.

Built in the 17th century, the convent was a thriving part of the community of Conca dei Marini and is the birthplace of the delicious Sfogliatella Santa Rosa pastry. When monasteries and convents were suppressed in the 1800s, the convent was closed like so many across Italy. It had fallen into a state of beautiful ruin when American Bianca Sharma spotted it while on holiday in 2000. Thus began a decade-long personal quest to restore the convent and create a remarkable boutique hotel.

The spectacular setting is just the beginning of the magic of the Monastero Santa Rosa. Sharma and a team of architects and historians stayed true to the historic features and atmosphere while imbuing the hotel with a unique sense of luxury. With only 20 suites, the Monastero Santa Rosa feels intimate and yet grand at the same time. Each of the rooms is named after an herb that the nuns would have cultivated in the gardens. To create a true retreat, an extensive spa was added in the space where wine was one produced. A getaway spot in itself, the 750-foot thermal spa features treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, a hydrotherapy pool and more. The hotel says most guests use the spa every day, which is easy to believe. I’m not sure I’d ever leave!

If the spa wasn’t relaxing enough, then you’ll find plenty of chairs and sunbeds well placed throughout the terraces and gardens to kick back, enjoy a good book and soak up the sun. The extensive gardens meander down four terraces leading to one of the most incredible infinity pools with a view overlooking the Bay of Salerno and coastline.

Recently the Condé Nast Traveler website feature the Monastero Santa Rosa and called it A Blissful Retreat on the Amalfi Coast. If you’re looking for a remarkable Amalfi Coast holiday spot where you can truly get away from it all, then I’d highly recommend the Monastero Santa Rosa. Do keep in mind that you’ll be a drive from Amalfi and Positano, the closest spots to catch the ferry, but the secluded setting is what makes the Monastero Santa Rosa so very special. Find a peaceful spot under the bougainvillea, sit back and get lost in that view.

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
www.monasterosantarosa.com
Conca dei Marini
Amalfi Coast
+39 089 832 1199
info@monasterosantarosa.com

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Note: I do not receive compensation of any kind for Amalfi Coast accommodation posts on Ciao Amalfi. All opinions expressed are my own. My passion is to share the best of the Amalfi Coast, including beautiful places to stay. Follow this link to see more Amalfi Coast Accommodations.

(Images courtesy Monastero Santa Rosa)