Monastero Santa Rosa

Truly, this place IS heaven on earth and words really can’t capture the feeling I had while there. I think it says it all that leaving this place was incredibly sad. My husband and I spent 3 nights here on our honeymoon in Italy, and it was undoubtedly the most luxurious, personalized, relaxing experience I’ve ever had.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the Monastero Santa Rose is unlike any other high-​end hotel or resort. The caring attention to every last detail — from the individually named rooms by herbs and flowers the nuns used during its days as a monastery to the housemade tea we sipped when we were swept away to the balcony as our things were collected and transported — is remarkable. Just the scent of the air in the monastero is serene and soothing.
We had an incredible three room suite with stunning ocean views from every window, which was hard to leave but necessary to enjoy the breathtaking infinity pool and terraced garden. In October it felt like we had almost the entire property to ourselves!
The spa experience is seriously outstanding — we did a package with several treatments, and we started with the thermal bathing experience before we were guided to the two-​story multi-​level private spa suite complete with a massage area, a foot bath area, a humongous couples shower, and more. It’s jaw-​dropping, and the services were equally so.
I told my husband as we were leaving that the only way I could go is if we promised ourselves we could return one day. Until then!

This place is truly epic and it was the perfect choice for our honeymoon stay. Those that want to indulge in total relaxation, comfort and luxury– definitely add this to your list. For starters, the setting is unreal– a former 17^th century abbey perched on a rocky cliff looking over the Amalfi coast. No detail goes unnoticed– from the moment you walk in the door everyone already knows your name! While luggage is gathered and car is parked you’ll be offered fresh herbal water and a cold towel drenched rose water out on a gorgeous terrace. There are only 20 rooms, which makes for a true getaway experience. The rooms are simple yet elegant and luxurious with vaulted ceilings and views to the coast. The bathrooms are über spacious with rain showers and bathtubs. Every night during turn down the staff delivered a lovely gift from the hotel– our first night it was strawberries and sparkling wine, the next night hats from the resort and the last night a box of pasta.
We normally don’t visit spas during our trips in Italy, but this hotel is home to one of the best in Italy! It’s built into the old rocks, so you’re basically inside of a totally restored cave that’s equipped with gorgeous steam rooms, thermal pool, foot baths, hydro pools and even a sauna with a crushed ice dispenser to cool you down. We indulged in a full day of r&r at the spa and I would it do all over again! Hotel guests can enjoy the facilities as well, even if they don’t book a treatment. That’s what Monastero Santa Rosa is all about– escaping the hustle and bustle. The property is designed in such a way that you can find a special spot to totally relax. Day beds line the pool area and lawns, so you can post up for the entire day. Hotel staff are onsite all times to assist guests. The level of service is by far the best I’ve ever experienced. Attentive but not overbearing.
Eating at the monastero is an experience, starting with breakfast, which is served daily out on the terrace… again overlooking the sea. Breakfast is a la carte and is included in your hotel stay. This is bar far my favorite breakfast experience in Italy– albeit a little on the Americanized side, it was lovely to actually see a breakfast menu, rather than just coffee and a cornetto or brioche. Upon sitting down, a basket of fresh assorted bread and pastries is delivered to the table, with fresh fruit and a slice of the «cake of the day.» That alone would suffice! But then you can order at your leisure– some notable choices were the baked eggs, cheese plate, fresh fruit, and the yogurt sourced from sweden, amazing! Plating and presentation were picture perfect.
Lunch and snacks can be enjoyed throughout the day in the dining area or from your day bed! We chose the latter– who wouldn’t?! A typical lunch for us was a fresh arugula and tomato salad, burrata and a few glasses rosè.
Dinner at the Monastero is just as memorable. German born, Head Chef Christoph Bob, is remarkably talented. The menu highlights the traditions of the Campania region– using ingredients sourced from the area and from the gardens on the property. I highly recommend booking a 5-​course dinner with the chef. Chef Bob customizes the dinner according to your tastes and the setting will blow you away. A fireside table for two in one of the gardens.
It’s hard to capture every detail about the Monastero Santa Rosa, but it truly is a sanctuary and the perfect getaway along the Amalfi coast that attracts mass tourism.