Santavenere: Luxury Hotel On The Tyrrhenian Coast In Southern Italy

Forbes

5 hours ago

Perched high above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Santavenere in Maratea, Italy is the ideal place to relax and ... More unwind.
Tucked away on the dramatic coastline of Maratea, in Italy's Basilicata region, Santavenere Hotel is a tranquil, sun-drenched sanctuary where time slows and guests are treated not as travelers—but as returning friends.
From the moment you step into the lobby, where you're warmly greeted with a cheerful 'welcome home,' it becomes clear that this is more than a luxury hotel—it's an intimate retreat and the perfect escape to unwind and relax.
Santavenere offers just 26 elegantly appointed guest rooms giving it the feeling of a private ... More estate.
Privacy Is The Ultimate Luxury At Santavenere
Perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Santavenere is set amidst rugged, untamed hills blanketed in wild rosemary, lavender, hibiscus, and jasmine. The façade of the main building, cloaked in two-story-high bougainvillea, bursts with fuchsia blooms that have flourished for over 50 years. It's no surprise that guests describe it as 'paradise' in the hotel's guest book, with one recent visitor calling their stay 'a complete joy from start to finish.'
The property offers just 26 elegantly appointed rooms in the main building—four of which are deluxe rooms and one suite—giving it the feeling of a private estate. 'A luxury experience today is defined by privacy, and that is exactly what we offer,' says General Manager Nicola Loiodice. 'Time is the new luxury, and here, it flows more slowly, away from the crowds and commercial noise of more well-trodden destinations like the Amalfi Coast.'
Originally built in the mid-20th century as a private villa, Santavenere retains the warmth and ... More discretion of a personal residence.
Authentic Hospitality At Santavenere
Originally built in the mid-20th century as a private villa, Santavenere retains the warmth and discretion of a personal residence. Staff quickly learn each guest's name—and preferences. 'We remember which table they like, the kind of water they prefer, and where they enjoy sitting," explains Loiodoce. 'That attention to detail builds a bond that is stronger than in most hotels.'
With no retail boutique on property, the experience remains residential rather than commercial. And it's one that inspires loyalty: over half of the guests are repeat visitors, many of whom rebook before even checking out.
At Santavenere, the locally-inspired cuisine is paired with incredible views of the sea.
Santavenere Celebrates Local Cuisine
Santavenere's cocktail bar, staffed by expert mixologists, is a standout, offering inventive libations made from local botanicals and infused liquors. The wine list is impressively curated, with local vineyards represented, as well as others from Italy, France, Spain, and beyond.
Nearly every ingredient on each of the hotel's restaurant and bar menus is locally sourced, from cheeses and seafood to fresh produce and herbs.
A daily breakfast—served al fresco or in the dining room—is a feast of freshly baked breads, croissants, cakes, and house-made yogurt, complemented by local honey scooped straight from the comb. A smoothie bar, manned by a staff member, offers custom blends using seasonal fruits and vegetables. A menu featuring eggs, omelets, pancakes and crepes are also available.
The hotel's elegant dining room, Le Lanterne, serves dinner with such specialties as beef carpaccio, roasted octopus, a variety of pasta dishes, lamb, beef, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
A second restaurant, Gli Ulivi, offers all-day dining. Near the pool, it is an open-air restaurant on a scenic terrace nestled among olive and lemon trees, At night, it transforms into an open-air pizza restaurant with a wood-fired oven. A third restaurant, Il Carrubo, is also an open-air venue located seaside on an expansive terrace. It offers fresh seafood every day for lunch and is open for dinner during the weekends.
A private romantic meal can be arranged on a secluded rock on the beach of Carrubo where guests can enjoy a three-course menu of choice while dining under the stars where they can hear the gentle crash of waves. (Reservations are required and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance). Private dinners can also be arranged on the terrace of Ulivi or on Santavenere's poolside lawn.
Picnic lunches can also be arranged by the hotel which will provide a well-stocked basket of food and wine. Guests choose the location of their picnic which can be anywhere on the property they prefer.
Santavenere's mixologists teach guests how to make craft cocktails like this one.
Curated Cultural Experiences
At Santavenere, the local culture is celebrated with curated experiences that reflect the local culture. For example, guests can join a workshop to learn age-old traditional Libbani weaving using vegetable ropes made from the area's long, flexible grass. Or guests can take a cooking class with the hotel's chefs to learn how to prepare local cuisine such as a Maritata soup with homemade lagane pasta and Lucanian sausage.
For cocktail lovers, mixology classes (by reservation only) offer guests the chance to create custom drinks using the bar's infused liquors and fresh herbs or to learn how to make a classic cocktail. Wine tasting classes with the hotel's sommelier highlight Basilicata's top wines accompanied by traditional snacks like cheese and bread. Experiences can be customized in advance to suit personal preferences.
A private boating excursion on a Sorrentine gozzo (a traditional wooden boat) can also be arranged. The expedition starts at Maratea's port and explores the coast's natural beauty.
The swimming pool at Santavenere.
Wellness And Rejuvenation At Santavenere
The serene spa draws from the surrounding landscape, using natural oils, sea salt, and native botanicals from Basilicata in a menu of facials, scrubs, massages, and wellness rituals. The signature experience is the 'Spa Path,' a 90-minute thermal journey that includes a hammam, chromotherapy showers, Finnish sauna, cold plunge, Himalayan salt room, hydro-massage pool, and herbal tea lounge. The Spa Path can be reserved privately for up to four guests (€100 per person), making it an ideal shared experience for couples, friends, or families.
Adjacent to the main building, there is a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by flowers and trees. By the pool there is a glass-walled fitness center, built in 2024, that offers sea views and Technogym equipment. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's tennis court and complimentary bicycles. Private outdoor yoga sessions on the property offer views of the sea and are available for all skill levels.
Santavenere's beachfront terrace.
A Seaside Escape With Mountain Views
A shaded path through the forest leads to the resort's private beach, where chaise lounges and food and beverage service are found during summer. Guests can swim, take complimentary kayaks along the coast, or book private boat charters to explore the surrounding waters.
Above the resort, the iconic statue of Cristo Redentore (Christ The Redeemer) watches over Maratea and Santavenere. Hike to its summit for panoramic views of the coastline and countryside. Made of Carrara marble, it is 21.2 meters in height.
The property offers just 26 elegantly appointed rooms in the main building—four of which are deluxe ... More and one suite—giving it the feeling of a private estate. A garden view deluxe room is seen here.
Getting To Santavenere
Santavenere is easily reached by train—a three-minute drive from the Maratea station, which offers direct service from Rome's Termini Station in under three hours. The closest airport is Salerno (1 hour and 20 minutes by car). For a longer Italian journey, combine Santavenere with a stop in Rome before or after your seaside escape.
For more information, visit the hotel's website at https://santavenere.it/en/santa-venere-maratea-eng/.