3 days ago
Hotel Santa Caterina Adds New Suites and Rooftop Dining in Amalfi
A stone's throw from Amalfi, Hotel Santa Caterina has been a fixture of Italian hospitality for more than a century. Originally built as a private residence in 1850 by Giuseppe Gambardella, a local landowner on the Amalfi Coast, the villa was transformed into a hotel with six rooms in 1904. Still family-owned and now in its fourth generation, the iconic property boasts 66 rooms and continues to honor its historic roots while building on its legacy for the future.
As you drive along Italy's most iconic coastline, you can't miss the stately villa perched upon the hillside. Set on 5 acres dotted with lemon trees, Santa Caterina captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast with hand-painted tiles, elegant wooden furnishings and seaside views from its sunny terraces.
Part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, the Liberty style property is classic Italian: with a traditional revolving entrance, vintage wood-paneled reception and a hospitality team that has worked at the hotel for decades. More than staff, they're family — creating an atmosphere that feels like home rather than a hotel.
Santa Caterina's rooms and suites are plush and elegant, featuring Vietri's famous majolica tiles, artisanal headboards and early 20th century furnishings. Many include private terraces or balconies with views of the sea or surrounding gardens.
Chalet Giulietta & Romeo
Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina
Although the property prides itself on catering to families of all ages, two of the most beautiful suites are ideal for couples. 'Follia Amalfitana' features a unique shell-shaped bed, a hydrotherapy bathtub and a private outdoor pool, while 'Chalet Giulietta and Romeo,' an intimate cottage with vaulted ceilings and a garden terrace, offers a secluded pool with panoramic coastal views.
Just a short walk away, Villa della Marchesa is a five-bedroom retreat ideal for larger groups. Complete with a lap pool, spacious kitchen with wine cellar and an expansive dining terrace where guests can enjoy private meals prepared by the chef.
Villa della Marchesa
Alessandra Farinelli
This year, the hotel has added seven more suites in a refreshed, contemporary style to meet growing demand. Rather than expanding the footprint, the hotel has continued its longstanding practice of restoring existing structures — a necessity in a region where new development is tightly regulated.
Dining at Santa Caterina is another unforgettable experience. Glicine, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, is set on a romantic terrace and named for the iconic wisteria draped over the property each year in April.
Here you can order dishes à la carte, or a tasting menu, featuring creative spins on local recipes such as roasted squid stuffed with stuffed with zucchini, potatoes, and Provolone del Monaco cheese, or Wagyu beef with tuna, capers and anchovy sauce.
Glicine
Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina
Ristorante Al Mare, located at sea level beside the pool, takes a more relaxed approach to the region's beloved comfort food. Enjoy tagliolini pasta with a creamy lemon sauce, eggplant parmesan or oven-baked pizzas alongside grilled seafood and decadent desserts — accompanied by the sound of waves lapping below and live mandolin performances.
The newest addition, Senzafine, is a rooftop Mediterranean grill and raw bar that pairs elevated dishes with cocktails and sunset views. Signature plates include amberjack carpaccio with citrus and ponzu, Fassona beef tartare with hazelnuts and black truffle, and smoked eel yakitori with rosemary potatoes. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it's a stunning spot for an aperitivo as golden light bathes the coast.
Ristorante Al Mare
Courtesy of Hotel Santa Caterina
While the sun shines, most guests spend leisurely days down at Santa Caterina's beach club. Reachable by a panoramic glass elevator or a scenic stroll down a lemon grove-lined path, the cliffside sundeck and saltwater pool are carved into the rock — making it one of the coast's most unforgettable retreats. There's also a small dock to catch a boat ride to Capri or along the coast.
If you need to unwind, the hotel's spa offers treatments using ingredients grown on the property, including lemons, rosemary and olive oil. Don't miss the signature 'Amalfi Gold' massage which uses a lemon-infused oil to nourish both body and spirit. Santa Caterina also has a sauna, Turkish bath, hydrotherapy shower and fitness room with views of the sea.
Whether you plan to stay at the property or explore the coast, Santa Caterina offers a prime location. Amalfi is a scenic 15-minute walk downhill, with a complimentary shuttle available around the clock. Ravello is just 20 minutes by car, while Positano is a picturesque 40-minute drive away.
