Where is it?
In the Province of Salerno, directly opposite the island of Capri, the Palazzo Avino hotel occupies prime property on the picturesque Amalfi Coast. The hotel and its spa sit 350m above sea level in the medieval hilltop village of Ravello, enjoying unbeatable views over the med from the privacy of verdant gardens.
Why the hype?
A private villa of the Italian nobility in the 12th century, this pink-hued palace boasts flower-filled terraces, a private beach club and boundless views of the Gulf of Salerno. Love-struck couples and discerning foodies snub the seafront Amalfi honeypots in favour of its low-key glamour and Ravello’s elevated charm. Chef Giovanni Vanacore serves up Italian favourites – including grilled scallops and homemade ravioli – in its Michelin star restaurant and its spa menu is equally enticing.
What to have?
It may be small but it’s perfectly formed. The vaulted rooms are adorned in turquoise tiles and it uses its own range of “cosmetic food”. Treatments are based on three regional ingredients, purifying Sorrento lemons, reviving Vesuvio apricots and Annurca apples, the latter known for their anti-ageing benefits. For a touch of la dolce vita, pick the Peau de Satin body renovator – an exfoliating cleanse that uses apricots grown in the mineral-rich soil of Mount Vesuvius. You’ll be scrubbed head to toe before being slathered in an apricot mask that will leave sun-worn skin hydrated and glowing.
Best by boat:
Drop anchor in the Gulf of Salerno and tender in to the Palazzo’s seaside clubhouse, where a driver will be ready to escort you up winding roads to the hotel. Check into the Infinito Suite and keep an eye on your yacht from your own private terrace spa pool.