The sun-drenched south of Italy with blue, twinkling coastlines have flittered through our daydreams over these last months but restless travellers, both in Italy and abroad, are finally able to live La Dolce Vita again. Travellers wishing to reclaim their summers and reconnect with family and friends can embark on a glorious drive into Southern Italy, twinning two of the country’s most historic and beautiful family owned boutique hotels.
The Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is a converted monastery, built into the side of a cliff on the iconic Amalfi Coast, offering one of the most dramatic views in the world, while the Castello di Ugento is a restored Norman castle overlooking the lesser known town of Salento in Puglia.
An exclusive new driving experience takes guests from the Amalfi Coast, through the historic town of Matera and the heart of Italy’s inner ‘heel’ to Puglia, in a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider, complete with relaxing spa treatments, bespoke cookery classes and private local tours.
Flying into Naples, start your trip on the spectacular Amalfi Coast. We recommend you spend three nights at the iconic 17th century Monastero Santa Rosa. This 20-bedroom boutique hotel comes complete with a famous infinity pool which ‘floats’ over the edge of a cliff in Conca dei Marini. Here, you can take some time to relax and unwind and enjoy the hotel’s pristine and spacious grounds, which include the stunning landscaped gardens, historical herb garden and 12th century chapel.
Feast on seasonal menus from Michelin Star restaurant Il Refetorio and unwind in the award-winning spa. Enjoy an exclusive treatment using Santa Maria Novella products which can be done outside on the spa terrace overlooking the sea or inside the extraordinary Monastero Spa, designed by Jane Goff to fit within the original 17th century vaulted ceilings and rustic stone walls.
If you are keen to explore away from the crowds, the hotel team can organise privately guided hikes around the hidden trials of the Amalfi Coast. Monastero Santa Rosa will be re-opening this summer with a reduced occupancy, helping to put guests minds at ease alongside various other health and safety measures.
From Monastero, enjoy a scenic, leisurely five and a half drive towards Puglia. Why not break up the trip by stopping in Matera – a little-visited, historically-renowned town and the filming location of ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Here, take a tour of the Matera ‘Sassi district’ by an expert local guide.
After your break in Matera, drive onwards to Salento, where you can venture through the heart of Italy’s inner ‘heel’, with unbeatable views of Puglia’s olive groves, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, known as ‘The Italian Maldives’.
round up your trip with a three-night stay at the eight-bedroom Castello di Ugento in Puglia, the most historic family property in the region, which has been lovingly restored back to its former glory. The Castello is famed for being a culinary destination in its own right and here you can chow down on some amazing dishes made with 100% local ingredients, including fruit and vegetables from Castello’s own kitchen garden as well as all bread and desserts made on site by talented Pugliese Chef Tommaso Sanguedolce.
Why not hone your culinary skills and take part in private cookery class at the world-renowned Puglia Culinary Centre or real and enjoy and leisurely picnic in the expansive grounds of the Castello, enjoy the gorgeous aperitivo hours in the Castello’s 18th century garden and enjoy day trips to some of the best beaches in Italy.
Its worth saving some time to explore the cultural wonders of nearby Salento, Lecce and the picturesque port of Santa Maria di Leuca, without the usual tourist crowds. Why not arrange a private wine tasting at one of the local vineyard or tour one of the many nearby olive oil farms.
