The

The
road to
Ravello is not for the fainthearted. Hairpin bends and sheer
cliff drops into the Mediterranean Sea which beckons like a
shimmering temptress mean that reaching this hilltop town requires
both nerves and gears of steel. Yet those who do make it to the
jewel of the Amalfi Coast will be handsomely rewarded – even more
so if the sun-kissed Palazzo Avino is the final
destination. This 12th-century “pink palace” (as the locals call
it) sits proudly on Ravello’s upper level, away from flocks of
visitors and protected by sprawling terraced gardens where sun
loungers are scattered among wisteria and citrus trees.

When it comes to the interiors, this fully refurbished palazzo
retains its Italian grandeur but has thrown any old-school
stuffiness out of the window and over a Romeo-and-Juliet balcony.
Rich Persian carpets, plump silk sofas and gilt mirrors are
refreshed by bright-white walls, lofty ceilings and gleaming
monochrome floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows are flanked by heavy
satin curtains yet open out onto an expanse of aquamarine in the
distance, so that sea air and sunlight flood every corner of the
aristocratic abode. With impeccable staff and a lack of airs and
graces, this hotel whispers Italian summer romance.

Rooms

The 43 guestrooms (30 of which have sea views) surround a
central atrium with Moorish arches bringing another dimension to
palatial corridors. Impeccably white walls provide a blank canvas
for antique furniture topped by oriental vases which overflow with
orchids, while pastel-blue touches and gleaming marble bathrooms
keep the overall impression contemporary.

What’s for breakfast?

The à la carte menu almost becomes obsolete in the face of a
veritable buffet which includes a doorstop-sized wedge of the
hotel’s own honeycomb for you to hack at and have on toast, or
simply eat by the spoonful. Need we say more?

What about lunch and dinner?

Head to Caffé dell’Arte for daytime snacking, but for larger
plates Terrazza Belvedere is your go-to. If you’re down at the
beach club, you’ll be well catered for with pasta, pizza and
salads. For dinner, Michelin-starred Rossellinis has got to be one
of the most romantic restaurants in Amalfi – if you’re plucking up
the courage to pop the big question, head to the Lobster &
Martini Bar first, where you can choose from 70 imaginative
concoctions.

Is there a bar?

Aside from the martini masterpiece, we particularly like the
ground-floor bar, filled with foliage and complete with a
magnificent black-and-white art deco star stretching out across the
floor.

Amenities

A heated outdoor
pool, alfresco gym, spa
(including a hydrotherapy pool, hammam and sauna) rooftop hot tubs,
and a private beach club with direct access to the water – serviced
by a free shuttle.

Things you should know

You will never want to leave.

Within a short walk you can find…

Ravello is small and the streets are made for wandering. Leave
your GPS behind and head out for a pre-breakfast stroll when the
town is quiet all but for relaxed locals and cats basking in the
morning rays. Palazzo Avino is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend
Collection.