onastero Santa Rosa is a luxury 5-star hotel perched high above the Amalfi Coast in Conca dei Marini, nestled between Amalfi and Positano. Housed within a meticulously restored 17th-century monastery, it blends historic architecture with modern comforts. As an adult-only (16+) property, the hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
It has earned numerous awards and accolades from both the media and the hospitality industry, including ranking #1 hotel in Italy in the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It was also named ‘Hotel of the Year’ at the 2020 European Hotel Awards, while its restaurant, Il Refettorio, has held a Michelin star since 2017.
From the moment we stepped through the entrance, the atmosphere felt distinctly different. Here there was no bustling reception desk or clipboard check-in. Instead, a soft bell rang to quietly announce our arrival – a simple, but meaningful welcome.
We were offered rosewater-scented towels and a glass of homemade lemonade, drawn from a beautiful wooden prayer drum near the entrance. We enjoyed these at a quiet lookout spot with panoramic sea views. This set the tone: nothing rushed, nothing overlooked.
The check-in process was seamless, overseen by staff who clearly love what they do. We were given a tour of the property – an old monastery transformed into a boutique hotel with only 20 rooms, all once part of the nuns’ original living quarters. Each corridor holds little pieces of the building’s history. These include confession boxes, original stonework, and high vaulted ceilings.
The rooms, which are spread across two levels of the monastery, feature spacious bathrooms clad in Jerusalem stone, with heated floors and rain-head showers. Many also include full-size baths. Each of the eight suites differs in size and layout, individually designed, with some including a terrace.
Our Sea View Deluxe Suite had stunning views of the pool below and the coastline beyond. Our room was airy, tranquil, and thoughtfully designed. It featured a spacious bedroom, a large bathroom, and a separate sitting room. Wooden shutters, rather than curtains, helped keep our room dark and quiet at night.
Every detail was carefully considered, including complimentary soft drinks and water in the minibar, a Nespresso machine, a kettle, and a steamer.
Waiting for us were beautiful homemade Sfogliatella Santa Rosa pastries, fresh strawberries and a chilled bottle of Italian sparkling wine – a much-appreciated welcome. The pastries hold a historical significance here – dating back to the monastery’s early days when they were first crafted by the resident nuns.
Our bathroom featured a spacious walk-in shower and luxurious Ortigia toiletries. Two types of plush, embroidered dressing gowns – waffle cotton and full terry – were provided. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, with high-quality linens.
Every aspect of Monastero Santa Rosa is full of character. Each room is named after a herb or plant once used by the nuns to create produce from the monastery’s garden. Even the “Do Not Disturb” signs are whimsical – hand-painted with a nun holding a finger to her lips!
The beautiful infinity pool, kept at a perfect 27°C, is seamlessly integrated into the cliffside. Gentle background music adds to the relaxing ambience. Despite 18 of the 20 rooms being occupied, the pool area never felt busy, with more than enough deck chairs available. The balance of privacy and attentiveness was consistent across our entire stay.
Monastero Santa Rosa focuses on fresh, seasonal cuisine made with ingredients from its own garden and local producers. The menu evolves with the harvest, and everything is homemade – from the bread to the pasta to the desserts. The cooking is simple and traditional, inspired by recipes once used by the resident nuns.
The hotel is home to Il Refettorio, a Michelin-starred restaurant where Chef Alfonso Crescenzo expertly blends local tradition with innovative techniques to showcase the flavours of the Campanian coast. His culinary journey began in Sarno, where he cooked with his grandmother. After gaining experience worldwide, he now brings his expertise and passion back to his native region as head chef.
Il Refettorio is open for dinner every day except Tuesday.
Breakfast is served on the terrace which has stunning sea views. It features a refined à la carte menu instead of a buffet. Each setting includes hand-painted “Buongiorno” plates and cups. Breakfast begins with a basket of fresh breads and pastries, followed by tailored orders. The dishes are beautifully presented and delicious, and every interaction with the staff was warm, professional and sincere. The attention to detail was exceptional.
At Il Mezzogiorno Poolside Café, guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch with fresh coastal dishes including salads or campotti pasta with local shrimp, perfectly paired with a glass of Fiano di Avellino.
The wine cellar at Bar La Brocca offers a fine selection of Italian wines to complement meals, with the sommelier on hand to provide recommendations – from local whites to vintage Barolos.
Daily between 4PM and 5PM, guests can enjoy complimentary Santa Rosa tea, herbal tea, and biscuits in the bar lounge.
The Sunset Terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with a pre-dinner drink while watching the sunset. Although there’s no bar on the terrace, a phone is provided for guests to easily order drinks.
The hotel’s spa is peaceful and thoughtfully designed, with each room preserving the original 17th-century vaulted ceilings and rustic walls that reflect the property’s monastic heritage. Guests are provided with robes, spa slippers, towels, and lockers upon arrival.
The Thermal Suite, which is complimentary for guests, features a striking double-height vaulted tepidarium with pomegranate-infused foot spas and heated mosaic loungers. Alongside, there is a domed aromatic steam room, crushed ice fountain, stone sauna, hydrotherapy pool, and emotion shower.
Spa treatments are offered in individual rooms built into the ancient walls, each equipped with its own shower and private changing area. The highlight is an expansive 80m² spa suite – a private, double-vaulted space with extensive amenities. Outdoor treatments are also available in the secluded Spa Garden Terrace, which overlooks the coast.
The outdoor gym is equipped with Technogym machines and provides stunning coastal views to enjoy while working out.
The gardens at Monastero Santa Rosa are both peaceful and meticulously maintained. These feature terraced herbs, flowers, and citrus trees. Secluded paths and hidden seating areas provide tranquil spots for relaxation.
A standout service was the on-demand complimentary shuttle to and from Amalfi, a 15-minute drive, operating daily from 8AM until midnight with just an hour’s notice. They also arranged transport to a local restaurant for us.
For guests arriving by car or using a rental, complimentary valet parking is available.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
The nearest airport is Naples, approximately an 80-minute drive from the hotel. Transfers can be arranged, through the concierge, for €220 each way (for up to two people). A 30% supplement applies for journeys between 8PM and 8AM.
Evenings concluded with small turndown gifts – bookmarks, postcards, and on our final night, a box of local pasta and homemade tomato sauce left in the room. During one evening’s turndown service, our glasses and cups were not refreshed as expected, but this was a rare oversight in an otherwise impeccable stay.
On departure, we were given a parting gift – lemon sweets and water for the journey – another small touch that made us feel well looked after, right up to the very end.
Monastero Santa Rosa doesn’t try to compete with flashier resorts. It doesn’t need to. What it offers is something far more valuable: time to slow down, space to breathe, and the kind of hospitality that feels completely genuine.
It’s a place that remembers your name, anticipates your needs, and sends you on your way feeling like you’ve stayed somewhere truly rare.
For more information, visit https://monasterosantarosa.com/.
