Interview: Ferdinando Alfano, General Manager at Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast
luxury 5-star hotel perched high above the Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa is nestled in the quiet town of Conca dei Marini, between Amalfi and Positano. This historic 17th-century monastery has been meticulously restored and transformed into one of the most enchanting luxury hotels on the Amalfi Coast. The adult-only (16+) property blends historic architecture with modern comforts, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
The hotel has earned numerous accolades, a testament to its excellence. It was named the #1 hotel in Italy in the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and ‘Hotel of the Year’ at the 2020 European Hotel Awards. Its restaurant, Il Refettorio, has also been celebrated with a Michelin star since 2017.
We had the opportunity to speak with Ferdinando Alfano, the General Manager of Monastero Santa Rosa. Born in Italy, Alfano moved to Switzerland at the age of nine, where he later began his hotel apprenticeship. After returning to Italy in 1983, he worked his way up through various hotel roles – from waiter to management – before becoming Hotel Manager at Villa Treville in 2010 and General Manager of Monastero Santa Rosa in 2019.
A veteran of the local hospitality scene, Alfano shares his unique insights into what makes this property a true sanctuary – from its storied history to the personal touches that create a deeply memorable guest experience.
If you were to describe Monastero Santa Rosa in three words, what would they be?
Enchanting, Sanctuary and Embracing.
What makes this hotel truly unique compared to others?
The hotel’s unique character stems from its history and the personal story of its owner, Mrs. Bianca Sharma. Twenty-five years ago, she discovered the building as a ruin and dedicated her time and resources to restoring it to its current state.
Do you have a personal favourite spot or experience within the hotel or its grounds?
I don’t have a single favourite, but several spots stand out. The rooftop is spectacular, offering a breathtaking 360° view of the coast. For a personal touch, I find the Sunset Terrace to be the best observation point. And, of course, the gardens are a true highlight, with a diverse collection of approximately 170 different plants and flowers.
What elements of the original monastery have you consciously left untouched – and why?
That’s a question for the owner, Mrs. Bianca Sharma. She made a point of preserving several elements of the original monastery, such as the confessional, along with various paintings and pieces of furniture now found in the hotel’s corridors and rooms.
How do you integrate local Amalfi Coast culture into the guest experience?
We integrate local Amalfi Coast culture into the guest experience in several ways, starting with our staff. The majority of our team is local, and they are the best way to authentically share our culture with guests.
Additionally, our chef, Alfonso Crescenzo, crafts all his menus using traditional local recipes and products.
To encourage guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, we also inform them about events happening in Conca dei Marini, Amalfi, and the surrounding towns, from the “Sfogliatella Santa Rosa” festival – which was invented by the nuns of a local monastery – to the Historical Regatta and the Byzantine New Year celebration.
What is a hidden gem or secret about the property most guests don’t know?
One of our most special hidden gems is the Roseto, a secluded area featuring a magnificent wall of jasmine. It’s a truly serene spot that offers a beautiful sensory experience. Another secret most guests don’t know about is our quiet Yoga Terrace, which provides a peaceful escape with a stunning view.
What drew you personally to Monastero Santa Rosa?
Having worked in both Sorrento and Positano, I followed the opening of Monastero Santa Rosa with great curiosity. Once it opened, I had the pleasure of visiting the hotel with Flavio, who has managed it since day one. I later had the chance to meet Mrs. Sharma and her son, Nathan, when they visited the hotel where I was working.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Passionate, calm, loyal and present.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
I was lucky enough to grow up and go to school in Switzerland, where students have the opportunity to do internships in different companies during their final year. The one I enjoyed most was at Hotel Sandi, even though I knew nothing about hotels and had no family in the hospitality industry.
What I find most rewarding is the fact that people like me, who didn’t attend a prestigious professional school or university, can still, with a lot of passion and commitment, aspire to become a hotel manager, even at a very important hotel like Monastero Santa Rosa.
What do you want guests to take with them emotionally when they leave Monastero Santa Rosa?
I want guests to take with them what most of them write in their “Confessionals”, which is our personal way of asking for feedback.
I want them to remember the courtesy, professionalism and passion of our staff, our attention to detail, and the unique sense that they have been in a monastery from the very moment they walked through our doors.
Read our full review of our stay at Monastero Santa Rosa, here.
For more information, visit https://monasterosantarosa.com/.
