LA LOCANDA DELLE DONNE MONACHE

Little Eden in the mountains above Maratea

SUSPENDED BETWEEN MOUNTAINS AND SEA with sweeping views over historic Maratea, La Locanda delle Donne Monache is one of those rare finds you’d like to keep all to yourselves.

A converted 18th century convent, Donne Monache is a little Eden with views to match. Hold your breath as you drive south from Naples and take the coast road from Sapri – the views are a winner.

Set among scenic mountains above the narrow alleys and rooftops of Maratea’s medieval centre, the Locanda offers second to none views over the old town from its hillside vantage point.

Quarters once that were once home to the Visitandine sisters have been transformed into stylish guest accommodation, mixing ample comforts with the charm and simplicity of the listed building. And if you’re smitten with the views from the terrace, you’ll love it inside this peaceful mountain hideaway.

Hanging gardens

Light-flooded rooms have a pared-down simplicity with clean lines and a clutter-free feel. Immaculate and with every home comfort, they come with big beds, bathrobes and a bottle of bubbly. We loved the five highly individual suites – one of them split-level and another with a private garden. La Badessa has wonderful views over the town while La Vicaria has a bathtub for two built into the mountain rock.

Public areas are dotted with sculptures and original artworks, while outside there’s a glistening pool reflecting the convent’s white bell tower. Dramatically set hanging gardens – brimful with the scent of lemon, jasmine and bougainvillea – nudge the steeply rising rock canopy, with sun loungers enjoying the shade of a natural rock canopy.

Relax poolside, with those fabulous views over Maratea, or hop aboard the Locanda’s free shuttle to a nearby private beach where you can swim and sun-soak. The sands here are lapped by some of Italy’s cleanest waters.

Steps lead down into the town, where Maratea’s historic centre offers a taste of real Italy. Well away from the cosmopolitan crowds and souvenir-laden stores of the big resorts, the town charms with its narrow alleys, café fringed main square and scenic surroundings. You’re far more likely to get chatting to locals here than simply other tourists.

Gastronomes make a beeline for Locanda delle Donne Monache’s Il Sacella restaurant, with its exposed stone walls and porticoed terrace.

A boat trip along the coast is a must, and there are plenty of other excursion-worthy places in the area. But most couples come here to simply unwind, slow down and switch off.

Donne Monache’s can’t-do-enough staff win plaudits galore from their guests. Warm, welcoming but unobtrusive, they’ll help make sure you have the best ever time here.


La Locanda delle Donne Monache was reviewed for Room for Romance by Anna-Maria Baccanello

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
For a creative take on Mediterranean and Basilicatan classics, Il Sacello is hard to beat. Go for the Gragnano Paccheri with Parmesan cream, shrimps and scarpariello sauce for an authentic taste of the region. Expect the freshest and best local produce, including freshly caught fish and locally grown veggies.

Dining out
If you can tear yourself away from Il Sacello, there are some good reatsurants to try in the port of Maratea. Lanterna Rossa and Za Mariuccia both offer great local food, while Il Giardino di Epicuro (4km) is definitely well named.

See & Do
You won't be short of things to do here – there is over 30km of wild coastline to explore, as well as 44 churches in Maratea and the ancient charterhouse of San Lorenzo 60km away. The city of Maratea is a UNESCO world heritage site and begs exploration. If sun worshipping is more your scene, just take the hotel’s shuttle bus to the beach though and zone out.

Shop
Maratea has plenty of boutiques selling the latest Italian fashion. You can also stock up on some favourite local foods at La Farmacia dei Sani, a five minute walk from the hotel.

Spa
You can book a range of massages here, such as back and shoulder, Californian and Malaysian Wave – just the thing to round off a tough day by the pool.

After dark
Head down to the buzzy port of Maratea where plenty of bars and cafes and bars cater for late-nighters. Arguably the best is the appropriately named Hydra Aqua Bar.

Dates
July
Culture vultures flock to Maratea for the painting, sculpture, poetry and dance at the contemporary art festival.

May
Celebrate Maratea's patron saint at the Festa di San Biagio, with parades, fireworks and plenty of good food.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Carlo Mazzei, 85046 Maratea

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Maratea station – 4km

Taxis
No more than EUR 10 from the station.

Airport
Naples – 150km (2 hours drive).

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 100 - 310

Open/closed
Open from April to November

Check-in
15:00

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Continental breakfast is served until 10:30am

Room service
Available morning and evening.

Children
Welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms.

Languages
Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German

Wedding license?
Yes. Ceremonies with up to 60 guests can be catered for, based on exclusive hire.

Your contact
Vincenza Lamagna – General manager