MAISON LA MINERVETTA
Plum designer address bursting with visual vroom
STEP INSIDE Maison La Minervetta and you could have walked straight into the pages of an Italian interior design magazine. Architect Marco de Luca has created a stunning contemporary address this white-walled 1950s villa on Sorrento’s cliffside that feels more
like an airy Mediterranean style loft apartment than a conventional hotel.
All is glass and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing stunning Bay of Naples views at every turn. The
vibrant colours of the South give La Minervetta immense visual vrooom, set off by sleek modern furniture and smart lighting. Deep turquoise is strikingly teamed with navy and lime green; orange is played up to the hilt with coral red and yellow; reds and whites contrast with stripes of darkest blue. We were instantly captivated.
There’s no pared-down minimalism here; La Minervetta's walls are set off by
flamboyant artworks and collections of ceramics and pottery from around the world, all brilliantly presented in trademark alcoves or miniature shelves.
Hit the Spot
Clinging to Sorrento's cliffside.
Bedtime
Room 8 was our fave, with its wrap-around glass where only the waves can watch you.
Be Savvy
It's 300 steps down to the harbour below... and back up.
Be Smitten
Sleekest Sorrento, packed with Wow factor.
Retro touches
Retro ’60s armchairs and lampshades lend a classic edge while a series of still-lifes – a line of pebbles,
a bowl of shells or an artful arrangement of twigs – provide endless fascination. Every room at this chic Neapolitan hide-out is a winner.
Cooked breakfasts are served al fresco or family-style round the large table in the chequerboard tiled kitchen. Cocktails are served later on one of the three outdoor terraces – one having a jacuzzi pool.
With its splash pool ready for dipping, the panoramic terrace is made for chilling. Gaze at Mount Vesuvius and the shimmering Bay of Naples from your chaise longue, head down to La Minervetta's slice of private beach, or wander into town for some nightlife. This place is the coolest address in town.
Maison La Minervetta was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mairiona Cotter
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dining in
There’s no restaurant here, though you can have drinks any time. La Minervetta serves a great breakfast, with hot dishes served to order.
Dining out
Sorrento has dozens of restaurants to choose from. Il Buco, Il Defino, Pizzeria da Gigino and Taverna Azzurra are all worth a try.
Where?
La Minervetta
What’s cooking?
A large kitchen table is laden with breakfast goodies – pastries, cereals and fresh fruit.
Dress the part
The mood is carefree chic
Top table?
You’ll want to sit on the terrace, with its vista of the Bay of Naples
See & Do
Head down the stone staircase (don’t forget you’ll have to climb up later) to the fishing harbour of Marina Grande, where there’s a host of restaurants and a beach. And be sure to visit La Minervetta’s private beach at Marina Piccola, from where you can take a hydrofoil to Capri, Ischia, Naples and Positano. There are plenty of buses between Sorrento and Amalfi, and it’s easy to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, Naples and Vietri.
Spa
There’s a wellness centre offering thermae treatments 300m away.
Shop
Pick up the obligatory bottle of limoncello liqueur and gourmet goodies from Raro Fine Food. For traditional souvenirs and inlaid wood try Gargiulo & Jannuzzi on the main square.
After dark
Sip a limoncello or two on the scenic terrace and watch lights twinkle across the bay.
Dates
July-September
Book an outdoor concert or opera at the famed 100-day Ravello festival. Closer to hand is Sorrento Summer of Music, where everything from jazz to chamber music is performed.
.
May/June
Enjoy the period costumes and festive atmosphere at the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics in nearby Amalfi.
GETTING THERE
Location
Via Capo, 80067 Sorrento, Naples
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Sorrento station – 1 km
Taxis
EUR 15 to the station. A two-person transfer to the airport costs EUR 100.
Airport
Naples – 54 km
Rooms and suites
12 rooms and one suite
Special features
All rooms have sound-proof walls and doors, Sky TV, wi-fi internet and direct-dial phones.
Also…
There's a panoramic terrace and access to a private beach.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 180 – 360
Open/closed
Closed 7-20 January
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11.30am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Cooked and buffet is available until 10.30am.
Room service
Not available
Children
No restrictions
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
English, French and German
Wedding license?
No – but parties of up to 24 can be catered for based on exclusive hire of the property.
Your contact
Eugenia di Leva – owner