Lured by its elegance, mesmerized by its views, and spoiled by its sophisticated setting of luxury, ambiance, and fine dining, the beauty of Palazzo Avino is perched high above the Amalfi Coast in the glorious setting of Ravello – a town whose history and culture are made even more intense by its pastel-colored facades, bright flowers, and the array of blues that make up sea and sky.
Set here in the province of Salerno, 350 meters above the Tyrrhenian sea, where an air of serenity imbues the days and evenings, Palazzo Avino has truly earned its reputation as one of the world’s finest hotels, where stunning architecture, deluxe amenities, breathtaking vistas, Michelin-starred dining, and indulgent pampering make for the ideal getaway and the perfect place from which to explore the coast of Amalfi.
From Past to Present
The palazzo, erected in the 12th century, was originally included in an area that was home to aristocrats of the Middle Ages and Renaissance – passing through the hands of various noble estates, and finally taking its name from its founding family. For centuries it remained an elegance tucked away in its hamlet above the sea until the town earned fame as an idyllic escape for prominent writers such as Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Andre Gide, and D.H. Lawrence (who penned several chapters of “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” here), as well as becoming a glamorous hideaway for the likes of Greta Garbo, Humphrey Bogart, Winston Churchill, Jackie Kennedy, and Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini.
Eventually, the entirety of the palazzo was fully restored and Palazzo Avino is now overseen by Managing Director Mariella Avino and her sisters, who grew up here and retain a deep love for the property and a dedication to sharing this passion and slice of paradise with the hotel’s fortunate guests, curating its atmosphere and furnishings, and infusing the palazzo with design and art.
The Rooms and Suites of Palazzo Avino
The hotel’s rooms are all attentively decorated with special touches that reflect the sublime colors, textures, and art of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, wrapping guests in refined comfort set away in pure tranquility that rests the soul.
Palazzo Avino also offers 10 magnificent suites – each carefully appointed with the best comforts and housed in unique environments of the building like the gardens, top floor, or former library. The suites are individually designed and include a mix of amenities such as terraces, balconies, exquisite antiques, dining areas, Jacuzzi baths, or private pools.
Explore the Amalfi Coast
The beauty of the Amalfi Coast reflects the essence of Italy – iconic postcards of picture-perfect towns with their old-world charm, terraces of citrus and olive trees, blue seas, and a relaxed atmosphere.
From the beauty of Palazzo Avino, stroll the ancient streets of Ravello – part of the Amalfi Coast UNESCO World Heritage Sites – taking in the jaw-dropping views of its panoramic position, and exploring its splendid garden villas and historic buildings. Visit the Duomo di Ravello, peek into the small church of Santa Maria a Gradillo, wander the famous Terrazza dell’Infinito at Villa Cembrone, enter the auditorium designed by Oscar Niemeyer, or listen to one of the famous musical performances the town is so widely known for.
Spend time meandering the iconic setting of Positano’s small streets and historic center with its steps leading down to the sea. Visit the ever-chic Amalfi, once one of the first and largest of the marine republics – an era that contributed to the pockets of Arab-Sicilian architecture that can be found today, climb the sixty steps to the Norman-era Duomo di Amalfi dedicated to the apostle Saint Andrew, browse the elegant shops and cafes of the piazza, or take a boat ride to the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini with its white vaulted houses from the 1600s.
A stop to the ancient fishing village of Praiano offers views inside the 15th-century church of San Gennaro, a swim on the tiny sunny shore of Marina di Praia, or the sight of a hidden beach at the Fjord of Furore where a stone bridge connects the cliffs hanging over the glittering blue waters below.
Otherwise, let the dedicated staff at Palazzo Avino organize exceptional outings. Spend a few hours or a full day on a privately chartered yacht or speed boat sailing along the wonders of the coast’s colorful villages and sparkling grottoes. Or, take some time to go diving or snorkeling, follow a cooking class, visit vineyards, play tennis, or go trekking or horseback riding. The staff can also plan local tours with visits to Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Paestum, Naples, and Caserta.
Relax and Refresh
When it’s time to unwind dive into the hotel’s elegant pool with its crisp blue waters extending to the infinite views of sea and mountains, or head to the rooftop solarium with its whirlpool to soak up some Mediterranean sun – also a perfect spot for enjoying magical sunsets with a glass of Prosecco in hand.
Sea lovers will find a private paradise at the hotel’s exclusive beach club on the water – Clubhouse By the Sea – complete with full sea access, a dedicated sunbathing area, a small pool, casual dining with pizzas and freshly caught seafood, as well as changing rooms and shuttle service to and from the Palazzo.
If some pampering and self-care are also on the list, be sure to make time for the hotel’s fully equipped gym situated under picturesque gazebos or make a stop at the spa located in the gardens with views of the sea. Here, guests can relax in the sauna, Turkish steam bath, or hydrotherapy pool, or lavish in massages and treatments that use clean organic ingredients such as Sorrento lemons, annurca apples, and Vesuvio apricot.
Step into The Pink Closet
Just across the way from the Palazzo, visitors can peruse unique items such as clothing, accessories, and homeware as evocative reminders of a magical vacation. Thoughtfully curated by Mariella Avino, the boutique mirrors the colors and beauty of the land, filled with inspiring pieces all exquisitely made and reflective of the beauty of Palazzo Avino itself.
Fine Dining and a Charming Evening Atmosphere
As evening approaches the dining options at Palazzo Avino are refined and plenty. Begin with a stop at the Caffè dell’Arte, a lounge bar and terrace where aperitifs and light fare are served to a background of tunes from the resident’s pianist.
Then, step into the internationally renowned, Michelin-star restaurant Rossellini’s for a dinner of expertly created dishes paired with select wines while taking in the beauty of the splendid vistas or the majesty of the Barovier and Toso chandeliers.
For a distinctive experience, organize a private chef’s table with secluded dining and a tasting menu that creates an unparalleled journey into local ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. Otherwise, for a special moment for two, book the sommelier’s table where guests will be served tantalizing pairings in the awe-inspiring setting of a 12th-century cave.
Instead, enjoy a more casual ambiance with delicious small bites and freshly made pasta at the Terrazza Belvedere with its alfresco dining overlooking the coast from its very own terrace located above the property.
Palazzo Avino also houses its newest addition to the Terrazza Belvedere with its Lobster & Martini Bar. Dine on the freshest of local lobsters paired with glasses of Champagne or Prosecco while gazing out on the sparkling waters of the sea speckled with boats traversing its infinite blue.
Then, as the skies turn starry, choose from one of 80 different martinis, ranging from the more traditional to the more unique made with seasonal fruits and herbs, all handcrafted by the hotel’s own martini mixologist. There, as the warm breeze of the Tyrrhenian mixes with the flowery scents of the land, the beauty of Palazzo Avino and Ravello will enchant the night away.