Our opinion
Palazzo Belmonte is a stunning 17th Century palazzo in an idyllic setting by the sea.
Hotel description
Palazzo Belmonte is a special and unique property, set in five acres of lush gardens and facing the sea at Santa Maria di Castellabate. As soon as one steps through the huge gates leading into the grounds and walks through the gardens, perfumed with the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle, time seems to stand still. Prince Belmonte occupies a private wing of the property, but the rest has been exquisitely converted to spacious suites without alteration to the original structure. Each suite at the Palazzo Belmonte is individual in shape and style; some have vaulted ceilings and some have terraces overlooking the sea, the gardens or the flower-filled inner courtyard, and in each case the thickness of the ancient walls negates the need for air-conditioning. Rooms are situated in the three wings of the main building, in an adjacent sixteenth century house called Edoardo's house, where there are suites, some of which have views along the coast and also in the Villa Belmonte, a villa of 26 rooms, all decorated in white which emphasises a contemporary Mediterranean feel. Many of the rooms are ideal for families with living areas where children can be accommodated. The sandy beach, where the Palazzo Belmonte provides its own deckchairs and umbrellas, is accessed just through the grounds. The use of the chairs is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, the large swimming pool, surrounded by spacious terraces and equipped with pool-side bar, changing rooms and showers, is situated just above the beach. Meals and drinks are served on the Belvedere terrace in warm weather, and guests can enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight in this magical setting. Just across the bay from the Palazzo Belmonte is the Punta Licosa, private land owned by the Prince and ideal for walking and cycling and from where you can take a boat to a small island with a light house. This area is ideal for a beach holiday in a region that is less touristy than the Amalfi Coast and with better beaches.
Location
Santa Maria di Castellabate, Amalfi Coast
Annual opening
8 May to 31 October 2011.
Distance from airport
Just under 2 hours
Room types
21 suites and 26 rooms in the villa
Room Type A: Double room in the Palazzo or Villa. Bath or shower and wc, Kitchenette facilities, No view.
Room Type B: Double or twin room with park view. Bath or shower and wc, Air-conditioning, Satellite television, Telephone, Minibar, Safe, Park view, Patio.
Room Type C: Double or twin room with sea view terrace. Bath or shower and wc, Air-conditioning, Satellite television, Telephone, Minibar, Safe, Sea view terrace.
Room Type D: Superior double with sea view terrace. Bath or shower and wc, Air-conditioning, Satellite television, Telephone, Minibar, Safe, Sea view terrace.
Other rooms available on request.
Hotel facilities and services
Private beach (use included in the price), Swimming pool and terraces, Gardens, Restaurant, Bar, Parking in grounds.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Market at Santa Maria di Castellabate on Saturday mornings, Vietri sul Mare (famous for its pottery), Salerno, Amalfi, Ravello, the historic sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum, Padula.
Sports nearby
Water sports, Diving club, Boat hire, Tennis, Riding, Cycle hire.
Other information
Official Category: Historical residence:
Located on the southern edge of Santa Maria di Castellabate.
The hotel can organise food and wine holidays and walking itineraries.