Il San Pietro

Italy
Europe

The Experience

Entering this Amalfi Coast-hugging hotel (opened in 1970) makes you feel like a spy: Set inside rocks obscured by climbing vines is an elevator, which whisks you to a cliff top and a stunning lobby that’s like an aristocrat’s private home: Polished tile floors and Spanish stone arches are joined by half-moon ivory couches and pots spilling tropical flowers. The terraced gardens outside bloom with more flora, both edible and decorative, while a private beach below is accessed by another clandestine elevator. Bring a camera—the Mediterranean views are postcard-worthy.

The Rooms

All 62 rooms, starting at the 270-square-foot standard to the nearly 1,100-square-foot premiere suite, include sea views and private terraces. Though every sun-dappled room features tiled floors, hardwood furnishings and whirlpool baths, each uniquely hand-painted door announces a different realm filled with d’art or perhaps bathrooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. One downfall is that the beds are not suited for the tall: Anyone taller than six feet might find their feet dangling.

The Service

Il San Pietro’s longtime employees keep the resort humming, providing prosecco to newlyweds, adjusting umbrellas on sunny days and delivering nonstop, rapid-fire room service. The front desk even provides laptops for ’net surfing.

The Highlights

Sand and surf star at the resort, where an elevator deposit guests on a sunbathing platform and private beach that’s as finely combed as a teenager’s hair. The platform is an ideal perch to sip icy-cold wine and watch the flame-hued sunset. The spa is just as appealing, with Turkish saunas and Finnish showers available along with facials and knot-kneading massages. For liquid relaxation, join fellow guests for pre-dinner drinks (served with olives and crudités) on the main terrace. Though the hotel restaurant is Michelin-starred, more notable is the hotel’s lunch-only Carlino, located in a secluded beach cove.

 

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