Pulling up to Hotel Mediterraneo, I was struck by the spectacular location. The five-star hotel is perched above the glittering Bay of Naples in Sant’Agnello on the Sorrento Coast. Across the azure sea sits imposing Mount Vesuvius, the still active volcano that brought down Pompeii. The word breathtaking barely does the scene justice.
I had just come in from Rome, where I’d stayed at a luxe hotel in the center of the city. After the urban bustle, it was a relief to take in some calm, natural beauty along the coast. Plus, I was there to witness what had captured the imaginations of artists and authors over the centuries. Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, and the Italian poet Torquato Tasso are just a few who came to cherish time here.
Looking around, the light was golden, and the sea an impossible blue. Lemon trees lined the streets, emitting wafts of citrusy perfume. I understood why creatives found it so inspiring.
It’s A Family Affair at Hotel Mediterraneo
I chose Hotel Mediterraneo not only for its location, but for its history. Built in 1912 as a private residence, it has been in the Marasca-Monti family for multiple generations. These days, Pietro Monti and his brother Francesco Monti helm operations.
More than 60 years ago, the residence was transformed into a hotel due to the vision of their great-grandmother, Antonietta Laura. I’ve always loved family operations because love and pride usually make for an exceptional experience.
Of course, I was also interested in the outdoor pool, spa, fine dining, and snazzy rooftop bar. I couldn’t wait to explore, but first I had to check out my accommodation.
Rooms with Stunning Views
My room was a few floors up, with a picture window framing a shimmering seaview. Clean lines, blue and white décor, and comfy cushions gave the room a casual, coastal feel. A dark parquet floor and lantern-style lighting added to the holiday getaway vibe.
I was thrilled to find the marble bathroom stocked with locally made bath and body products containing Sorrento lemon essential oils. Pumping a little lotion onto my hands, I took a deep breath and luxuriated in the area’s signature fragrance.
Other amenities included a mini bar, coffee or tea maker, a bottle of mineral water, slippers, and a bathrobe.
The hotel has 61 rooms and suites, including four Junior Suites and two Family Suites. Some rooms have balconies, a sweet spot to enjoy a cup of tea in the morning. Views are of the sea, town, or garden.
Fitness and Pool Time
The outdoor pool was alluring, but when I dipped my toe in, it was chilly. I was there late in the season, so it’s not surprising. It was still fun to lie out on a lounger and take in a few rays. Plus, there was a hot tub, so no worries about being a pool scaredy cat.
Further back on the property was a small, self-contained fitness area, essentially a glass cube with a stationary bike, treadmill, weights, and an elliptical machine. Free outdoor yoga classes are offered most mornings.
A Cozy Spa at Hotel Mediterraneo
I booked a spot in the hotel’s Lepietre Cozy Spa and made my way down to the hotel’s foundations. Surrounded by tuff volcanic rock, I embarked on the spa’s “wellness path.” The circuit includes a shower, sauna, steam bath, hot tub, Scottish Shower (needles of hot and cold water that help improve circulation and relieve sore muscles), and a relaxation area.
In addition, there was a small Himalayan salt room. Breathing microscopic salt particles is supposed to clear the nasal passages. Plus, the room’s negative ions are rumoured to boost spirits. I was already in the best of moods, so it was hard to tell. A full menu of treatments was also available, including facials, body wraps, and massages.
Dining with a View of Vesuvio
Dinner that night was in Vesuvio Panoramic Restaurant. The menu included gnocchi alla sorrentina, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and desserts such as Sicilian cannoli.
An elegant breakfast buffet is also served in the same restaurant. I was lucky to snag a seat on the outdoor balcony.
It was bliss watching the yachts come and go as I sipped my cappuccino. The food was exquisite. Themed stations were overflowing with pastries, yogurt, produce, and cold cuts. My favorite was the mozzarella trolley. In addition, you could order hot dishes from an à la carte menu.
Pizza, Sunsets, and Glamorous Cocktails
If you needed a beverage or a pick-me-up during the day, Aqua Pool Lounge offered poolside service with a grill bar with wood-fired pizzas.
One day, I opted for a pizza-making class and learned there is a real art to shifting a pie around burning hot embers.
The best place on site to get your cocktail fix is L’Oltremare Lounge Bar. Sexy and Art Nouveau stylish, it served a selection of signature cocktails.
My favorite spot to watch the sunset was the glamorous Vista Sky Bar.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Guided Tours in Italy
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- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
Known for its oysters and champagne, it’s the type of experience that makes you happy to be alive.
Another dining choice I tried on my last evening was Terrazza Mediterraneo Bistro. An offshoot of the main hotel, it is across the street and open year-round to the public. The chef specializes in traditional Italian cuisine with a twist. I opted for lemon pasta. Divine!
Starring Hotel Mediterraneo
During the post-war period, the residence opened its doors to shelter displaced families. Originally a three-star property, it gained four stars in the 1970s. By 2021, it achieved five-star status following major renovations. In 2024, Hotel Mediterraneo received a Michelin Key.
Nearby Beaches, Roman Ruins, and Fine Art
You can take a lift to Marinella Beach, which is below the cliff the hotel sits on. There’s a casual dining area, plus you can book the hotel’s yacht and access it from the beach deck. Beach services run from mid-May to mid-September.
A half-hour drive will take you to Positano, where you can view terraced vineyards and lemon groves. I was especially interested in the excavated Roman Villa at the Museo Archeologico Romano. Dating from 100 BC to 79 AD, the holiday villa was buried and fossilized by the same Vesuvian eruption that destroyed Pompeii.
Another highlight was Sorrento’s Correale Museum, where rescued paintings from as far back as the Middle Ages are being restored and conserved. Plus, if you are looking for some retail therapy, the town is chock-a-block with delightful boutiques.
Rates at Hotel Mediterraneo
Room rates start at around $450 USD per night and increase depending on season and day of the week.
Check rates for Hotel Mediterraneo, Sorrento online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Hotel Mediterraneo hosted her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions remain her own.
