Maison La Minervetta

Built onto the cliffside high above the sleepy Marina Grande and overlooking the Bay of Naples is the gorgeously nautical boutique hotel, Maison La Minervetta. Located just outside of Sorrento, away from the hordes of tourists, Maison La Minervetta offers its guests unmatched comfort and uninterrupted bay views (not to mention the best breakfast in town). Designed and run by architect/owner Marco De Luca, this hotel beautifully captures its surroundings in both its style and character, as well as its friendly and quintessentially Italian approach to hospitality.

Top Tips

• Maison La Minervetta is one of the rare hotels where each and every one of its rooms is blessed with gorgeous panoramic views. All rooms are sea-facing and therefore have fantastic views of the Bay of Naples. Some rooms even come with floor-to-ceiling windows while others have balconies. If you’re really looking to up the ante during your stay, many previous guests and review sites have recommended booking the junior suite which has two balconies and a large walk-in hydro massage shower. If you’re travelling with a family, we recommend booking Rooms 7 and 8 or 11 and 12, both of which are adjoining pairs and perfect for families.

• If you find yourself staying at Maison La Minervetta during the summer months, you’ll have private use of both the giant outdoor massage tub (open on the 1st of May each year) and the private beach just 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel’s private beach, as you’d suspect, is incredibly popular with hotel guests during the summer so if you’re really adamant on spending a day at the beach make sure to get the lovely hotel staff to book you a sun lounger or two.

• To make full use of your stay at the Maison La Minervetta, previous guests have recommended hiring a car for the duration of your stay. With the hotel being just an hour and a half from Naples, an hour from Salerno and Vesuvius, and 40 minutes from Pompeii, you’ll have the freedom to discover the wonders of Italy in your own time. Pro tip: there is free parking at the hotel so you won’t have to worry about it.

• Every morning a vast, mouth watering spread of breakfast goodies (i.e. fresh-squeezed orange juice, cereals, fresh fruit and organic yoghurt, and a plethora platters of homemade cakes and pastries) is laid out in the ceramic-tiled kitchen. If you’re looking for a hot breakfast, don’t despair as made-to-order eggs and bacon can be prepared at the stove while you look on. It is worth noting that breakfast is the only meal served at the hotel. So if you’re looking for something to eat after breakfast there are some excellent earthy options serving fresh fish at Marina Grande (only accessible by a steep flight of stairs, however).

• To experience a quintessential sleepy Italian fishing village, stroll down to Marina Grande and watch the boats come in with their catch of the day. Spend the day admiring the pastel-coloured houses and brightly painted boats while watching Italian fishermen mend nets. It’s a perfect place for a photo op.