Borgo Santandrea: Serenity on the Amalfi Coast

A refined take on Amalfi living

As you approach Borgo Santandrea, the grandeur is immediately apparent. The entrance, adorned with intricate tile work and surrounded by lush Mediterranean flora, opens into a space that invites you in and envelops you with its opulence. The stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the hotel's elevated position create an awe-inspiring first impression and undoubtedly sets the tone.

Borgo Santandrea has an effortless sophistication about it, like it’s been there a thousand years but it’s still easily au courant. The design of the hotel also has a timeless focus: mid-century design. Curved structures and bold, dark woods are offset with handmade tiles and burnished brass, completed with a mix of neutral linens and vibrant patterns to complement the bespoke furniture. Walking the multiple levels, you are bathed in natural light through the large windows that glisten off the marble floors and endless white walls. This hotel has taste, and we are certainly here for it.

The build of the property is also a bit of a construction marvel. The 90 meter vertical height provides panoramic views at every vantage point. The required infrastructure in this “vertical heaven” (their words, but we believe we’ve experienced it) contains eight elevators that extend from the uppermost terrace to the private beach on the base of the cliff, transporting its lucky hotel guests through every experience in a sort of Wonka-esque splendor.

Originally a private villa, the property was bought and transformed into this magical space by the sustainability minded team at Borgo Santandrea. Each part of the property was renovated and still maintains an eye towards saving resources, from electric vehicles to reducing plastic use. The kitchen also features ingredients from mostly local growers. There is also a big focus on ‘Made in Italy,’ with nearly all of the decor and materials throughout the property sourced with both local artisans and Italian makers, much of which was custom-made for the spaces.

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The sweetest of suites

The guest rooms of Borgo Santandrea are situated seaside at 50 to 70 meters above sea level, all with sweeping sea views or of the villa’s lush gardens and lots of natural light. Each room reflects the same beautiful design as the hotel’s common areas, featuring even more bespoke furniture from local artisans. 

The smaller–if we can call them that–of the suites, the Juniors, feature a separate living area with a desk to work (if you must, but we do!), a balcony to soak up the sun, marble bathrooms to rejuvenate and spacious bedrooms to relax. Your art on the walls becomes the sea views themselves, seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the rooms.

As you upgrade to larger suites, you’ll find larger bathrooms with tubs overlooking the ocean, outdoor terraces with living and dining spaces and private heated plunge pools. Then we arrive at the Premium suites of the hotel, that will have you breaking the lock and never leaving. The space is palatial with dining and living both inside and out, a private terrace with a lush garden and infinity pool at the edge of panoramic coastal views. Yet, the real magic of this place is found just a short elevator ride away, down to the sand beaches at the base of the property, where you can dip right into the water from the beachfront.

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A delightful mix of classic dishes, street food and more

The main restaurant, Marinella, is a celebration of the local terroir, with a focus on transforming simple Italian classics into meticulously crafted dishes that are a genuine delight. You'll be enjoying this carefully curated feast on yet another terrace overlooking the ocean, sea breeze in your ears and the smell of salt on your nose. It's truly an authentic Amalfi experience!

The Executive Chef, Crescenzo Scotti, says the dishes reinterpret the tastes of his land, Campania. He describes the way he presents food as a 'hymn to tradition' that will speak of 'poems that tell of a pasta dish tasted on a terrace by the sea.' Once you taste the Baccala' Tiepido (Creamed Cod Fish) or Maiale Nero (Black Pork Shoulder), you can't help but speak his language.

Pre-dinner drinks, that's aperitivo to you now, will be had at Plumbago Bar (you may also hear it referred to as La Terrazza Bar–the terrace bar) which is at the highest point of the hotel. The spacious interior is also perfect for a casual lunch of club sandwiches and pan pizzas or a quick coffee, but the star will be the sunset over the ocean with a cocktail in hand. Try the Red Moon, made with local gin and fresh strawberry extract for the true esperienza autentica.

When you need a break from the beach club, you can also book a cocktail class or the 'Afternoon Break,' where you taste the local liqueurs with the world-class bartenders. Or, head to the wine cellar, for a tasting complete with charcuterie hand selected by the Chef. The cellar features not only the most prestigious of labels, but the sommelier has also selected some of the most promising up and coming vintners for guests to enjoy. As they have put it: affogate nel vino gli affanni, or simply put: drown your worries in wine. Who’s to argue that?

Your days will be spent sunbathing at the private beach club and pool, more spacious than most and where the focus is street food. Neapolitan panzerotti, fried pasta, Montanarina pizza, courgette flowers and arancini will complement a few aperol spritzes seaside.

When you need some shade, head to the nearby Beach Restaurant & Bar, just steps from your chairs. The building was used by fishermen in the nineteenth century as a boathouse, but has been converted with no less charm, fitted with casual furnishings juxtaposed against the exposed stone walls. The pergola over the terrace is also an option. Either way, you’ll be able to savor the daytime pastas (bless this place), mixed seafood grill and bright salads along with the aforementioned street food bites. Save room for the lemon sponge cake with Costa d’Amalfi lemon cream.

Off property, and a short dingy away to Conca dei Marini, you’ll find La Tonnarella and Ristorante Trattoria Ippocampo, two hidden gems that are a must-try. La Tonnarella, situated between two cliffs is an on-the-water restaurant that offers a fun mix of casual and local eats. Known for its seafood and serene ambiance, it’s perfect for a sunset dinner. Check out their signature Spaghetti alla Jacqueline, named after the First Lady who frequented the shores of Conca dei Marini, and would sit bare-footed beachside while a local chef prepared her this dish of spaghetti with tender local courgettes. Ristorante Trattoria Ippocampo is a casual trattoria, run by a local fisherman, offering traditional Italian dishes in a laid-back setting right on the beach. You’ll enjoy pizzas, daytime pastas and lots of seafood fresh from the daily catch.

If you wish to walk the beach to your daytime dining, head to Zeffiro Sereno. A family-run restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine with a friendly and local atmosphere. This seaside beach hut-style restaurant, tucked behind a set of pine trees, is great for a ultra-local and relaxed meal with panoramic views.

Heal yourself in the spa, the garden or the pool

Your wellness journey at Borgo Santandrea can begin in the gardens. Carved into the cliffs and set over a number of terraces, this midsummer fantasy is nothing but breathtaking (maybe it was just us having yet another Michelle Pfeiffer moment). The stone paths, many with vine-wrapped pergolas overhead, are lined with olive groves, carob trees, centuries-old myrtle trees and a slew of aromatic plants to complement the fragrant mastic and lemon trees.

Next, combine nature and nurture at the spa where you can indulge in a range of body treatments and massages. You can enjoy them indoors or out, but we recommend the latter–a massage is much more healing with the ocean waves around you. The gym features all the latest gadgets, and you can book a personal trainer for a more focused workout. Group classes are available, including outdoor morning yoga.

Finally, you’ll take the elevators 79 meters down to the private beach. But, at least once, you’ll need to take the stroll along the avenues and stairways, through the gardens and under the shady pergolas down the sea. Your first sight will be the salt water pool, elevated above the white pebble beaches. A few steps below you’ll find your sunny spot for the day, either on the pebbles or stone terrace overlooking the jetty and the sea.

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Borgo Santandrea offers an (admittedly understated) exceptional escape where the beauty of the Amalfi Coast is matched by the elegance and luxury of this villa escape. Its blend of stunning architecture, smart interiors and impeccable service makes it a KAX top pick for anyone looking to experience the best the Amalfi Coast has to offer. Whether you are drawn to the region’s rich history, its breathtaking landscapes, or its culinary delights, Borgo Santandrea provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.