Palazzo Avino: The Jewel of Ravello

A pink palace with charming accommodations

Ravello is one of those places that screams regal. It’s situated far above any of the hot spots on the Amalfi Coast, almost sitting at the head and closer to the mythical Gods, whose stories echo through the region. Palazzo Avino embraces this noble feel from the moment you wind up to the entrance of the property. Immediately struck by the grandeur of the building, and with a color that feels like the perfect setting for a Wes Anderson film, you’ll be enticed to see what lies within.

The first rooms you encounter draw your eyes even higher to the vaulted ceilings, matched only by the intricate marble floors below. The space is sophisticated and perfectly posh, with antique furnishings, exquisite tapestries and historical art pieces that adorn the space. From here, you’ll explore the Michelin-starred restaurant–Rossellini’s–a panoramic terrace, infinity pool and more.

This famed pink palace was originally run by Giuseppe Avino and is now helmed by his fashionably alluring trio of daughters, Mariella, Attila and Mariavittoria. It only makes sense for the family legacy to be passed onto the women who once called Palazzo Avino their dollhouse, updating it along the way with their signature martini menu, the Pink Closet concept store and a chicly curated cosmetics line.

The suites of Palazzo Avino mix the historic and regal with the modern and neutral. Marble floors ground the palatial spaces, covered with intricately designed antique rugs and furnished with a mix of antiques and modern pieces. Completed with intricate brocades and tapestries, the decor is staged to make one feel like they are in the lap of luxury, only to look out the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the sea to be grounded. It’s a pleasurably fashionable mix of extravagance and experience.

The Infinito Suite is the hotel’s largest offering and great for those traveling with kids or family. It has one larger bedroom with an exceptional bathing space, with a smaller bedroom for the young ones or friends. Spread over two floors is a relaxing living space, guest bathroom and private terrace with its own infinity pool and dining area.

The Belvedere Suite is perfect for a couple, located in the gardens and featuring large living spaces, separate dressing areas and a terrace overlooking the sea. The terrace also features a heated pool and spaces to eat. 

For a more old-school feel, we recommend the Orizzonte Suite, full of gorgeous antiques, as well as a historic fireplace, and set in the former library of the hotel. The four full balconies offer views of the ocean and are big enough for outdoor dining.

A modern suite can be found in Coral Deluxe, which is part of a special Capsule Collection of seven rooms, designed by the architect of the Pink Closet, ‘in the themes of Coral, Aquamarine and Sand.’ Moorish architectural elements of curved archways and step-up bedroom spaces are offset by plush furniture, antique pieces, intricate hand-painted tiles and marble flooring.

{gallery2}

Experiences on experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Gourmet dining is an understatement at Palazzo Avino. Its star (literally, it has been awarded a Michelin Star) is Rossellini’s, a curated culinary experience by Chef Gianni Vanacore, featuring regional cuisine in a beautifully designed dining space with a colorful pink and white striped terrace overlooking the rolling hills of Ravello. You’ll start with a glass of champagne in the garden below, along with some light finger foods. Then, you’ll head upstairs for both a la carte and tasting menu options.

The recently revamped space also offers two special tables. The Chef’s Table, with only four seats and situated kitchenside, is a completely private dining experience that will wow you. The menu is inspired by the old-school Neapolitan game, La Tombola, a lottery-style game similar to bingo. The meal is played as a culinary game, of sorts, with each number corresponding to a specific dish. The tasting menu of dishes are served with wine pairings on specialty designed tableware from a local ceramic artist in nearby Raito. The dinner is a thrilling experience with the game theme next to the controlled chaos of the kitchen in view, it’s a truly unique bit of fun that’s not to miss.

A more romantic table offering is found in the wine cellar (which is designed as more of a cave!), at the Sommelier’s Table for two. This candlelit experience features the beautiful food of Rossellini’s with the curated wine from the skillful sommelier Luigi Nitto.

Your aperitif can be had at Caffé dell’Arte, a piano bar situated in the hotel’s interior space (don’t worry, still with views of the sea) that features a range of cocktails using rare liqueurs and unique finds of rum and brandies. You’ll be sipping with a few snacks and can unwind with the sounds of smooth piano music in a loungy and inviting space while overlooking the 180 degree panoramic of the Amalfi coast–always impressive during sunny days, dreamy sunsets and balmy nights, when fireworks often adorn the sky throughout the summer. On the interiors, you’ll also find the home of the artist-in-residence program started by Mariella Avino, that brings in international contemporary artists to create site-specific works for the space.

After the casual daytime diners have enjoyed their small bites and fresh pasta dishes at the Terrazza Belvedere Maraviglia, situated on a terrace at the top of the property, the space converts into the Lobster & Martini Bar. Opening at 6pm, you can indulge in local lobster and champagne–or, try one of the over 100 different martinis crafted by the in-house mixologist. Whether you want traditional or exotic, there is something for you. We suggest something using some of the local and seasonal fruits and herbs. There is (truly) nothing like sipping a martini at the high points of the Amalfi Coast taking in the sweeping sea, sky and mountain views.

{gallery}

A charming pool experience and a beach club not far away

The spa at Palazzo Avino is certainly fit for the noble, with a range of treatments featuring products from a special collaboration with EffegiLab. The company, along with the research done by Attilia Avino on her travels throughout the region, created products based on ingredients of the Campania: lemons from Sorrento, Annurca apples (a variety that originated in Southern Italy) and Vesuvian apricots. After your treatments, enjoy the hydrotherapy pool or Turkish steam bath.

Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the outdoor gym overlooking the sea and covered in white linens (An elegant gym experience? Sign us up.); and, the hotel offers guided hikes through the area. 

When we aren’t headed to the beach club (more on that soon), we’ll be lazing at the picture-perfect heated swimming pool in the gardens. You’ll find pink chairs and loungers, complete with pink umbrellas, dotted on the grass around the pool. Be on the lookout for the gelato cart that’s also (we’re sensing a theme) pink.

On the rooftop, another swimming opportunity presents itself in a breathtaking infinity pool that looks out over the coast, complete with a solarium for when respite is required.

The hotel’s beach club offering is found in Clubhouse by the Sea, located in the small town of Marmorata, about a 15-minute drive from Ravello. A shuttle service will transport you to the beach platforms, complete with a swimming pool and Clubhouse Restaurant, along with relaxing living rooms and changing areas.

If one still has time for more, we’ll be sure to arrange boat trips, excursions, cooking classes and helicopter transfers to anywhere one may need to find themselves. And, when a bit of shopping is needed, one need not head too far. The hotel houses The Pink Closet, a boutique experience that has been meticulously curated by one of the fashionable Avino sisters, Mariella. Billed as a Lifestyle Museum Experience, the constantly evolving selection of goods speaks to the personal journey of Mariella, and is not to be missed.

With its intriguing interiors, award-winning dining and captivating amenities, Palazzo Avino is one of the best that the Amalfi Coast has to offer–and, one of KAX’s top picks for a place that will surely leave you feeling a bit more noble than when you arrived.

{gallery3}