MAISON LA MINERVETTA

Plum designer address bursting with visual vroom

STEP INSIDE Maison La Minervetta and you could have walked straight into the pages of an Italian interior design magazine. Architect Marco de Luca has created a stunning contemporary address this white-walled 1950s villa on Sorrento’s cliffside that feels more like an airy Mediterranean style loft apartment than a conventional hotel.

All is glass and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing stunning Bay of Naples views at every turn. The vibrant colours of the South give La Minervetta immense visual vrooom, set off by sleek modern furniture and smart lighting. Deep turquoise is strikingly teamed with navy and lime green; orange is played up to the hilt with coral red and yellow; reds and whites contrast with stripes of darkest blue. We were instantly captivated.

There’s no pared-down minimalism here; La Minervetta's walls are set off by flamboyant artworks and collections of ceramics and pottery from around the world, all brilliantly presented in trademark alcoves or miniature shelves.

Retro touches

Retro ’60s armchairs and lampshades lend a classic edge while a series of still-lifes – a line of pebbles, a bowl of shells or an artful arrangement of twigs – provide endless fascination. Every room at this chic Neapolitan hide-out is a winner.

Cooked breakfasts are served al fresco or family-style round the large table in the chequerboard tiled kitchen. Cocktails are served later on one of the three outdoor terraces – one having a jacuzzi pool.

With its splash pool ready for dipping, the panoramic terrace is made for chilling. Gaze at Mount Vesuvius and the shimmering Bay of Naples from your chaise longue, head down to La Minervetta's slice of private beach, or wander into town for some nightlife. This place is the coolest address in town.


Maison La Minervetta was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
There’s no restaurant here, though you can have drinks any time. La Minervetta serves a great breakfast, with hot dishes served to order.

Breakfast
Cooked and buffet is available until 10.30am.

Room service
Not available



See & Do
Head down the stone staircase (don’t forget you’ll have to climb up later) to the fishing harbour of Marina Grande, where there’s a host of restaurants and a beach. And be sure to visit La Minervetta’s private beach at Marina Piccola, from where you can take a hydrofoil to Capri, Ischia, Naples and Positano. There are plenty of buses between Sorrento and Amalfi, and it’s easy to visit Pompeii, Vesuvius, Naples and Vietri.

Spa
There’s a wellness centre offering thermae treatments 300m away.

Diary Dates

July-September
Book an outdoor concert or opera at the famed 100-day Ravello festival. Closer to hand is Sorrento Summer of Music, where everything from jazz to chamber music is performed.
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May/June
Enjoy the period costumes and festive atmosphere at the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics in nearby Amalfi.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Capo, 80067 Sorrento, Naples

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Sorrento station – 1 km

Taxis
EUR 15 to the station. A two-person transfer to the airport costs EUR 100. 

Airport
Naples – 54 km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 180 – 360

Open/closed
Closed 7-20 January

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11.30am

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
No restrictions

Pets
No

Air conditioning
Yes

Wedding license?
No – but parties of up to 24 can be catered for based on exclusive hire of the property.