Palazzo Belmonte

CAN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? Not here, you can’t. Take the location of 17th century Palazzo Belmonte: an unspoilt stretch of Campanian coastline nudging the fishing village of Santa Maria di Castellabate. What’s more, this is the heart of the Cilento National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site whose surrounding waters have won accolades for their environmental excellence.

Once a hunting lodge for the kings of Italy and Spain, Palazzo Belmonte still has a regal appeal. Sturdy walls enclose five acres of landscaping. Guests can stay inside the palazzo itself, at Edoardo’s House or at Villa Belmonte in the grounds. Bougainvillea tumbles down brickwork; gardens rustle with orange and lemon trees, while the air is scented with jasmine and rose.

A freshwater pool terrace floats in a profusion of greenery, while a secret door leads to Palazzo Belmonte's private beach and stretch of peachy sand. Dine at the Belvedere restaurant at dusk when it’s glowing with torches, and candlelight, with the waves almost lapping at your feet. Med-inspired cuisine fits the bill nicely.

Amalfi coastline

From the torchlit restaurant, diners gaze across the water to the Isle of Capri. After breakfast, the options are almost limitless: sail along the dramatic  Amalfi coast; dig around the area's big archeological sites; take boat trips to unspoilt Punta Licosa or Capri; scuba dive or ride.

Prince Belmonte, whose lineage can be traced back nearly 1,000 years, still lives here in his family home. Today's guests can enjoy these princely surrounds in suite tranquility.

© Room for Romance