Last month, Freddie and I did something we’d been dreaming about for years—we unplugged completely. No phones, no social media, just the two of us and a hidden-away retreat we’d never experienced before. We checked into the stunning Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi for three blissful days, and I can honestly say, it was one of the most magical trips we’ve ever taken. Today, I’m opening the door a little and sharing a peek into our romantic escape.
Discovering Amalfi’s Charm
The Amalfi Coast has always held a certain spell over travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Craggy cliffs plunge into impossibly blue waters, while sun-soaked towns spill down the hillsides like something out of a painting. Though we’ve visited nearby hotspots like Positano and Capri before, there was something about finally slowing down in Amalfi itself that felt different—quieter, more intimate, almost like stepping back in time.
We wandered through cobblestone streets, ducking into artisan shops and lively piazzas, sipping local wine, and sampling limoncello that tasted like bottled sunshine. Our days in town were spent enjoying long lunches of fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza—favorites included Lido Azzurro, Da Gemma, and the cozy Pizzeria Donna Stella. It was the kind of travel where you don’t watch the clock; instead, you simply let the rhythm of the coast guide you.
Hotel Santa Caterina: A Cliffside Jewel
As breathtaking as Amalfi is, Hotel Santa Caterina is where the magic truly began. Perched dramatically on the cliffside, the 19th-century villa-turned-hotel feels like its own private world. Family-owned for generations, it’s the kind of place where every corner whispers stories of old-world glamour while still offering all the comforts of modern luxury.
Each morning, we woke to the gentle sound of waves against the rocks and sunlight flooding through our balcony doors. Our room felt both timeless and deeply personal—elegant furnishings, hand-painted tiles, and the kind of Mediterranean charm that makes you want to move in forever. Stepping out onto our terrace with coffee in hand, watching the golden light spread over the sea, was pure magic.
Dining With a View
One of the highlights of our stay was, without question, the food. The hotel’s main restaurant feels like a love letter to the region—dishes crafted from local ingredients, elegantly plated yet comforting in the way only Italian food can be. We dined by candlelight on the terrace, the sea shimmering below us, plates of handmade pasta and seafood so fresh it seemed to leap from the water to our table.
For more relaxed afternoons, we discovered the beach club’s restaurant—just a glass elevator ride down the cliffside (not for the faint of heart, but worth every second!). Spaghetti with clams, oven-baked pizza, and Aperol Spritzes became our go-to order, the kind of simple yet perfect meal that somehow never gets old by the water’s edge.
Seaside Bliss and Slow Living
The beach club itself felt like a hidden sanctuary. We spent lazy hours stretched out under striped umbrellas, dipping into the crystal-clear waters, and toasting the afternoon with spritzes from the bar. When we wanted a change of pace, the hotel’s infinity pool offered a breathtaking view where sea and sky seemed to blur into one.
The spa was another favorite stop. After a long flight, our first order of business was booking massages—a decision we congratulated ourselves on all weekend. Surrounded by terraced gardens of lemon and orange trees, with bougainvillea spilling over stone walls, even a walk back to our room felt like a restorative experience.
A Place to Create Memories
Hotel Santa Caterina isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply romantic. Every detail feels designed to remind you of life’s simple luxuries: lingering breakfasts, slow conversations, sunsets that make you stop in your tracks. Whether we were clinking glasses over dinner, exploring Amalfi’s historic streets, or simply sitting side by side on our balcony, the trip became less about sightseeing and more about savoring moments together.
It’s not often you find a place that feels so completely outside of time, where you can unplug and rediscover the joy of being present. But for us, Santa Caterina was that place—a backdrop for memories we’ll hold close for years to come.
The Perks of Traveling Well
As part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, Santa Caterina also offers something extra through the Leaders Club program. We enjoyed little touches like complimentary breakfast, early check-in, and late check-out—all of which made our stay feel even more effortless. Beyond the perks, though, it was the personal touches—the warm welcome, the attention to detail, the sense of being truly cared for—that reminded us why these hotels are in a league of their own.
Already Dreaming of Returning
Now that we’re back home, I find myself daydreaming about those Amalfi mornings—the sound of the sea, the glow of the sunrise, the taste of lemon on the air. Hotel Santa Caterina isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience, a love story between land and sea that invites you to be part of it, if only for a few days.
It’s a destination we’ll return to, I’m sure. Until then, I’ll be plotting our next trip, because some places don’t just live in your memory—they call you back.
