Sor
Nestled against rugged cliffs with 360° drops into the azure Mediterranean, Sorrento, Italy, has been attracting holiday seekers for centuries. Equally loved by the literati, sun seekers, and bohemians, its narrow roads that wind through mountains, cafe-dotted plazas, and pedestrian-packed alleyways boast a timeless appeal.
Situated along the picturesque Bay of Naples with Mt. Vesuvius and Capri beckoning on the horizon, Sorrento is the ideal city to unpack your bags and explore the Amalfi Coast, the ruins of Pompeii, or the treasures of Naples. Travelers have a wide choice of boutique and luxury hotels from which to choose, with most characterized by traditional décor. The newly opened and completely renovated five-star Ara Maris Resort & Spa, on the other hand, takes its design cues from the Milan-based firm Spagnula & Partners. The result is a design-forward boutique hotel, distinguished by its chic minimalism, punctuated with vibrant hues of cobalt blue and teal, then soothed by soft beige and breezy white. Just steps away from the historic city center, Ara Maris is the ultimate luxury base to explore Sorrento’s charms while experiencing impeccable Italian hospitality in a boutique setting.
Each of the 49 impeccably designed guest rooms features a balcony with views of the ocean, resort pool, and garden, as well as striking artisan fixtures and high-tech features, such as illuminated door numbers and an LED-panel display outside each room. Luxe amenities, such as robes and colorful matching slippers, heated towel racks, a large flat-screen TV, a workstation, a walk-in rain shower, and premium linens and toiletries, personify the hotel’s sophisticated, chic aesthetic.
Swimming in light and deliciousness from locally-sourced produce is Ara Maris’s signature restaurant, Cora Bistrot. Each morning, guests are greeted by the sun beaming through the French doors to the patio and pool, and they enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet. Those staying on-site can stop by Cora Bistrot for lunch or a light dinner, but with Sorrento’s city center and the wonders of the Amalfi Coast at your doorstep, most guests are out and about. When night falls, however, Lumi Sky Lounge is the place to be and be seen. The indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge features mosaic tiles and plush seating with postcard-perfect views of the Bay of Naples and the city of Sorrento. Internationally inspired chef-prepared aperitifs and artisan cocktails, many with a lemon twist, of course, are graciously presented, while DJs spin hits and house music beneath the stars.
Being steps from the city center doesn’t mean sacrificing relaxing days on the beach or a rejuvenating spa service. Ara Maris guests receive complimentary access and transportation to two of the area’s private beach clubs. Maya Beach Experience is all about living la dolce vita. With breathtaking views of Capri, guests have access to pools, loungers, and day beds, a restaurant, poolside beverage service, and beach access in a spa-chic environment. Leonelli’s, on the other hand, boasts a three-deck solarium with loungers, a full-service restaurant, beach snack bar, and step-down beach access. In addition to complimentary transportation to the beach, Ara Maris staff will gladly pick you up or whisk you off in the hotel’s golf cart to catch your train or hydrofoil to Naples, Capri, Pompeii, and Amalfi.
“Hospitality is not a profession, it’s a state of being. It’s devotion to every detail, an act of love for those we welcome.” Gianluca Iacccarino, Ana Maris Hotel Sales Manager.
Even boutique hotels have little surprises, and the Thala Spa at Ara Maris is an unexpected, yet welcome amenity. The intimate spa features a Turkish bath, sauna, hot tub, lounge area, two treatment rooms, and a compact, but well-equipped gym.
To learn more or make a reservation, visit the Ara Maris website here.