The Magic of Anantara Convento on the Amalfi Coast

Image Name: Prettily situated on a cliff above Amalfi

Looking for something different in the way of a winter reboot? You’ve probably thought about going to a spa or taking a cruise, or perhaps heading to a cozy log cabin in some snowy, breathtakingly beautiful corner of the world. But how about going really back to basics-Medieval basics, if you will? Visualize an instance of prayer and contemplation in a ruined cloister, perched high on a cliff on Italy’s southern coast, led by a real-life Franciscan friar. If this idea excites you, then a stay at the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel near Naples may be just what you need. It could be more than a seasonal pick-me-up; it may change your life.

Those that immediately come to mind when one thinks of luxury include the Thai-based Anantara group. They not only offer luxury but immerse you in the spirit of the location. At the Convento, the uniqueness lies in the history of the building-a former Capuchin monastery built in the 13th century. Once a place of quiet contemplation for Christian ascetics, the sense of peace remains palpable.

Prettily situated on a cliff above Amalfi
High above the town of Amalfi, which clusters among the rocks below on southern Italy’s Gulf of Salerno, the Convento stands majestic. The Capuchins left in the mid-19th century, and the monastery – cloisters and chapel included – has been a hotel since the 1890s, reached until recently only by a steep staircase, with donkeys bringing luggage.

Today, a glass lift whisks guests up to the high verandas of the hotel, yet the ancient charm remains. Remarkably, the bones of the old monastery are intact, although parts of the place were lost when the surrounding rock was dynamited to make a road tunnel. The vaulted ceilings and long corridors are still there, but the monks’ cells have given way to some extremely comfortable suites, most of which enjoy spectacular views across the Mediterranean. The chapel is now used for weddings and Christmas Mass, at which time the hotel puts on a Nativity pageant. Its old bell, which once summoned monks to prayer, still rings out, and its terraced gardens, full of lemons, oranges, olives, herbs, aubergines, and tomatoes, supply fresh produce to the hotel’s chefs.

Image name: Breathtaking Views of Amalfi

‘Pace e Bene’: A Spiritual Experience Apart
Convento has ‘Pace e Bene’, an experience unique to itself, under the guidance of Brother Marcus, a Franciscan friar from Ravello nearby. This German, who has spent the last forty years in the region of Amalfi, provides guests with historic tours of the monastery, as well as the town and cathedral of Amalfi. In addition, Brother Marcus offers moments of guided prayer for those who wish to retreat from an active lifestyle. A contemplative conversationalist, he shares reflections about the Orders that remain in operation today in Italy and about his habit as a Franciscan Friar.

His Pace e Bene tours have been the highlight of many guests’ stays. The hotel abounds with quiet corners in which to sit and reflect. There is a ‘monks’ walk’, a colonnaded path clambering down the side of the cliff, hung with bougainvillea, its ending marked with a bar that serves delicious pizzas, but residents respect the idea of the walk’s tranquillity, keeping their voices down.

The ruined cloisters are now open to the elements and dramatically cantilevered over the sea but also host breathwork classes: very slow, conscious breathing; mindfulness as a kind of modern version of prayer or meditation.

A Daily Moment of Reflection Every evening at 7 pm, the monastic bell chimes out across the terraces, calling guests to cease whatever they might be doing and reflect on their day. Next, a small glass of Amaro-a basil liqueur created by the Capuchins and still prepared in the hotel kitchens-is handed to one and all. As Andrea Bocelli’s version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” drifts across the loudspeakers, guests can be guaranteed a contemplative moment.

Dining with a Monastic Touch
It may seem strange to go from prayer to dinner, but meals at the Convento are a celebration of monastic traditions of growing and preparing food. Everything is local, seasonal and delicious with many ingredients sourced from the hotel’s garden. Chefs bake five kinds of traditional local bread, each uniquely different. A Medieval Capuchin would be quite surprised to see how his monastery has been transformed into a 21st-century hotel. What was once a frugal and austere place is now a haven of minimalist luxury. But the hotel’s efforts to retain the old spirit are commendable. The presence of Brother Marcus in his unchanged Franciscan habit is a reassuring reminder that the past is closer than we think. 

Conclusion
For the modern man in search of a singular experience that combines luxury with a deep sense of place, the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel is truly incomparable. Whether one aims to rejuvenate the spirit, explore a rich history, or simply enjoy breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine, this distinctive hotel on the Amalfi Coast has it all. Let tranquility set in while this extraordinary destination shapes your winter reset into a lifetime memory.