Palazzo Avino is a stunning five-star deluxe hotel on Italy's famed Amalfi coast.
Built in what was once a 12th century private villa for an Italian noble family and opened as a hotel in 1997, Palazzo Avino has been rated as one of the world’s finest hotels and boasts one-star Michelin dining.
Tucked away in the medieval hilltop village of Ravello and perched high on the cliffs, 350 m (1,000 ft) above the sparkling Mediterranean, Palazzo Avino overlooks some of the coast's most picturesque fishing villages.
HISTORY
Originally built in the 12th Century, Palazzo Avino, like many other buildings along San Giovanni del Toro, was part of the aristocratic quarter of Ravello during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Some original rooms remain, such as the entrance hall and a small bathroom used as a cellar in the restaurant.
THE PAST
The building owes its name to the prosperous Sasso family from Scala, who were descendants of San Romoaldo, founder of the Cistercian order, and San Dominico Sasso, the successor to Saint Dominico who created the Dominican order.
The Sasso family settled in Ravello in about 1710 when Domenico Diego purchased the remains of the Palazzo Sasso from the noble Bonito family and subsequently restored it.
In 1756, his son, Andrea, built the chapel, dedicated to Maria Maddalena Penitente, which is now the lobby of the hotel. Andrea died in 1758 without an heir.
The Palazzo was then abandoned until the beginning of the 19th century when it was purchased by a rich industrial Camera family.
In the mid-19th century, the first foreign visitors began to arrive, such as Francis Nevil Reid in 1851 and Richard Wagner.
When James Becket bought and rebuilt Villa Cimbrone in 1904, Ravello attracted many prominent people, including Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, Maynard Keynes, D.H. Lawrence and Andre Gide.
The potential for tourism was not lost on the Camera family who, following the example of other local families, converted the Palazzo into a hotel.
In 1928 the Vuilleumier family assumed the management of the hotel.
During the next half-century, Palazzo Sasso was known as Hotel Palumbo and its guests included Kings, Queens, aristocrats, poets and writers.
On the declaration of war against France (in 1939), the French-born Duchess Anna of Aosta (wife of the Viceroy of Ethiopia) was applauded by the people of Ravello when she appeared on a terrace above the Principessa di Piemonte Gardens.
The beauty and tranquillity of Palazzo Sasso has inspired many 20th century personalities; the playwright Eduardo de Filippo who wrote 'Saturday, Sunday, Monday' on one of its terraces and General Eisenhower was a resident when he was planning the attack on Monte Cassino.
Former celebrity guests Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini were fondly remembered as having giggled over dinner in the restaurant.
This era was sadly interrupted in 1978, when the Vuilleumier family gave up the Palazzo in favour of the Palazzo Confalone. The Palazzo was closed and ensued 19 years of abandon.
THE PRESENT
Fully restored, it re-opened as Palazzo Sasso in July 1997 to continue its historic adventure.
Beginning 2013, Palazzo Sasso will be renamed Palazzo Avino, finally wearing the name of its founding family.
The name change - the building of Palazzo Sasso and its transformation into Palazzo Avino, has every making of an Italian love story.
There is passion, beauty and a dream. All played out along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast.
“I love the Palazzo,” Managing Director Mariella Avino says. “I love the location. I love the views. I love every single element. I love it because I grew up here.
I know its past (my father’s commitment and effort to create the property).
I know its fantastic present, and I’m excited to write its future with all my passion, my heart and my love.”
All rooms and suites are decorated with hand made Vietri tiles, antique carpets, furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries and brass accessories and appliqués.
Frette Linen and Dr. Vranjes amenities, satellite TV, safe, minibar, internet access and iPod docking stations are also available in each room.
It is the largest and most beautiful suite in the hotel.
Situated on the top floor of the building, this bi-level suite is composed of one large living room including a dining area, one bedroom and one large bathroom with both a Jacuzzi bath and separate large shower.
There is also an additional guest bathroom in the living room area.
On the top floor there is a relaxing area that leads onto a very large private outdoor terrace with an amazing view over the Amalfi Coast.
Ideal for romance, the terrace features a Jacuzzi hot tub and a large dining area - perfect for private dinners!
This suite is equipped with plasma screen, Bose Hi-Fi in all areas.
Situated at one of the garden levels of the hotel, this very private suite has a large living area with steps up to an open master bedroom.
This suite is equipped with a large walk-in closet and B&O Hi-Fi and TV.
The living area features a Jacuzzi hot tub ‘center stage’ and is adjoined by a large outdoor terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that is ideal for dining ‘al fresco’.
This elegant one bedroom suite with living area includes a large bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.
Equipped with B&O Hi-Fi and plasma TV.
Four full windows overlook the Mediterranean Sea that features a balcony suitable for breakfast or dinner.
Bedding type: king or twin.
Sophisticatedly appointed one bedroom suites with living rooms and large bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths.
These accommodations have large terraces overlooking the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.
These spacious accommodations are composed of a large bedroom with a sitting area, large bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.
All suites overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
These suites are composed of a large bedroom with a sitting area, large bathroom with Jacuzzi bath.
A large bedroom with a sitting area and a bathroom with Jacuzzi bath
Private balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
These rooms are very comfortable in size and are facing the mountain or the charming pedestrian street.
All bathrooms have either Jacuzzi bath or Jacuzzi shower. Bedding type: king or twin.
These rooms feature large windows with enchanting vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
This room has a high window with no view. Bedding type: king or twin.
Bathroom has Jacuzzi bath.
These rooms are facing the mountain or the charming pedestrian street.
All bathrooms have either Jacuzzi bath or Jacuzzi shower.
These rooms have a partial sea view.
Bedding type: queen or twin.
Dining at Palazzo Avino is truly a unique experience.
You can enjoy a candle light dinner served in the awarded Rossellinis restaurant or a delicious casual meal at Terrazza Belvedere.
“Cooking is love and passion”… This is the motto of Michele Deleo, Palazzo Avino’s new Executive Chef.
Deleo is known for assembling some of the best culinary teams on the Amalfi Coast and in the state of Campania.
His culinary elaborations fuse local seasonal ingredients with creative contemporary cooking techniques.
Deleo joined Palazzo Avino in 2013 and brings with him a wealth of knowledge from distinctive restaurants both abroad and nationally.
The hotel is honored to now has the highly praised and gifted Michele Deleo as Executive Chef of Palazzo Avino’s and Rossellinis Restaurant.
Enjoy the views from the Caffé dell'Arte while trying one of the specialty cocktails that include unique choices of rare liqueurs, rum and brandies.
Caffé dell’Arte offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a digestive or aperitif along side a delicious snack.
The soothing sounds of the pianist pave the way for lazy evenings where one can unwind and watch the blue of the sea and sky blend together.
Sitting only four diners, the Chef’s Table at Palazzo Avino’s Rossellini’s is one the most exclusive and exciting dining experiences on the Amalfi Coast.
Awarding complete privacy from the rest of the restaurant, a special menu has been created based on an ancient Neapolitan game, La Tombola. Like bingo, numbers correspond to each dish taking diners on their own unique culinary journey fusing local seasonal ingredients with creative contemporary cooking techniques.
The ceramic culinary game and dishes have been specially created by a local ceramic artist, Lucio Liguori, in nearby Raito. Using ancient techniques dating back centuries, the artist has designed beautiful emerald green ceramics exclusively made for Palazzo Avino’s chef’s table.
A treat for the eyes, dishes are exquisitely presented as diners play the culinary game and are served a tasting menu of 5-7 different regional plates which are hand-picked with regional wines that are paired with each serving.
One of the most notable restaurants in the area, Rosselini’s has become internationally renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
At the chef’s table, diners are offered an exclusive invite into the theatre of the kitchen and insight into one of the best culinary teams in the state of Campania.
Clients can enjoy the freshest local lobster paired with refreshing Champagne or Prosecco amidst a backdrop of the awe-inspiring Mediterranean Sea.
Alternatively, guests can enjoy their choice of 65 different Martinis uniquely crafted by the hotel’s in-house Martini mixologist!
Martinis range from traditional to exotic using ingredients such as seasonal fruits and herbs.
The combination of watching the sunset while enjoying a digestive and viewing the sky, mountains and sea is heavenly!
from 18.00h
The Restaurant has just been awarded with very high ratings in all major Italian guides.
These accolades mirror the endless passion the team has for offering the best culinary experience possible.
The restaurant is closed from the November to March. During the season, Rossellinis is open for dinner only.
For an unforgettable authentic and creative Italian meal, look no further!
Guests can choose from myriad delectable dishes 'a-la-carte' or set tasting menus.
Rossellinis features handpicked regional wines that can be carefully paired with each serving.
Stefano Amato, the Restaurant Manager, and his team will accompany you throughout your meal with friendly, attentive and unobtrusive service.
Candelit dinner for two is magical in this unique cave admiring the specially designed "Wine Library".
The Sommelier's Table is for wine and cheese lovers.
Terrazza Belvedere serves an array of appetizing small bites and fresh pasta dishes.
With a terrace perched over the property that offers magnificent views of the coastline, this is a casual dining favorite amongst guests.
A new addition to Terrazza Belvedere is the Lobster & Martini Bar that opens at 6 pm.
Palazzo Avino offers a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the sea. The full service Spa is located next to the swimming pool in the gardens of Palazzo Avino and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
The gymnasium is located in the gardens under white gazebos and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
On the roof top of Palazzo Avino, with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast, the hotel offers a solarium with two whirlpools.
A variety of technogym equipment is available to all the guests.
This rooftop oasis is a favourite venue to watch sunset and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.
Spa facilities include: Hydro pool, Sauna, Turkish steam bath, Massage and treatment cabins.
A 20 meter outdoor heated swimming pool with an amazing view of the sea and the mountains.
The hotel's Concierge is always pleased to arrange anything you might require such as limousine and helicopter service, boat trips.
Enjoy a range of excursions, restaurant reservations, cooking classes, concert tickets and any other requirements.
Amalfi is a picturesque coastal town with a sunny climate and exceptional natural beauty. Positano is regarded as the jewel of the Amalfi coast. It's a very coastal resort, It's notable for its picturesque, precipitous townscape, built on steep mountain terraces.
Enjoy a memorable day at the sea with a private yacht charter!
Palazzo Avino's Clubhouse by the Sea is located in the small town of Marmorata, just a 15 minutes drive from Ravello.
Celebrated classical orchestras and modern musicians concerts from April through October.
Short courses are offered at several hotel-restaurants along the coast, or alternatively in a private, cliff-side home in Ravello. The courses provide varied, but typical tastes of Southern Italian cuisine and a glass of two of the best local wines.
Horses are available for treks on most of the scenic mountain routes.
Limousine and Helicopter service is available for airport transfers and excursions.
Palazzo Avino offers a conference room ideal for any kind of meetings (up to 70 people).
Facilities and equipment are provided at most of the coastal resorts, notably in Amalfi and Minori.
Palazzo Avino can accommodate small exclusive parties for lunch such as intimate weddings or other special events.
Tennis games or classes may be arranged at two courts located in Ravello.
The surroundings of the seven village 'fragments' of Ravello amount to more challenging treks up into the mountains.
PALAZZO AVINO
Via San Giovanni del Toro 28I-84010 RavelloAmalfi CoastItaly