Maison La Minervetta
📍Sorrento, Italy
For our Neighbourhood Stays series our travel tastemakers uncover hotels and boltholes that ooze style whilst celebrating local. In this instalment Amira Hashish discovers an Amalfi Coast design haven in Maison La Minervetta…
Neighbourhood: Perched dramatically on the cliffside just above Marina Grande in Sorrento, Maison La Minervetta offers front-row seats to the Bay of Naples, with uninterrupted views of Vesuvius rising in the distance. This stretch of coastline hums with life—from family-run seafood trattorias to colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour—but once inside the hotel, the bustle fades into a blissful sense of calm and curated beauty.
What to expect: Maison La Minervetta is not your typical Amalfi escape. More personal than polished, more gallery than guesthouse, it reflects the singular vision of owner and designer Marco de Luca, whose passion for interiors, travel and storytelling fills every corner. The hotel was originally built in the Fifities by his grandparents but he has evolved it into its current guise. Marco lives on site—it is his home as much as it is a hotel—and the warmth of that reality is woven into every detail. It feels as if you are being welcomed into his extraordinary private residence, with all the dreaminess of an Italian coastal fantasy and none of the formality of a typical hotel stay.
With just 12 rooms, the experience is intimate, layered, and deeply relaxed—days unfold to the rhythm of lemon-scented breezes, homemade cakes, and spontaneous chats with the team.
Community and ambience: There is a creative, almost bohemian energy here. Guests linger in the communal spaces—leafing through books in the living room or sipping espresso on the mosaic terraces. It is the kind of place where conversations start easily and every stay feels unique—because it is. Marco’s eye for design is matched by the sense of welcome that flows through the house—charming, authentic, and entirely uncontrived.
Design details: Design is where La Minervetta truly sings. Marco is both owner and designer here — and it shows. The hotel is a living extension of his personal taste and travels. Nautical motifs meet bold Mediterranean colour palettes: think cobalt blues, sun-drenched yellows, red lacquered floors, striped deckchairs, and curated collections of ceramics, coral, and vintage finds from local flea markets.
Shelves groan with art books and global treasures. Nothing feels sterile or generic—every object has a story, every corner is considered. It is playful, confident, and above all, unmistakably Marco.
His passion for design extends beyond the hotel into Bazar Minervetta, a beautifully curated concept store showcasing selected pieces that populate the maison itself. From his own patterns-printed Vietri ceramics and coral-hued objet d’art to architectural books and vintage glassware, the bazaar feels like an annex of Marco’s design world. Guests are invited to browse and even purchase items that echo the hotel’s aesthetic—making it easy to bring a piece of his imaginative world home with you.
Which room should I stay in? Each of the rooms is sea-facing, so you are guaranteed cinematic views—especially at golden hour. If you can, book one of the Junior Suites, which offer floor-to-ceiling windows, built-in daybeds, and more space to soak up the setting. Bathrooms are spa-like, with Vietri tiles and expansive tubs. You cannot really go wrong here though. Even the standard rooms feel generous, with books, textiles, and thoughtful touches. Our room, clinging onto the cliff, had its own little balcony which felt like one of the Amalfi Coast’s best-kept secrets for sunset.
On the menu: Breakfast is a standout—served in the light-filled kitchen like an abundant Italian family spread. Expect fresh pastries, cured meats, sun-ripened fruit, homemade cakes and eggs cooked to order. There is no formal restaurant, but staff are happy to share personal recommendations and make bookings at the best local trattorias—most of which are just a short walk away in the marina or town. Aperitivo hour on the terrace, complete with crisp local wine and olives, is a daily ritual not to be missed.
Spa time: While there is no traditional spa, wellness comes in quieter forms—sunbathing on the terrace, descending the private path to the beach club below, or enjoying a long soak in your sea-view tub. There is also a beautiful pool with spectacular views. La Minervetta offers yoga on request, and in-room massages can be arranged. The focus is less on flashy facilities and more on holistic unwinding.
Local experiences: The team will help you design your perfect day, whether it is a private boat trip to Capri, a hike along the Path of the Gods, or a visit to a local lemon grove for a limoncello tasting. As a Sorrento native, Marco has a network of local artisans, chefs, and creatives who are happy to welcome guests for one-of-a-kind encounters.
He is friends with some of the Amalfi’s best restaurateurs as well, so he can help with booking that coveted table. For an unforgettable afternoon, ask about cooking classes with local nonnas or pottery workshops with nearby makers.
Book: Nightly rates start at around Euros 630, laminervetta.com.