Palazzo Avino

The vibe at Palazzo Avino is exclusive, romantic, and typically Mediterranean. Originally built in the 12th-century as an aristocratic home, it’s been many things throughout the years. It opened in 1997 under the current owners as the hotel Palazzo Sasso, but changed its name to Palazzo Avino in 2013. The pretty and palatial peach-colored building is dotted with white accents such as balconies, columns, and stairs. The beautiful grounds include a number of terraces with manicured gardens and stone paths, with cabanas and umbrella-shaded tables and chairs offering spots to relax and take in the amazing views of Ravello and the sea. Inside, the decor hinges on an overwhelmingly white color palette with gold and blue accents. Tiled floors, antique chairs and couches, elegant arches, and cozy, chic sitting areas are found throughout. However, it’s the antique items -- like the large wooden front desk and brass lamps -- mixed with modern artwork and decorative elements that truly characterize the nature of the hotel. Couples make up the hotel’s primary clientele, drawn to the romantic outdoor settings and relaxation-oriented amenities. 

Palazzo Avino is built into the side of a mountain, overlooking the sea in the town of Ravello. The views are unmatched, and the area is peaceful. Although the sea looks close, beaches are actually not within walking distance, which makes the hotel’s free shuttle to its beachside clubhouse somewhat of a necessity. The main beaches are 10 to 15 minutes away by car. Ravello's restaurants and shops are within walking distance, while the Duomo is just five minutes away on foot. It takes about 15 minutes by car to reach Amalfi, another charming seaside village, while Positano is about an hour away. Pompeii is about a 45-minute drive from here, and Mount Vesuvius can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes. Naples and its airport is about an hour away by car. 

Rooms at Palazzo Avino have a bright and airy feel to them, featuring lovely Mediterranean decor with a white-on-white backdrop accented by pops of color. Beds are covered in crisp white linens, which blend seamlessly into the white walls and white tiled floors. This is offset by traditional wooden furniture and chic pieces like teal loveseats and blue or gold headboards. There’s a subtle historic vibe with antique rugs, 18th-century pieces like lamps and chairs, and elegant architectural arches. Ranging from 185 to 1,076 square feet (17 to 100 square meters), rooms vary in size; most are spacious, besides those with mountain views or those with high windows and no views. Guests might want to splurge for lovely ocean views, and if possible, suites with balconies or terraces, some of which have hot tubs. Amenities include flat-screen satellite TVs, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docking stations, but most rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Some suites have Nespresso machines and in-room hot tubs. The tiled bathrooms are particularly lovely, with white porcelain or marble sinks, robes, bidets, and glass showers with waterfall showerheads or shower/tub combos, some with jets. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided. 

Features at Palazzo Avino tend to focus on romance and relaxation, while taking advantage of stunning views of the sea. The outdoor heated pool is set on a green terrace with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a pool bar that provides drinks and snacks. Guests can take advantage of hot tubs and loungers on a rooftop terrace as well. Though the hotel is not within walking distance of the beach, it offers a free shuttle to its Clubhouse by the Sea, which includes a small swimming pool, restaurant, lounge rooms, changing rooms, and access to the sea. The main restaurant, Rossellinis, has a Michelin-star rating and serves Italian fare in an elegant setting. It's open seasonally and for dinner only. The restaurant has a great wine cellar as well as an outdoor patio for alfresco dining. Terrazza Belvedere is a more relaxed dining option with an outdoor setting, light snacks, and pasta dishes. Caffe dell’Arte is a piano bar that provides snacks, while the outdoor Lobster & Martini Bar focuses on lobster-and-Champagne pairings, plus it offers a menu of 65 different martinis. A free breakfast is served in the mornings, though its basic dishes haven’t impressed all guests. Room service is available 24/7.The hotel has a charming outdoor fitness area that's shaded by cabanas and includes cardio and weight machines, as well as stunning views. Other wellness features include a spa with Turkish baths, hydro massage pools, and saunas, as well as a variety of beauty treatments and massages. Other perks include one fully equipped meeting room, free Wi-Fi, valet parking (for a fee), and an on-site boutique that sells jewelry, clothes, and knickknacks.