Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast: Reviewing Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to sleep in a 13th-century convent perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean, with views that seem almost too beautiful to be real, book yourself into the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. I spent a few days at this Italian gem, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. 

While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel review

Hotel snapshot

• Hotel: Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
• Location: Cliffside above Amalfi town on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
• Address: Via Annunziatella, 46, 84011 Amalfi, Italy
• Rooms: 52 rooms and suites
• Brand: Anantara Hotels & Resorts
• Opened: Originally a 13th-century Capuchin convent; converted to a hotel in the late 19th century (recently rebranded under Anantara)
• Style: Historic monastery meets understated luxury; vaulted ceilings, cloisters, and panoramic terraces
• Family amenities: Some suites can accommodate families
• Wellness facilities: Infinity pool overlooking the coast, fitness centre, spa, meditation spaces in former monastic areas
• Dining: Fine dining restaurant with coastal Italian cuisine; terrace bar with sunset views
• Price range: From €600 – €1,500+ per night depending on season and room type

Setting the scene

Located just a 15-minute walk from Amalfi’s centre and tucked into the cliffside above the town’s tiled rooftops, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel occupies a former monastery dating back to 1212. It served as a home to the Capuchin monks from 1583 until 1826, and in the years that followed, it passed through various private hands and hospitality ventures, evolving while preserving its monastic soul.

Following extensive renovations, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel reopened in April 2023, and the result is a property that blends its rich, historic heritage with a refined sense of understated luxury. Expect cloistered walkways, centuries-old stonework, and vaulted ceilings complemented by thoughtful contemporary design touches.

A moment for the arrival

After the white-knuckle drive down the winding coastal road, we pulled up to the property’s unassuming entrance carved into the cliffside. A staff member greets you at the car, and just like that, the bags are whisked away.

As soon as you step through that ancient arched entrance, suddenly the honking Vespas and tour buses of the Amalfi Coast Drive just melt away. You’re guided toward reception, which feels less like a front desk and more like wandering into someone’s sun-soaked living room. With a refreshing welcome drink in hand, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the terrace. And the view? Breathtaking doesn’t quite cover it.

Rooms with ridiculously good views

Once the monks’ quiet living quarters, the 52 rooms and suites have been transformed, luxurious, yes, yet still carrying the calming simplicity of their past. My Premium Sea View Room had a charming balcony, which I made full use of each morning as I sipped on herbal tea while taking in the beautiful sweep of the Amalfi Coast.

The interiors featured vaulted ceilings and original tiles that blended seamlessly with soft neutral furnishings, a chic marble bathroom, and modern touches like a Nespresso machine and Aqua di Parma amenities.

Some suites feature private terraces or hot tubs (one is even nestled within its own lemon grove, perfect for romantic escapes), while a selection of rooms are thoughtfully designed to welcome pets. For something truly special, the Suite del Priore offers a rare opportunity to sleep beneath original frescoes in the former private quarters of the convent’s Prior, overlooking the serene 13th-century cloisters.

Dining

After aperitivo, we wandered along the iconic Monk’s Walk, making our way to dinner at La Locanda della Canonica. The menu focuses on local seasonal ingredients (many grown in the convent’s own garden), grilled seafood, and Neapolitan-style gourmet pizzas. Everything was absolutely delicious and made for the perfect beginning to our stay. 

The next morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Dei Cappuccini’s glorious terrace. A generous spread of local delicacies, including mozzarella and tomatoes, pastries, fresh fruit, and warm dishes, awaited us, made even better by the beautiful morning views. Sitting on that terrace, it became one of those rare, luminous moments I knew I’d never forget.

Exploring the convent’s soul

One of the most interesting parts of staying here is how much of the convent’s original spirit is still present. You can wander through cloisters that have seen centuries of monks pass through, explore tucked-away corners that feel perfectly untouched, and even join guided experiences like the Sacred Sanctuary Secrets tour led by Franciscan Friar Marcus. 

Wellness

At the Anantara Spa, you can bliss out with lemon-infused, restorative treatments or break a sweat in the outdoor gym surrounded by lemon trees and knockout Mediterranean views. The 125-square-metre wellness sanctuary includes a hammam, two couples’ suites with private saunas and a steam room, plus plenty of spaces made purely for unwinding. 

The vibe

Life here unfolds at a slow and easy pace, the kind where you can spend hours gazing at the sea before wandering to the cliffside infinity pool, complete with a Sunshine Butler who appears with sunscreen and icy delights just when you need them.

Guests can also immerse themselves in local traditions, shaking up their own limoncello with lemons straight from the hotel’s garden or rolling up their sleeves for a cooking class with the chef.

And for those eager to explore further, the concierge can sort everything from private tours of Pompeii to boat trips to Capri, plus vineyard tastings in Ravello, guided hikes along the Path of the Gods, or even a helicopter ride along the Amalfi Coast. 

Frequently asked questions: Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel

The verdict

If you’re dreaming of an Amalfi escape wrapped in history, beauty and the kind of understated luxury that stays with you, this is the hotel. 

Discover more about Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

But wait, there’s more…

• Be inspired by our three-day itinerary for yachting along the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
• Anantara fans will love Dublin’s hotel landmark, the Anantara The Marker
• If you’re in Italy in June, don’t miss the Motor Valley Festival in Emilia-Romagna