The Decadence of Simplicity
Monestario Santa Rosa transcends traditional, luxury, travel-destinations and creates an experience that we often pursue, but seldom obtain. To describe Monestario Santa Rosa as a resort or hotel, would be to confine it's identity to simply brick and mortar, of which, is but a component of the overall destination.
After traversing through the breathtaking switchbacks of the Amalfi coast, you are greeted by a simple, stone, building, surrounded by its majestic steeple and tiered- verandas. The clean smells of rose water, meligrano, and herbs inundate your senses as the kind, and attentive staff welcome you in with a glass of fresh lemon water, and an intimate seat on a private balcony. This is the beginning of the experience, an immediate injection of restorative scents, wholesome hydration, and comforting smiles, who, all the while, 'deal' with the chaos of luggage, parking of your vehicle, and processing your check-in.
After the most relaxing hotel check-in of my life, Antoinette took us on a wonderful tour of the monastery and made sure she verbally answered any questions we may have. Although a seemingly obvious act in customer service, in our age of self-service, information-overload, the joy of asking questions (any question!) to one person, and not being redirected to someone else or told to look it up in the brochure, was comforting.
Monestario Santa Rosa has a rich and fascinating history. The herbs and flowers from the gardens were used as medicine and tonics for centuries by the nuns who resided here. This rich history has not been overlooked in the restoration and conversion of this location, in fact, each room is named after one of the medicinal plants found in the Monestario's gardens, even today.
Staying true to the essence of Italy, the products used at the Monestario are local and naturally compliment the history of the Monestario. The perfumed and decadent products of Santa Maria Novella and Ortiga are generously provided to patrons of the Monestario, and infuse the hotel with their intoxicating scent. Santa Maria Novella, one if the original 'pharmacies' of the region, historically, created such coveted scents, that Catherine Medici herself had bath salts and perfumes made for her (Aqua de la Regina). She favored the Melograno (Pomegranate), still made today and available for purchase in larger quantities at the Monestario.
As a guest, you feel like family. The thermal baths, shuttle services, friendly staff and incredible gardens are all a part of this experience. I took my first nap in what felt like 10 years, and enjoyed days of quiet reading and introspection coupled with riveting and entertaining conversations with Chef Christoph Bob, the bar staff, Claudio and Andrei, and other guests in the evenings. Claudio made us fresh and citrusy drinks, and made sure we had everything we needed to stay 'blissfully relaxed' and seriously entertained.
Most evenings, you can find Chef Christoph Bob speaking intently with the guests about most any topic, and infusing the environment with his gregarious, humorous, and matter-of-fact dialogue. Chef Christoph's food has a richness and simplicity that not only reflects the value proposition of the Monestario, but echoes it through the experiences he places in-front of patrons nightly. Chef Christoph's incredible discipline, curiosity, and humility, coupled with his humor and desire for new experiences, had us (gladly!) forfeiting our plans to dine outside the Monestario, in favor of enjoying the company of his dynamic personality, mouthwatering courses, and energetic staff.
Monestario Santa Rosa was truly an experience in the 'decadence of simplicity'. It cultivated the deepest relaxation I have experienced in years, in the most natural, and unassuming way. I can't recommend the Monestario enough, and look forward to making this a part of our regular travel plans.
Thank you, Chef Christoph, Antoinette, Claudio, Andrei (and the restaurant manager with the dark-rimmed glasses and big smile whose name I didn't write down), for a magical week and incredible experience. read more