PALAZZO BELMONTE

DESCRIPTION

• Rooms : 53, Seafront location, Noble residence, Built around courtyard, Direct beach access, Restaurant, Pool, Bar overlooking beach.

• This palazzo on Italy's unspoilt Cilento coast, one of the most idyllic locations in the Mediterranean, is a magical hotel with a beautiful flower filled courtyard, magnificent swimming pool, and direct access to the beach. The stately 17th century home was originally built as a hunting lodge and has five acres of gardens and a private beach, making it a sort of oasis in Castellabate, a small-scale beach resort. Part of the building is occupied by the current Principe di Belmonte who turned it into a hotel in 1981. An extensive renovation was carried out in 2007, creating a restaurant and bar off the courtyard around which sits the main house, and elevating the pool bar to overlook the beach. The Palazzo's private beach of soft golden sand is only a short walk through the gardens, with access through a delightful little door and via steps to the beach.

• Rooms are all refurbished and effervescent with crisp, clean décor, terracotta floors and stylish mahogany furniture. The terraces and magnificent fresh-water swimming pool are set in a profusion of greenery ideal for those who love to sunbathe and swim, while an inviting poolside bar offers light lunches and cocktails. After a stay at the beach or the pool and before enjoying the evening, cosmetic therapy or massage is the ideal way to indulge yourself, and are easily arranged for you. Finally, there is a private area at reception equipped with computer and printer. A restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and regional specialities, with the emphasis on the use of fresh fish, sea-food and other local produce.

• Palazzo Belmonte is a superb choice as a base for exploration. From Castellabate you can enjoy numerous half and full day trips - the magnificent Doric Temples of Paestum are just 30 minutes away, and the archaeological sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis are within easy reach by car. (The Palazzo can arrange a chauffeur if required.)