GRAND HOTEL COCUMELLA
GRAND HOTEL COCUMELLA boasts a rich and storied history, one that adds an air of romance to this 16th-century property perched high on a cliff on the Amalfi Coast overlooking the Bay of Naples. Located just a short distance to the center of Sorrento, the property was originally built as a Jesuit Monastery amid a splendid park filled with blooming flowers and fragrant orange and lemon trees. Converted into a hotel in 1822, it remains a sought-after spot by travelers seeking the best this part of the country has to offer. The hotel is renowned for mingling Old World elegance with modern amenities—the standard rooms are comfortable and accommodating and the suites downright indulgent, with their jetted tubs, expansive balconies, and outdoor Jacuzzis. At the same time, management prides itself on the skill and warmth of its staff members, all of whom excel at making every guest—including children—feel right at home.
The on-site swimming pool, gardens, and beach (accessed via trolley from the hotel) allow for plenty of down time, while those who want to get out and about have only a brisk 10 to 15 minute stroll into the center of Sorrento, resplendent with its own gardens and unique history. Not to be missed is a trip along the Amalfi Coast or a jaunt across the water to Capri on the hotel’s very own authentic 1880 tall ship, the Vera. The hotel’s Scintilla Restaurant, which overlooks the park, serves beautifully prepared dishes in the Mediterranean tradition along with an assortment of fine Italian wines. Open in the summer, Coku is a Japanese Robata grill/fusion restaurant located on the terrace overlooking the Bay of Naples. Also in summer, guests may enjoy a casual barbecue lunch at L’Agrumeto, which offers outdoor poolside seating under the shade of the orange trees. The on-site cocktail lounge is a lively spot to converse with fellow guests and relax with a perfectly prepared cocktail, beer, or wine.