The Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and glamorous coastlines of the world. Millions of tourists have flocked here year after year, and an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and retailers have become more geared towards earning a tourist dollar instead of providing an authentic experience. But that's changing in Amalfi, where Borgo Santandrea – the first new hotel opening in over a decade – is working with local providers to offer a concierge service with the spirit of the Amalfi Coast at its heart.
The hotel’s owner and General Manager, Maurizio Orlacchio, hails from nearby Ischia and has forged an impressive career in hospitality that spans decades. He quite literally lives and breathes hotels. 10Best sits down with him to talk about how to experience the real Amalfi Coast.
Maurizio Orlacchio, owner and General Manager, Borgo Santandrea — Photo courtesy of Borgo Santandrea
10B: Why should someone consider the Amalfi Coast for their Italian holiday?
MO: The Amalfi Coast is the Italian destination with it all: the perfect mix of beauty, breathtaking views and strategic mainland positioning with easy access to the enviably beautiful islands of the Naples Gulf, Capri and Ischia, and so much history – like our Amalfi, a former 9th-12th century maritime republic.
Additionally – from Ravello through to Amalfi, Praiano and Positano – it boasts some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Year after year, these properties make the world’s best lists and visitors get to experience it all right here, on the sea, which makes it even more attractive and exclusive.
The new Borgo Santandrea — Photo courtesy of Borgo Santandrea
10B: Why should they stay at Borgo Santandrea?
MO: Borgo Santandrea is borne from an exciting and ambitious dream of two hotelier families – mine and the De Siano family. We share a love for and knowledge of the world of hospitality that transcends generations. Borgo Santandrea is our home, a beachfront architectural masterpiece. Our slogan is ‘midcentury design meets Mediterranean style’ because we combine design features from the 1950s with the contemporary in an ode to the Mediterranean.
Age-old ceramic handiwork by Lucio Liguori — Photo courtesy of Enzo Rando
10B: What is your hotel's hospitality and concierge philosophy?
MO: From the outset, we made it clear to the architect and designer that we weren’t after a classic hotel design, but more a luxury coastal villa. One where we encourage guests to lose track of time, and making memories becomes their only concern.
I constantly remind my staff that we are the ambassadors of this special destination. And that real luxury isn’t measured in dollars but in experiences: a day spent on a yacht, shopping in designer boutiques. These are unique and luxurious Italian moments that cannot be replicated at home.
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Experiences like a visit to Lucio Liguori’s workshop in Raito, waking at dawn to go fishing, lunching at Adolfo in Positano or dinner at Tonino “Bijoux” at the Lido Azzurro in Amalfi where Tonino himself serves you seafood spaghetti. Watching Marco Fusco work his ceramic wonders in Minori or listening to the tales of expert generational gardener and lemon grower, Gaetano Amato.
These are the unforgettable feels that the Amalfi Coast evokes and if we manage to share them with our guests, we’ve gifted them – in my mind – real luxury; that is outstanding service: always real, always impeccable and never intrusive.
Sweet treats from Pansa Pasticceria — Photo courtesy of Borgo Santandrea
10B: What are your tips for the Amalfi Coast for the first-time visitor?
MO: For those visiting for the first time – easy! Take off your watch, disconnect from your phone and lose yourself in the world’s most unique beauty, history, culture and local cuisine.
And I'm thrilled to share my to-do list with you all:
- Visit the ancient towns – Pompeii, Paestum and Herculaneum – to grasp how important this part of the world was through the ages.
- Head out on a traditional fishing boat and dive into the crystal-clear water coves of Li Galli, swim in the Furore fjord and have lunch in Nerano.
- Stroll through the village pathways of Nerano to discover the conservation traditions of the wise local farmers who impeccably care for the lemons.
- Admire the sunrise or sunset from the panoramic Path of the Gods. This 3-hour walk has breathtaking views.
- Don’t miss the spectacular Emerald Grotto, a short distance from Borgo Santandrea.
- And finally, the must-visit local artisan workshops and museums, like Amalfi’s Paper Museum, Ravello’s Coral Museum, the pasta factories of Minori, the colatura di alici stores in Cetara (distilled anchovy oil) and the ceramics shops of Positano. Or the lively arrival of fishermen at Praia in Praiano, the laboratories that produce limoncello, the famous pasticciotto sweet from Amalfi’s Pansa Pasticceria and the ricotta and pear cake from Sal de Riso in Minori.
Borgo Santandrea's private beach club — Photo courtesy of Borgo Santandrea
10B: What about for those who are returning?
MO: They’ll appreciate these tips too, because here, every time is like the first time. But for the more seasoned traveler, I recommend they venture out and visit the Gulf of Naples’ islands: the picturesque Capri, my beloved Ischia with its unspoiled natural beauty or Procida, Italy’s 2022 Capital of Culture.
Breathtaking views from the Borgo Santandrea terrace — Photo courtesy of Borgo Santandrea
10B: The Amalfi Coast is known to be a tourist destination. How can someone experience the real Amalfi Coast?
MO: Always speak to your hotel concierge. Here on the Amalfi Coast, we have an outstandingly high level of concierge services, predominantly curated by local staff. Like our concierge team, these professionals have created a wonderful and diverse network of contacts. Oh, and speak directly to the locals. Local guides can showcase the lesser-seen sights and experiences, the ones only they know.
