Santavenere, a luxurious retreat in the coastal town of Maratea, is steeped in history dating back to the 1950s. Originally built by Count Stefano Rivetti, an Italian entrepreneur from Piedmont, the estate becomes a glamorous escape for nobility and movie stars during its dolce vita heyday. Now, thanks to the efforts of modern Italian entrepreneurs Paolo Barletta and Aldo Melpignano, Santavenere experiences a remarkable rebirth. Barletta purchases the property and brings on Melpignano, the hotelier behind the award-winning Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, to elevate Santavenere into one of southern Italy’s premier luxury destinations.
Melpignano views the opportunity as an irresistible challenge, working to enhance the hotel’s grandeur while preserving its authentic charm. This year, Santavenere joins the ranks of The Leading Hotels of the World, marking it as a top-tier destination in Basilicata. Guests visiting the hotel witness the Marateale film festival, a star-studded event that brings Hollywood’s glitz to this serene Italian coastline. The evening features dinner at Il Carrubo, the hotel’s beachfront restaurant, where diners enjoy locally sourced dishes under a glowing sunset along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Despite rough sea conditions canceling their planned boating excursion the next day, visitors are thrilled to discover Santavenere’s private beach. With no crowds in sight, the experience feels like stumbling upon a hidden cove straight out of the Amalfi Coast’s golden era. The pebbled shore and aquamarine waters provide a serene and exclusive escape, offering the perfect contrast to the bustling, overcrowded tourist spots of Italy’s more well-known coastal destinations. For those in search of authentic luxury, Santavenere delivers with its off-the-beaten-path appeal.
Later in the afternoon, after a delightful lunch at the poolside restaurant Gli Ulivi, guests venture to the summit of Maratea’s highest mountain. Guided by local experts Ilaria D’Auria and Angelo Licasale, they explore the town’s rich history, including the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. While it resembles Rio de Janeiro’s famous monument, this statue gazes over the town, not the sea, symbolizing the benevolence Count Rivetti intended for Maratea’s people. Before reaching the statue, they visit the Basilica of San Biagio, dedicated to the town’s patron saint, where they discover a local tradition of leaving knotted fabric as a symbol of seeking divine help in untangling life’s problems.
Their journey concludes in Maratea’s historic center, where the charm of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages is fully on display. Locals gather in sidewalk cafes, and the streets are lined with shops selling artisanal goods and local delicacies. The timeless atmosphere, with elderly men chatting outside churches, evokes the classic spirit of Italian village life. Though the day offers more to explore, the experience wraps up with a private, candlelit dinner on the hotel’s terrace, celebrating the serenity and romance of this under-the-radar coastal paradise.
As guests reflect on their stay, they appreciate the delicate balance Santavenere strikes between luxury and authenticity. It’s a place to escape the frenzy of daily life and embrace the slower, richer rhythms of Italy’s southern coast. As Melpignano suggests, this hidden gem retains a timeless charm, offering a glimpse of authentic Italian life that’s becoming increasingly rare in the world of high-end travel.
