Anantara Hotel Convento di Amalfi
This fabled medieval monastery was lauded by such guests as Longfellow and Wagner, and after a luxurious overhaul by the esteemed Anantara hotel group, it still retains its historic charm and features, including a celebrated Arab-Sicilian cloister and Baroque church. Once-stark monk cells are now comfy contemporary guest room cocoons, some with vibrant artworks and terraces (one suite features a vaulted ceiling with a 700-year-old fresco) and two restaurants provide fine dining and Gino Sorbillo's classic Neapolitan pizza menu. The stunning terrace promenade, more than 1,000 feet long, holds the small yet glorious infinity pool, narrow herb gardens and lemon groves, and time-burnished columns and clouds of bougainvillea frame timeless views of Amalfi's harbor. There's also an Anantara Spa with indoor and outdoor treatments and staff can arrange visits to the neighboring town of Ravello, as well as sunset boat excursions along the coast towards Positano.