As Santavenere celebrates its 70th anniversary, the storied seaside retreat invites travellers to discover a quieter side of Italy.
For decades, Italy’s most coveted summer destinations have drawn travellers to the familiar glamour of the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Portofino. Yet further south, along a stretch of coastline many international visitors have yet to discover, another story has quietly been unfolding — where cliffside glamour, Mediterranean tradition and unhurried luxury still define the season.
In Maratea, a picturesque town perched between Calabria and Campania, Santavenere Hotel Maratea is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades as one of Southern Italy’s most enduring symbols of coastal elegance.
The hotel’s story began in the 1950s when Count Stefano Rivetti, captivated by the untouched beauty of the Lucanian coastline, envisioned a destination that embraced the landscape rather than transformed it. Over the decades, Santavenere became a discreet retreat for artists, intellectuals and travellers seeking an authentic Italian summer far from the crowds.
Today, the property’s timeless appeal remains remarkably intact. Set within 10 hectares of Mediterranean gardens filled with pine, citrus and olive trees, the 34-room hotel cascades gently toward a private stretch of shoreline where the rhythm of the day is dictated not by schedules but by the sea.
Guests can spend afternoons sailing along dramatic cliffs, paddling through hidden coves or lingering over long lunches that stretch effortlessly into evening. Dining experiences celebrate the flavours of Basilicata through locally inspired menus, while wine tastings, cooking classes and sunset gatherings offer a deeper connection to the region’s culture.
As Santavenere reopens for another season, its anniversary serves as a reminder that true luxury is often found in places that have resisted change. In Maratea, the Italian summer still unfolds much as it once did: beautifully, slowly and with unmistakable style.
