Grand Hotel Cocumella Sorrento - Amalfi Coast

The Grand Hotel Cocumella, on the eastern site of Sorrento was one of the stops on the Grand Tour and would have faded into oblivion had not an ambitious architect in 1978 sunk lire and talent aplenty into recapturing its brilliance.

The efforts have paid off and the property now has what many sophisticated travellers feel is a distinct advantage: its tranquil setting 15 minutes' walk from Sorrento's central square. The main building was originally a Jesuit monastery of the 16th century and became hotel since 1822 much of the tranquil and historical aura still remains. The ambience is more Old Work than what most vacationers expect when heading a beach resort.

Its name origins from the nymph "Colomeide" (honey bottom) so called by the Jesuit fathers for its favourable position and for the fertility of its orange and lemon orchards. There is also who states that the name has another antique origin deriving from the coccume, vases of hearthwater with spout and handle used to contain water that were produced here. The discovery of the caves confirm this second hypothesis.

The roman cistern, used to accumulate a remarkable quantity of spring water, supplying even the villa of emperor Tiberio in Capri, has now been transformed into a large conference room. The antique cloister with a volcanic grey tuff well in the centre is today a wonderful dining room that still conserves its antique conventual atmosphere. The annexed chapel, a real jewel, is usually used for concerts which are numerous during the summer season.

The Cocumella has a very relaxing feel, it is surrounded by a century old park and the vast gardens are extensive and beautiful which stretches down to a terrace overlooking the famous gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Immersed in the park are also a swimming pool very large and well kept and tennis court. The private solarium is easily reached by the hotel's lift.

The 60 rooms are all different from each other, decorated with original furnishing and some still have an authentic fireplace and they are well executed in traditional style with lamps and armoires.

The hotel dispose of two restaurants: "Scintilla", also called "Pasta, Paste e Antipasti" as its name already describes, is specialised in the local Mediterranean cuisine, in a romantic setting overlooking the garden. During the summer period the "Agrumeto" restaurant by the pool is open for a light buffet lunch.

The last novelty is the "Vera", the 30mt sail boat built in 1880, available for charters and for excursions to Capri and the Amalfi coast.