Villa Maiori

Villa Maiori is a rare seafront palazzo on the Amalfi Coast, built in the 18th century when Maiori was a prosperous maritime trading town. The building occupies the full width of a plot on the lungomare, with its facade facing the sea and its rear courtyard opening onto the town's main street. This dual aspect gives the property an unusual urban character for the coast: guests can walk from the grand entrance hall directly onto the beach promenade, or exit the rear courtyard into the town's restaurants and shops. The palazzo retains its aristocratic character. The ground-floor ballroom, with its frescoed ceiling depicting maritime scenes and its original terrazzo floor, seats 30 for dinner and has hosted classical music concerts during the Ravello Festival. The piano nobile living room features 4-metre ceilings, gilded mirrors, and french doors opening onto an ironwork balcony with a direct view of the beach and the sea. Eight bedrooms are arranged across three upper floors. The principal suite occupies the piano nobile with the ballroom below, offering the highest ceilings and the broadest sea views. Four bedrooms on the second floor share a communal terrace. Three bedrooms on the top floor have lower ceilings but access to the rooftop terrace, where breakfast is served with views along the coast to Capo d'Orso. Maiori has the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast - a wide sandy stretch that feels almost generous compared to the pocket coves elsewhere. The palazzo's beach concession, directly across the promenade, includes reserved sunbeds, umbrellas, and a cabana. A heated plunge pool occupies the rear courtyard, surrounded by potted citrus trees and climbing bougainvillea. Ravello is a 15-minute drive uphill. Amalfi town is 5 minutes along the coast. The chef focuses on the traditions of the Amalfi Coast kitchen: handmade scialatielli with seafood, aubergine parmigiana, and desserts built around the local lemons.