Meet the Hotelier - Borgo Santandrea
Maurizio Orlacchio, Co-Owner and General Manager at Borgo Santandrea
Can you share some of the history of the hotel?
Since we opened, we have welcomed VIPs in the worlds of music, fashion and sports, however the truth is that we are still a young hotel and are therefore looking forward to sharing more stories and anecdotes in the years to come. What we can talk about today are the endless days spent reviewing our hotel projects, often modifying them and starting again from scratch.
What are the benefits of your location?
The Amalfi Coast is the Italian destination with it all: the perfect mix of beauty, breathtaking views and strategic mainland positioning, with easy access to the beautiful islands of Capri and Ischia, and so much history. Additionally – from Ravello through to Amalfi, Praiano and Positano – the region boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Year after year, these properties make the world’s best lists and visitors get to experience it all right here, on the sea, which makes it even more attractive and exclusive. Borgo Santandrea really is at the heart of all this, offering a privileged access to the sea due to our private dock, meaning guests are easily able to explore by boat and experience the coastline from another perspective. Our complimentary water transfer to Amalfi, just a 10-minute ride away, is in itself an experience that our guests really love.
How would you describe the hotel’s dining experience?
During the design phase, our idea was to make our kitchens full of light but above all, to provide guests with an opportunity to see our chefs at work and to be able to interact with them. Our breakfast is a classic example of that home-from-home environment that Borgo Santandrea wants to have. Guests physically enter the kitchen, crossing the same spaces used by the kitchen staff to serve dinner in our Michelin-starred restaurant – an incredibly unique way to start the day. Lunch at our Marinella Beach Club is another memorable moment because you eat overlooking the sea, with the Borgo di Conca dei Marini in the background. Guests can taste dishes freshly made from our catch of the day or from our own custom Neapolitan pizza oven.
In the evening, there are two choices for dinner. First, we have our fine dining restaurant, Alici – recently awarded the Michelin-star in November – which offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience in the spectacular setting of our panoramic terrace, suspended between sky and sea, with a dramatic view overlooking the Amalfi Coast. There are also more traditional dishes available at the Marinella Restaurant, our casual, beachside restaurant. A truly magical atmosphere overlooking the moonlight across the Mediterranean Sea, with the gentle sound of waves in the background. Furthermore, it is also possible to eat delicious food at the Plumbago Bar, as well as 24-hour room service.
What attracts locals to your venue?
Certainly the curiosity of a new opening although we do try to preserve the privacy of our guests during the high season by limiting external access to the hotel. Locals love our property due to the fact that our design project broke the traditional rules of the past.
How do you cater to families and group bookings?
Given the location of our property, situated on a cliff 90-meters above sea level, we are not the most suitable hotel for families with babies. We do welcome children from the age of eight, and we are now opening up to small events (max 80/90 people), with a dedicated area which will not disturb the privacy of hotel guests.
If a couple were looking for a romantic stay – what itinerary would you suggest?
I would definitely recommend that they book one of our Pool Suites with an infinity plunge pool, to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. My other suggestion is to speak with our hotel concierge. Here at Borgo, we have an outstandingly high level of concierge services, predominantly curated by local staff. These professionals have created a wonderful and diverse network of contacts and can create tailor-made experiences according to every kind of need. The sunset cruise with our private boat, while enjoying a glass of champagne and admiring the beauty of the coast, is definitely one of the best romantic experiences.
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