Hotel La Certosa - Nerano - Massa Lubrense 3 stars

The colors, scent, and sound of the sea. From La Certosa, a charming little 3 star hotel in Massa Lubrense, the beach of Marina del Cantone, and the shimmering sea washing the Bay of Nerano are, quite literally, just 3 steps away.

It is not by chance that the hotel is called La Certosa. The traces of large arches visible on the façade are a reminder of how, in the 15th century, the building served as a monastery. Recent restoration work has ensured that the original barrel vaults and ceramics, typical of the Amalfi Coast, be conserved.

A family friendly, quintessentially Mediterranean hotel, La Certosa provides guest accommodation in spacious double, triple and quadruple rooms. A number of sea view bedrooms' open out on to their own private terrace from where to enjoy the sunset, disturbed only be the sound of the waves.

Only the very finest of seasonal ingredients are used to create the delicious local dishes served in "Pappone"'s restaurant. The fish is so fresh and full of flavor that you'll be tempted to eat it raw, accompanied by a glass of one of the fabulous white wines conserved in La Certosa's well-stocked wine cellar.

From La Certosa, just a few steps and you're on the hotel's private beach. This is where guests are likely to spend much of their holiday, basking in the sun or swimming in the incredibly clear and perennially warm Mediterranean sea. Those wishing to explore the area can hop aboard a boat with and sail along the Amalfi Coast, to the nearby towns of Positano and Amalfi or, across the water, to the Island of Capri.

Three good reasons

1. A room with a view of the Bay of Nerano.
2. The fabulous fresh fish and local wines served in the "Pappone" restaurant.
3. The vicinity (3 steps!) to the beach of Marina del Cantone.