Like Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and other Amalfi Coast cities, Sorrento forged its place “on the map” around the turn of the 20th century. In that milieu, Ara Maris Hotel, opened in April 2024, brings something definitively new to Sorrento while still respecting the place’s historic underpinnings and breezy reputation.

Ara Maris’ exteriors facing the street are unassuming, a five-minute walk from the historic city center with postcard views of the sea, lush vegetation and Sorrento cityscape. According to manager Gianluca Iaccarino, the owners taking over the property selected Milan-based architecture and interior design firm Spagnulo & Partners to reshape the hotel to suit 21^st-century travel while providing visual nods to the post-World War II period when travelers from Europe and abroad rediscovered the Amalfi Coast.

© Elyse Glickman

Iaccarino described a “massive refurbishing” of interiors, which reduced the room and suite count from 74 to 49. The rooms’ color scheme —a teal blue and red canvas enhanced with golden glass pendant lighting, hand-crafted royal blue and white tiles, and artisan-made accent pieces — is at once beachy, bold and calming. All rooms feature a balcony, and those not facing the sea overlook the property’s garden and sculptural sea-inspired pool and the city’s eclectic architecture draped over its dramatic cliffsides.

The hotel’s sustainability proposition includes visible photovoltaic panels generating renewable energy. In addition to a deluxe spa kit — including adorable flip flops matching the tiled floors — room amenities include a stainless-steel water bottle that can be refilled with still or sparkling water in the lobby.

© Elyse Glickman

Under the direction of Executive Chef Alfonso Pepe, Cora Bistrot, which expands into Cora Garden when weather permits, offers straightforward lunch and dinner selections focusing on Amalfi Coast favorites such as gnocchi Sorrentina, Tortino di Granchio e Funghi (crab and mushroom cake), and Melanzane e Caprino (grilled eggplant and goat cheese). Its simple breakfast spread is elevated with a temptingly presented selection of pastries and breads on a free-standing table.

The bar and kitchen of Lumi Sky Lounge, boasting 360-degree views of the city, Gulf of Naples and Sorrentine Peninsula, nails its great-on-paper selection of original cocktails and tapas integrating ingredients from local purveyors with international twists. While everything comes out of the kitchen Instagram-friendly, the substance of the flavor profiles is as captivating as the style presented.

© Elyse Glickman

Highlights include fried eggplant parmigiana cubes, panko-crusted prawns with tzatziki and teriyaki sauces, and cornflake-breaded chicken fries with truffle mayonnaise. The signature Lumi cocktail is an inspired pool drink with sloe gin, lychee, lemon and rose soda in a light bulb-inspired tumbler.

Many of the other original and classic cocktails, meanwhile, have a fresh-squeezed lemon twist of one kind or another — fitting as lemons grow in Campania in abundance and symbolically represent the Amalfi Coast.

Although Ara Maris is not on the beach, it provides guests with exclusive access to two top-tier beach clubs. The Maya Beach Club, concealed in the cliffs of Punta Campanella and boasting Capri Island views, is known for its sleek modern aesthetic evocative of a high-end spa. Leonelli Beach, in the heart of Marina Piccola, features an epic view of Mount Vesuvius, a clean shoreline and an expansive solarium. Visits to either beach club can be arranged through the hotel concierge.

© Elyse Glickman

Ara Maris also houses Thala Spa, a compact wellness space with a menu of treatments using Italian-made “clean” skincare products from Bakel, a nicely organized fitness area, saunas, Turkish bath, and a Jacuzzi. The main pool area and Suite Meraviglia (Ara Maris’ answer to a presidential suite) are also outfitted with Jacuzzis.

The hotel’s lobby, concierge area and sitting areas are set up as curated gallery space with contemporary art canvases, evocative photography, sculptures and coffee table books.

Ara Maris Hotel

Via Correale 15
80067 Sorrento, Italy
tel 39 081 878681