A sapphire sea sparkles like an ocean of blue diamonds, reflecting a million tiny points of light from the Italian sun. The morning rays of sunlight spill into my room, illuminating the simple elegance of Saracen styled décor surrounding me. Awaking to the sounds of gently crashing waves lapping onto the pebbled beach below, I peek out to gaze at caramel colored cliffs protruding into the skies.  Bellissimo.

This breathtaking panorama of southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast fills my entire vision, sweeping unrestrained past colorful little flowerpots across shimmering waters and azure skies. Salty sea breezes of the warm Mediterranean caress my face like an Italian lover.

La Ninfa Hotel epitomizes simple elegance.

“Buongiorno!”  I’m greeted by Maurizio d’Agostino and his big gentle smile, asking in his musical Italian accent if I slept well and if the beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast agree with me.  They couldn’t agree more. 

On the main veranda, the warm morning air blows in from the sea through three huge arched glass windows, stirring the scents of breakfast throughout the hotel.

Aromas of buttery croissants, dark coffee, fresh fruits and a sweet, freshly baked cake waft through the air. My senses feel heightened. 

This tiny hidden treasure, La Ninfa Hotel, is a precious secret found nestled in seclusion and carved into the dramatic rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. Just 24 miles from the chaos in Naples, peace, romance and tranquility reign supreme on this coast of dreams. In this hotel, all my visions of what Italian charm and isolated intimacy should be have come to life, high above the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 

“This is beautiful, no?” Again I hear Maurizio’s lilting accent as my vision sweeps the 180-degree panorama of clear skies, soaring mountains and an infinite sea. 

“My family wanted to share with the world our fortune of this special location, and of these beautiful views above the ancient mermaid’s sea.”

La Ninfa, meaning “the mermaid” in Italian, is in honor of Hercules’ mermaid lover “Amalfi.” According to ancient legend, she died young, leaving Hercules to bury her in the most beautiful place in the world: the Amalfi Coast.  Maurizio winks. With a smile and a sparkle in his eyes, he adds, “It is a romantic story for a truly romantic hotel.”