Spectacular romantic location, modern, cool & chic. Annie loves the special spot & the fabulous rooms - Relais Blu is a place for magical memories.
The essence of boutique, this fabulous little hotel is in an idyllic position, with such close views of Capri, that it seems you could touch it. Only about 12km from Sorrento, about 5km from the town of Massa Lubrense, and near the quaint village of Marciano, it is a great base for visits to the Amalfi Coast, too.
Arriving at Relais Blu, at first, gives you little idea of the absolute jewel that awaits you, but, the moment you enter, you will realise that you are in a special place. Antonino and his sisters, Gabriella and Bruna, have created more of a smart, sophisticated home than a hotel, and they run it with flair. Arguably what this area has needed for some time, this young generation of owners is passionate about style and design and it shows. Marine blues, sparkling white and dazzlingly bright Mediterranean colours, startling turquoises and limes, give a contemporary feel, which is as comfortable and elegant as it is attractive. It feels chic sumptuous and luxurious.
But wait….the best is yet to come. A stroll through the beautiful lounges, past the elegant dining room, brings you to a terrace, which will truly take your breath away - Relais Blu's piece de resistance. Seeming to float above the sea, the terrace, with its transparent glass panels, has the most jaw-droppingly stunning views that you could ever imagine. Capri looks close enough to touch, and the Sorrento coast and Vesuvius, shimmer in the distance. Photos can't really do it justice - you just HAVE to go.
Relais Blu has yet another secret treasure. Reputedly one of the top 50 restaurants in Italy, it is noted for its superb innovative cuisine. Mediterranean specialities are recreated by the chef, who trained with Alain Ducasse and Heinz Beck. This is fine dining. Ultra-romantic, there is nothing as good as a superb candlelit dinner, on the terrace or in the lovely dining room, watching the sunset over the sea, and the lights twinkling over Capri. Special!
The cookery lessons, offered several times a week, are superb - a unique experience.
A stepped pathway (about 50 steps) winds up behind the hotel, through lush cliff-top gardens of olive and pine trees, agave and Mediterranean shrubs, to the swimming pool. The inescapably beautiful views are a breathtaking backdrop. To be honest, another hotel would be proud of the pool, but, after such contemporary perfection, Antonino feels that a stunning infinity pool would be so much better and he intends (hopes) to have it ready for the new season, so, fingers crossed.
Relais Blu is where you go for magical moments and magical memories. We can't wait to go back.
THE SORRENTO PENINSULA & MASSA LUBRENSE
We love this undiscovered area. What a shame that many visitors head straight for the Amalfi Coast and miss this spectacularly beautiful peninsula. A more tranquil option than Sorrento or the Amalfi, it is a good base for visiting both, and it is also noteworthy, in its own right.
The views are amazing. In places, Capri looks so close that you could swim to it (but don't try it!). Quaint villages and picturesque harbours, coves and beaches are dotted along the coast, which is also part of an important marine reserve.
For nature-lovers, walkers and those who love to be off the beaten track, there are over 100km of marked trails, an intricate network of paths, mule tracks, lanes (and roads, in places), which often link small villages and hamlets. These walks will take you through terraces of lemon & olive groves, copses of chestnut & oak and beautiful typically Mediterranean vegetation - broom, myrtle, juniper, rosemary & agave. Sea & mountains merge, giving spectacular panoramas of cliffs dropping steeply to the sea, Saracen towers & magnificent views of the coast.
What a stunning part of the world!
With clean, uncluttered, contemporary lines, the rooms are spacious and beautiful, with the best of modern communications - each one has a computer. All have sea views and, quite honestly, we would be thrilled to stay in any of them.
SPECIAL - well worth the extra - spectacularly spacious & stunning, with lovely terrace & the best views
JUNIOR SUITE - we loved these too - also with lovely terrace & great views
SUPERIOR - without terrace, but with large picture windows to enjoy the views, the smallest type, but still really beautiful
“The Relais Blu was simply wonderful with exceptional service and outstanding food and nothing we had read previously prepared us for the outstanding qualities of the hotel." David, Brockhampton"
"Can say nothing but wonderful things about this spectacular and sublime hotel." Georgie & Francis, London