Grand Hotel Cocumella

The historic heart of Sorrento

Three reasons why you'll love it here

1. A historic hotel in the heart of Sorrento right above the sea
2. Three restaurants featuring the finest Neapolitan cuisine
3. A spectacular sailboat with which to explore the Bay of Naples

The Grand Hotel Cocumella on the coast of Sorrento, Italy was one of the stops on the Grand Tour and would have faded into oblivion had not an ambitious architect in 1978 spent money and talent aplenty into recapturing its brilliance.

The efforts have paid off and the property now has what many sophisticated travellers feel is a distinct advantage: its tranquil setting 15 minutes' walk from Sorrento's central square. The main building was originally a Jesuit monastery in the 16th century and became a hotel in 1822...much of the original peaceful air and historical charm still remain. The ambience is more Old World than what most vacationers expect when heading a beach resort.

Historic Luxury

Its name originates from the nymph "Colomeide" (honey hill) so called by the Jesuit fathers for its favourable position and for the fertility of its orange and lemon orchards. Others believe that the name has another antique origin deriving from the coccume, vases of hearthwater with spout and handle used to contain water that were produced here. The discovery of the caves confirm this second hypothesis.

The roman cistern, used to accumulate a remarkable quantity of spring water which even supplyied the villa of emperor Tiberius on Capri, has now been transformed into a large conference room. The antique cloister with a volcanic grey tuffo stone well in the centre is today a wonderful dining room that still preserves its historic monastic atmosphere. The annexed chapel, a real jewel, is usually used for concerts which are numerous during the summer season.

Beauty Outdoors and In

The Cocumella has a very relaxing feel, surrounded by a century old park and the vast gardens which stretch down to a terrace overlooking the famous gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. The large swimming pool and tennis court are also located in the gardens, and the private sundeck is easily reached by the hotel's lift.

The 60 rooms are all unique, decorated with original furnishings and, in select rooms, authentic fireplaces.

Romance at the Table and on the Waves

The hotel has three restaurants: "Scintilla" is specialised in the local Mediterranean cuisine in a romantic setting overlooking the garden. During the summer, the "Coku" a "Robata" grill fusion restaurant and cocktail bar is open on the terrace overlooking the bay of Naples.

The latest addition to Grand Hotel Cocumella's list of unique facilities, "Vera", is a 30mt sailboat built in 1880, available for charters and for excursions to Capri and the Amalfi coast.