Summary
Italy’s Amalfi Coast: A Jewel Awaits
Italy’s Amalfi Coast needs little introduction. The 30-mile stretch of land on the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula has long been a favored travel destination. Visitors have fallen in love with its striking landscape of rugged shorelines, plunging mountains, pebbled coves, and pastel-colored villages precariously perched atop cliffs.
While Positano and Amalfi are the area’s heavy tourism hitters, continuing down the coast reveals lesser-known towns and sun-kissed locations that are equally charming, often offering unspoiled beauty. Giardini del Fuenti, a luxurious beach hideaway just off the winding road between Vietri sul Mare and Cetara, exemplifies these hidden gems.
A Troubled Past: From Eco-Monster to Paradise
Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, the property features gentle, verdant terraces sloping toward the sea, beautifully landscaped with pergolas, crisscrossing paths, and aromatic gardens. Once known in Italy as the “Eco-Monster,” this land was home to the notorious Hotel Amalfitana—a sprawling eyesore that disregarded the area’s delicate ecosystem.
Originally constructed in the 1970s, the hotel, comprised of 34,000 cubic meters of concrete, was emblematic of widespread illegal zoning and construction. Environmentalists highlighted the hotel as a glaring example of post-WWII development issues. After many legal struggles, the hotel was ultimately demolished in 1999, paving the way for a new vision.
Transformations and Sustainable Practices
The Mazzitelli family retained ownership of the land and in the years following, architect Maria Teresa Mazzitelli envisioned a fresh start for the site—transforming it into Giardini del Fuenti. “Our mother was always determined to turn the destiny of this place around,” said her daughter, Alessandra de Flammineis.
Approval for requalification plans came in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2017 that physical renovations commenced. By June 2019, Giardini del Fuenti opened its doors to the public. The transformation has been described as remarkably rewarding, with careful attention paid to environmental restoration, seismic safety, and sustainable landscaping.
Dining Experience at Giardini del Fuenti
Next to its breathtaking natural beauty, Giardini del Fuenti offers exceptional dining options. The property’s culinary experiences are led by chef Michele de Blasio, known for his extensive background in prestigious culinary institutions. His dishes celebrate local produce, including vegetables grown on-site, emphasizing seasonality and the rich culinary traditions of Campania.
Highlighted venues include the casual yet exquisite Riva del Fuenti restaurant located by the beach and the fine-dining Volta del Fuenti, which has garnered acclaim since its opening in May 2022.
Future Plans for the Property
Looking ahead, the Mazzitelli siblings aspire to expand the property further into hospitality. “We’re finalizing an accommodation project,” Alessandra shared, “Boutique rooms nestled among lush vegetation with direct access to hiking trails will allow guests to immerse themselves fully in nature.” Their goal is to position Fuenti as a new reference point for the entire Amalfi Coast.
In conclusion, the journey from the “Eco-Monster” to Giardini del Fuenti stands as testament to the Mazzitelli family’s commitment to sustainability and revitalization. As they look ahead, the siblings envision a destination that reflects hope, transformation, and respect for nature, proving that new beginnings are indeed possible.
