Set above the Gulf of Naples in the heart of Sorrento, Ara Maris Hotel & Spa is redefining modern Mediterranean luxury through a rare combination of contemporary design, destination-led gastronomy and a deeply atmospheric wellness offering.
Opened in 2024 and entering a pivotal new chapter for 2026, Ara Maris stands as Sorrento’s only fully design-led, contemporary boutique hotel — and its only adults-only property (welcoming guests aged 10+). With just 49 rooms and suites, the hotel offers an intimate, refined retreat rooted in calm, privacy and a strong sense of place, providing an elegant counterpoint to the Amalfi Coast’s more traditional hospitality landscape.
A Unified Vision of Contemporary Italian Design
Designed by Milan-based studio Spagnulo & Partners, Ara Maris is built around a unified creative vision where architecture, interiors and landscape form a seamless narrative.
The façade reinterprets 1960s Italian modernism — with subtle references to Gio Ponti — through geometric panels that transform after dark via a carefully choreographed lighting system. This architectural rhythm continues throughout the interiors in bespoke ceramics, custom furnishings and recurring material motifs.
Italian craftsmanship is central to the hotel’s identity: handmade ceramics by Giovanni De Maio, matte nautical-inspired woods by Listone Giordano, custom furniture by Molteni&C, lighting by Panzeri and a fully equipped spa featuring Technogym technology. Bronze detailing, natural stone flooring and blue ceramic installations lend warmth and tactility, while material imperfections are embraced as an expression of authenticity.
At the heart of the property lies an elliptical swimming pool set within nearly 2,000 square metres of gardens — a rare oasis of tranquillity in central Sorrento. A rooftop sky bar crowns the hotel, framing uninterrupted views across the Gulf of Naples and offering one of the area’s most atmospheric sunset settings.
Art plays a defining role in the hotel’s identity. In collaboration with Orma Art, Ara Maris hosts rotating exhibitions exploring Mediterranean identity through contemporary Italian artists, positioning the hotel as both a cultural and hospitality destination.
A New Culinary Chapter Led by Chef Luigi Lionetti
For 2026, Ara Maris unveils a bold new culinary direction with the appointment of Luigi Lionetti as Executive Chef, following his acclaimed tenure at Punta Tragara in Capri. His arrival marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s evolution.
Deeply connected to Campania and the Sorrentine Peninsula, Lionetti brings decades of experience, including the achievement and stewardship of a Michelin star in 2020. Having lived between Sorrento and Capri for over 18 years, his return to the Peninsula is both personal and purposeful.
His culinary vision centres on authentic luxury: cuisine that is generous yet precise, expressive yet rooted in tradition, and always focused on the guest experience. Across the hotel’s dining spaces, menus champion exceptional regional produce — sun-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Sorrento’s braided mozzarella, local dairy products, citrus fruits, seasonal vegetables and the daily catch from the Gulf.
At Lumi Sky Lounge, guests will experience a refined aperitivo and tapas-style offering designed to complement the panoramic setting, with shareable plates and sunset rituals replacing the traditional sit-down dinner format. The restaurant below presents a more creative interpretation of Campanian and Sorrentine cuisine, grounded in longstanding relationships with local producers and fishermen.
Step by step and without compromise, Chef Lionetti’s ambition is to establish Ara Maris as one of the Peninsula’s most compelling culinary addresses — not by competing with the region’s heritage, but by confidently adding a new chapter to it.
Thala Spa: A Mediterranean Wellness Sanctuary
Wellness at Ara Maris is anchored by Thala Spa, a fully fledged destination spa inspired by the Mediterranean and conceived as an immersive sensory journey.
Named after thalassa, the Greek word for sea, the spa unfolds as a modern sanctuary shaped by coastal light, marine fragrances and natural textures. In a destination renowned for luxury wellness, Thala Spa distinguishes itself through its strong Mediterranean identity and contemporary, design-led approach.
Signature treatments include the Red Coral Signature Ritual, inspired by Tui Na and Shiatsu techniques and incorporating coral elements sourced from Torre del Greco — long associated with coral craftsmanship. Other highlights include the Sunny Massage, a summer-inspired exfoliating ritual, and the Lemon Massage, featuring oil derived from local Sorrento lemons in tribute to the Peninsula’s citrus heritage.
Ara Maris partners with select Italian wellness brands, including Herbelia and Bakel. Looking ahead to 2026, the spa will introduce the Venice Head Spa multifunctional bed, integrating Japanese head spa technology with advanced holistic treatments.
Beyond the treatment rooms, guests are invited to complement spa rituals with poolside yoga, tailored fitness sessions and curated arrival experiences designed to ease the transition into relaxation from the moment of check-in.
Rediscovering Sorrento
As travellers increasingly look beyond the Amalfi Coast’s busiest enclaves, Sorrento is re-emerging as a destination in its own right — offering a compelling mix of gastronomy, culture, coastal beauty and year-round vibrancy.
With seamless connections to Capri, Pompeii and the wider Campania region, Ara Maris provides a sophisticated base from which to explore Southern Italy with depth and authenticity — without sacrificing comfort or elegance.
For 2026, Ara Maris Hotel & Spa invites travellers to rediscover Sorrento through a contemporary lens defined by design, culinary excellence, meaningful wellness and a confident sense of place.
