Relais La Rupe is a 16th century Italian villa that sits above an ancient flour mill in a grotto below. As a place of lodging, it's charming, quirky, and delightful. As you approach from the street, following a 10 minute walk from the port, your heart will jump; "I get to stay here!" was the feeling I got when I spotted the place.
Much of the charm of Relais La Rupe comes from its proprietor, Luca, who will promptly respond to all of your emailed questions in advance of your visit and give you a tour of the property upon your arrival. Luca isn't a native speaker of the English language but you wouldn't know that from any of your communications with him. More sweet though, is the way he (or one of his family members) are always on site at the property. As I approached from down below, Luca was out on the terrace, greeting me with a wave and a smile from way above. He is there to serve breakfast, answer questions, and schedule your taxi to the airport. I've never before stayed at a place that gave me the feeling I got here; a smile splays across my face just recalling that feeling.
For a cost of $180USD/night (breakfast included) two of us stayed in the Pompeiian room. Usually accessed from inside the villa, covid has brought a change. This room is now accessed via wood-framed glass doors that open right onto the terrace. It's lovely, but Luca had rigged up a light system that was not so lovely (I trust that issue has been rectified by now). The room itself is immaculate, not luxurious, and feels perfectly apt for the setting.
Breakfast is served each morning in a common area of the terrace with nice views of the city below. Pastries, boiled eggs, cereal, yogurt, and fruit are laid out fresh each morning. Luca will also bring out "salty" things (meats, cheeses) and your choice of coffee drinks upon request. It's a generous and satisfying spread.
Relais La Rupe is close to everything you will want to see and do in Sorrento, a town that is very walkable. On the final day of my 3-night stay here I spent some time reading on a chaise beside the pool on the terrace while silently watching as Luca's cats ambled by and his family members went about their lives and their livelihoods. I'd never before stayed (let alone lived) in a private villa but for a few nights, I got the chance to. read more