Maurizio Orlacchio, co-owner at Borgo Santandrea, and his deep connection with Amalfi

Borgo Santandrea occupies a remarkable location with its own identity and sense of place in the Amalfi Coast. What was it about this particular setting that inspired you, and how has the spirit of the surrounding landscape and area, which you know so well, shaped your approach to creating the property?

“From the very first moment, this place spoke to us in a way that was impossible to ignore. The dramatic cliffside, the openness to the sea, and the sense of suspended time are all deeply rooted in the identity of the Amalfi Coast, yet this specific location felt intimate, almost protected. It wasn’t about the most famous viewpoint, but about a feeling of balance between nature and architecture.

“Knowing the area so well, we felt a strong responsibility to create something that would be worthy of its surroundings. The landscape shaped every decision we made: from how the building opens to the sea, to the way guests move through the property, down to the private pier and the water. Borgo Santandrea was conceived not as an imposition on the land, but as a continuation of it, a place where the coast is not just admired, but truly lived.”

When you set out to create Borgo Santandrea, how did you envision a new level of hospitality, in terms of guest experience, design, service philosophy, and how do you ensure that vision is consistently realised across every aspect of the hotel?

“Our vision of hospitality has always been profoundly personal and human. After many years in the industry, we wanted to create a place that felt less like a hotel and more like a home, refined but informal, elegant yet warm. True luxury, for us, is found in simplicity, authenticity, and emotional connection.

“At the heart of this vision is our team. Their innate sense of hospitality, generosity, and care is what truly brings Borgo Santandrea to life. They create genuine human connections and relationships that grow over time, so much so that when guests return, they don’t feel like visitors, they feel like they are coming back to a family. This sense of belonging is what defines our service philosophy.

“Consistency comes from shared values: the families’ constant involvement, a carefully selected and deeply committed team, and a collective approach to hospitality that goes beyond procedures. It is not about perfection, but about sincerity, presence, and attention and this is what our guests feel in every interaction.”

Looking ahead, what are the most exciting projects or innovations currently underway at Borgo Santandrea, and how do you see these initiatives enhancing the property’s identity and guest experience in the seasons to come?

“Borgo Santandrea is constantly evolving, but always in a thoughtful and measured way. We see the hotel as a living project, one that grows year after year through carefully curated additions rather than radical changes. Our goal is to strengthen the idea of Borgo Santandrea as a destination within the destination, a true refuge where guests can disconnect and regenerate.

“Our connection to the sea continues to be central: the private beach, the direct access via elevator to the pier, and our fleet of boats, now enriched by iconic Riva yachts, allow guests to experience the Amalfi Coast from its most authentic perspective, the water. Looking ahead, we will continue to enrich the guest experience through unique, meaningful elements that enhance comfort, beauty, and emotional connection, always staying true to our philosophy of gentle luxury and timeless elegance.

“Ultimately, everything we do is guided by one question: does this make the experience more genuine, more memorable, and more deeply connected to this extraordinary place? If the answer is yes, then it belongs at Borgo Santandrea.”