Santavenere.

Built in 1953 by Count Stefano Rivetti, Hotel Santavenere remains the grand dame of Maratea, set within a sprawling ten-hectare estate of pine groves and wildflower gardens. The property avoids the typical corporate luxury feel, opting instead for the atmosphere of an aristocratic 19th-century summer house. Its 34 rooms are characterized by period furnishings, hand-painted Vietri tiles, and private balconies that look out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Life here centers around a series of natural terraces that step down toward a private rocky beach and a seawater swimming pool. Dining options range from sea-to-table dishes among the olive trees to traditional pizza on the waterfront. While the wellness center and tennis courts provide modern utility, the hotel’s real draw is its preserved mid-century soul and a sense of isolation that makes the rugged Basilicata coast feel like a private discovery.