Two Women Hoteliers Transform This Amalfi Coast Hotel into a Design Sanctuary

In the competitive landscape of Italy’s renowned Amalfi Coast hotels, Palazzo Avino shines brightly—not only along the coast but throughout the entire country. (The hotel made Dinogo’s 2024 Hotels We Love list, highlighting it as one of the 15 best retreats in Italy.)

Known as the Pink Palace, Palazzo Avino is situated in a 12th-century villa perched on a cliff in Ravello, a town that has long been a haven for nobility, artists, and musicians like Richard Wagner, D.H. Lawrence, and M.C. Escher. What truly sets this hotel apart, part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection, are its current stewards, sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, who manage the hotel their father acquired in the 1990s. With a shared love for fashion, design, and culinary arts, they continually enhance the guest experience through their rich local ties and distinctive style.

After earning her business administration degree in Rome, Mariella returned to the Amalfi Coast and became the hotel’s managing director in 2010. Her sister, Attilia, took on the role of director of sales and marketing in 2018. Last summer, they collaborated with Valentino for a beach club takeover, began bottling their own wine, and revamped the Infinito Suite with Neapolitan architect Giuliano dell’Uva and British artist David Tremlett. This year, they unveiled renovations for the Michelin-starred restaurant, Rossellini’s, and one of the deluxe sea view rooms, while also forming new partnerships with Italian designers for their on-site boutique, the Pink Closet. They are currently planning an exciting project set to launch in 2025: a cooking school in the garden adjacent to the hotel, home to their vineyard.

Dinogo recently spoke with the Avino sisters about their innovative approaches to evolving Palazzo Avino, their experiences as young female hoteliers in southern Italy, and their favorite activities on the Amalfi Coast.

This interview has been streamlined for brevity and clarity.

What sets Palazzo Avino apart from other luxury hotels in the area?

Mariella Avino: We’re fortunate to own a property with a distinctive character. We have close friendships with the owners of other hotels along the coast. The most remarkable hotels here are family-operated, and as families, we act as ambassadors for the Amalfi Coast. Each of us offers a unique viewpoint.

The historic structure dates back to the 12th century, so visiting feels like stepping into an ancient villa with a modern twist. We strive to blend design elements while honoring our heritage and location on the Amalfi Coast. One of our main attractions is the view; perched at a higher elevation than Positano and Amalfi, Ravello offers a stunning bird’s-eye perspective of the coast. While Amalfi and Positano have their own beauties, this vantage point is unique. Additionally, our beach club is a fantastic feature. In Ravello, you get the best of both worlds with direct access to the water, which can be a chaotic experience elsewhere, especially in peak season without private access like we provide.

I firmly believe that combining our property with Santa Caterina in Amalfi or Le Sirenuse in Positano creates a perfect trio. We are fortunate to host guests who spend three nights here, then three in Positano, and another three in Capri. This, in my opinion, is the ideal way to experience the region.

How have you observed the evolution of the Amalfi Coast over the years?

MA: The region has certainly changed, though perhaps at a slower pace than other areas. Following the excitement of post-COVID travel, we’ve seen an influx of tourists, which is a trend throughout Italy. However, this year seems to be a return to more normal visitor levels. What’s wonderful about these communities is their small size; the essence of the area remains intact because the businesses are still family-owned. There are no large corporations taking over properties. We’re rediscovering the charming experience that you would expect on the Amalfi Coast.

What can we expect to see at Palazzo Avino in the upcoming year?

MA: Our major initiative is launching a cooking school in 2025, situated in our neighboring garden, la cascinetta. This is also where we produce our own wine. We’re thrilled about this project—I’m already planning the dishes we’ll offer, all inspired by the Salerno region, where our grandmother hailed from. There are many traditions surrounding fresh pasta that we’ll showcase.

What are some of your favorite activities on the Amalfi Coast?

Attilia Avino: Eating, of course! We love Da Lorenzo in Scala, just five minutes from here. It’s one of my personal favorites because it retains its local charm. Lorenzo, the father, runs the place, while his son Luca manages the front of house, and his brother Gerardo works as one of the chefs. It’s my go-to spot for a relaxing evening with simple, yet delicious food. It’s definitely one of the restaurants we recommend to our guests.

What do you usually order? Do you have a favorite dish?

AA: Not really—I always rely on Luca’s recommendations. For drinks, I particularly enjoy Franco’s at Le Sirenuse. Their cocktails are fantastic, and my favorite part is the popcorn that comes with them.

MA: I also have a penchant for simple delights, like the lemon granita found in Tramonti on the way to the airport. There’s a little cart I can’t resist stopping at; he makes his granita with generous chunks of lemon—I believe it’s the best on the coast.

What are the benefits of visiting the Amalfi Coast during the off-season compared to the peak months of July and August?

MA: Naturally, the off-season can bring unpredictable weather, which is typically stable during the high season. It’s a bit of a trade-off, depending on the kind of experience guests desire. If they’re into hiking, the off-season is ideal. However, for sunbathing, I’d still recommend the high season.

What are the challenges and benefits of being young female hoteliers, particularly in southern Italy?

MA: We feel fortunate to have been raised in a family where our parents never viewed our gender or southern origins as disadvantages. In fact, they always embraced an egalitarian mindset. Growing up with these values, we never felt we had to struggle to establish our place in society.

I must also mention that the hospitality sector tends to be quite supportive of women. Although there may be more men in leadership positions, I believe it’s an industry that offers significant opportunities for women to thrive.

How do you blend your design and fashion aesthetics into the hotel, particularly within the Pink Closet boutique?

MA: We’ve been adding more design elements, especially tableware, to the Pink Closet. I source vintage ceramics and collaborate with local artists on unique pieces, some of which are featured in our restaurant, Rossellini’s. The amuse-bouche course draws inspiration from a vintage tower designed by Pierre Cardin, but with an Amalfi Coast twist. I envisioned a three-tiered food tower crafted from small ceramic dishes for the amuse-bouche, partnering with ICS Ceramics. The top tier mimics the domes of the Amalfi Coast churches, while ceramic donkeys hold up another small plate—these are symbols of the region.

AA: She has a real passion for donkeys.

MA: Indeed—I collect them! I have various pieces in different sizes. Quite a few, actually.

What is it like to collaborate as sisters?

MA: It’s quite effortless because we have distinct personalities. We’ve each shaped our roles within the property, and we have very defined responsibilities, which can be challenging in family-run businesses.

AA: Working together is enjoyable. I often joke with Mariella about wanting to stab each other in the back, but the tension dissipates in moments. We can read each other’s thoughts just by exchanging glances, and that’s the best part of collaborating with my sister.

Starting at $865. Read Dinogo’s full article on the top 15 hotels in Italy.