Il Cannito Capaccio - Paestum - Amalfi Coast

Cilento is an unspoilt land of ancient wonders and natural beauty. In this quiet, unchanged landscape, buried amidst the thick Mediterranean vegetation, there is a stunning boutique hotel. This is Il Cannito. Here, the classic simplicity of the vernacular buildings combines with eco-friendly, uncluttered modern design to produce an intimate, yet sophisticated, retreat.

Il Cannito is comprised of two buildings, set in 37 verdant acres of holm oak, elm, myrtle and juniper. In the carefully restored structures, which date back to the 13th century, there are four cool, contemporary bedrooms, which have all of today's technology 'musts' - including hydromassage and hydrosonic bathtubs. Throughout the light-filled hotel a consistent color palette of calm whites and greys is punctuated by exciting splashes of intense color, in contemporary art works and furnishings.

Outside, on the many terraces the color theme both reflects and enhances that of the beautiful old buildings with bright orange parasols and cushions providing ideal counterpoints to the hues of the aged stones. The whole scheme forms the perfect foreground to the amazing vistas - over the green hills of Paestum, Cilento, the Amalfi Coast and across the sea to as far away as the Isle of Capri.

In the white, whiteness, spiced with vivid apple green of Il Cannito's dining room, or on the terrace, guests dine on delicious local specialties, prepared in the sleek kitchen, which can be seen through glass sliding doors. To accompany their meal, Il Cannito offers diners an excellent choice of regional wines, and, to follow there are the hotel's own liqueurs.

Staying at Il Cannito, you can wile away the hours on the sophisticated terraces or beside the designer pool, with their uninterrupted views. Or, you can make the short drive to the pale sands and jade waters of the Cilento Sea and Il Cannito's private lido. The main tourist attraction here is Paestum. Paestum, with its Doric temples is perhaps the most beautiful of the Magna Graecia cities and has been awarded UNESCO status. But, in the hills around Il Cannito, there are also lovely, untouristy towns - such as Capaccio and Castellabate - to explore.