MARATEA, ITALY: Leave the cares of the world behind

Jun 28 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

Boats in harbour at Maratea _220

Guests have access to La Secca, a secluded cove, protected from big waves by a small island just off shore. The 20m deep water is ideal for snorkelling, but that’s only if you can peel yourself off the dark, volcanic sand and stop sun- worshipping.

After riding back up the valley – and not before a hose down – we decided to sample La Locanda’s on- site restaurant, Il Sacello. Our dinner for two came to around €75 euros, and it was worth every cent.

The chef prepares local ingredients fabulously well and there’s a wine cellar to match. I plumped for a five-course meat-tasting menu which left me groaning and satisfied, while my more slight companion chose three courses from an a la carte selection. It took five minutes to open, test and pour a bottle of local red, but the show the waiter was putting on more than kept us amused.

This centuries-old convent has been refitted into a luxury, modern hotel. The owner has shipped in North African furniture, there’s a classically-trained chef in the kitchen, each room has flat-screen satellite TV. But, regardless of facelifts and mod cons, the nuns’ sense of peace still has hold of La Locanda’s soul.

* BEN SCHOFIELD was the guest of La Locanda and Stein Hotels and Resorts – La Locanda delle Donna Monache, Via Carlo Mazzei, 4, Potenza, 85046, Italy. Superior rooms at the hotel are 190 euros per night throughout June, and Deluxe rooms are 238 euros per night. Ryanair flies from Liverpool John Lennon airport to Rome Ciampino seven days a week, and return flights cost from £45.50 per person.

* THE Daily Post Travel Service is offering a trip to Pompeii,  Capri and the Bay of Naples from Manchester for eight  days, priced from £639. Selected dates are available until October 2008.
Call 0151 227 5987 for more information.

benschofield@dailypost.co.uk