Il Cannito

Old and new fuse with heart and soul at this charming 4-room hotel in the hills above Paestum

Paestum has Italy's most spectacular Grecian temples and this intimate yet sophisticated hotel is only 7km away, cloistered in 37 lush acres in the Cilento National Park. Built and run by the charming Gorga family, it's the realisation of their much-missed husband and father Luigi's long-cherished dream - to transform the ruins of a 1,300-year-old Franciscan monastery into a paean to peace, nature and design, while also connecting with kindred souls.

The 4 rooms are stylishly minimalist, comfortable and airy, with white walls and sloping rafters brightened by splashes of bold modern art. Doors are bleached wood, floors are smooth terracotta tile (cool in summer, heated in winter), and bathrooms have blissful state-of-the-art hydrosonic Jacuzzi tubs. The home-cooked food is organic, super-fresh and super-tasty, served up in the funky modern dining room, on the terrace in the shade of a 200-year-old oak, or beside the turquoise water of the heavenly hillside infinity pool. There’s also a vast private beach 10km away, with drinks, snacks, loungers and parasols, for some coastal chilling time.

Highs

• The Gorga family's warmth, caring hospitality and fabulous cooking
• The elegant and airy minimalist design, with hydrosonic tubs and plenty of gizmos
• The isolation in nature - dappled light from ancient oaks, fresh mountain breezes, darting lizards, wild flowers, birdsong and bright stars
• It’s in the heart of undiscovered Cilento, just south of the Amalfi coast, and close to Paestum's spectacular temples
• The terraces and chemical-free infinity pool have panoramic views - if you're lucky you might see the lights of Capri twinkling out at sea

Lows

• No bar or sitting room - though there are squishy leather sofas in the dining room and reception, plus a sofa and parasols on the terrace
• It’s a longish drive from the nearest airport (Naples, 100km away) and it isn’t easy to find
• There’s no intercom or phone to connect the main house with the 2 lower-level rooms or the pool - though a communication system is planned
• No towel rails or dressing gowns yet - they're still looking for the perfect versions - and our duvet didn't quite cover the whole bed
• Parents - beware the high supplements for extra beds