It is no secret that Italy holds a very special place in my heart. Over the years, I have returned time and again, always finding another region, another village, another unforgettable experience waiting to be discovered. Whether exploring the vineyards of Franciacorta, restoring body and mind in South Tyrol, or wandering the timeless streets of Rome, Italy never ceases to inspire me.
This summer, my journey brought me to Salerno, where a very different kind of Italian adventure awaited. I had been invited aboard Satori for a two-day sailing experience along the Amalfi Coast, cruising past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the postcard-perfect beauty of Positano.
Seeing this sparkling coastline from the water offered an entirely new perspective, one that is every bit as captivating as exploring it by land.
Waiting in the marina was Satori, the handcrafted sailing schooner created by Jeanette and Claus Thottrup, founders of the celebrated Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany. Their extraordinary hotel has long been admired for its heartfelt hospitality, impeccable attention to detail, and effortless sense of place. Stepping aboard Satori, it quickly became clear that the same philosophy had simply found a new home at sea.
I’ve been fortunate to stay in many remarkable hotels over the years, but there is something rather special about unpacking once, while your surroundings change throughout the days.
Cruising along the Amalfi Coast reminded me that some places are meant to be experienced from the water.
Bringing Borgo Santo Pietro to Sea
Anyone who has stayed at Borgo Santo Pietro will recognize the feeling almost immediately.
The hospitality is warm and genuine. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, yet nothing feels overdone. There is an effortless elegance that allows guests to relax from the moment they arrive.
Jeanette and Claus Thottrup have spent decades creating one of Tuscany’s most celebrated retreats, earning Three Michelin Keys through their commitment to craftsmanship, exceptional cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than recreating their hotel aboard a yacht, they have brought its philosophy to sea.
Stepping aboard Satori feels less like boarding a yacht and more like arriving at an exquisitely designed private home, where every detail reflects impeccable taste and every guest is welcomed like an old friend.
The yacht takes its name from the Japanese word Satori, meaning a moment of awakening or clarity. After spending time onboard, it is easy to understand why. Life at sea has a way of slowing the pace. Before long, the distractions begin to fade, leaving more room to simply enjoy where you are and the people you’re sharing the journey with.
The Romance of Slow Travel
Crafted from rich mahogany with gleaming teak decks, Satori recalls the graceful schooners of the 1920s while embracing every modern comfort.
The interiors feel warm and welcoming, with polished wood, beautiful linens, and thoughtful touches throughout. Fresh flowers sit on the tables, comfortable seating invites you to settle in, and the ever-changing views beyond the windows provide all the entertainment you need.
With just five guest cabins accommodating ten guests, Satori remains wonderfully intimate. One cabin can even be transformed into a private spa, complete with a steam room and treatments inspired by Borgo Santo Pietro’s celebrated Seed to Skin philosophy.
Seeing Italy from the Water
One of the greatest pleasures of sailing is seeing familiar places from an entirely different perspective.
Rather than following a fixed itinerary, Satori’s voyages are shaped by the weather, the sea, and the wishes of her guests. Throughout the season she sails the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, Sardinia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece.
Captain Ali Aker has spent more than twenty-five years navigating these waters. We knew we were in the best of hands and could simply relax while he and his crew took care of every detail.
One of my favorite moments was dropping anchor in a secluded bay for a swim before sailing into harbor just as the cafés began to fill for aperitivo.
Every Meal Becomes Part of the Journey
Some of my favorite travel memories begin around a table. Life aboard Satori celebrates that beautifully.
The open galley allows guests to watch the chefs prepare each meal, creating an easy connection between the kitchen and those gathered around it. Trained through Borgo Santo Pietro’s Michelin-starred culinary program, the chefs prepare seasonal dishes inspired by the regions through which the yacht sails, while a thoughtfully stocked wine cellar ensures every meal is accompanied by the perfect bottle.
Breakfast on deck as another harbor slowly awakens. A leisurely lunch after swimming in the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Dinner beneath a sky filled with stars, where conversation stretches long after the final course has been served.
Life Onboard
The days aboard Satori are unhurried. Some guests retreat to the forward deck with a book, while others paddle board, explore hidden coves by Seabob, or simply enjoy another swim before settling in with a glass of wine. As evening approaches, everyone naturally gathers for aperitivo before dinner, and after dark the forward deck transforms into an open-air cinema beneath the Mediterranean sky.
During our voyage we spent time in Positano, one of Italy’s most iconic coastal villages. That stop deserves a story all its own, and I’ll be sharing more from that visit in my next blog.
It is easy to lose track of time aboard Satori, and that what sailing the Amalfi Coast is all about.
Ports of Call: Capri & Le Sirenuse Mare
During our voyage, we made port in Capri, where an early evening aperitivo in the famous Piazzetta offered the perfect opportunity to soak up the island’s timeless glamour before returning to the yacht.
Another highlight was spending the day at Le Sirenuse Mare Beach Club. We arrived by boat for a glorious lunch overlooking the sea, followed by an afternoon stretched out on sunbeds, swimming in the crystal-clear Mediterranean, and simply enjoying the effortless rhythm of an Amalfi Coast summer.
It is remarkably easy to lose track of time aboard Satori, and that is precisely what sailing the Amalfi Coast is all about. Days are measured by the sea rather than the clock, with every port of call inviting you to stay just a little longer.
A Journey That Stays With You
As we returned to Salerno, I found myself wishing for just one more day aboard.
Satori brings together everything Jeanette and Claus Thottrup do so beautifully: thoughtful hospitality, exceptional cuisine, timeless design, and a real sense of care for every guest. Experiencing all of that while sailing one of the world’s most spectacular coastlines makes it even more memorable.
My days onboard Satori reminded me that sometimes the journey itself becomes the destination.
Continue Your Italian Journey
One of the joys of chartering Satori is how easily your time on the water can become part of a longer Italian itinerary. Whether you’re beginning or ending your sailing adventure, here are three experiences I would happily pair with a stay aboard.
A Few Days at Borgo Santo Pietro
Before or after your voyage, spend several nights at Borgo Santo Pietro in the Tuscan countryside. Walking through the gardens, dining at the estate’s Michelin-starred restaurant, and unwinding at the Seed to Skin Spa provides wonderful context for everything you experience aboard Satori. You’ll quickly see how beautifully the philosophy of the hotel carries from land to sea.
A Longer Stay on the Amalfi Coast
Two days on the water offer a beautiful introduction to this remarkable coastline, but the Amalfi Coast deserves a little more time. Extend your journey with several nights exploring Positano, Ravello, or Amalfi itself. Wander quiet streets in the early morning, linger over long seaside lunches, and discover the charming boutiques and cafés tucked throughout these iconic villages.
Discover Sicily
If your schedule allows, continue south to Sicily, an island where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional cuisine come together beautifully. From the bustling markets of Palermo to the elegant streets of Taormina and the volcanic beauty of Mount Etna, Sicily rewards travelers who linger a little longer. It pairs perfectly with a journey aboard Satori and offers yet another unforgettable chapter of Italy to discover.
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