The Suite Sojourn recently sat down with Attilia Avino, one half of the dynamic sister duo behind Palazzo Avino, to discuss preserving heritage, embracing design, and leading one of Italy’s most iconic luxury hotels into a new era.
When it comes to exceptional hotels on Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, there’s no shortage of luxurious contenders—but Palazzo Avino stands apart, not only along the coast but across all of Italy.
Affectionately known as “The Pink Palace”, Palazzo Avino occupies a 12th-century villa perched high above the sea in Ravello, a hilltop town that has long attracted creatives and aristocrats alike—think Richard Wagner, D.H. Lawrence, and M.C. Escher. Today, what makes this Leading Hotels of the World property truly extraordinary are its present-day custodians: Mariella and Attilia Avino, two stylish sisters with a passion for fashion, design, and hospitality, who are redefining modern luxury on the Amalfi Coast.
Their father purchased the palazzo in the 1990s, and since then, the sisters have carried his vision forward with flair and innovation. After studying business administration in Rome, Mariella became managing director in 2010, and Attilia joined her in 2018 as director of sales and marketing. Since then, the stylish sister duo has launched collaborations with Valentino, renovated the Infinito Suite with Neapolitan architect Giuliano dell’Uva and artist David Tremlett, introduced their own bottled wine, and elevated the guest experience at every turn. Recently, they unveiled a refreshed look for the Michelin-starred Rossellini’s restaurant, debuted a redesigned Deluxe Sea View Room, and expanded their Pink Closet boutique with new Italian designer partnerships.
And they’re just getting started: a cooking school in the hotel’s vineyard garden was just opened this year.
I first discovered Palazzo Avino in 2024 after meeting Attilia in New York City. Her warmth, humility, gracious spirit and effortless charm left a lasting impression, and only deepened my appreciation for the remarkable story behind the hotel.
We’re honored that Attilia took time from her demanding schedule to speak with us. Below, you’ll find the unedited, full interview, published as part of In Conversation With—a new series from The Suite Sojourn spotlighting the hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and creative minds shaping the future of luxury travel.
The Suite Sojourn: Let’s start with your story. Can you share a bit about your professional journey and the early influences that inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality? How big of a role has your family played in it?
Attilia Avino: Hospitality is truly in my DNA. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of luxury hotels through my family—Palazzo Avino has always been more than just a property; it’s a passion project built with love. Even though my parents never worked directly in the hotel themselves, they instilled in me a deep respect for the place and for the people who bring it to life.
The Suite Sojourn: In your view, where does the hospitality industry stand today in terms of supporting, hiring, and promoting women—especially in executive leadership roles?
Attilia Avino: I feel incredibly fortunate—my sisters and I were raised with the belief that we could do anything we set our minds to. Our parents always encouraged us to follow our passions, and that confidence shaped the way we approached our roles in the business. At Palazzo Avino, we’re proud to have a strong, women-oriented team, and we’ve created an environment where female leadership is not only supported but truly celebrated. There’s a growing awareness and commitment to mentoring and empowering the next generation of women in hospitality, and I’m proud to be part of that momentum.
The Suite Sojourn: What advice would you offer to a young woman aspiring to build a career in hospitality?
Attilia Avino: Be bold and be curious. Hospitality is a field that rewards passion, adaptability, and heart. Learn every aspect of the business, from the front desk to back-of-house operations. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and lead with empathy.
The Suite Sojourn: For those unfamiliar, can you help our readers visualize the setting of Palazzo Avino on the Amalfi Coast? When do you think is the best time to visit, and what would you recommend as the ideal length of stay for someone seeking rest and rejuvenation?
Attilia Avino: Palazzo Avino is perched in the heart of Ravello, a village suspended between the sea and the sky. It’s like stepping into a painting—winding cobblestone streets, breathtaking cliffside views, gardens blooming with bougainvillea, and the scent of lemon trees in the air. The best time to visit really depends on what you’re seeking. For quiet elegance and fewer crowds, I always recommend late spring (May to early June) or early fall (September). A minimum of three nights is ideal to unwind, immerse yourself in the slower pace, and let the magic of the place sink in.
The Suite Sojourn: What are some of the unique challenges you and your team face during the high season, and how do you navigate them?
Attilia Avino: High season is exhilarating but intense. The challenge lies in maintaining our signature level of personalized service while managing high occupancy and constant movement.
What makes the difference is our team. They are the heart of everything we do.
Strong communication, meticulous planning, and a shared commitment to our values help us stay grounded, but it’s our team’s passion and dedication that truly carry us through.
The Suite Sojourn: Running a hotel as beautiful and storied as Palazzo Avino must be a dream come true. What does a typical day in your life look like?
Attilia Avino: Every day is different—and that’s what I love most. I might start with a walk through the property, checking in with team members, and greeting early risers on the terrace.
I’ll spend time reviewing guest arrivals, answering emails. A special part of my day includes working alongside my sister Mariella. We love bouncing around creative ideas together, whether it’s refining details for an event, curating a unique guest experience, or simply sharing a quiet moment to reconnect amid the busyness. My day usually ends late, but I always take a few minutes on the terrace at sunset—it’s a moment to breathe, reflect, and feel grateful for this incredible place we get to call home.
The Suite Sojourn: What’s the most exciting part of working alongside your sister? How do the two of you balance your professional dynamic, especially when differences arise?
Attilia Avino: It’s incredibly rewarding. We complement each other in many ways—different strengths, different perspectives—but we share the same vision and commitment to excellence. Like any siblings, we have our disagreements, but we’ve learned to communicate openly and trust in each other’s expertise. There’s a deep sense of loyalty and love that underpins everything we do, and that’s a rare gift in business.
The hotel offers 33 rooms and 10 suites, each one carefully designed to meld traditional style with contemporary features—and with its one staff to two guests ratio, you can count on inimitable service, tailored especially to you. Each of the four deluxe suites have a private terrace, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset over the mesmerizing blue Mediterranean sea.
Palazzo Avino’s Clubhouse by the Sea is located in the small town of Marmorata, a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Suite Sojourn recommends you head there for the day.
Seasonality: Open from early April until the end of October, we love to visit Ravello when spring’s in full bloom; the Ravello Music Festival in July and August is a must, especially the Sunrise Concert that begins at 5am with the sun; warm fall days without the crowds feels just as romantic, too
How to get there:
Naples (NAP) is approximately 60 minutes away;
Rome (FCO) is approximately 180 minutes away.
All images are © Palazzo Avino / Leading Hotels of the World
All clients of The The Suite Sojourn will have access to special amenities at Palazzo Avino.
