These are unusual times, and the state of affairs can change quickly. Please check the latest guidance before travelling. Our writer visited these hotels prior to the pandemic.
The Amalfi Coast, with its picturesque villages teetering vertically above the sparkling sea and celebrated ‘road of a 1,000 bends’ that weaves thrillingly in and out of deep gorges and towering cliffs, boasts some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. It is a magnet for wealthy globetrotters seeking a heady mix of sun, sea, fabulous food, and a glamourous touch of La Dolce Vita. In spite of its popularity with day trippers who pile in from Sorrento, it retains an air of exclusivity and luxury and is home to some of the most beautiful – and expensive – places to stay in Italy.
The contorted topography means that there has been no possibility of building huge hotels, and the area is mercifully devoid of chains; here, the Boutique Hotel reigns supreme and many of the best places to stay are run by families who have been in the business for several generations. Service (mostly in the hands of a predominantly local staff) is very personal, a warm and welcoming mix of Southern Italian hospitality and professionalism. Here’s our pick of the best boutique hotels on the Amalfi Coast. You’re welcome.
Il San Pietro di Positano
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The San Pietro, carved into the sheer rock face like something out of a James Bond movie, oozes discreet retro glamour throughout its gleaming hallways, fabulous terraces, gourmet restaurant and magnificent guest rooms which have their own outdoor spaces. Interiors are chic, crisp and fresh with jazzy hand-painted ceramic tiles, fabrics in sunny, Mediterranean colours, antiques and stylish design details. On sea level, there’s a private ‘beach’, a tennis court and a casual-chic beachside restaurant. Though ultra-luxurious and frequented by film stars and royalty, this is a family-run affair at heart and it shows: the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
From
£
624
per night
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Le Sirenuse
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
In 1953, John Steinbeck described the Sirenuse as ‘an old family house converted into a first class hotel, spotless and cool’ and the description still holds today. The lovely old villa, painted deep ox-blood red with white trim, is stuffed with an eclectic collection of museum-quality antiques and paintings, contemporary art and curios all to a background of dazzling white paintwork and glorious hand-made Vietri-tiled floors. Vast potted plants abound and tall French windows open onto sun-drenched terraces making the most of the classic Positano views. Facilities include a superb spa, a pool terrace, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world and several bars.
From
£
428
per night
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Palazzo Murat
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
This 18th-century palazzo was once home to Joachim Murat, king of Naples and brother-in-law to Napoleon, and there is an air of grandeur (but not pomposity) about the place, especially in the vaulted public rooms with their antiques and fine paintings. An elegant wrought-iron gateway leads into the enticing arched courtyard, dripping with bougainvillea and shaded by big white umbrellas. The large rooms in the original part of the palazzo, furnished with four-posters, antiques and opulent fabrics, are quite grand and have tall French windows opening onto creeper-draped balconies. It is said that the King slept in the ‘Special Deluxe’ room with his many lovers (not all at once).
From
£
258
per night
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Casa Buonocore
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Until recently, this lovely guest house was the home of the Buonacore family who now run it with great dedication and style. The location is excellent and compared to Positano’s often outrageous prices, it is pretty good value too. It stands at the top of a long, steep flight of steps (don’t worry, help with your bags is on hand) just outside the pedestrian area of Positano. A five-minute wander down narrow Via dei Mulini brings you to the beach. Eight beautiful rooms of wildly varying sizes are all meticulously furnished with lots of attention to detail. The two-roomed ‘Suite’ has a huge panoramic terrace with views over the town and sea, plus day beds.
From
£
177
per night
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Casa Angelina
Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Praiano is a former fishing village between Positano and Amalfi, where Casa Angelina is reached by a steep and twisting private road. The open-plan ground floor, laid out with white sofas and armchairs, is a stunning showcase for the owners’ collection of jazzy modern art, featuring Murano glass sculptures by Cuban artist Alfredo Sisabravo and oil paintings by Argentinian Patricia Valencia Carstens. There are two stylish pools plus a private ‘beach’ built out over the water. Both the bar and restaurants have mesmerising sea views and are especially appealing at sunset. Suites on the top floor have huge terraces and the best of the views; one has a sunken bath looking out to sea.
From
£
407
per night
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Casa Privata
Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
This former fisherman’s house stands in delightfully informal terraced gardens that tumble down to a private rocky beach. The original owners – Austrian architects – came across a derelict fisherman’s house when they were on holiday and set about a meticulous restoration using local materials and artisans. The result is a soothing, neutral colour palette with lots of cool Lecce stone and natural linens. Although there is a cosy sitting area and brick-vaulted restaurant, you will be wanting to spend all your time outside, either on the shady terrace area (where meals can be served), by the pool or down on the private beach area with its sunbeds and big white umbrellas.
From
£
340
per night
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Hotel Marincanto
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The hotel clings to the cliff face on the outskirts of Positano, with the private beach about 10 minutes’ walk away down steps passing several terraces. Palest colours or plain white, cream curtains and wooden furniture set the tone. Every detail is executed with taste and flair – the effect is fresh and elegant. Occasional splashes of colour, for example acid green, or blue-striped fabrics, provide a calm contrast. There is a wellness centre, an infinity pool and gym, and, as well as the main terrace, there are several mini terraces providing peaceful corners to sit back and relax. The bar serves light lunches, salads and cocktails while The Terrazza Celè restaurant opens in the evening for dinner.
From
£
195
per night
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• The best hotels in Sorrento
Monastero Santa Rosa
Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Santa Rosa is perched atop a sheer, rocky outcrop, just outside the quiet village of Conca dei Marini. Its creation is down to one woman, Bianca Sharma, who spared no expense in transforming the 17th-century building into a stylish and cocooning hotel, while fully respecting its origins and filling it with a mix of antiques and classical modern pieces. The 20 bedrooms are converted from the vaulted nuns’ cells and accessed off long corridors lined with ecclesiastical furniture and flickering candles. They all have views over the coast and some of the larger rooms have terraces. There’s a heated infinity pool, excellent food, and a stunning spa.
From
£
587
per night
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Palazzo Suriano
Vietri sul Mare, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Vietri-sul-Mare may not have quite the charm of its fashionable coastal neighbours Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, but that means fewer crowds, less hype, and a more authentic atmosphere. Recently restored with impeccable good taste, Palazzo Suriano is just beyond the town centre and offers seven stylish bedrooms and three elegant reception rooms complete with their original frescoes, furnished with fine period pieces. In the library, guests can play chess or cards, or browse through antiquarian books, vintage newspapers, or useful guide books. It’s worth splashing out on the Art Nouveau-style Exclusive Room, with period floral frescoes from floor to ceiling.
From
£
95
per night
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Palazzo Avino
Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy
This pink-hued, fairytale palazzo, set among immaculate, flower-filled terraces and lawns with those ever-present, mesmerising views, is a place to be thoroughly indulged. Facilities and services include several eating and drinking options, a heated pool with an underwater window, an al fresco gym tucked away in the garden and a chic private beach club. Most of the guest rooms and suites have sea views, and all are immaculate with white paintwork offset by handmade Vietri tiled floors, 19th-century antiques, oriental rugs, gilded mirrors and shiny brass fittings. The marble bathrooms – with Frette robes and towels and citrussy Dr. Vranjes products – are gorgeous.
From
£
257
per night
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• The best hotels in the world
Hotel Santa Caterina
Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Santa Caterina is a winning mix of old-style hotelerie and Amalfi Coast glamour run with huge charm by the fourth generation of the hotel’s original owners, yet it is down-to-earth too. The cool, white interior, dotted with family antiques and brightened by traditional tiles and colourful fabrics, is a refuge from the madness of the coastal road. The tumbling terraced gardens, planted with exotic Mediterranean plants and trees, are a delight. The icing on the cake? A brilliant beach club complete with swimming pool, restaurant and access to the sea. Most of the 66 airy rooms and suites are housed in the rambling main building while others are hidden in the gardens.
From
£
302
per night
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Contributions by Kate Bolton & Fiona Duncan
This article was originally published by Telegraph.co.uk. Read the original article here.