The Amalfi Coast, renowned for its hairpin turns, picturesque road trips, charming villages, and oversized citrus fruits, stands as one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. Nestled against towering cliffs with colorful buildings cascading into the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this coastal haven offers an unparalleled retreat for those seeking rejuvenation.
The allure of the Amalfi Coast has not gone unnoticed in the world of literature and cinema. Both the novel and film adaptation of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” unfold against the backdrop of this enchanting coastal region. The protagonist, opting for an endless summer on the coast over a mundane nine-to-five existence, encapsulates the magnetic charm of the Amalfi Coast that transcends ordinary life.
Despite the tragic outcome for the character, the allure of the idyllic coast with its Aperol spritzes, sailboats, private beaches, and Caprese salad remains an enticing fantasy for many, tempting enough to risk one’s life or career. Amidst Vespas navigating the winding coastal roads, vibrant beach clubs with colorful umbrellas, and countless servings of spaghetti with clams, the Amalfi Coast effortlessly combines sophistication with simplicity.
Beyond the glitz of luxury hotels and extravagant dining, the Amalfi Coast harbors a traditional facet. Perched hillside settlements witness farmers tending to steeply terraced fields, women crafting cheese, and fishermen eking out a living along the coast. This juxtaposition of opulence and rustic simplicity creates a multifaceted tapestry that defines the region’s charm.
Embarking on a journey through the winding coastal roads, exploring the quaint towns of Positano and Sorrento, and savoring exceptional cuisine transports visitors to a mythical realm of la dolce vita. The Amalfi Coast beckons, offering a fusion of sophistication and simplicity that captivates the senses.
Amidst the plethora of luxury hotels that dot the landscape, each with its unique charm, some stand out as epitomes of refined hospitality:
20. Hotel Eden Roc Suites:
The Hotel Eden Roc boasts an unbeatable setting with mesmerizing vistas of Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Owned by the Casola family, it prides itself on offering genuine, warm Italian hospitality. The Sky Bar, with its sparse decor, frames Positano perfectly, providing an ideal backdrop for a sundowner.
19. Hotel Buca di Bacco:
Dating back to the early 1900s, Hotel Buca di Bacco in Positano began as a humble restaurant. Its rooms exude Mediterranean sophistication, featuring vintage writing desks, hand-painted Majolica tiles, and bathrooms adorned with expensive marble. The on-site restaurant excels in traditional recipes made with fresh local ingredients.
18. Hotel Palazzo Murat:
Once owned by King Joachim Murat of Naples, Hotel Palazzo Murat retains its opulence. The charming Al Palazzo restaurant offers traditional fare with a modern touch. The hotel’s grandeur comes to life in public spaces with lofty ceilings and a courtyard filled with bougainvillea and white umbrellas.
17. Hotel Bellevue Syrene:
Overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Hotel Bellevue Syrene, with its rugged coastline and deep blue waters, embodies timeless appeal. The recent renovation seamlessly blends the building’s heritage with modern conveniences. The on-site Mimmo Jodice restaurant celebrates regional ingredients with dishes like homemade pasta with clams and sea bass with cherry tomatoes.
16. Grand Hotel La Favorita:
Nestled in the heart of Sorrento, Grand Hotel La Favorita boasts a cliffside location with panoramic views. The boutique hotel features mesmerizing gardens, on-site amenities, stylish Italian decor, and delightful dining options. The top-floor pool provides an unobstructed panorama, while the garden offers a serene retreat.
15. Borgo Santandrea:
Perched above Conca Dei Marini, Borgo Santandrea, a whitewashed mansion from the 1960s, features outdoor columns adorned with citrus blossoms. The interiors, a white and blue paradise with marble and neutral tones, create a tranquil atmosphere. The hotel’s gym, library, restaurant, and bar contribute to its allure.
14. Hotel Miramare Positano:
Miramare Hotel, a haven of grandeur, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the striking majesty of Positano. Combining jaw-dropping views with understated elegance, the hotel recounts the chapters of Positano’s tourism history. The Albergo Miramare Hotel provides top-notch amenities, hospitality, and an iconic setting.
13. Art Hotel Villa Fiorella:
Nestled in Massa Lubrense, Villa Fiorella Art Hotel serves as a modern art center with a futuristic vibe. Large windows offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Terrazza Fiorella restaurant, adorned in white and blue, serves a seafood-tasting menu against a stunning backdrop. The hotel is a captivating retreat with views of Capri in the distance.
12. Hotel Poseidon:
Hotel Poseidon exudes Old Hollywood charm, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular views in Positano. Its design pays homage to the 1950s, and with the family’s continued dedication, it maintains traditional hospitality standards. The hotel offers a convertible Volkswagen Beetle for rent and a sunset dinner at Il Tridente with authentic Neapolitan fare.
11. Villa TreVille:
The former residence of opera director Franco Zeffirelli, Villa TreVille stands as the crown jewel of the Amalfi Coast. With spectacular gardens, hidden pathways, and terraces offering stunning views of Positano, the villa has a rich history as a refuge for artists and A-listers. Maestro’s restaurant and the Art Nouveau Green House spa enhance the experience.
10. Casa Angelina:
Shining like a lighthouse on the cliff face, Casa Angelina is a top boutique hotel with a modern, minimalist design. The white building offers private pools, a glass-walled elevator to Piano nel Cielo restaurant, and contemporary art pieces. The hotel provides an unpretentious retreat with stunning views.
9. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel:
The Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, once a monastery, perches on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views. The hotel’s outstanding location, citrus gardens, monk’s walk, and sweeping vistas inspire artists and tourists alike. The property, now owned by the Spanish NH group, opens its doors to the public, showcasing historical charm and luxurious amenities.
8. Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria:
Full of enticing paradoxes, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is located on Piazza Tasso in Sorrento. Tucked away in verdant parkland, the hotel provides sunset views from its clifftop location. With a history dating back to Emperor Augustus’s summer villa, the hotel has hosted royalty, politicians, and artists, including Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Jack Lemmon.
7. Il San Pietro di Positano:
A retro-glamour retreat, Il San Pietro di Positano, perched on a clifftop, was designed to blend with its natural surroundings. Run by the Cinques family since 1970, the hotel offers Swiss-style hospitality, private yacht excursions, and a high-tech kitchen at its Michelin-starred restaurant Zass. The hotel provides an elegant refuge with unparalleled Mediterranean Sea views.
6. Hotel Villa Cimbrone:
With the most enchanting garden in Italy, Hotel Villa Cimbrone, formerly an 11th-century villa, offers an elegant retreat. Despite its helipad, concierge, Michelin-starred restaurant, and outdoor massage service, the hotel exudes a timeless charm. The villa maintains its early 1900s aesthetic, hosting artists, writers, and Hollywood figures like Greta Garbo.
5. Palazzo Avino:
Known as the “pink palace” of Ravello, Palazzo Avino, inspired by Moroccan and Rajasthani architecture, is a lavishly appointed five-star establishment. With manicured grounds and breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast, the hotel marries the best of Ravello’s past and present. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Rossellinis, offers an unforgettable dining experience.
4. Hotel Santa Caterina:
Positioned above Amalfi Coast’s harbor, Hotel Santa Caterina strikes a perfect balance between town proximity and coastal seclusion. Elevators connect to the beach and tiered gardens. The late-19th-century liberty-style mansion offers picturesque views, and its long-term personnel provide affectionate and familiar hospitality. Hotel Santa Caterina stands as an upper-class refuge for admiring the splendor of the Amalfi Coast.
3. Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa:
The Monastero Santa Rosa elevates opulence on the Amalfi Coast with a remarkable infinity pool overlooking the sea and sky. Once a 17th-century monastery, the contemporary hotel features modern rooms, a spa with stained-glass windows, an ice cave, and a restaurant, Il Refettorio, with a Michelin star. The hotel offers a luxurious escape with Italian cuisine at its finest.
2. Le Sirenuse:
Described by John Steinbeck as a dream place, Le Sirenuse perfectly captures the essence of the good life. The world-renowned retreat, with its cherry-red exterior, stands out against the rocky backdrop. Originally a summer villa, Le Sirenuse has evolved while maintaining a private residence feel. The hotel offers colorful Vietri tiles, contemporary artworks, and potted plants, providing a refuge away from the bustling town of Positano.
1. Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast:
Perched atop the hillside village of Ravello, Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, offers awe-inspiring scenery reminiscent of the Grand Tour era. Housed in an 11th-century palazzo, the hotel features frescoes and architecture from the Middle Ages in its majestic lobby. The extravagant suites boast decor from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Belmond Villa Margherita, hidden within the hotel’s gardens, offers a secluded retreat for celebrities. Caruso stands as the pinnacle of luxury on the Amalfi Coast, blending Old World magic with breathtaking views.
