Best Amalfi Coast Hotels [2024 Guide]

The Amalfi Coast, located along southern Italy's craggy coastline, is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, attractive coastal towns, and rich cultural legacy. With its towering cliffs falling into the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and lovely villages pouring down the hillsides, the Amalfi Coast provides a breathtaking background for travellers looking for an unforgettable Mediterranean holiday.

In this gorgeous location, the region has a number of outstanding hotels that embody luxury and sophistication. From historic palazzos converted into boutique retreats to cliffside resorts with beautiful sea views, the Amalfi Coast's best hotels promise an incomparable blend of luxury and coastal charm.

Best Hotels in the Amalfi Coast:

Borgo Santandrea

The stone house, which is clinging to a precipitous cliffside and has an entrance 90 metres above sea level, appears to have been glued on. The hotel is located precisely on the SS 163 'Amalfi Coast Drive', one of Europe's most gorgeous highways, just across a peaceful inlet from the tiny fishing town of Conca dei Marini.

It is located 4 kilometres east of Amalfi and around 15 kilometres west of Positano; the nearest rail station and airport is Naples, which is an hour and a half drive away. Amalfi is accessible by boat from Naples and Sorrento during the high season. Ravello, a hilltop village, is 12 kilometres away and makes for an easy day trip.

Borgo Santandrea, which occupies the shell of the faded old Gran Hotel Saraceno, was erected in the 1960s and is a dream for admirers of mid-century modern style. One of the owners is just such a person, and the large selection of furnishings includes items from his own collection, such as the 1930s English telescope standing next to the registration desk.

Look for priceless original pieces by Gio Ponti, rare vintage design treasures by Englander & Bonta and Hans Wegner (such as Wishbone chairs), and re-editions by Molteni&C.

The backdrop is pared-back, classic Amalfi Coast style - picture cool, tiled, whitewashed spaces with wide arches, ceiling vaults, and large windows - but with a sophisticated blue and white colour scheme that fits in with the surrounding ocean.

The floor tiles, like many of the design features, are custom-made by artisans in nearby Salerno and put out in 31 various geometrical patterns inspired by Ponti's iconic Parco dei Principi hotel in Sorrento.

The attention to detail is incredible, and there are magnificent textiles (by Rubelli and Dedar) and beautiful artefacts everywhere, ranging from specially commissioned pottery and vintage radios to massive arty tomes and fabulous lights. You would gladly take each piece home.

Exceptional amenities include a lovely pebbly beach (unheard of in these areas) and a beach club with a bar and restaurant situated in a former boathouse.

Pathways wind through the terraced Mediterranean gardens, where daybeds are tucked into private corners, and lead to a large pool, a gym, and a modest spa that is about to be extended; at the time of my visit, there was a sauna with a view of the sea, as well as treatment rooms and al fresco massage tables.

The Swiss-trained general manager (also the co-owner) oversees legions of charming, youthful, primarily local personnel (around 200 for only 45 rooms). For individuals who want to explore off-site, there is a free shuttle service into Amalfi by road or water.

The attention to detail extends to the 45 magnificent rooms and suites, all of which offer sea views (not often a certainty in this area). The Premium Pool suites are the top of the line, with large grassy patios, private plunge pools, and day beds.

All rooms have marble-topped bar counters equipped with the tools for making DIY drinks (including fresh orange and lemon juice and shakers), Smeg kettles and espresso machines. Soft drinks are provided complimentary in minibars.

Armchairs, even baths in a few rooms, are strategically placed in front of large windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views. The mattresses are dreamily comfortable, with white sheets and stylish blue piping. Sleek bathrooms with pale stone from Trani in Puglia have superfluffy robes and towels, as well as bespoke Acqua di Parma orange-flower bath items.

Three restaurants and two bars provide plenty of dining and drinking options. Alici is a buzzy, informal restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features an open kitchen and a large, shady terrace with views of the sea. Even in cooler weather, the views from the windows are breathtaking.

The menu focuses on the sunny, punchy flavours of chef Crecenzo Scotti's native Campania, with the occasional import from elsewhere, so expect tuna tartare with a hint of lemongrass, bavette pasta 'Nerano' (with provolone del Monaco cheese and courgettes), Amalfi lemon risotto, grilled octopus, and T-bone steak.

The gourmet restaurant La Libreria, as the name implies, is located in a library, with a bookcase sliding back to display the kitchen during service. While the dishes here are based on local cuisine, they are more sophisticated and technically advanced.

A lazy lunch on the beach is another treat, with a menu that covers all bases: sashimi and tartare of fresh fish and seafood, linguine with local clams and grilled lobster and langoustine, as well as club sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Every morning, an exceptional breakfast is laid out in the kitchen and served until noon (extra points for that), which includes an endless array of cakes and pastries, yoghurt (try the one made with creamy buffalo milk) and fresh fruit, six different varieties of home-baked bread, cheeses and charcuterie, salads and stewed vegetables, and eggs, pancakes, and omelettes made to order.

Le Sirenuse

It's a legend even on this coast of legends, a classic that is more than the sum of its parts. The owners offer elegance, refinement, and pedigree smarts, as they have done for legions of insiders for decades.

The primary component of the hotel was the aristocratic Sersale family's vacation residence, which has grown over time into numerous contiguous buildings. Four Sersale siblings opened the home to visitors in 1951, with only eight rooms and a big balcony overlooking the sea.

Franco Sersale oversaw a massive renovation of the hotel in the 1990s, he was not just a devoted collector, filling the property with fine furniture and artworks, but also an avid globe traveller and photographer.

Antonio and Carla Sersale, the current owners, collect contemporary art and invite one artist each year to create a site-specific sculpture, including Martin Creed, Stanley Whitney, and Matt Connors.

Most rooms are little yet beautiful. A balcony with a table and chairs overlooking the village houses and the beach. White vaulted rooms with a classic tiled floor, sofa and chairs, and a canopy bed with a feather duvet.

Sersale is Swiss-trained and runs a tight ship, all done with great flair. Names are remembered, and the majority of staff members are locals.
Positano is either an amazingly lovely tumble of pastel-hued houses that wrap around the coastline, or an overpriced nightmare for day-trippers.

However, having a refuge to retire to, such as the Sirenuse, makes it much more pleasant. A 10-minute stroll down Via dei Mulini from the hotel takes you to the beach, which is lined with bars, cafés, and restaurants on the black sand. Positano may serve as a base for touring the other villages along the Amalfi Coast by land or water.

Antique chests of drawers, prints on the walls. Bathrooms with grey-white Carrara marble and Eau d'Italie from Sersale's sister Marina. Beautiful tiny cloth-bound volumes (Steinbeck's piece, a colouring book with mignon pencils, and a book on Franco's Bar); a charming beach basket for your stay.

La Sponda, with its 400 candles and bougainvillea-clad dining room, is one of the coast's best supper venues, both for the ambiance and the food—sea bass with candied lemon, chestnut ravioli with white truffles, and amberjack with grape jam. The light-as-air hot lemon soufflé is an excellent way to conclude.

Eggplant parmigiana with grilled octopus at the bar. Breakfast on Vietri's colourful pottery dishes: creamy buffalo milk yoghurt, handmade granola, and sfogliatelle pastries.

Hotel Santa Caterina

The hotel is set on a clifftop amid sharply terraced gardens that tumble to the sea, with amazing coastal views from its terraces, communal spaces, and many of the bedrooms, and is just far enough away from Amalfi to feel removed from the people.

The town is a short bus ride away, and from there you may take boats up and down the coast (and, in season, to Capri). The hotel is located on SS 163, also known as the Amalfi Coast journey, while Positano is a 30-minute journey to the west along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Ravello is 20 minutes up the mountainside.

The Santa Caterina is a winning combination of old-style hotelerie and Amalfi Coast beauty, run with great charm by the fourth generation of the hotel's original proprietors, yet it is also down-to-earth.

The calm, white decor, accented with family antiques and brightened by traditional tiles and vibrant fabrics, provides a respite from the chaos of the seaside road. The falling terraced gardens, filled with exotic Mediterranean plants and trees, are delightful. The frosting on the cake? A fantastic beach club featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and access to the sea.

The first-rate facilities include a spa and one of the best 'beaches' of any hotel in the area, a lift plunges vertiginously down the cliffside to a series of concrete terraces and bathing platforms built over the rocks, where sunbeds are put out under enormous white umbrellas. There is a heated saltwater pool, a small gym, a bar and the famous Al Mare restaurant.

Many staff members have been with the hotel for decades, thus service is old school. Starting with the proprietors, everyone is always friendly and courteous, and returning guests (of which there are many) are greeted like old friends, frequently with kisses and hugs - this is southern Italy, after all.

The amazing concierge crew can arrange for drivers to take you to Pompeii or Herculaneum, excursions to local wineries, and cookery classes.

The majority of the 66 airy rooms and suites are located in the rambling main building, while others (particularly private and romantic) are concealed in the gardens across several annexes. Each has its own personality, but they are mostly white with vivid fabrics, floors made of locally sourced tiles, and a mix of antiques and new things.

Many have balconies or terraces overlooking the beautiful sea. The tiled bathrooms (some large with separate whirlpool tubs and showers) all include with towels and slippers, as well as in-house bath goods.

Chef Giuseppe Stanzione takes over Santa Caterina's gourmet Glicine restaurant at the beginning of the 2019 season. He was born in nearby Salerno but has travelled extensively, earning numerous accolades (including a Michelin star) for his inventive interpretations of both local and Mediterranean foods.

The beautifully romantic balcony overlooking Amalfi and the sea is ideal for sampling dishes such as 'tagliatelline' of cuttlefish flavoured with avocado and salted lemons, scampi with fennel, horseradish, and peanut sauce, and delectable, fresh desserts.

The oceanfront Ristorante al Mare, with its menu of pasta, salads, grilled seafood, and wood-fired pizza, is ideal for a leisurely lunch or calm dinner. In addition, the bar section serves snacks and small meals all day (burgers, club sandwiches, salads and the occasional pasta dish).

Breakfast on the main restaurant patio is a delight. The enormous buffet provides a variety of sweet and savoury treats (fresh fruit and yoghurts, cakes and local pastries, grilled vegetables and frittata, fresh mozzarella, waffles), and there is a chef available to make you an omelette to request.

Hotel Marincanto

Approaching through the roof-level car park is not the best introduction, but once you have descended in the lift to the principal floor and its big, airy sitting room looking on to the flowery terrace with fabulous views, the charm and the stunning position start to work.

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. There are terrific views of both town and sea.

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.

Hands-on owners ensure that their staff is always friendly and goes above and beyond for their customers. The relatively small size mean guests genuinely feel looked after, but the service is anything but intrusive.

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 private beach, which only a few Positano hotels can provide, is a significant advantage.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options. The bar offers light meals, salads and beverages. The Terrazza Celè restaurant serves supper with a modern twist on traditional local foods, emphasising presentation and natural tastes.

Belmond Hotel Caruso

Caruso is the best-located hotel in Ravello, sitting in magnificent terraced gardens on its own little rocky spur high above the ocean, with breathtaking views from almost every angle.

It feels separated from its surroundings and has much larger grounds. Piazza del Duomo is a leisurely five-minute walk away, and a shuttle bus service runs down to the seaside and back up.

The Caruso, housed in a magnificent, rambling palace dating back to the 11th century, is a stately hotel with marble hallways, arching arches and vaulted ceilings, worn ancient flooring, murals and chandeliers.

Its spacious salons are filled with valuable antiques, and the walls are adorned with prints and old master paintings. However, it is far from pompous, thanks to the well-judged management style and charming staff.

There are numerous facilities and services available here, beginning with the renowned infinity pool, which is frequently ranked among the top hotel pools in the world. Then there are many restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre, boat tours along the coast, and a shuttle service down to the beach.

Service is old-school and attentive: employees remember customers' names and promote interaction. The end product is both enjoyable and relaxing. Activities include guided tours of Amalfi and surrounding Atrani at night (when there are no tourists), tours of a nearby lemon orchard, and a trip to a local winery in a classic Ape van for wine sampling and lunch.

Except for a few, all 50 bedrooms and suites feature sea views and some form of private outdoor area, ranging from little terraces to large gardens. The majority of the rooms have just been updated with new paintwork and stylish Frette textiles in bright Mediterranean tones.

Even the regular rooms are big, with kettles for tea and coffee (the suites feature espresso machines), fresh fruit upon arrival, complimentary mineral water, and Bosé sound link systems in the suites. Large marble bathrooms have plush robes and slippers, as well as an abundance of Bulgari and Penhaligon's bath products.

The recently opened Villa Margherita, located on the grounds, has two apartments and includes a private garden, butler service, and a specialised chef for extra indulgence.

Begin your evening with a Caruso spritz (a classic spritz spiked with limoncello) and crunchy homemade crisps at the wood-panelled bar, then move on to the Belvedere restaurant for local specialties like pezzogna (local sea bream) with capers, black olives, and cherry tomatoes served on a romantic terrace overlooking the Gulf of Salerno far below.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, the 'Sparkling Garden' serves champagne, canapés, and street cuisine from 7pm-11pm, while languid lunches (pizza baked in a wood oven, linguine with clams or lobster, and salads) are offered by the pool during the day.

The breakfast buffet features smoked tuna and swordfish, local mozzarella, fresh juices, and bacon and eggs cooked to order. Alternatively, you may splurge on the champagne breakfast (€175 [£152] for two), which includes smoked salmon, caviar, and half a bottle of champagne.

Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel

The huge, pale structure appears to float above Amalfi and its bustling harbour from atop a steep cliff on the town's western side.

The entrance lies on a curve on the famed SS163 coast road; steps go down to the western end of the port, from where it's a short walk into town. From the harbour, you may take a ferry to Salerno, Positano, Naples, and Capri, this is by far the most convenient method to get around in these congested areas.

Ravello is just up the hill, while Vietri sul Mare, known for its multicoloured pottery, is about 12.5 miles (20 kilometres) to the east. The majestic Greek temples of Paestum are about a 90-minute drive away. Fast trains run from Salerno to Rome and Florence, and the Naples airport is a two-hour drive away.

This 13th-century capuchin monastery was converted into a hotel in 1885 and went through several ownership changes until being purchased by the Thai-based Anantara organisation.

The hotel is today ranked among the best in the Costiera, having subtly enhanced standards while keeping the building's bones intact. The backdrop is stunning, and staying in this historic monastery feels like a pleasure.

The fairly austere interior design, while making ample room for 21st-century creature comforts and modern furnishings from leading Italian design studios, complements the building's roots by making extensive use of local wood, stone and natural colours (there's a lot of pale beige and brown).

The old Arab-Norman cloister with its interwoven arches is still substantially intact (though woefully underutilised in my opinion), and there is a modest Baroque church with sacristy.

But perhaps the most evocative element of the hotel is the so-called 'Monk's Walk,' which stretches 1,000 feet along the length of the pale, sand-colored monastery. Shaded by bougainvillaea and surrounded by flower, shrub, and herb-filled terraced gardens, it is where the monks would have gone for a moment of peaceful thought against the backdrop of the sparkling sea far below them.

Extensive public areas include magnificent terraced gardens with views planted with exotic trees and shrubs, as well as secluded corners for a quiet read or snooze, the Baroque church and cloister (used for weddings and events), and a series of ecclesiastical rooms, including a library in the old organ loft.

The wonderful pool is at the further end of Monk's Walk, with stunning views, and the spa is on the top floor.

One somewhat unusual feature is the presence of Fra Marcus, who is regularly on hand to offer guests a unique tour of the monastery while recounting its rich history.

Other activities include guided mountain walks, excursions of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum, cooking workshops (learn how to make taglierini with lemon), wine tastings, and boat rides up and down the coast.

Many of the 52 rooms and suites are dispersed across the multiple floors of the main monastery building, where the monks used to live. They preserve their original vaulted ceilings, tiles, and the occasional fresco, and have been outfitted in a sober, subtle, contemporary-luxe style, with elegant dark wood fixtures and Artemide lighting.

Nespresso machines and tea and coffee trays, as well as exquisite bed linens and furniture from Gervasoni and Cassina, are among the modern amenities. Gleaming marble bathrooms have heavy, fluffy towels, robes, and Aqua di Parma bath products.

The cloisters, gardens, Amalfi, and the Gulf of Salerno all provide spectacular vistas. The top-floor Junior Suites include balconies with hot tubs, while the isolated Suite dell Eremita is nestled in its own lemon grove, providing complete seclusion.

Chef Claudio Lanuto's food follows a slow and local philosophy: much of the produce used in his gourmet dishes at the Dei Cappucini restaurant comes from the huge kitchen garden, while fish, beef, and fowl are sourced from local sources. During a recent visit, dinner included a grilled lamb terrine with minty courgettes, spaghettone (fat pasta) with local lemon, smoked buffalo butter, grilled calamari, and grilled lobster.

Local ingredients (tomatoes from Vesuvius, Provolone del Monaco cheese from Tramonti, anchovies from Cetara, and so on) are also used in the wood-fired pizza at the Locanda della Canonica, which is run by Neapolitan pizza master Gino Sorbillo.

Breakfast on the main dining terrace is a fantastic feast, with every sweet and savoury option on the buffet, as well as scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, crèpes, and omelettes made to order in an outdoor terrace kitchen by the chef.

The main patio, which is divided into a bar seating area and a restaurant, is an excellent place to have a cocktail (or post-dinner digestif) as the day fades into nighttime.

Palazzo Avino

Palazzo Avino (originally Palazzo Sasso) is located in the calm, upper portion of Ravello, away from the tour groups but only a short walk from Piazza del Duomo. It is situated on a cobbled street surrounded by noble palazzi, some of which have been turned into similarly sumptuous boltholes. The views down to the coast are stunning.

The enormous, vaulted hallways and guest rooms of this 12th-century palace have been completely renovated in super-luxe style, with plenty of marble, beautiful fabrics, and antiques.

Set among beautiful, flower-filled terraces and lawns, with those ever-present, captivating views, this is a place to be truly pampered.

Owner-managed Palazzo Avino provides numerous dining and drinking options, a heated pool with an underwater window, an al fresco gym nestled in the garden, and a sophisticated private beach club on the cliffs with a complimentary shuttle.

The concierge arranges boat or helicopter tours, a chauffeur to whisk you off to Positano, and hard-to-get tickets for the world-class Ravello music festival.

Approximately 30 of the 43 guest rooms and suites enjoy sea views, although oblique ones, albeit at a significant premium. The entry-level rooms are fairly small, and only the suites have private terraces—but what terraces. Immaculate white paintwork contrasts with handmade Vietri tiled flooring, 19th-century antiques, oriental rugs, gilded mirrors, and gleaming brass fittings.

Frette bed sheets are provided, and the marble bathrooms are stunning, complete with Frette robes and towels as well as citrus-scented Dr. Vranjes toiletries.

Book a table at elegant, Michelin-starred Rossellini's for a taste of chef Giovanni Vanacore's assured mod-Neapolitan cooking, where everything, from the opening amuse bouches to the irresistible desserts, is beautifully presented and impeccably served, including scorpion fish served with a 'acqua pazza' sauce in between.

The Caffé dell'Arte serves drinks and nibbles all day, while the panoramic Terrazza Belvedere serves grills and more during lunch.

The Lobster and Martini Bar serves 100 different martinis or lobster with a champagne chaser in the evening. The beach club menu features spaghetti, pizza, and salads with a view of the sea.

Breakfast is provided overlooking the Gulf of Salerno, and the buffet includes a variety of fresh fruit, sweet and savoury selections (smoked salmon, tuna, and swordfish, for example), as well as eggs made to order.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

Located bang in the centre of Sorrento, the glorious gardens, filled with scented blooms and birdsong, act as a buffer to the sometimes oppressive crowds that squeeze into Sorrento in high season.

The town is small, so the sights are all easily accessible on foot and the network of narrow cobbled lanes, particularly charming at night, are on the doorstep. A private lift whisks guests down the cliffside to the harbour below from where there are regular departures to Naples, the islands and Positano.

This is a good base for seeing Capri (a 30-minute hydrofoil ride), Pompeii, and Herculaneum (both less than an hour by train), and the rates are far lower than the Amalfi Coast, which is a 30-minute drive up the mountainside. Naples is a little more than an hour away by rail. The picturesque but little-known northern stretch of the Sorrentine peninsula extends west of Sorrento and is definitely worth exploring.

The hotel is made up of three connected structures on a clifftop overlooking the sea. It was first established in 1834 and has been owned and managed by the Fiorentino family since then (the current GM is the fifth generation) and has maintained a strong feeling of heritage, despite modern conveniences.

The ground floor marble hallways and public rooms (the glorious Winter Garden, the frescoed Reading Room, the Music Room) are monuments to the Belle Epoque and Liberty styles, filled with wondrous antiques and paintings, objéts d'art, and lush plants, all of which sit well with modern frescoes, trompe-l'oeils, and stencil-work.

It maintains a sense of ageless splendour; previous and present guests include Wagner, Luciano Pavarotti, Marilyn Munroe, Jack Lemmon, and Sophie Loren. Near the welcome area, there is a wall covered in photographs of them all.

Staff, led by lively manager Laterza, are an ideal mixture of charm and efficiency. A personal concierge will assist guests in making the most of their visit by arranging journeys to the islands, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast, while the hotel's 40-metre boat is available for hire for cruising around the Sorrentine peninsula by sea.

Guests can spend their free time relaxing by the spectacular pool or booking a treatment at the little but well formed Serra spa, which is nestled away in the garden.

In good weather, hotel life revolves around the lovely main seafront terrace with its neo-classical statues, guests gather here for coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, and pre-dinner cocktails, or simply to pass the time gazing at Vesuvius and Naples shimmering in the summer heat across the bay.

There is a shuttle service to and from the station and port, and there is plenty of parking.

The 84 rooms and suites are distributed among three buildings: the three-story, chalet-style Favorita, and the seven-story Rivali and Vittoria. Even the entry-level rooms are fairly spacious, while the 'One-of-a-Kind' suites, such as the Caruso (where the legendary tenor stayed in 1921), are enormous, with some even featuring grand pianos.

The style is traditional, so expect clean lines, sparkling white paintwork, exquisite fabrics, honey-hued parquet floors, and lovely antiques. Many apartments have sea views and terraces, and some feature frescoes. Beds are created with the finest pure linen sheets, and pristine marble bathrooms with high-quality towels, robes, and slippers.

Chef Antonino Montefusco of gourmet restaurant Terrazza Bousquet has received a Michelin star for his highly technical interpretations of local culinary traditions.

Whether you choose one of the tasting menus ('Sacred' and 'Profane', €110/£94 and €140/£119, respectively) or à la carte, you can expect dishes such as tagliolini with Sorrento lemons, anchovies, fresh beans, and thyme, John Dory with a pine nut foam, tomato and parsley pesto, and pigeon breast with pumpkin, chestnuts, and a Taurasi wine reduction.

There are delightful small amuse-bouches to start with, petitis fours to finish with, a cart piled high with homemade breads and three types of butter and an olive oil menu.

In fine weather, dinner is served on a lovely patio viewing the lights glittering across the Bay of Naples; the internal space is less appealing.

L'Orangerie, a laid-back poolside bar and restaurant, provides lunch and dinner, with options including lemon-scented risotto with prawns, pasta with octopus and grilled fillet of beef and wood-fired pizza. It's also a great place for nighttime cocktails and tapas.

The breakfast buffet, which includes a fantastic assortment of sweet and savoury options, is served in an attractive, frescoed salon on the ground floor and accompanied by live piano music.

Il San Pietro di Positano

Positano became a celebrity in John Steinbeck's eponymous 1953 short tale, and the tranquil little coastal town has never completely left the popular imagination—nor has Il San Pietro di Positano, one of the island's hottest harbour hops since its inauguration in October 1970.

It's no surprise that the worldwide glitterati come here; the village's steep, narrow stone alleyways and stunningly magnificent blue waters are the stuff of dreams (at least for us).

The 56-room hotel, located on a strip of magnificent cliffside real estate above the Bay of Positano, is a rustic Eden awash with aromatic vegetation and lemon trees.

Exquisitely tiled rooms with vivid linen accents and big windows provide stunning sea views, while whimsical touches such as lamps with imaginative centaur motifs and gilded coffee tables provide a touch of luxury.

Some even have private lifts and Jacuzzi rooms. If you aren't a morning person, you could be converted. After starting your day with a platter of delicious strawberries and a thimble of espresso, take a lift down to a private beach—or request a complementary boat trip around the harbour.

Michelin-starred chef Alois Vanlangenaeker and his 35-strong staff work in a 350-square-metre, cutting-edge kitchen within the hotel. He prepares delicacies like codfish gnocchi with octopus and truffle, John Dory with lemon and buffalo yoghurt, and warm rabbit salad with saffron vinaigrette at gourmet restaurant Zass, where most of the fresh produce comes from the hotel's 10,000-square-metre kitchen garden.

Meals are served on a delightfully lovely sea-facing patio or, for a glimpse of the activity, at the chef's table in the kitchen. For a more casual meal, stroll down to waterside Carlino's for delectable, local specialties like mozzarella cooked on lemon leaves and pasta with courgettes or mussels. Just in time for the 2019 season, a food truck in the shape of an Ape.

The sumptuous breakfast buffet - bowls of fresh, seasonal fruit, freshly squeezed juices, local mozzarella, smoked salmon and rare roast beef, creamy locally made yoghurt, homemade breads and jams - will get you ready for the day, and the bar terrace, with its famous majolica-tiled benches, is an unrivalled spot for a sundowner.

Casa Angelina

Casa Angelina, located on the outskirts of the tranquil community of Praiano, is built into the cliffside with spectacular views of Positano and the coast to Capri. On a clear day, you may see the iconic Faraglioni rock stacks. Positano is a 10-minute drive to the east, while Amalfi is a 15-minute drive to the west. Ravello is around 30 minutes distant. The sole disadvantage is the proximity of nearby buildings.

Local designer Marco de Luca's dazzlingly white rooms work because they are scrupulously maintained every day by a roving band of painters equipped with a white palette - there isn't a mark in sight.

The open-plan ground floor, furnished with white sofas and armchairs, is the ideal setting for the owners' collection of jazzy modern art (Murano glass sculptures by Cuban artist Alfredo Sisabravo and oil paintings by Argentine Patricia Valencia Carstens).

The public areas, both inside and out, as well as the majority of the bedrooms, face the sea, taking use of the spectacular views. It's both fashionable and laid-back, which is why it's so popular with young couples on their honeymoons.

It's well worth spending the extra money for one of the larger rooms; the ordinary rooms, while very pleasant and lacking in facilities, are quite small. Except for six rooms, all of them have some form of terrace.

The concept here, too, is white-on-white: white walls and floors, white beds (made with excellent Etro linens), and white soft furnishings. Suites on the top level include large terraces and the nicest views; one has a sunken bath overlooking the sea.

You will find smell diffusers diffusing the in-house scent, cashmere blankets on the beds, tiny iPads, and hand cream left by your bed at turn-down are among the thoughtful elements featured in all rooms. My only complaint was the inconvenient light switches, which made it impossible to exercise at night.

Contemporary bathrooms have thick Etro towels and robes, as well as Jo Malone Lime and Basil toiletries. If you prefer more privacy, the four suites on the beach (converted from fishermen's huts) have their own breakfast room and butler service; they are especially popular among newlyweds.

The top level Piano nel Cielo (level in the Sky) restaurant is reached via a dizzying journey in a glass-sided lift (vertigo sufferers beware); the view from up here is breathtaking. Dinner served by candlelight is a pleasure, with menus featuring delicacies from the chef's native Campania paired with wines from across Italy and beyond.

Expect dishes like herb-crusted tuna, tagliolini with prawns, fresh Amalfi lemons and liquorice and lamb in garlic sauce with polenta. The chocolate trolley at the end is the perfect finishing touch.

Less formal meals (salads, pastas, cheese or meat platters) are served all day on the bar terrace or by the pool. Casa Angelina serves one of the best breakfasts on the coast until 11 a.m. and is more of a brunch than a breakfast buffet, with salads, aubergine parmigiana, and vegetable flans among the offerings. Eggs Benedict, pancakes with maple syrup, and omelettes are prepared to order.

Conclusion

The best hotels in this area are more than just places to rest; they are also doorways to remarkable experiences. Imagine waking up to the peaceful sounds of the sea and sipping coffee on a sun-drenched patio overlooking the blue ocean below.

Every moment spent at these hotels is a dream come true, with days of discovery, relaxation, and pure happiness. So, why wait? Pack your bags and head to the Amalfi Coast, where every street promises adventure and every hotel is a bit of history. Your unforgettable Italian summer awaits.