The Most Glamorous Amalfi Coast Hotels (And There Are A Few Of Them)
Live la dolce vita at the most stylish hotels on the Amalfi Coast.
Land of hairpin bends, road trips by convertible only, vertical towns that cling to the cliffs and supersize citrus fruits – plus spectacular Amalfi Coast hotels to boot.
If you’re planning a trip to this most romantic part of (already pretty starry-eyed) Italy, here’s the ELLE UK edit of the best hotels on the Amalfi Coast, from an old monastery in a sleepy fishing village just outside of Positano to a remastered medieval palace in Ravello. Like our pick of Lake Como hotels, these luxury addresses promise a thoroughly glamorous holiday in Italy.
The Amalfi Coast is a haven for honeymooners and it isn’t hard to see why: winding roads precariously hug the coastline, colourful buildings are stacked up above the shore and almost everything is framed by a lemon tree or some bougainvillea. There are secret coves to locate for swims in their turquoise waters, Med-facing terraces for long, lazy lunches of spaghetti frutti di mare, and boats to whisk you over to Capri or Ischia.
Unsurprisingly, celebrities have long admired this spectacular shoreline, and there is an abundance of A-list-approved hotels to accommodate them – famous former guests of Le Sirenuse in Positano include Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Many of the region’s hotels are temples to old-school Italian glamour – so for something a little more modern, try Casa Angelina in Praiano.
Read on for our favourite Amalfi Coast hotels… now where did we put our Vespa?
Le Sirenuse, Positano
One of the best hotels in the world (and not just the Amalfi Coast), legendary Le Sirenuse can count the American writer John Steinbeck among its fans. He (accurately) wrote that ‘Positano cuts deep’, and it won’t take you long to agree. The locals like to refer to it as the 'vertical city', in a nod to the fact that most places you visit will require a sweltering walk up or down one of its many staircases (all part of the charm and handy for admiring those views as you stop to catch your breath).
The family-owned retreat has been one of Positano’s finest luxury hotels ever since it opened way back in 1951. Like any self-respecting Amalfi Coast terrace, Le Sirenuse's has statues gracing it, which you can admire over an Aperol spritz... or three. From this close-to-perfect perch, you'll be able to gaze at the colourful buildings stacked up and down the cliff face.
Monastero Santa Rosa, Conca dei Marini
In the fishing village of Conca dei Marini, a short drive from both Amalfi and Positano, this old Dominican monastery is right at the edge of a cliff, with gardens on different levels and a pool that’s seemingly suspended above the sea. It's one of the most captivating spots in the Amalfi Coast.
The 17th-century retreat has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Refettorio, but regular refectory this is not. As well as local produce and classic Campanian cuisine, guests can try pastries made to the same recipe that the nuns were using centuries ago. For added serenity, the spa is located amid the original stone walls and vaulted ceilings – for an all-Italian experience, sign up for a massage with historic Florentine brand Santa Maria Novella's essential oils.
Maison La Minervetta, Sorrento
Technically on an entirely different (but equally attractive) shoreline, Maison La Minervetta is on the Sorrentine Peninsula, in Sorrento. The town is often seen as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and so it gets an honorary place in our selection. Many of the region’s hotels are in the grande-dame mould, but for something a little more modern, Maison La Minervetta is the cool Campania hotel for you.
The nautical decor involves lots of blue and white stripes, and bold reds, along with sea-coloured floor tiles, oversize shells and coral-shaped sculptures. The hotel was built in the Fifties by the current custodian's grandparents and today various objets d'art and family furnishings grace the property. A staircase leads from the boutique guest house straight down to the fishing village of Marina Grande.
Casa Angelina, Praiano
Part of the Leading Hotels of the World collection (and the winner of its new member of the year accolade a couple of years ago), the almost-all-white palace Casa Angelina was designed by the people who brought us La Minervetta in Sorrento. The exceptional service comes courtesy of a three to one staff to guest ratio, the bedding is by equally stylish compatriot Etro and the pool is framed by Amalfi’s most famous citrus fruit.
A few seasons ago, the casa unveiled its new suites, set in former fisherman’s houses along the shore for the ultimate secluded stay, with a wave-lapping soundtrack. And Casa Angelina is the only place on the Amalfi Coast where you can get an Augustinus Bader facial. The cult beauty brand has also created a signature body treatment, just for the hotel.
Borgo Santandrea, Amalfi
For many of the best hotels in the Amalfi Coast, an incredible, cliff-edge setting is the norm and the precariously positioned Borgo Santandrea is no exception. This refined retreat is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious hotels in the region, making it perfect for a special occasion such as a honeymoon.
A private beach (plus bar, obviously) awaits down at the shore, with a lift down from the hotel for anyone who doesn’t fancy the rather steep stroll through the gardens. The hotel overlooks Conca dei Marini, in between the towns of Amalfi and Positano. The views of the coast during the day are spectacular, but it’s just as magical (thanks to all of the twinkling lights) at night.
Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi
This Liberty-style, 19th-century villa is near Amalfi, with olive groves and orchards forming a part of the grounds (along with a healthy draping of bougainvillea, of course). There are sun loungers helpfully set up along the shore at the bottom of the cliff, as well as a heated saltwater pool at the hotel’s beach club. To access the latter, you have a choice between some precipitous steps and a lift that has kindly (especially for fans of wedges) been carved out of the rocks.
The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace that must be visited for at least one long lunch. Many of the rooms have sea-facing balconies; other design details include majolica tiles and four-poster beds.
Il San Pietro di Positano, Positano
One of the grandest hotels in Positano, Il San Pietro has a fittingly impressive dining scene, which includes the Michelin-starred Zass and Carlino, on a terrace by the beach. Fortunately for the kitchen team, half of the grounds are covered in organic gardens, which span no fewer than 10 tiers and have four full-time gardeners tending to them all year round. Guests are encouraged to walk the 400 stone steps through the gardens from the lobby to the beach, grazing as they go.
Work out the Amalfi way (alfresco and under a lemon grove). Meanwhile, Pilates and yoga classes occur on a Med-facing lawn. There are lots of places to swim in Positano’s clear turquoise waters, but few can rival Il San Pietro’s private cove, which can be swiftly accessed via the lift in the lobby.
Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello
Of all the romantic Amalfi Coast towns, Ravello is especially swoon-some, not least for its many villas and cliff-top gardens. A thousand feet above sea level, Caruso, part of the Belmond hotel group, is an 11th-century palace that was built at the behest of a noble family seeking a crash pad en route to Constantinople.
Luckily for travellers today, everything has been perfectly preserved, from the fresco-adorned salons and stone vaults to the rose-scented gardens. For modern pilgrims, there’s also an infinity pool for cooling swims during the Amalfi Coast's super-hot summers. Spa treatments can take place outdoors in the garden, with a view of the sea ready to greet you when you rouse. Come evening, an equally uplifting views are served straight to your table on the refined Belvedere restaurant's terrace.
Anantara Grand Hotel, Amalfi
Another former monastery, this time one that was built in the 13th century, the Anantara group’s Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel is just a five-minute stroll from the centre of Amalfi. The Capuchin monks have moved out and now guests are able to stay in the landmark building, dramatically positioned at the edge of a cliff (this is a bit of a theme around here).
Some of the guestrooms have beds with sea-framing French doors in front of them, for dreamy billowing-curtains breeziness. For the ultimate experience, book the suite that has a frescoed ceiling that was painted in 1800 and a view over the cloister. Or upgrade even further with the presidential suite, which once the monks’ refectory.
Villa Cimbrone, Ravello
You're never far from history in Italy and this Ravello retreat is a case in point, having welcomed several illustrious visitors over the centuries. The legendary Villa Cimbrone, which was once the home of Lord Grimthorpe (the horologist who brought us Big Ben, no less), has seen its fair share of famous guests, from politicians to Bloomsbury Group writers.
The turreted medieval building is just as captivating inside, with its grand fireplaces, majolica-tiled floors and painted vaulted ceilings. The gardens, which were redesigned by Vita Sackville-West more than 100 years ago, are home to an iconic series of statues, lined up along the edge of the cliffs.
Grand Hotel Tritone, Praiano
Every room at Grand Hotel Tritone, carved into the edge of the cliffs in Praiano, has a sea view. It’s been welcoming guests since 1957 and is predictably well-versed in the art of hospitality. Italy’s most famous coastline has no shortage of spectacular places and this hotel, on a precarious perch, is certainly one of them, with Capri, Positano and the Li Galli archipelago all visible from its prime vantage point.
The terrace is a charming spot to enjoy breakfast on, and other dining options include the beach club and the impossibly romantic main restaurant, La Cala delle Lampare. Guests can also enjoy wine tastings in the cellar, days spent on the hotel’s private beach and candlelit massages at the spa.
La Bambagina, Amalfi
There may be lots of over-the-top hotels in the Amalfi Coast, but for something a little more understated, try this charming B&B in Amalfi. La Bambagina overlooks the cathedral and the main square – and the atmosphere of the town can be enjoyed simply by opening your window. There are just four rooms, with classic Italian additions including Carrara marble, Florentine ceramics and Murano glass all forming part of the decor. Other features include silk headboards and colourful curtains.
There’s an excursion schedule that includes guided visits to Ravello and treks of the famous Path of the Gods. This walking trail through the mountains ends in Positano and guests can then catch a ferry home to Amalfi.
Palazzo Suriano Heritage Hotel, Vietri sul Mare
More beautiful Amalfi Coast views await at Palazzo Suriano Heritage Hotel in Vietri sul Mare, especially out in the terraced gardens. The hotel is further east along the coast towards Salerno. The rooms are as grand as you’d expect for a palazzo, with high ceilings, wrought-iron beds and terracotta floors – some have 18th-century frescoes, majolica tiles and balconies to really showcase that shoreline.
Staff can organise boat trips, guided tours of archaeological sites including Pompeii and Herculaneum, and point out trekking routes along the neighbouring hills. You’ll also be able to set off on a food or wine tour, and learn how to make Campania’s most famous export: pizza.
Hotel Marina Riviera, Amalfi
There are no shortage of hopelessly glamorous places all along the Amalfi Coast, and a serious contender for first prize is the rooftop terrace and pool at Hotel Marina Riviera, possibly the peninsula’s most stylish sunbathing spot. The Amalfi hotel is close to the cathedral, with views of the water served straight to your sunlounger, too. It's had a hallowed past as a Grand Tour pitstop in the 19th century and has been a hotel in its current incarnation since the Seventies.
The hotel's packed cellar extends to cognacs and other spirits, with lots of wines from Campania in its 2,000-bottle-strong collection (some of which date back to the Nineties). And there’s no better place in town for sunset than out on the terrace, where you can enjoy giant olives, seafood pasta and endless spritzes.
La Maurella, Praiano
A little off the tourist trail in Praiano, a lesser-visited town between Amalfi and Positano, La Maurella gives guests their own coastal casa, with serene, mostly white rooms, sea views out on their terraces and friendly, helpful staff, skilled in the art of scooter hiring and restaurant booking.
There’s a fishing harbour and shingle beach nearby, with the town’s alleyways and steep staircases also waiting to be explored. Breakfast at the hotel includes cakes made by the owner and fruits straight from his garden, and there are classic trattorias in the vicinity for authentic Italian lunches and dinners.
Casa Buonocore, Positano
Follow the scent of orange blossom to a secret garden at the top of 70 steps and you’ll soon come to this charming white house, hidden in the narrow lanes of Positano. The owners are often found in the garden picking fruit for their breakfast juices. Casa Buonocore's central setting in Positano is also within easy reach of the beach, with the bus stop for services departing to Ravello, Amalfi and Sorrento, and the docks for boats to Capri, also nearby.
You’ll be able to look out at Positano’s colourful, cliff-edge buildings from your room – for the ultimate vantage point, book one with a balcony.
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