Grand Hotel Ambasciatori, Sorrento

Perched high on a clifftop, this luxurious offering boasts a sweeping view, over the Gulf of Naples and onto Mt. Vesuvius’s iconic cone. It’s taken in by everything from stylish rooms and a private park to a fine-dining terrace and exclusive bathing platform – one of just a few in Sorrento. And, throughout the hotel, you can expect antique carpets, inlaid furniture and grand, marble staircases.

It’s all just a short stroll away from Sorrento’s historic centre, where frescoed churches are built atop millennia-old Roman ruins. What’s more, the Ambasciatori features its very own private beach. Reached by private lift, its bathing platform comes complete with a bar and sumptuous snack menu.

Then, for more substantial offerings, head back to the hotel. Here, contemporary takes on regional favourites are dished up to yet more spectacular views. Before ending with a cocktail nightcap at the stylish bar, be sure to take your dinner al fresco, as the sun sets over the Amalfi coast. At the other end of the day, breakfast is a further highlight, with divine spreads of cold cuts, cheeses and just-baked pastries to choose from.

The facilities don’t end there, however. There’s a tennis court in front of the hotel, a superb spa, and a swimming pool that comes with a Jacuzzi, along with the hotel’s signature view, of course. Indeed, if a walk among the hotel’s curated park isn’t relaxing enough, you can choose between a range of excellent treatments at the Ambasciatori’s massage centre.

The rooms are equally soothing, resplendent in Vietri tiles painted with typical Sorrentine scenes. The pastel-coloured furnishing is beautifully picked out against whitewashed walls. Although all come with balconies, we recommend upgrading to those with a sea view, taken in from an intimate terrace. They also come with everything from marble bathrooms to suite layouts, furnished with chaise longues and even private, al-fresco Jacuzzis.