La Sirenuse, Positano

Location

This classic hotel was converted from a much-loved summer home by Positano’s then mayor, the marquis Paolo Sarsene and his brothers and sister in 1951. Among the earliest guests was John Steinbeck, who described the place as “a first-class hotel, spotless and cool, with grape arbors over its outside dining rooms. Every room has its little balcony and looks out over the blue sea to the islands of the sirens from which those ladies sang so sweetly.” The hotel remains in the family, and its timeless elegance is abundantly distinct more than sixty years on. Overlooking the Duomo, in mature gardens with superb views across the Bay of Naples, Le Sirenuse is the very essence of high Positano living.

Accommodation

The 58 rooms and suites are opulently furnished, with antique furniture, handmade Vietri sul Mare tile floors and marble bathrooms set off by whitewashed walls. Almost all face the bay, and most have a private terrace or balcony. The Deluxe Sea View rooms have a balcony with a full view over the bay, and the Deluxe Superior rooms and suites offer the same vista with additional space. All rooms have flatscreen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi, and all but three have a whirlpool bathtub. Booking a suite for three nights or more from June to September qualifies you for a two-hour trip on the hotel’s vintage speedboat with complimentary Prosecco.

Dining

The Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant excels in fine dining based on local ingredients and culinary traditions, and the Champagne Bar & Grill offers mouthwatering shellfish, pastas and grills to wash down with the bubbles. Lunch can be taken on the pool terrace under the shade of a bamboo awning, and the latest addition to the hotel is Franco’s Bar, a panoramic terrace offering classic cocktails and nibbles.

Facilities

The peaceful pool is surrounded by lemon trees and has plenty of seating, there’s a small gym and a spa with a wide range of couples’ signature treatments. On arrival, you’re presented with a calendar of activities to choose from, including local walks and tours and twice-daily complimentary excursions on the hotel’s glorious old fishing boat from May to October. You can also book a private launch for a personalised guided tour of the coast, or take a road trip to Pompeii, Paestum, Ravello or Amalfi.