Esencia

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is the very definition of Italian coastal glamour—where dramatic cliffs plunge into sapphire waters and sun-drenched villages spill down toward the sea. We’ve returned time and again for the incredible food, postcard-perfect views, and that indescribable feeling of slowing down in a place that feels like a dream. Whether sipping espresso in a tiny piazza, wandering Ravello’s gardens, or watching the sunset from a Gozzo boat, the coast reveals itself in small, unforgettable moments.

It’s also a great launch point to explore more of Italy—Capri, Naples, and even Rome are within reach.

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Dream

  • Le Sirenuse (Positano)
    Iconic red-washed hotel perched above the Positano shoreline, with postcard-perfect views of the sea and the tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta. A timeless classic, romantic and refined.

  • Borgo Sant’Andrea (Conca dei Marini)
    A cliffside retreat and one of the most stunning properties on the Amalfi Coast. Italian charm meets refined luxury. The scent of Melograno by Dr. Vranjes lingers in memory (and now in our home). Private beach access, incredible Italian design, and impeccable service.

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Dine

Positano

  • Breakfast at Le Sirenuse: A dreamlike start to the day, the breakfast at Le Sirenuse is served on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking Positano’s cascading pastel houses and the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea. The buffet is elegantly laid out with fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, cheeses, cured vegetables, homemade breads, and delicate cakes — all paired with perfect cappuccinos or fresh-pressed juices. Every detail feels curated, from the polished tableware to the lemon-scented sea breeze. It’s less a meal and more a ritual of Italian dolce vita.

  • Buca di Bacco: Beachfront trattoria perfect for pasta, wine, and people-watching with toes in the sand.

  • Il Ritrovo: Above Positano, with fantastic seafood and pastas, warm service, and views that stretch across the coast.

  • Bar Internazionale: Local institution for espresso and pastries. Classic Italian vibe and an everyday kind of charm.

  • Il San Pietro / Zass Restaurant: A fine-dining experience with one of the most dramatic dining settings along the coast.

Conca dei Marini

  • Il Plumbago (at Borgo Sant’Andrea): Elegant terrace bar with dramatic cliffside views—ideal for aperitivo or a light sunset dinner.

  • Borgo Sant’Andrea – Breakfast: One of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve had. Curated buffet experience with a breakfast ambassador guiding you through a kitchen full of local specialties and a pm outdoor dining patio with panoramic ocean views.

  • The Beach Club (Borgo): Casual but elevated dining with wood-fired pizza, Amalfi specialties, and incredible seaside atmosphere. Perfect for lunch or laid-back dinner after a swim.

  • Alici (Michelin Star, at Borgo): A multi-course tasting menu filled with seasonal creativity and beautifully plated dishes. Sophisticated, fresh, and deeply memorable.

  • Tonnarella Restaurant: Reachable by hotel boat. Made famous by Jackie Kennedy, the “Spaghetti Jacqueline” is a must. Local crowd, plastic chairs, incredible food, and lively Italian atmosphere—an unassuming, unforgettable gem.

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Do

  • Private Gozzo Boat to Capri: A highlight of the trip. Swim in secluded coves, admire Positano’s cliffside beauty from the water, and explore upscale Capri for boutique shopping, garden cafés, and scenic walks in the hills.

  • Tennis at Polisportiva Conca dei Marini: A rooftop court tucked above the sea, also serving as a local soccer field. Play tennis with sweeping sea views while locals gather for games and food.

  • Hike in the Hills: The Amalfi Coast is crisscrossed with scenic, rugged trails that wind between cliffside villages like Positano, Nocelle, and Praiano, offering panoramic views of the sea, lemon groves, and terraced vineyards. For guests staying at Le Sirenuse, the hotel offers a complimentary daily guided hike—each morning, a knowledgeable local guide leads guests along a different trail, from the famed Path of the Gods to lesser-known routes carved through ancient mule paths and olive orchards. These early starts are richly rewarded with peaceful paths, invigorating climbs, and the kind of quiet beauty you can only reach on foot.

  • Visit to Ravello:

    • Villa Cimbrone Gardens & Infinity Terrace: Lush gardens leading to a dramatic terrace suspended above the sea.

    • Explore charming streets, elegant boutiques, and upscale hotels like Belmond Caruso (note: most restaurants exclusive to hotel guests).

  • Amalfi Town: Half-day stroll through bustling, shop-lined streets.

    • Visit Duomo di Amalfi, a striking cathedral with beautiful mosaics and peaceful crypt.

    • Grab gelato and wander side alleys away from the crowds.

  • Beach Day at Borgo’s Private Cove: Ride a private elevator down to the hotel’s secluded beach club for sun, swims, and total relaxation on plush loungers.

  • Green Grotto Tour: A quick pass-by is more than enough. While the emerald reflections inside the sea cave are pretty, the experience is often crowded and short. If time is limited, skip the detour and spend more of your day boating, swimming, or enjoying the villages along the coast instead.

Your next vacation awaits.