The infamous coastal town of Positano has been drawing celebrities and the likes by it’s Italian charm and beach side character. Instead of long stretches of white sand, the town is built on the towering Almafi mountains that hug the peninsular. From the sea, Positano is set in a dramatic vertical panorama of colours and from the hills above and the crystal blue water sparkles like the heart of the ocean. It’s absolutely stunning and one of the most unique places you will visit in Italy.

The accomodation options in Positano ranges from expensive backpackers right on the top of the town, to airbnb apartments to luxury beachside hotels. Your jaw will probably swing open in awe at the prices in Positano, but from my three experiences there, the trip is worth every penny.

VILLA FIORENTIO

Nested into the hillside of the town, Villa Fiorentino is one of the jewel’s of Positano. This family owned collection of luxury apartments runs like a hotel but feels like home. There are 6 suites spread out over 2 floors and they can sleep from 2 to 6 guests. It’s a favourite among honeymooners, celebrities and very well known by the locals. The Villa is about a 10 minute walk down to the beach and very close to a mini mart, restaurants and shops. 

HOW TO GET TO POSITANO

The drive from Napoli airport to Positano takes approximately 1 hour, but be prepared the Italian’s need for speed. They are drive like a formular one drivers, including the bus drivers. You can also arrive by boat or rent yourself a car if you feel like trying your luck.

THE WARM WELCOME

We climbed the first few flights of stairs to the reception level of the Villa to announce our arrival. Within seconds we had a team of strong burly Italian men greet our party at the bottom of the stairs. They swept up our 20kg+ bags onto their shoulders and sprinted like Bolt up the steep staircases. (Side note, the stairs will become your friend by the end of the trip. They are everywhere and cannot be avoided). We had arrived a few hours before check in time so our rooms were not yet ready. We were taken up more stairs and shown to the bar and served a limoncello by the infinity edge pool. Limoncello at 11am? Of course!

THE VIEW! THE VIEW!

Ok, so the view from Villa Fiorentino is bloody marvellous. The luxury villa is only 600m to the beach, however the view from the pool feels like you are closer to heaven than the beach. It’s a pretty special to say the least. The pictures don’t do it justice at all and the sheer expansiveness will take your breath away.

THE LUXURY APARTMENTS

After a small grazing lunch beside the pool, we were guided to our room. The 2 bedroom apartment is very generous in size and is bigger than our apartment in London. The layout comprised of 2 large bedrooms both with an ensuite, a dining room and separate kitchen and dinning area. Our luxury apartment was decorated with hues of blue and white with a traditional Italian flair. Both the main bedrooms open out with double doors onto a terracotta tiled private terrace. The best part of the apartment.

BREAKFAST IS SERVED

The breakfast at Villa Fiorentino was probably may favourite moment of the day, served with a side of seaview. AND, you can eat in your pyjamas. The night before, you are asked to complete your selection of breakfast and leave it outside of your door. The next morning, the team arrive at your time of choice with a spread to fit a king. My mum was always up early and let the team of elves deliver breakfast to our private terrace. We then woke up, opened our doors to the beaming sunshine, the most beautiful view, my smiling mum and our breakfast. Molto bello!

THE FRIENDLY STAFF

From arrival to departure, there was nothing but big smiles and many “no problems.” The staff at Villa Fiorentino are warm, inviting and have time for a chat. Mr Fiorentino (nickednamed Don) at 80+ years of age could be found around the hotel swimming in the pool with a big smile. He has lived in Positano most of his life and says the key to happiness and a long life is good food and family. The staff were more than happy to arrange transfers, suggest local dining treats and even helped me find some fresh fish to buy one evening. We were all given local prints as a gift and trinkets from the owners to thank us for our stay. Five stars from service from me.

THE POSITANO CHARM

I first visited Positano at the age 23, again at 28 and last year at 32 years of age. It’s a town that has stolen a little bit of my heart and I will continue to be drawn back to it’s magnetic charisma. 

Visit the Villa Fiorentino website for more information.

Have you been to Positano? Is it on your bucket list? 

x

Phoebe