Netflix’s eight-part mini series, Ripley, starring Andrew Scott, offers a peek into Italy’s iconic coastline. Here’s where to stay for some dolce vita without the drama …
Casa Mosà, Praiano
The Vibe: Amazing Airbnb
Since Ripley aired, Airbnb has noted an increase in bookings along the Amalfi coast, especially lesser known spots such as Atrani, where Ripley was filmed as well as Minori and Praiano. There is plenty of inspiration – in fact Airbnb has compiled a selection of Guest Favourite stays – and this one particularly took my fancy. It’s a recently renovated two-storey home comprising two large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. It’s light and airy with picture postcard sea views. There are two terraces, and a huge garden where a majestic olive tree ensures there’s some shade for afternoon siestas or some reading. I recommend packing a copy of Diva by Daisy Goodwin. www.airbnb.ie
Villa Maria, Ravello
The Vibe: Discreet and authentic
The hotel was first opened in 1934 by the grandparents of current owner Vincenzo Palumbo. The old villa is the setting for a charming collection of family antiques and heirlooms including busts, inlaid furniture, a piano, a collection of silver and potted palms. Ripley star, Matt Dillon has been a guest as have Susan Sarandon, Gore Vidal and Hugh Grant. The antithesis of newer, flashier hotels, no doubt they loved the lowkey vibe and gorgeous terrace for supper – apparently a popular place for proposals. www.villamaria.it
Palazzo Avino, Ravello
The Vibe: Pink perfection
Palazzo Avino is renowned for its stunning interiors, and pink flower-filled terraces overseen by its second-generation family owners and sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, known for their impeccable taste. Last year, the duo launched their own white wine, Mar-a-Vi-glia – best sipped at the hotel’s iconic beach club or in the Michelin-starred restaurant, Rossellinis. The hotel also features a “Pink Closet” where guests can buy capsule collections from some of Italy’s most stylish independent artisans. www.palazzoavino.com
Ara Maris, Sorrento
The Vibe: Boutique beauty
Having just opened last month, this adults-only boutique hotel is in prime position in Sorrento. It’s just steps away from Piazza Tasso, a sunlit square dotted with palm trees. There are just 49 guests rooms, each with a private balcony and many with sea views. The Meraviglia Suite, on the rooftop of the hotel, has its own private terrace complete with a jacuzzi. As for dining, guests have a poolside bistro and a rooftop bar for aperitivos while breakfast is served in the quiet lemon garden. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, and spa for guests to relax and unwind further. During peak holiday periods, there is a three-night minimum stay. www.aramarishotel.com
Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi
The Vibe: Hollywood glamour
The guest book of this grande dame hotel includes Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (who sought respite from the limelight in the early days of their romance), Hilary Clinton and daughter Chelsea, and icons of Hollywood’s golden era, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. No doubt they were enchanted by the hotel’s panoramic terraces and restaurants – Michelin-starred Glicine and oceanfront Al Mare. Lemons play an integral part in several of the dishes served in the restaurants, as well as in hotel’s spa. Try the “Oro di Amalfi” treatment to relax and stimulate the chakras. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to and from nearby Amalfi, where the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea and the Cloister of Paradise, the Paper Museum situated in the Valle dei Mullini in an old 13th-century paper mill are the most noteworthy sites. I’d definitely recommend a trip to Vietri Sul Mare, famous for its majolica tiles and ceramics, many of which have been used to decorated the hotel rooms. www.hotelsantacaterina.com
Hotel San Pietro, Positano
The Vibe: Ultra luxurious
Positano served as a backdrop for the original 1999 The Talented Mr. Ripley film. Historically a retreat of the ancient Greeks and the Roman nobility, Positano boasts both the serene beach of Fornillo and the bustling Spiaggia Grande. Opposite the town and rising out of the waters is the legendary archipelago of Li Galli, reputedly the home of the Sirens from Homer’s epic tales. Given such an impressive backstory, style is a byword at Il San Pietro. Drop dead gorgeous views, five-star service, Michelin dining (at Zass), boat transfers and a private beach mean it has been a favourite with film stars such as George Clooney, who come here for pampering and privacy from the paparazzi. Its retro glamour, by interior designer Fausta Gaetini, isn’t imposing. Tick Tick. www.ilsanpietro.it
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento
Vibe: Sorrento jewel
Founded in Sorrento by the Fiorentino family in 1834, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year, with the family’s sixth generation running the hotel today, and keeping alive a long tradition of impeccable Italian hospitality. The hotel is set in five acres of olive, lemon and orange groves and was built on the ancient foundations of a villa designed for Emperor Augustus. Its perch high above the Mediterranean offers views from the island of Procida across the Gulf to Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Given the location, it’s perfectly poised to explore the ruins at Pompeii or Naples. I loved its wisteria terraces and nifty La Serra spa, where Valmont treatments are a luxurious bonus to any stay. This is the place to book for a milestone celebration – do pack some vintage Pucci! www.excelsiorvittoria.com
Borgo Sandandrea
The Vibe: Dolce vita dream
This is impressively built on a cliffside 90 metres above sea level, spanning multiple terraces, overlooking the fisherman’s hamlet of Conca dei Marini – apparently Jackie O’s favourite swimming spot in the 1960s. Co-owned and run by the Orlacchio and De Siano families, the property is known for its classic Mediterranean style and culinary offerings. These include three restaurants – Michelin-started Alici restaurant, Marinella Beach Club and Marinella Restaurant, and private dining space, La Libreria – and two bars. The property opens for the season on April 18 when it debuts three new suites, one with a sea view and pool. Also new for the season are two new boats, which augment the Borgo fleet. That means that guests can be transported straight from Naples airport to Borgo Santandrea’s private jetty and also have private boat tours of hotspots Amalfi, Capri and Positano. www.borgosantadrea.it