Hotel Le Sirenuse
Amalfi
OVERVIEW
The instantly-recognisable oxblood façade of Hotel Le Sirenuse stands out among the brightly-coloured jumble of steep terraces that laces the cliffs of Positano. Excellent sea views are a given thanks to its fabulous spot on the hill, but it’s just a 10-minute walk down the many steps to the resort’s dark, sandy beach and ferry port.
Owners Antonio and Carla Sersale are incredibly passionate about their hotel; for 250 years it was the summer house of the Neapolitan Sersale family, who now operate the hotel with the care and attention as if it was still their private home. Photographs taken by Antonio’s father Franco adorn the walls (the bar is also named after him) and the couple can often be found on the terrace, flute of Krug in hand, as they chat to their guests.
Visitors to this little piece of Amalfi Coast heaven are a well-heeled crowd of fine art lovers and history buffs, but if you’ve a passion for Italy, food, fashion or design, this is the place for you too. Despite its long and luminary lineage the hotel is unpretentious and unfussy, while remaining chic and immaculately presented in all ways. For honeymooners the romantic La Sponda restaurant is a huge draw; lit entirely by the light of 400 candles (the waiters carry torches so you can read the menu), the creeper-clad walls and show-stopping views are the stuff of newly-betrothed gold. Book for yourself and see.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 58
Location: Positano, Italy
Nearest Airport: Naples Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
6 Reasons to visit Hotel Le Sirenuse, Positano
- Owned and operated by the Sersale family who have a great passion for their hotel home
- Prime location in the centre of Positano with spectacular coastal views
- Rooms are scented with the hotel’s own bespoke perfume, Eau d’Italie
- The memorable food includes sumptuous breakfasts (burrata, anyone?) and stunning restaurants
- There’s a private beach and ferry port accessed by steps down the hill
- Despite its prime spot, the hotel is isolated from the traffic and away from tourist haunts
The hotel also has its own lifestyle brand, Emporio Sirenuse, inspired by the surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. Created by Carla Sersale, of the family that owns Le Sirenuse, you’ll find cotton silk and embroidered silk kaftans and beach tunics on sale at two Positano boutiques opposite the hotel.
Where to stay
All of the 58 rooms are decorated in a similar unfussy style. Though the hotel is vibrant on the outside, inside the rooms are whitewashed with tiled floors and classically Italian prints. Highly-polished antique furniture accents the rooms, which are home to large beds piled high with pillows. Bathrooms are modern by Italian standards, with white marble vanity units and gleaming tiles. The toiletries are created by the daughter of one of the owners – they like to keep business in the family. Views look out over the bright yellow and green dome of Positano’s iconic church, down through the patchwork town to the black sand beach and sea.
The hotel also has its own lifestyle brand, Emporio Sirenuse, inspired by the surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. Created by Carla Sersale, of the family that owns Le Sirenuse, you’ll find cotton silk and embroidered silk kaftans and beach tunics on sale at two Positano boutiques opposite the hotel.
What to do
The hotel prides itself on the extensive list of activities available daily. Explore Nerano Bay by boat, visit a local limoncello factory (tastings included), join the hotel’s gardeners for a flower tour of the grounds or accompany the chef to seek out the catch of the day from the local fishmonger. For those feeling energetic, climb the 1700 steps to the village of Nocelle where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast.
The hotel also has its own lifestyle brand, Emporio Sirenuse, inspired by the surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. Created by Carla Sersale, of the family that owns Le Sirenuse, you’ll find cotton silk and embroidered silk kaftans and beach tunics on sale at two Positano boutiques opposite the hotel.
What and Where to Eat
From lazy lunches poolside to Michelin-starred candlelit cuisine at La Sponda, indulge in the flavours of Le Sirenuse and the Amalfi. Be sure to try Head Barman Roberto Wimmer’s famous The Positano cocktail, with seasonal twists on a classic martini.
The hotel also has its own lifestyle brand, Emporio Sirenuse, inspired by the surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. Created by Carla Sersale, of the family that owns Le Sirenuse, you’ll find cotton silk and embroidered silk kaftans and beach tunics on sale at two Positano boutiques opposite the hotel.
When to travel
The season in Amalfi typically starts at Easter and runs until the beginning of August. During high summer, temperatures can soar and the roads and resorts become quite crowded. The ideal time to visit is in May, June and September, when you’ll find pleasant temperatures, abundant blooms and fewer tourists.
WEATHER: Coastal breezes keep Amalfi cool even in the hottest months, with sunny skies and warm temperatures from May to September.
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
12 | 4 | 47 |
Feb |
13 | 4 | 30 |
Mar |
15 | 5 | 28 |
Apr |
18 | 6 | 38 |
May |
22 | 8 | 29 |
Jun |
26 | 9 | 32 |
Jul |
29 | 10 | 24 |
Aug |
29 | 10 | 37 |
Sep |
26 | 8 | 44 |
Oct |
22 | 6 | 37 |
Nov |
17 | 4 | 49 |
Dec |
13 | 3 | 65 |