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Travel + Leisure
21-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
10 Postcard-perfect Towns to Visit on the Amalfi Coast, According to Locals
The first time I visited the Amalfi Coast, around 15 years ago, I nearly laughed out loud at the sheer improbability of it. In Positano, I gazed up at the candy-colored buildings stacked on top of each other, hewed into the mountains overlooking the sea, and the majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta gleaming in the sunlight. What kind of mad genius could have created such a landscape? It seemed too beautiful to be real. The Amalfi Coast is no stranger to myths and legends, both of the ancient variety and the more modern kind. One claims that the area's name originates from the love story between the demigod Hercules and a nymph named Amalfi. More recently, the coast had another dolce vita heyday in the 1960s, with movie stars like Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor gracing its beaches and towns with their beauty. And its popularity has never really faded. I've returned countless times since that first trip, and on every visit, I find something new to love. But to get a more local perspective, I tapped two of the coast's best-connected insiders: Francesco Sersale, who runs Positano's iconic hotel Le Sirenuse, and Mariella Avino, owner and managing director of the legendary Palazzo Avino in Ravello. Here are our picks for the 10 best Amalfi Coast towns to visit and what to do in each of them. Beach scenes in Positano. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once a humble fishing village, Positano has become one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. Built into the mountain, it's a jumble of stairs and narrow lanes lined with shops selling linen clothes, jewelry, and much more. It's also home to a spectacular Roman villa covered in ancient frescoes hidden under the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 'If you're staying at Le Sirenuse, my biggest tip is: don't rush. Take your time to enjoy the morning light on your terrace, a long breakfast, a dip in the pool,' Sersale says. 'For lunch, head to Da Adolfo, a Positano institution where bare feet and cold white wine with peaches are part of the ritual. Order the mozzarella grilled on lemon leaves. In the evening, head back to La Sponda for dinner by candlelight—and make sure to catch at least one sunset from Franco's Bar with an ice-cold paloma.' Scenes from around Amalfi. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once the seat of a powerful maritime republic, Amalfi is still a hub for ferries and other boats arriving from Naples and elsewhere. There's a lovely seafront promenade overlooking the beach, and the main street, Via Lorenzo d'Amalfi, is lined with cafes and shops selling handmade ceramics, summer clothes, and Amalfi paper. One of my favorite things to do here is stop for an espresso and perhaps a pastry at the historic Pasticceria Andrea Pansa, right in the shadow of the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea. The cathedral, its peaceful cloister, and its ornate crypt are also worth a visit. If you want to stay in Amalfi, you're spoiled for choice. My favorite hotels here are the Hotel Santa Caterina, a legendary member of the Leading Hotels of the World with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a saltwater pool at the beach club; Borgo Santandrea, which was featured on our 2022 It List; and Anantara Convento di Amalfi, featured on the 2024 It List. Scenic images of Ravello. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure High up in the mountains, affording fabulous views of the coast, this town is known for its two historic villas, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, which are both worth visiting. (The latter is a hotel, but you can buy a ticket to visit the gardens and the famed Infinity Terrace.) For a more under-the-radar gem, Avino recommends the Museo del Corallo. 'Founded by Giorgio Filocamo and now in the hands of his passionate daughter Tiffany, the Museo del Corallo is a wunderkammer of treasures. Historic coral pieces handmade and engraved by Giorgio are blended with beautiful, unique cameos and jewelry pieces,' she explains. Architecture in Praiano. The next town over from Positano, Praiano is smaller and more under-the-radar. 'Praiano is quietly beautiful. Go for an aperitivo at Bar del Sole, where locals gather at sunset, or hike down to Il Pirata for a swim and a drink by the rocks. If you're up for something more active, the Path of the Gods starts nearby,' suggests Sersale. Scenic images in Furore. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), Furore is best known for its picturesque fjord, where the sea has cleaved its way into the towering cliffs, creating a small beach. Check into the new Furore Grand Hotel and be sure to book a table at their Michelin-starred restaurant Bluh Furore for an elegant dinner. The town is also home to the renowned Cantine Marisa Cuomo winery and the family's restaurant, Bacco Furore. Apostolic Church of San Giovanni Battista in Conca dei Marini. Tiny Conca dei Marini is home to an emerald grotto and is the birthplace of the sfogliatella Santa Rosa, the shell-shaped pastry filled with orange-scented ricotta that can be found all over the coast. 'Tucked away in a pretty cove on the beach in Conca dei Marini, La Tonnarella is one of my favorite restaurants on the Amalfi Coast,' Sersale says, calling it 'A rustic, warm, and inviting atmosphere that provides a family-friendly environment and mouth-watering dining experience.' Scenes from the town of Atrani. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure The smallest town in Italy by surface area, minuscule Atrani is just a 10-minute stroll from Amalfi—and the walk there will give you fantastic views of both towns. If it looks familiar, that might be because it was the setting for the Netflix series Ripley . With its many narrow alleys and stairs, it also served as inspiration for Dutch artist M.C. Escher. A tribute to him can be seen in a covered passageway in town. Cityscape of Vietri Sul Mare. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure 'This is where the coast's ceramic tradition lives on,' Sersale explains. 'Our Emporio Sirenuse 'By the Pool' plate collection was created in collaboration with Scotto, a wonderful artisanal ceramicist based here. 'It's worth visiting for the studios alone—many of which have been run by the same families for generations.' A walking trail in Scala. Cheryl Ramalho/Adobe Stock 'In Scala, I love going to Da Lorenzo, my favorite restaurant outside of the ones at Palazzo Avino! Luca and Gerardo treasure their parents' heritage with joy and dedication. Luca takes care of the service and makes you feel at home from the first step; Gerardo is the soul of the kitchen,' Avino says. 'My favorite dish there (not always available since it depends on the catch of the day) is the tubetti ai totani (squid pasa).' Landscape view of Nerano. Located within the Punta Campanella Natural Marine Reserve, Nerano has hiking trails that will lead you to the pristine Ieranto Bay, which is protected by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (Italy's National Trust). Sersale calls this town 'A quieter gem, tucked around the corner from the Amalfi Coast,' adding, 'Lo Scoglio is the spot for lunch—simple, exceptional, right on the water. The spaghetti with zucchini is legendary.'
Elle
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Don't Worry Bar at Le Sirenuse Is What Summer Dreams Are Made Of—See Inside
The summer is off to a fabulous start at Le Sirenuse. With 20 custom paintings by artist Caroline Bachmann and a Japanese-inspired listening bar, the iconic Positano hotel is a must-stay if you are going to be in Italy this season. Antonio Sersale, co-owner of the property, and his son Aldo Sersale, the general manager, have transformed the Don't Worry Bar space, the always chic lounge, into an exclusive enclave within the Sersale family's legendary hotel. Both father and son are obsessed with executing the finest details, and none were spared here. They each found inspiration in their personal travels over the past few years. While Antonio tapped Bachmann for the 12th installment of his Artists at Le Sirenuse Program, Aldo worked with Stefano Menicagli, the famed audio consultant, to recreate an authentic Japanese listening bar experience. Antonio initially discovered Bachmann's work at a Zurich exhibition in 2023, and Aldo was by the listening bars he stumbled upon while on vacation in Tokyo. Upon entering the space, you are enveloped in the lush sounds of music on vinyl, thanks to a highly curated soundtrack across the decades, from the '60s to the '80s as well as some of the best Italian pop classics mixed in courtesy of iconic Italian DJ Paolo Sciabu. Complementing the experience is a menu filled with a variety of specialty cocktails, handcrafted by in-house Director of Mixology, Alessio Lupo. Bachmann's series of paintings, titled Le Sirenuse I–XX, 2025, was created specifically for the room and beautifully encompass the space. They chart twenty moments in the course of one day and night and 'are to be read in a direction of an infinitely rotating clock,' according to the artist. These seascape paintings are based on an imaginary 24-hour view of the Li Galli Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, which you can spot from the gorgeous terrace of the hotel. Fret not—if you don't have the opportunity to visit Le Sirenuse this summer, you can always shop directly on the site for a curated selection of ready-to-wear and home goods.
NDTV
09-06-2025
- NDTV
7 Luxury Honeymoon Hotspots For A Ridiculously Romantic Trip This Summer
Planning your honeymoon shouldn't feel like another task on your wedding to-do list. If you're leaning towards indulgent over economical and want somewhere that screams once-in-a-lifetime, we've got you covered. Whether it's an overwater villa in the Maldives or a chic vineyard hideaway in Portugal, these luxury honeymoon destinations are designed for pure escapism. Think postcard-perfect views, five-star perks, and plenty of "pinch me" moments. All picks have been thoroughly fact-checked, so you can book with confidence — and maybe even brag a little. Because let's be honest: After the big day, you deserve a getaway that's just as unforgettable. 1. The Maldives Best for: Barefoot luxury and serious privacy. It's not a cliche if it's true — the Maldives is honeymoon heaven. With more than 160 resorts scattered across the Indian Ocean, it's easy to find your dream villa, whether you want glass floors to watch fish swim by or a private pool that looks like it melts into the sea. Top pick? Soneva Jani, where you can slide from your room into the lagoon. The service is next-level, and it's about as remote and peaceful as you'll find. Plus, the weather in June through August is warm, with occasional tropical showers that pass quickly (and make for dramatic sunsets). 2. Santorini, Greece Best for: Dramatic views and ridiculously good food. Yes, it's busy in summer, but it's also when Santorini looks its best. Those iconic blue domes and chalk-white houses against the Aegean Sea are pure Instagram bait. Base yourselves in Oia for the best sunset spots, or try Imerovigli if you want the views without the crowds. For something ultra-luxe, check into Katikies Santorini or Canaves Oia Suites — both offer private plunge pools, top-tier dining, and a front-row seat to the caldera. Oh, and don't miss a day trip to the island's wineries. Santorini's Assyrtiko whites are perfect for toasting your new chapter. 3. Amalfi Coast, Italy Best for: Laid-back luxe with an Aperol spritz in hand. There's something effortlessly sexy about Italy's Amalfi Coast. Between Positano's pastel cliffside houses and Ravello's elegant hilltop vibes, this is honeymoon gold. It's also super accessible, with Naples airport a short drive away. Stay at Le Sirenuse if you want to be in the heart of Positano, or Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello for sweeping sea views and infinity pool goals. Expect lots of pasta, lemon everything, and winding coastal roads that make you feel like you're in a Bond film. 4. Kyoto, Japan Best for: Foodies and couples who want something different. While most tourists rush to Tokyo, honeymooners in the know head to Kyoto. Summer brings lush greenery and fewer crowds than spring's cherry blossom season, and you'll find some of Japan's most beautiful temples, gardens, and ryokans here. For a true splurge, Aman Kyoto sits tucked into a forest with minimal design and onsen -style baths. Spend your days wandering through bamboo groves, sipping matcha, and slipping into traditional kaiseki dinners that feel more like theatre than meals. 5. Bali, Indonesia Best for: Spa days, private villas, and a mix of culture and chill. Bali ticks all the honeymoon boxes: It's lush, luxurious, and surprisingly good value for what you get. Summer is actually the dry season here (May to September), so you'll get plenty of sunshine and warm weather without the crowds you'd find in Europe. Head to Ubud for jungle stays like Capella Ubud or Como Shambhala Estate, where wellness is taken seriously and the villas come with private plunge pools. Then wind down with a few beach days in Uluwatu or Seminyak, where infinity pools meet clifftop bars and candlelit dinners are a nightly affair. 6. Comporta, Portugal Best for: Stylish beach bums. Just over an hour from Lisbon, Comporta is the kind of place fashion editors go to not be seen. It's all wild beaches, pine forests, and low-key luxe —no big resorts, just boutique stays and eco-chic villas. Book into Sublime Comporta for rustic-modern suites and excellent farm-to-table dining. Days here are slow: cycle to the beach, hit up the local seafood shacks, then watch the sunset with a bottle of chilled vinho verde. It's honeymooning without the fuss — but all the flair. 7. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Best for: Honeymooners who want to go all out. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's far. But if you're only doing this once, Bora Bora delivers on every fantasy. Think emerald-green peaks, turquoise lagoons, and overwater bungalows that make the Maldives look busy. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is honeymoon royalty — Beyonce and Jay-Z stayed here, so you know it's top-tier. You'll spend your days snorkelling with stingrays, sipping coconut cocktails, and wondering if you really have to go back to reality.
BBC News
26-03-2025
- BBC News
Unlocking the ultimate new luxury travel experiences for 2025
If a Mediterranean resort location is in your plans, Marchant's tip is to visit in the "shoulder season" – April, May, June, September or October. "There's something about experiencing Rome or the Amalfi Coast when it's quieter and slightly cooler," he says. "It's the difference between rushing through a site like the Colosseum and having time to take it in." On the Amalfi Coast, family-owned Le Sirenuse Positano distinctly anchors its offering to its Sorrento surrounds, encouraging hikes of the rugged mountains for postcard views without the crowds, boat excursions, craftsman trails and local wine masterclasses with sommeliers. The family business reimagined its resort pool into a mosaic masterpiece by artist Nicolas Party to kick off its 2024 season and has a long-held reputation for ties with community artisans, from those making sailboats to designer wares. Le Sirenuse was one of the earlier adopters of the now popular movement of hospitality collaborating with fashion houses, taking it a step further with its own resort wear label that expresses the spirit of Positano. Morocco continues to be a popular destination, with its opulent Riads offering tranquillity from the bustling markets. La Pause is a stunning desert oasis day trip for culture, tagine and vistas, or consider a retreat to the High Atlas Mountains, a location Black Tomato says speaks to the desire for quiet travel to replenish the spirit. Before you leave the airport, you can withdraw about AU$100-$150 cash equivalent of local currency for the start of your journey – international banks such as HSBC, and their Everyday Global Account, have no account-keeping fees, transaction fees and HSBC ATM fees*. While digital wallets are often available offline these days, taking a physical bank card or cash is always helpful. Often "the town next door" is where true magic is found. In Japan, for instance, Marchant says, "visit the classic hotspots in Tokyo and Kyoto but balance that with some time in lesser-known Kanagawa to experience a beautiful ryokan and private outdoor hot spring baths." Tapping into a local's take on a city is invaluable. In London, dine or take a cocktail masterclass at Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate for its 20th floor, 360-degree views that include the Shard, rather than visiting the attraction itself. Chatsworth Road Market makes a great alternative to Portobello Road or enjoy a glass of wine at Forza Wine, the National Theatre's rooftop bar, which provides an ambience of the South Bank and the Thames to rival the London Eye. If London is your platform to access Europe, an account such as the HSBC Everyday Global Account offers internationally connected banking where you can buy, hold and spend money in up to 10 currencies or spend fee free* around the world wherever Visa is accepted. The HSBC Australia Mobile Banking App provides full oversight of conversion rates to keep track of your currencies as you move between countries.
