Il San Pietro Positano

A tiny 17th-century chapel dedicated to San Pietro marks the entrance, and from there, the hotel cascades a dozen levels down the cliff, along a beautiful, Bougainvillea-lined staircase. The enormous stone terrace is the social heart, its painted benches and citrus trees framing postcard-perfect views of Positano. At the top, Michelin-starred Zass serves refined coastal cuisine, while at sea level, Carlino restaurant dishes up grilled catch-of-the-day steps from the water. There's a spa, a semicircular infinity pool overlooking Praiano, and a gym tucked beneath the lemon groves.

Rooms are full of hand-painted Vietri ceramic tiles, whitewashed walls and pops of coastal blue and yellow that echo the sea and sky. Every room comes with a private terrace complete with sunbeds and those dazzling views, and marble bathrooms. Some of the 'special' category rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass-walled bathrooms for bathing with a panorama. Antique pieces from the Cinque family collection add character throughout, and thoughtful touches like complimentary minibars and La Prairie toiletries round things off nicely.

Take the cliff-carved elevator down to the private beach club for kayaking, paddleboarding or simply stretching out on a sun lounger with a cocktail. A game of tennis on the seaside court — surely one of the most scenic in Italy — is worth it for the backdrop alone. Otherwise, charter the hotel's yacht to explore the hidden coves and nearby Capri, or join a cooking class in the open kitchen. Back on dry land, the legendary Path of the Gods hiking trail is on your doorstep, and the 24-hour complimentary shuttle makes popping into Positano a breeze.