The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations, but for the discerning traveler, it offers far more than its famous cliffside towns and sun-drenched beaches. To truly experience Amalfi’s spirit, you need to go beyond the typical tourist path. When we talk about experiencing Amalfi like a local, we think of staying at private villas nestled in lemon groves, having intimate dinners prepared by local chefs, wandering through hidden villages, and embracing the feeling of being both utterly pampered and perfectly at home. This is la dolce vita, lived quietly and luxuriously, just like the locals do.
Living like a local at Amalfi doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or luxury. On the contrary, it means seeking out authentic experiences in secluded, refined ways. Start your days with a quiet cappuccino overlooking the sea before joining a private cooking workshop with a local Italian nonna, where you’ll learn to make regional dishes using fresh produce you picked up that morning at the village market. Then hop on a Vespa and cruise through quiet seaside villages and hillside roads, stopping to browse through carefully curated local boutiques known only to those who live here. Evenings might include a candlelit dinner under the stars, prepared by an accomplished chef using seasonal, local ingredients. These aren’t just activities, they’re glimpses into the genuine rhythm of coastal Italian life, all delivered with an unspoken touch of elegance and luxury.
POSITANO
Positano is the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic village, a place where pastel-colored houses cascade down steep cliffs to meet the turquoise sea. With its dramatic scenery, winding staircases, and bougainvillea-covered balconies, the town feels like a dream brought to life. But beyond its postcard beauty, Positano has a rhythm all its own: slow, stylish, and unmistakably Italian.
Where to stay in Positano?
When it comes to choosing where to stay, the Positano offers a variety of exclusive options that balance luxurious service with the intimacy of private living.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse in Positano stands as a quintessential representation of Italian coastal luxury. Originally the 18th-century palazzo of the Sersale family, it has been transformed into a boutique hotel that harmoniously blends history, art, and refined hospitality. The hotel offers 58 rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings, and antique furnishings, reflecting the Mediterranean light and charm. Many rooms feature private balconies or terraces with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque village of Positano.
Dining at Le Sirenuse is an experience in itself. The Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant offers a romantic setting with views over the village and serves light Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by local traditions and fresh ingredients. For a more casual atmosphere, guests can enjoy the Champagne & Oyster Bar, offering seafood delicacies.
For relaxation and wellness, the spa at Le Sirenuse, designed by renowned architect Gae Aulenti, offers a tranquil environment with treatments using luxurious skincare products developed by Professor Dr. Augustinus Bader. The spa features a sauna, granite steam bath, ice room, and a Spa Suite for couples, providing a comprehensive wellness experience. Le Sirenuse also offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance guests' stays, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and daily breakfast.
Villa Treville
For an even more private experience in Positano,Villa Treville offers a collection of secluded suites and lush gardens that create the ambiance of staying in a private villa like a local, with all the high-end comforts of a luxury hotel. It’s an oasis that feels completely detached from the outside world, yet still within reach of the town’s vibrant pulse.
Originally the residence of renowned Italian opera and film director Franco Zeffirelli, the estate has been transformed into an exclusive boutique hotel comprising just 16 suites spread across four villas. Each suite at Villa Treville is uniquely decorated, reflecting the artistic legacy of its former owner and illustrious guests. For instance, the Bernstein Suite features Mediterranean and oriental influences, complete with a tropical garden and outdoor bathtub. Many suites offer private terraces or balconies with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, providing a serene retreat.
While feeling at home, guests can enjoy amenities such as a heated plunge pool, spa services, a fitness center, and direct access to a private beach via an elevator carved into the cliffside. The hotel's restaurant, Maestro's, offers Mediterranean cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, served on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Belmond Hotel Caruso
Perched 1,000 feet above sea level in Ravello, Belmond Hotel Caruso offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Originally opened as a small pensione in 1893, the hotel has since welcomed notable guests such as Jackie Kennedy and Greta Garbo, and continues to captivate visitors with its breathtaking views and exceptional service. The hotel features 50 individually styled rooms and suites, many with private terraces, gardens, or panoramic sea views. Each accommodation is adorned with traditional Neapolitan furnishings and antiques, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance.
Dining at Belmond Hotel Caruso is a way to embrace the region’s flavors. The signature restaurant, Ristorante Caruso, offers a fine dining experience that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients including handmade pastas, seafood caught the same day, and fragrant Amalfi lemons used in both savory dishes and desserts. For more relaxed meals, the Pool Grill serves Neapolitan pizza and light Mediterranean fare beside the hotel’s iconic infinity pool.
The hotel’s cliffside infinity pool is one of the most photographed on the coast, and for good reason. It appears to float above the sea, with views that stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Surrounding the pool are beautifully landscaped gardens filled with citrus trees, jasmine, and roses, offering peaceful corners to read, meditate, or simply take in the view. The wellness center adds another layer of indulgence, with a range of treatments available, as well as a steam room, fitness area, and outdoor massage pavilions.
CAPRI
In Capri, one of the most exclusive ways to experience the island like a local is by staying aboard a private yacht. Anchored just offshore, your yacht becomes a personal sanctuary: quiet, luxurious, and completely secluded. Each morning, a small tender boat can take you into the heart of Capri, where you can explore the island’s elegant piazzas, sip espresso in sunlit cafés, or browse through high-end boutiques and artisan shops. After soaking in the local culture, you return to your yacht, far from the crowds, where the only sounds are the waves and the breeze. It’s the ultimate balance of cultural immersion and absolute privacy.Beyond Capri, the true magic of the Amalfi Coast reveals itself in the smaller, lesser-known villages along the coastline. Exploring these hidden coves and hilltop hamlets by boat or Vespa offers an entirely different pace, one that invites you to slow down and live as the locals do. One of the most meaningful ways to connect with the region is through food. Imagine joining a local family or chef for a private cooking workshop held in a countryside kitchen or a lemon grove. You’ll cook traditional dishes using regional ingredients, learning time-honored techniques that are passed down through generations.
These experiences go far beyond sightseeing. They offer a deeper kind of travel, one where you might find yourself picking out handmade ceramics in a family-run shop, or riding a Vespa along coastal roads that wind through olive groves and vineyards. Every moment is tailored to reflect the true rhythm of Italian life, simple, elegant, and entirely your own.
J.K. Place Capri
If you’d rather stay on land, J.K. Place Capri is the island’s most refined address. Set on a cliffside with sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples, the hotel offers understated glamour, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that feels more like a private villa than a resort. Think: breakfasts on the terrace overlooking the sea, a pool surrounded by lemon trees, and rooms styled with Italian elegance and light coastal charm. It’s ideal for those who want to be close to the island’s heartbeat—without ever sacrificing serenity.
Dining at Belmond Hotel Caruso is a way to embrace the region’s flavors. The signature restaurant, Ristorante Caruso, offers a fine dining experience that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients including handmade pastas, seafood caught the same day, and fragrant Amalfi lemons used in both savory dishes and desserts. For more relaxed meals, the Pool Grill serves Neapolitan pizza and light Mediterranean fare beside the hotel’s iconic infinity pool.
The hotel’s cliffside infinity pool is one of the most photographed on the coast, and for good reason. It appears to float above the sea, with views that stretch endlessly toward the horizon. Surrounding the pool are beautifully landscaped gardens filled with citrus trees, jasmine, and roses, offering peaceful corners to read, meditate, or simply take in the view. The wellness center adds another layer of indulgence, with a range of treatments available, as well as a steam room, fitness area, and outdoor massage pavilions.
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At the heart of every unforgettable journey is a sense of connection: to place, to culture, and to the quiet moments that feel entirely your own. Whether it’s waking up to the sound of waves on a private yacht in Capri, learning to cook like a local in a family kitchen, or watching the sun set from a secluded terrace in Ravello, we believe that the most meaningful travel is personal, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in authenticity.
At the 79, we are delighted to create a tailor-made Amalfi Coast itinerary just for you, one that goes beyond the expected and brings you closer to the true spirit of this extraordinary region. From private villas and hand-picked hotels to curated local experiences and seamless planning from start to finish, we’ll ensure your time here feels less like a vacation and more like a way of life.
