Editors' Picks

Il San Pietro

Romantic, authentic, setting

Via Laurito 2, Positano I-84017

39-089-812-080

See Website

Indagare Adored

At a Glance

Some of the Amalfi Coast’s best views are found at Il San Pietro, a sprawling property perched on the edge of a cliff hundreds of feet above the sea. The expansive outdoor spaces include a large terrace lined with majolica-tile benches; a separate pool patio; beautifully planted gardens; a small lemon grove; and, down by the water, a tennis court set between towering cliffs. The manicured outdoor areas contrast with the eclectic interiors—guest rooms are decorated with a mix of antiques, making each room unique in layout and design; many also come with balconies and terra-cotta-tile floors. The property exudes romance, but the guests-only beachside restaurant on a raised candlelit deck is surely one of the dreamiest spots along the coast (those wanting to pop the question can request a private dinner).

The Standout: A secret elevator runs inside the cliff and lets out onto a private stretch of sand

Don’t Miss: The complimentary cruise offered to all guests (you can also arrange private ones along the coast through the concierge)

Indagare Loves

  • The dramatic cliffside setting with sprawling grounds and gardens along the coast
  • The two exceptional restaurants on-property—Carlino (named after the original owner) and the Michelin-starred Zass, with a terrace whose views go on forever… and ever
  • The chic beach club just steps from the Mediterranean Sea

Review

In eternal competition with Le Sirenuse for the most romantic setting, Il San Pietro is run by another formidable Amalfi Coast family: the Cinques, whose patriarch Carlino opened the hotel, formerly his private villa, in 1970. A short drive from Positano and perched on the edge of a stunning cliff 240 feet above the sea, the sprawling property has some of the best views along the coast. The fantastic outdoor spaces include a large terrace, lined with majolica-tile benches, where cocktails are served; a separate pool patio; beautifully planted gardens; and a small lemon grove.

A James Bond–like elevator runs through the cliff and lets out onto a private “beach” (in Amalfi-speak, this means a short stretch of sand and a rocky plateau lined with umbrellas and lounges). A guests-only beachside restaurant sits on a raised candlelit deck, surely one of the dreamiest spots along the coast for a special sunset meal or cocktail (those wanting to pop the question can request a private dinner).

Compared with the San Pietro’s manicured outdoor spaces, the interiors and guest rooms are decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques generating an authentic meets funky aesthetic. The lobby, houses two large Balinese doors that serve as tables, though the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows prove utterly distracting (a great touch is the bougainvillea that literally grows through openings in the walls, bringing nature inside). The sixty-two guest rooms, each unique in layout and design scheme, have balconies and terra-cotta-tile floors, and many showcase hand-painted furniture.

Like the Sirenuse, the hotel doesn’t assign rooms until guests arrive, but do request a deluxe on one of the upper floors (and if you want privacy, ask for a room that isn’t directly above the restaurant terrace). Tech-savvy types in need of all the latest gadgets may want to consider Le Sirenuse, as the San Pietro is—perhaps intentionally—an old-fashioned kind of place.

The size of the property and the setting are really the draw here; on-site activities include a spa (with La Prairie treatments) and a fitness center (housed in a separate building), as well as tennis courts. A nice touch is a complimentary cruise offered to all guests (you can also arrange private ones along the coast through the concierge). The restaurant with a view has one Michelin star.

Who Should Stay

Due to the terraced setting, the Il San Pietro is best for couples or families with older children. Book early as repeat guests fill the hotel to capacity during the summer months.

Written by Simone Girner

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