A year ago when planning my trip I knew Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, would be special – but there is no telling what Positano is like – it can only be “experienced”.  I will try to share some of the magic here.

After researching extensively I decided to take the four hour train from Florence to Salerno and then the Travelmar Ferry from Salerno into Positano.  The train ride is nothing special but the hour and a half ferry ride up the coast to Positano is positively stunning with breath-taking vistas round every bend. And after listening to a dinner guest retell the agony of driving down the Amalfi coast with its appalling traffic I knew I had made the right choice.

As my daughter Laurel said, it felt like we were in a movie set!  The distinct advantage of being on the water hugging the coast the whole way is that the perspective is perfect. The mountains soar straight up from the azure blue Mediterranean speckled with old fortresses, caves, deep crevasses and occasionally a beautiful melon coloured village with its cupola signalling the centre would pop up nestled at the base.  Positano was one such village.

Hotel Palazzo Murat was a short walk up a few steep steps from the Positano harbour and our two day stay was absolutely pure bliss!  Everything about this old hotel exudes classical perfection.  A place you never want to leave.

At check in you are greeted with fresh squeezed ice cold lemonade made from property plucked lemons. This greeting sets the tone for the whole hotel.  Gracious and welcoming!

An aperitif in the lounge surrounded by Bougainville vines, soft white patio umbrellas, lush vegetation and the village of Positano smack in front of you reaching skyward with buildings perched at impossible angles makes it one of those settings that will remain permanently stamped in your brain.

The room was as lovely as I could have wished for.  This is not a modern hotel with all the bells and whistles but rather a classic Italian gem with crisp white walls, beautiful tiles, luxurious linens and a bed that makes it difficult to get up for breakfast.

And then there is the balcony with a view to die for regardless of the direction you choose to look.

Breakfast in the morning under the lemon trees with the scent of jasmine lingering in the air makes it feel decadent.  The included breakfast was very good – not excellent – but the ambiance made up for any deficits!  Such a civilized way to start the day.

You also just want to stay and languish by the pool with its stellar view of the cupola and ocean.  Book in hand you can wile away the hours on one of the loungers listening to the songbirds serenading you from the lush green landscape.

 

For dinner the hotel boasts a Michelin star restaurant with soft lighting, expansive white umbrellas, linen tablecloths, sterling silverware and excellent service.  We chose the five course tasting menu but found the portions very large which slightly detracted from the experience.

I feel very grateful to have been able to experience Positano with my daughter.  Shared memories are the best kind!

If ever you are presented with the opportunity to visit Positano jump at the chance – only then will you truly understand what I am trying to share here.