Clinging

Clinging
to the base of the cliffs in Positano, Covo Dei
Saraceni is the
hotel you spot upon arriving in a new place and keep your fingers
crossed that it’s the one you’ve booked into. One of just three
hotels in town to have a swimming pool – an impressive rooftop
affair with a separate plunge pool – the prime beachfront location
means the warm waters of the Med are also just a stone’s throw away
if you prefer. With spacious balconies jutting out seawards and
pastel-coloured houses ascending up the rock face behind, the hotel
screams all things Amalfi both inside and out. Traditional Italian
interiors including marble floors, pretty chandeliers and antique
furniture are brightened by white walls and Tiffany-blue hues. This
is the place to live out your
Talented Mr Ripley fantasies – though hopefully with a less
gruesome end.

Rooms

Sophisticated rooms channel the Italian Riviera with tiled
flooring, mahogany chests, gilt headboards and insignia-stamped bed
linen. Bathrooms are somewhat reminiscent of your grandparents’
house thanks to matching turquoise loos and sinks – but they’re
fully equipped with the mod cons and it only adds to charm.

What’s for breakfast?

Head to the sunny conservatory for a generous buffet which
showcases local Italian produce such as mozzarella, Parma ham and
custard doughnuts, alongside your usual eggs, fruit and cereal.
Even the cooked tomatoes here are delicious – sweet, blood-red and
gloriously melty.

How about lunch and dinner?

A poolside menu offers an array of pasta, pizza and salad, while
the brasserie on the beach in front welcomes non-staying guests
with similar fare. Come dinner, admire the twinkling lights and
buzzy vibes of Positano from the rooftop over a changing menu
featuring plenty of seafood.

Is there a bar?

The spacious ground-floor bar beckons with plump, white-leather
sofas beside large windows overlooking the sea. The rooftop
offering has an extensive drinks menu and attentive staff – a beer
will set you back €7.

Amenities

Rooftop pool, two bars, a brasserie and restaurant, free wifi.
The hotel can also arrange various guided excursions including
walking, scuba diving, horse riding, boat trips and tennis.

Things I should know

It’s a bit tricky getting into Positano as the road is steep,
narrow and winding with cars only allowed up to a point. If you’re
driving, call ahead and ask the hotel for directions to the car
park further up the hill – they’ll zip up in a golf buggy to help
with bags (well worth the €10).

Within a short walk I can find…

The ferry point with boats taking you along the coast is just
outside, along with many (pretty touristy) shops and restaurants.
Head up the hill in the morning to pick up supplies from Latteria –
think octopus salad, chargrilled aubergine, creamy burrata and a
cold bottle of white – then head to the beach for a picnic.
Covo dei Saraceni is a
member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX
Collection.