The setting for many a movie classic, the breathtaking Amalfi Coast is found where southern Italy meets the sea. Prepare to be enchanted by its rugged cliffs, azure waters and charming coastal villages. Its namesake, Amalfi, was once a powerful maritime republic and well worth a visit. And be sure to walk the Path of the Gods to take in sublime views and to see the legendary Roman town of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly a place that lends itself to laid-back villa life.
Villa Alina
Built on the ruins of an original Roman villa, Alina enjoys far-reaching and beautiful views. It accommodates 12 guests across six bedrooms, making the property ideal for adult groups and older families (a marvellous collection of antique pieces might make this one less suitable for those with smaller children). Affording direct access to the sea, the villa also boasts its own indoor and outdoor pools, so everyone can have a dip, whatever the weather. As it’s set along the shores of the Sorrentino Peninsula, you’re close to the ferries, restaurants and shops of the old town.
Villa Bijoux
Take the road from Amalfi to Positano and you’ll drive right past this four-storey, six-bedroom abode. It’s walking distance from Santa Croce Beach, a bus stop and four restaurants (two of which are charming seaside trattorias). But with a garage for four cars, you’ll have plenty of scope to drive around the region too. The top floor is home to a large outdoor pool and showers, with sun chairs for afternoons relaxing with sea views. And there’s a further terrace with a garden gym and alfresco dining facilities on the second floor.
Positano Villa
Stay in a villa with a 200-year heritage, right in the centre of Positano. Watch the world go by and enjoy uninterrupted sea views from your wrought-iron balcony, or take a short stroll to the plaza and the beach. Refined and exquisite, the decor here features antique Majolica floor tiles, oversized carved headboards and antique accent pieces. Three modern bathrooms are the epitome of contemporary Italian style, with the entire property presenting the kind of aesthetic you’d expect to find in a glossy period interior magazine.
Villa Lauro
A sunken hot tub overlooking the sea from a hillside perch is the showstopper at this villa. And a long line of plush loungers on a lemon-tree-planted terrace provides an opportunity for all 10 guests to soak up the Amalfi sun. There’s a separate space for outdoor dining and lounging and a mini-gym, as well as four bedrooms, indoor entertaining areas and a mezzanine kitchen with a frescoed ceiling. And Lauro has a fascinating history to boot; once an 18th-century watchtower, and a chapel, the building has many a story to tell.
Romeo
Enjoying 3000 square metres of private land, yet just half a mile from a beach and 15 minutes from Sorrento, Romeo can cater for up to 14 guests. Its outdoor facilities are quite something; with a roof terrace accommodating a sea-facing pool, a hot tub and a professional alfresco kitchen with a pizza oven, plus roomy landscaped gardens and sun terraces. Inside, the architecture and decor blends classic Italian coastal finesse, with grand period features. Housekeeping, a gardener, breakfast service and pool maintenance are provided daily, as well as a shuttle service to Massa Lubrense.
Eugenia
Comprising a watchtower and four separate buildings, this unusual villa stretches from street level down to the sea, where it benefits from its own private cove. Four of the six bedrooms open directly onto terraces (two of them private to that bedroom) and there’s even your own chapel within the villa. Outside presents lots of relaxing and entertaining spaces to eat, swim and sunbathe. The landmark estate is fully staffed and comes with the use of a complimentary electrical golf cart to get around. Eugenia is perfect for those preferring a more secluded experience.
Nume
This incredible fortified construction has been standing since 1500, and retains plenty of ancient properties, such as stone walls curved ceilings and winding staircases. The four-bedroom villa has a rustic authenticity that’s balanced by the grandeur of chandeliers, heavy drapes, gilt-edged furnishings and elaborate carved mirrors. Nume’s incredible infinity pool (which can be heated on request) creates a seemingly seamless connection between pool and sea, as you gaze from one of the loungers, or take a cooling dip. And one of the bathrooms features a curtained roll top bath area with further multi-aspect ocean views.
Merope
Accessible accommodation may be hard to find on the hilly Amalfi Coast. But with direct main road access, a garage and a lift to all levels except the top floor (which houses just two of the six bedrooms), Merope is the answer. Inside you’ll find an array of local artwork, Vietri ceramic floors and heirloom antique pieces and open-plan living. While outside, there are entertaining spaces, a hot tub and a pool available from May to September. Merope also has a wellness area with a massage table and an outdoor gym. The villa is located right in Positano with views over the town.