Savannah Miller visits this gorgeous corner of Italy religiously. She has your guide to the best boutiques, beaches and living la dolce vita...
Where is your favourite destination and why?
Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. We first visited there for my mother's 70th birthday and I have only happy memories of quality family time. There is something so timeless and effortlessly elegant about the Amalfi Coast. Even the windy journey along the coastal road from the airport seems romantic and transportive.
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
I was there with my mum and sister for a magical family holiday, just the three of us a few years ago. We’ve been going there for 11 years as a trio, and so it holds really magical memories.
Where do you like to stay there?
We stay at Le Sirenuse, an exquisite hotel owned by Carla and Antonio Sersale, who really understand how to make an incredible, experiential location. The pool is stunning and built in to the side of the hotel with views across the ocean. The interiors are timelessly classic Italian in style, but the Sersales love modern art, so there are little treats at every turn. You leave there feeling completely revived on every level. The food is classic Italian in style but with the freshest ingredients, and is absolutely delicious.
What has been your favourite meal there?
There have just been way too many to count! Italian food, in its simplicity, is our favourite food as a family. We like to take a boat ride down the coast to a restaurant called Lo Scoglio where we went for lunch on mum's 70th birthday and it was iconic. There is delicious fresh produce, fish straight from the sea and perfect pink wine. I loved getting settled in at a lunch table overlooking the beautiful bay with my closest family and friends, eating delicious food and then going for a swim in the crystal blue water. I ended the day with a sunny snooze on the boat ride back to Positano. It was a perfect day!
What are your top three restaurants?
Lo Scoglio, La Fontanalia and da Adolfo. All within easy reach of Le Sirenuse and with amazing Italian food.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
In the morning at Le Sirenuse I would go for an early swim before anyone was awake, and sip a perfect coffee on the terrace afterwards. The maitre d’ has the uncanny skill of being able to memorise how you like your coffee on the first day and just brings it thereafter.
I would love to visit all of my favourite restaurants, lie by the beautiful pool, do a Pilates workout to justify a second helping of the delicious tiramisu and take a boat trip to Capri for sundowners, an ice cream and a wander around, followed by cocktails at the outdoor hotel bar, Franco's at le Sirenuse, and dancing under the stars with my best friends and family.
What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
Going on the boat to Capri and swimming in the crystal blue water near the iconic Capri cave, the Blue Grotto. Not only is it stunningly beautiful but you can look at the three islands from there that ancient Greek legend says are the Sirens, hence the name, le Sirenuse.
Is there a hidden gem you are willing to share?
There is an incredible shop in the village near to the hotel where they sell pottery for a fraction of the cost of similar pieces you'd find in London if shopping at somewhere such as Divertimenti in SW3. They will ship it to you at home so it can be a little lethal because you can very easily get carried away and buy the whole store!
Where do you like to let your hair loose?
Franco's bar at Le Sirenuse is classy, sexy and fun. It’s so special there and the cocktails are delicious. I love a French 75 with my mama.
Who do you call to have a good time there?
The owners, Antonio and Carla and their gorgeous sons! They really know how to have a good time.
Favourite shops?
Carla's boutique, Emporio Sirenuse is divine. She designs and manufacturers all of her collections in Italy and is inspired by the energy of the Amalfi Coast, which you can really feel in the clothes. They are elegant and classy, but super unique and fun in their print and design. It's seriously feel-good fashion in every way.
I also love all of the little local shops within walking distance for special things that you will only find locally in Positano. Everything seems to taste better, to smell better, to look better in Italy — as cliched as it may sound.
The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
I’m slightly obsessed with the hotel fragrance Eau de Italy, and always bring one home because they instantly transport you to stunning Positano when you are in rainy, cold England! When you spray it on your skin you are instantly taken back to that glorious feeling of being slightly sun-kissed, cheeks aching from so much laughter and a heart full from such a love filled and fun place. It makes the magic of the holiday live on.
Your favourite beauty spot?
Sitting on the terrace having breakfast at the hotel, perfect coffee in hand, looking out across the twinkling Amalfi Coast and the sea framed in perfect pink bougainvillea. It is like a postcard — you have to pinch yourself because those views are so iconic.
Your packing essential?
A great bikini and lots of elegant poolside dresses and a little kitten heel sling back. You don’t need much more than that.
A song that reminds you of the place?
Girl from Ipanema by Antônio Carlos Jobim.
Your dress code for the destination?
I don’t know what it is about le Sirenuse, but it makes you want to dress up, and I usually live in jeans and a jumper, so for me it feels really exciting to do. There’s something about the place that reminds me of the essence of youth and my spirit comes alive there. I inevitably arrive feeling drab but leave feeling vibrant inside and out.
Do you have a top wellness tip for the area?
The gym and spa at Le Sirenuse are exceptional. I had the best massage I have ever had there: The Stress Fix which is heaven, but all the treatments there are the real deal. The Pilates instructor in the gym is also great and nothing makes the tiramisu sweeter than working for it!
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