Hey Guys! We just returned from the most fabulous European vacation where we lived La Dolce Vita! Each year we choose somewhere different in Europe since it’s our favorite place to visit in the Summer. The beaches are to die for which is our appeal and why we constantly visit. This year we decided to head back to Italy. We visited Italy 5 years ago and went to Rome, Capri and Ravello. We only passed through Positano and went to dinner one night in Amalfi but always knew we would return to stay there. The Il San Pietro has been a hotel on my bucket list for years but was always booked. When 4 nights became available we jumped on the opportunity and it was everything and more. The hotel lives up to it’s 5 Star status and is worth every penny of it’s hefty nightly rate. It’s really hard to put into words when you arrive and look out at the most picturesque view of the town of Positano. You immediately feel you are living in a postcard. It didn’t feel real! I had pinch me moments every day. The reason I always wanted to visit the Il San Pietro and what we loved most about it was the private beach club. It’s situated on a rock with panoramic views of Positano and Amalfi. I felt like I died and went to heaven. Since we are such beach people this was our absolute favorite part. The hotel also provides complimentary boat trips both in the morning and in the afternoon, which honestly was one of the highlights of the trip. A boat is the way to see the Amalfi coast. I thought it was so cool that they chose different locations to take you to each day for a swim. I highly recommend this if you are staying at the hotel. Even if you are not staying at the Il San Pietro I would suggest renting a boat for a few hours. It’s a MUST do in Positano!!

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Positano is so picturesque so it’s hard to take bad photos here. The gorgeous bougainvilleas lined the hotel beautifully. These are one of my favorite flowers so it made me extremely happy seeing them every day.

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SHOP THE LOOK:

We rented a car to drive from Naples to Positano, which is only about an hour and a half. I recommend this if you are not afraid to drive on the windy road of Amalfi drive. It’s also way cheaper than a cab to and from the airport. Since our hotel provided a free shuttle to and from the town of Positano, we rarely used the car other than a day trip to Amalfi and Ravello. There is also a water taxi, which we did one night back to our hotel and loved it. They are located right in town.

WHERE TO EAT:

1.Breakfast – Our hotel’s breakfast was included so we never left the hotel. If you decide to venture out I suggest living like an Italian and eating like one by eating a Cornetto ( I loved the cornetto semplice) with espresso. We ate one the second we got off the plane in Naples. It’s a very European thing to enjoy.

2. Lunch or dinner at Le Sirenuse: this was another hotel on my list but unfortunately was sold out. The location and views at Le Sirenuse are the allure of this hotel. We went there for lunch and it was honestly the best meal. We also got some of the best photos so definitely put this on your to do list.

3. La Taverna del Leone: this was my favorite dinner of the trip. We ate pizza, salad and sautéed vegetables. It was honestly the BEST pizza I’ve had.

4. Ristorante Eolo: this is located in Amalfi. Great food and even better views. Ask for a table near the window overlooking the town.

5. Max: this is located in town. It was good food but the service wasn’t great. Order the pasta here. It’s fresh and they will make it however you like.

6. Buco di Bacco: this is located in town. It’s casual, unpretentious and you will see locals eating there, which I loved.

7. Ristorante Da Adolfo Di Bella Sergio: We couldn’t get a reservation here because it was fully booked but it came highly recommended.

8. Il San Pietro for lunch at Carlino or dinner at Zass – the food at our hotel was excellent and fresh because they grow a lot of their own fruits and vegetables.  We tried both places and highly recommend them.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN POSITANO:

1.Rent a boat for the day or for a few hours. It is seriously the must thing to do in Positano. We loved the boat ride!

2. Go to the Il San Pietro for the best views and a drink on their terrace.

3. Go to Le Sirenuse for views and food.

3. Head to the famous beach in Positano where all the colorful umbrellas are perfectly aligned. I suggest arriving super early to beat the heat & the crowds.

4. Drive down the Amalfi coast on the famous Amalfi Drive and head to Ravello – known for it’s limoncello and situated about 1200 feet above the Tyrrhenian Sea with the prettiest views. We stayed there 5 years ago at the Palazzo Avino and absolutely loved it. It’s very quiet, romantic and quaint with some of the best views ever. The pool at the Hotel Curoso is also epic and the appeal of that hotel, along with its restaurant. You can’t go wrong choosing either. While we were there we of course went to get espresso and lunch. Instead of doing a long lunch we were craving paninis. I found this really small place with an old woman cooking, who reminded me of my nonna so I knew the food was going to be amazing. I had a veggie and tomato pesto panini that was to die for. Adrian had a tomato and mozzarella panini, which was equally as delicious.

5. Go shopping- The store I recommend visiting is Temptation Positano. I know the brand from Shopbop and Barneys so I was excited to shop there. In addition, since I speak Italian the woman showed me their factory. As a fit model I always love seeing how other brands produce their clothing. I bought the cutest white dress. In the town you will also find cute stores for souvenirs, artwork, limoncello, etc. It was really hot the day we went so I was finished after I bought my dress..LOL!

6. Go to a beach club for the day: thankfully the Il San Pietro has it’s own private beach club but if your hotel does not have a beach club I recommend going to one.

7. Head to Fiordo Di Furore, which is only accessible via a 30 minute walk down. It’s such a beautiful beach. We were fortunate to see it by boat so I didn’t feel the need to spend the day there especially since it gets very crowded.

8. There is a green grotto called Grotta dello Smeraldo that is located just outside of Amalfi in Conca dei Marini.

9. Eat gelato anywhere…it’s Italy! Lol

10. Day trip to Capri if time allows. I absolutely love Capri. It’s a small chic island only accessible by boat. The ferry in the town of Positano takes you to and from Capri. The island has some of the best beaches and amazing shopping. I would suggest seeing the Faraglioni di Capri and taking the chair lift to Anacapri for magnificent views. When we stayed in Capri we had a private boat take us around the island where we got to see the blue grotto, which is also a must.

At night we headed to dinner and walked around Positano. If you are interested, there is a nightclub called Music on the Rocks that I heard was great. If you are planning your trip to Positano don’t hesitate to ask me for any other recommendations.

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Stay tuned for our trip to Ibiza, Spain or follow along on Instagram @lisadnyc. Shop my vacation Edit HERE.

Xoxo,
Lisa D.