Experience Unparalleled Luxury at Le Sirenuse, Positano

I can still feel the bite months later. It happened in the Fall in Positano, Italy. John Steinbeck wrote, “Positano bites deep.” But if I may amend his words, it’s “Le Sirenuse bites deep.” It’s a dreamy hotel where you’ll experience unparalleled luxury at Le Sirenuse in Positano—you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into paradise.

In the heart of Italy’s picturesque Amalfi Coast lies a place of sheer beauty and elegance: Le Sirenuse 

The iconic hotel atop Positano’s cliffs offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Le Sirenuse’s charm, luxury, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional customer service are not just seen but felt. The panoramic views of the Positano coastline are a visual feast for the eyes, and the overall experience captivates all the senses. 

So, I resonate with Steinbeck’s sentiment about Positano, “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”

Unparalleled luxury at Positano’s Le Sirenuse

We started planning our trip to Positano a year in advance. We knew hotels sold out fast, and as September grew closer, the anticipation mounted. 

The first part of our European vacation was in Rome.

So, the morning we traveled to Positano, a private driver picked us up from our hotel after breakfast at The St. Regis, Rome. Driving through tunnels and down a very winding road into Positano, we arrived at Le Sirenuse about three to four hours later. It was an easy passenger ride, but I wouldn’t recommend renting and driving a car because the traffic gets heavy, and you’ll miss the beautiful scenery if you’re the driver.

On a busy Wednesday afternoon, the Amalfi Coast town was bustling with traffic and pedestrians. We wondered if we had made a mistake coming here; It was so busy.

As we step inside Le Sirenuse in Positano, serenity washes Over us instantly

The year we visited Le Sirenuse, it was included in the list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023, and for good reason. 

As we step inside Le Sirenuse, our minds are set at ease— this place is phenomenal. The town’s outside busyness is swept out to sea as we stare into the glorious view below of ships and the beach – Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande – from our balcony. 

In 1951, four Neapolitan siblings turned their family summer house into a hotel, beginning what would become the legendary Le Sirenuse in Positano.

The hotel draws its name from Li Galli (previously known as Le Sirenuse), a cluster of small islands nestled in the waters near Positano. Named after the captivating sirens of Greek mythology, these islands were infamous for causing shipwrecks during storms. Their dangers were attributed to the irresistible allure of the mythical sirens whose enchanting songs were believed to lure sailors to their tragic fate.

Everything in this hotel is unique, from the art on the walls to its smell – a signature fragrance – Eau d’Italie derived in part from bergamot, incense, and blackcurrant buds. The Sersale family developed the distinctive fragrance for its 50th anniversary. Their hope was to capture the essence of the place – from the marina to the sea breeze to the wild herbs and lemon flowers – success! You won’t forget this lovely scent.

Now, it’s on to exploring. 

Making the most of your stay at Le Sirenuse

There are several activities that I recommend you enjoy while staying at the hotel. 

Start the day with a spectacular view of Positano and a luxurious breakfast at Le Sirenuse

I adore breakfast, but enjoying it with such a magnificent view is truly exceptional. Each morning, we cherished the opportunity to dine on the terrace at Le Sirenuse, where a lavish buffet awaited us against the backdrop of picturesque hillside vistas. We filled up on an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits, bread, eggs, cheese, granola and yogurt, pastries, refreshing juices, and delicious coffee.

Boat ride along the Amalfi Coast from Le Sirenuse. On our first night, we opted for the complimentary Le Sirenuse boat excursion at sunset, joining a small group as we glided along the Amalfi Coast. Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served just before the waves grew a bit tumultuous, causing one guest to nearly topple from his lounge chair. So wear an anti-nausea patch or take a pill if you tend to get seasick. Despite the minor turbulence, the journey was largely smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. Returning to shore with the sun dipping behind the Positano hillside provided a stunning backdrop for some truly frame-worthy photographs.

Wine tasting. While Le Sirenuse is renowned for its opulent accommodations and world-class dining, one experience that truly captivates the senses is its exquisite wine-tasting journey. We also toured their wine cellar – John was thrilled! 

Stepping into the elegant ambiance of Le Sirenuse’s wine cellar is akin to entering a sanctuary for wine lovers. The cellar’s walls, adorned with hundreds of bottles from Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, whisper tales of centuries-old winemaking traditions. Here, amid the soft glow of dim lighting, we fired away question after question, soaking in Italy’s rich viticultural landscape with each story our sommelier told us.

The wine tasting is a deliciously curated exploration of Italy’s diverse terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. In this magical setting, wine enthusiasts and novices alike enjoy savoring each sip.

The tasting showcased Italian wines from different regions, each telling a story of its origin, reflecting the land’s unique characteristics and the winemaker’s skill. To my delight, delicious cheeses were also served. Our wine tasting began with a glass of 2021 Fiano di Avellino, a DOP by the Rocca del Principe winery located in the town of Lapio in the Irpinia region. This winery is one of the best crus in all of the Irpinia region. 

Transitioning to red wine, our sommelier encourages us to explore the intricate aromas, flavors, and textures present in every sip as he pours us a glass of 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Caprili. Later in our trip to Tuscany, we visited Sassetti Livio Pertimali in Montalcino for a private wine tasting. This Sangiovese from Montalcino will drink best many years from now, but it was still enjoyable and gave us a sense of the region where it was grown.

As the tasting draws to a close, we were left with a newfound appreciation for Italian wine and a collection of memories that will linger long after the final sip.

Guided fitness walks. Unfortunately, during our visit, 

the guided tour we had hoped to go on was canceled because the hotel guide was sick during our visit. Instead, we embarked on our own adventure, setting out on foot to discover the staircase leading to Nocelle, a tranquil village perched high above Positano. This impromptu journey on our own turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay. Read about our ascent of the 1,700 steps to Nocelle and the incredible restaurant where we dined.

Cold and heat therapy and pool time! One afternoon, as much as the allure of daily sightseeing beckoned, we opted to unwind at the hotel instead. With amenities like a gym, a refreshing cold plunge, and the option of a dry sauna or steam room, we indulged in an hour of alternating between invigorating cold dips and soothing warmth, followed by a serene poolside relaxation session.

Treat yourself to a blowout or cut and color. The salon isn’t at Le Sirenuse, but it’s very nearby. I have never done this before while on vacation, but I had a hair emergency. The Le Sirenuse concierge set me up with an appointment at the appropriately named Luxury Salon Miky & Ross, which had the nicest view of any hair salon I’ve ever been in, and even though I spoke broken Italian and the hairstylist broken English, things somehow worked out beautifully. She nailed the cut and color. The salon is located down the street in the heart of Positano. 

The Delicatessen. This market is very near the hair salon and has everything from toiletries to bottled water, wine, and desserts. 

A parting gift with a lovely letter from Le Sirenuse

Although we could have lingered at Le Sirenuse for several additional days, it’s time for us to explore the rest of Italy. As we gather our belongings, we’re delighted to take with us parting gifts from the hotel: two lovely little books on Positano and a beautiful keepsake accompanied by a letter assuring us that it’s perfectly fine if this memento “finds its way into your suitcase,” as the hotel hopes it will serve as a gentle reminder urging us to return soon. 

Within the enchanting atmosphere of Le Sirenuse, where beauty envelops and luxury reigns, each moment becomes a celebration of life’s finer pleasures.

Join us on a scenic hike from Positano to Nocelle! Revel in breathtaking views and savor authentic Italian cuisine along the way.