The Positano Hideaways, Positano, Amalfi Coast - Explore & Book

"The entranceway to Positano Hideaways is hiding in plain sight. Look for the picture-snapping tourists (it’s here you get that iconic shot of Positano from above), before a discreet staircase takes you down to a secret door. Through it, you’ll find yourself in four acres of peaceful terraced gardens encased by hot pink bougainvillea and clematis, surrounded by the scent of orange trees. A sliver of turquoise blue pool hangs unfeasibly over the sparkling sea. It's chlorine-free, unheated and deliciously refreshing, and has two padded loungers at either end. Above are five spacious and stylishly furnished apartments (owned and decorated by the chic Gaetani sisters) that offer stop-you-in-your-tracks views from enormous private terraces, watchtower rooftops and window seats, all arranged to facilitate gazing. Because gaze you will. The panorama is intoxicating, whether it's looking at boats pootling from mega-yachts to the Spiaggia Grande, the morning light moving over forested hills, or the view onto pinky Positano. And when you want to get closer to the action, a 10-minute walk leads you to classy restaurants, boutiques and gelaterias. Once a sleepy fishing village, Positano is now a magnet for style-seeking tourists, but you can pop in and experience its pleasures at leisure, before disappearing to your enclave of calm – and the best views on the Amalfi Coast. Highs The property clings to the cliff edge, with a breathtaking panorama of the cobalt-blue Med and fabulous Positano Various sizes of apartment to choose from, including the atmospheric Torre, an authentic 13th-century watchtower So peaceful, yet Positano is just a 10-minute stroll, an enchanting maze of family restaurants and artisan shops The apartments share a pool, and have access to a beach – havens in busier months Easy day trips to Capri, Amalfi and Sorrento; boats leave from the town beach Lows A 7-night minimum stay, Saturday-Saturday only Pricey, but the hidden location on this exclusive stretch is arguably priceless Boat traffic on the Tyrrhenian Sea causes a low, rumbling noise for some of the day, but it’s great for yacht-spotting You'll need to pay a security deposit in cash on arrival There are no facilities on the little beach, and it's a steep 200 steps back up to the complex. Don't forget anything!" - Harriet Whiting