Curated Hotel: A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse Hotel in Positano
We leave the seductive, photogenic Amalfi Coast with one last peek; a chic afternoon on the terrace at the luxurious Le Sirenuse Hotel. The iconic hotel, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, has launched a thousand fantasies, mine included. Who can forget those scenes in ‘Under the Tuscan Sun‘ with Diane Lane and Raoul Bova filmed in Positano and Le Sirenuse? There are no words to describe the relaxed luxury of a world-class hotel like this. I’ll let the images tell the story.
We leave the seductive, photogenic Amalfi Coast with one last peek; a chic afternoon on the terrace at the luxurious Le Sirenuse Hotel. The iconic hotel, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, has launched a thousand fantasies, mine included. Who can forget those scenes in 'Under the Tuscan Sun' with Diane Lane and Raoul Bova filmed in Positano and Le Sirenuse? There are no words to describe the relaxed luxury of a world-class hotel like this. I'll let the images tell the story.
First, may I interest you in a glass of rosé?
To keep things from becoming too serious, the staff brought around mini ice cream bars, on silver platters, no less.
Though Scott and I didn't stay at this luxurious hotel on this trip, we stayed just one address up. We shared the same views, amenities and ice cream bars as those staying at Le Sirenuse for one-fifth the price. This is just one of the travel tips I'm excited to be sharing as a guest travel/lifestyle blogger and travel consultant over at Style Maniac today with the fabulous Doreen Creede. Be sure you stop by Doreen's stylish site; I've been a fan since before I started blogging four years ago.
We are meandering our way through Italy.
Contact us to book your dream travel to Italia and Le Sirenuse with VIP perks and upgrades!
Date Night: Dinner High on the Mountainside in Positano
Our new Italian friend and driver, Davide, recommended a family run trattoria for dinner “high on the mountainside” above Positano. He knew we would love it. We agreed and Davide made all the arrangements. A van filled with several other hungry diners picked us up in front of our hotel and traversed the terraced roadway up, up, up near the top of the mountain.
Our new Italian friend and driver, Davide, recommended a family run trattoria for dinner "high on the mountainside" above Positano. He knew we would love it. We agreed and Davide made all the arrangements. A van filled with several other hungry diners picked us up in front of our hotel and traversed the terraced roadway up, up, up near the top of the mountain.
La Tagliata is a family run establishment started by Don Luigi a charming, generous, hospitable man who was passionate about the land, growing his own produce and creating local dishes. He loved to entertain and feed family and friends around his table. Over time he developed a reputation for fine dishes and Trattoria La Tagliata was born.
According to the website early homemade specialties included:
"Tureens of pasta with beans and pork (cotiche), spaghetti with garlic and crushed chilli peppers, broccoli and homemade sausage, tripe and small delicacies".
We ambled along the stone walkways and we were warmly greeted by the family/staff who make you feel like you have arrived at home.
Ciao!!
The views from La Tagliata are stunning. It's a bit misty, but that is a view of the sea and a boat in the distance.
The menu is prix fixe, and we did not ask the price. After the meal, we feared we might be into it for $200, but it turned out to be an incredible value at 40 euros per person! House wines are of the "bottomless" glass variety and are included in the meal price.
Starting with the cheeses, bread, and antipasto platters; the courses just kept on coming with smooth and friendly precision by the staff.
Scott's notes from the evening include prosciutto, mozzarella, goat cheeses, antipasto, eggplant parmigiano, zucchini flower, charred spinach, broccoli, brown beans and garbanzo beans dishes. The pasta was Mama's secret large ravioli with basil. The meat plate included ribs, shish kabob, veal, chicken, sausages, lamb, rabbit, mixed salad and fried potatoes.
The homemade pasta dishes were simply amazing... Oh pasta, how I had missed you. I'm still not over my summer in Italy infatuation with you. #carbs
Scott is shaking his head at the amount of food being presented to us.
As you can imagine, by the time the dessert/fruit course (mixed fruits and 3 kinds of pastries)! and limoncello arrived, we were beyond stuffed.
Mama makes her entrance at La Tagliata
When Mama made her entrance, 7 courses in, she was met by a cheering crowd. She had been up cooking since 5 am, as usual. You may feel a bit tipsy from the amount of food and bottomless glasses of wine, but a driver awaits to carry you safely back down, down, down the mountainside to your sweet slumber.
If you find yourself in Positano I highly recommend La Tagliata as a must do dining experience. Tell them Davide and Heather sent you! ;)
Ciao!
Getaway to Positano on the Spectacular Amalfi Coast of Italy
Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It’s a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views. Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.
Getaway to Positano
Positano possesses a kind of magic that is difficult to put into words. It's a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, pastel hues, vibrant bougainvillea, and the winding, terraced streets with pastel villas clinging to the mountainside. Boldly colored umbrellas bounce off the chameleon blue hues of the sea. At sunset, a rosy glow falls over the glassy sea and twinkling lights spark the views.
Day or night, Positano is a place of pure magic.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast has been on my travel bucket list for many years. Despite several visits to Italy, Scott and I had never made it this far south until July. It was definitely worth the wait! The rumored magic of the Amalfi Coast is all true.
Following a 3 1/2 hour drive, three flights and 30+ hours of travel, we arrived in Naples. Thankfully, our driver, Davide of Dreaming Amalfi Coast, was there to greet us. He ushered us into his luxury vehicle and entertained us with stories of Amalfi Coast and Italian life. Charming Davide stopped for us to take in some views of Sorrento and the entire Amalfi Coast, and offered us some limoncello ice from a roadside stand.
With travel fatigue and jet lag setting in, having comfortable lodging pre-booked is always important to us. As it turns out, the Alcione Residence was the perfect choice for our four-night stay. The intimate boutique hotel of 11 suites is charming and well-appointed with panoramic views of Positano from each balcony. The staff, Katia and Valentina, were incredibly kind and helpful. The location is right on Via Cristoforo Columbo and just two doors away from the famed Le Sirenuse Hotel. Boutiques and cafes are sprinkled along the street, and the bougainvillea covered path to the shopping streets and beach is nearby.
Our suite was beautifully appointed with authentic Italian furnishings, luxurious linens, and brightly colored hand-painted tiles. From wrought iron details to gilded mirrors, we were very pleased with our spotless and cheery suite.
The view from our terrace was captivating.
We stumbled across the street from the hotel on that first weary night. We didn't have to walk up or down the steep slope but simply across the street. We enjoyed the dishes and view so well at Ristorante L'Ancora that we ate here twice and enjoyed a nightcap on another evening.
At Residence Alcione a breakfast tray, with continental breakfast and more items of our choice, was delivered to our room each day for dining on the terrace.
Be prepared to walk and climb stairs in Positano. Comfortable shoes are a must! The streets are steep and winding.
There are many options of things to do in Positano--take in the views, enjoy a delicious meal at a café, shop the boutiques, tour Chiesa di Santa Maria, or catch a ferry or private boat to a number of destinations. If you are in the mood for water sports, they have it all at the beach. If you simply want to chill, you can take a break at a beachfront café. Steps away you can catch some sun or a swim at Spiaggia Grande beach or the smaller Spiaggia del Fornillo beach around the bend.
This is the view of the ornate dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria from the terrace of the famed hotel Le Sirenuse. This spot was a couple of doors down from our hotel and a luxurious spot to grab lunch or a glass of rose'.
Boutiques are plentiful, especially close to the beach, where cruise ships unload passengers anxious to collect souvenirs of Positano. The jewel encrusted sandals are very popular and one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home.
Scott and I beat the heat, and the crowds, by walking up Via Cristoforo Colombo one afternoon. We found a petite sidewalk cafe' to enjoy another fresh caprese salad.
I happened upon the enticing Profumi di Positano. After sampling a number of fragrances, I eventually selected Aova Avrea, a fragrance with the most significant lemon/limone notes, according to the charming owner who helped me. The Barba family started making their quality olive-oil based soaps in 1922 and launched their perfumes in 1965. The brand is now led by the fourth generation of the Barba family. I always enjoy taking home a fragrance, candle or soap when I travel. Smelling it later takes me back to that place in time.
The view from Marincanto. This is one of my favorite images, and hotel views, from our time in Positano.
Surely either terrace would work nicely for some sun and lounging. Don't you think?
If you've watched the first season of Giada in Italy, on the Food Network, you may recognize this area. The cooking show, featuring chef Giada De Laurentiis, was filmed just a short walk up from our hotel at Torre Sponda. Once we booked our trip to Positano, I rewatched several episodes of Giada's cooking show, just drooling over the scenery and the recipes, dreaming of our upcoming visit.
For more on Positano:
A Chic Afternoon at Le Sirenuse
Date Night: Dinner High Above Positano
Boating to the Dreamy Isle of Capri
Day Tripping on the Amalfi Coast [Amalfi and Ravello]
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer
Here's to living la dolce vita!
Ciao! Heather
How to Make a Limoncello Spritzer - A Taste of Positano
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner ‘digestivo’. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I’ve ever made.
Limoncello Spritzer
One of my favorite discoveries of the liquid kind, on our trip to Italy, was the Limoncello spritzer. Scott and I typically store a bottle of the velvety-sweet lemon liquor, Limoncello, in the freezer for the occasional after dinner 'digestivo'. In Positano in July, we were introduced to a lighter, more fizzy version of this bold citrus taste. It also happens to be the easiest cocktail recipe I've ever made.
Lemons, steeped in history, are a staple of life in Amalfi Coast and are used to brighten the flavors of many flavor-filled dishes and luscious cocktails. You will see quaint storefronts selling all things lemon-flavored from soaps, fragrances, skin care, candles, remedies to sweets, liqueurs and just about anything you can dream up for a lemon.
This is my simple recipe for the limoncello spritzer, as shared by a handsome waiter, in Positano.
Limoncello Spritzer Recipe
Limoncello
Seltzer Water
Lemon Slices
Ice
Frosted Glasses
Place equal parts limoncello and seltzer water in a shaker (or pitcher). Add ice and shake/stir to blend the flavors. Pour into a frosted glass and garnish with a lemon slice. Enjoy this taste of Positano in a glass!
*Seltzer may be replaced with prosecco for an extra bit of sweetness and fizz.
Read this to learn more about the amazing lemons of the Amalfi Coast. Long live the lemon!!
For more on our travels to Italy.
Salute!
