My favourite locations 08 -Il San Pietro – Positano – Italy

Now I have not actually ever done a wedding at San Pietro, though it's world famous for it's list of clients. Every famous or infamous person who has stayed on the Amalfi Coast has almost certainly stayed at the San Pietro. From Rock stars to presidents. I am told that it's the best but I have also been told that the decor is very outdated and 1980's. Not good. The gardens look amazing from the sea. But I repeat it's in my list just because out of respect, it a classic old timer. A bit like the Rolls Royce of the Amalfi Coast. Not everybody’s taste. Unless you are a rock start or a president that is.

"Surrounded by scented Tropical and Mediterranean gardens, Il San Pietro di Positano overlooks the world famous bay of Positano. San Pietro has a perfect harmony of luxury and simplicity, which is the secret to a private and charming hotel." Direct text from Palazzo Murat website

My favourite locations 07 - Palazzo Murat – Positano – Italy

The gate, doorways, windows, and furniture have such gorgeous shapes and styles. I love the size of the rooms, windows and beds. The garden is a frame for a truly unique skyline. The organic frame is trimmed with mountains, trees and the dome of the Cathedral. The food is also seriously good and I have found the staff to be friendly and considerate.

"Housed in an old seventeenth century palace, Hotel Murat has been refurbished in the style of the Neapolitan baroque school of Vanvitelli, carefully conserving its architectural flourish and period objects." Direct text from Palazzo Murat website

Favourite towns and venues on the Amalfi coast #3

Amalfi – Steeped in history

The town of Amalfi was the capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi that dominated trade in the region a thousand years’ ago. It nestles like a jewel in a deep ravine in the Lattari mountains between two rocky outcrops, bordered at the back by hills and lush vineyards, and facing the azure waves of the Mediterranean.
The city centres on a mighty cathedral decorated with mosaics of all colours, with golds and silvers that reflect the sunlight to dazzling effect. The “Duomo” houses the relics of Saint Andrew, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus and the city’s patron saint.
This is a food lover’s paradise. Simplicity is key in the kitchen, and chefs create simple wonders using what is local—creamy mozzarella, golden lemons, smoked provola, wild mushrooms and, of course, sea food.
Amalfi was a favourite of the British aristocracy in the 1920s and 30s, which flocked here in search of the romance and passion of its secret passageways and gardens. Today, lovers from all over the world are still drawn by its timeless soul.


Venue ideas

Santa Caterina, Amalfi - The Santa Caterina enjoys a panoramic coastal setting of incomparable beauty at the summit of an extensive property. It begins at the Amalfi drive, whose curve hugs the hillside, and tumbles down to the water’s edge in a series of landscaped natural terraces.

Hotel Luna, Amalfi - Situated in an old cloister founded by St Francis of Assisi in 1222, this is another perfect place for a wedding. Its charming chapel is used for wedding ceremonies and the cells that once housed the pious monks have been transformed and given all modern comforts, while holding on to an air of serenity. The hotel’s breathtaking views provide an idyllic backdrop for your day.

Favourite towns and venues on the Amalfi coast #2

Positano: A private paradise

Positano, also known as “the vertical city”, will not fail to take the breath away of even those with the highest expectations. Its buildings cling vertiginously to sheer cliffs that tumble into the sea. On a clear day, you can see as far as the island of Capri.
Though tourism is the major industry in Positano, visitors may find themselves more alone than in any other town on the coast. It is a tiny town without cars and only three thousand seven hundred inhabitants, and it can only be reached by foot from above.
Here, the ancient ways live on. Early mornings, you will find an old man hanging over the side of his boat trying to catch octopus. In late afternoon he and his friends will sit together and sew their nets. Positano is the legend of the Mediterranean Sea, caught in a little protective cove.
Positano also holds a prominent position in popular culture. It was the first place in Italy where the bikini was worn in the nineteen fifties, and it is said Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote the song “Midnight Rambler” in its cafes while on holiday.



Venue ideas

Hotel Murat –Housed in an old seventeenth century palace, Hotel Murat has been refurbished in the style of the Neapolitan baroque school of Vanvitelli, carefully conserving its architectural flourish and period objects.

Villa Fiorentino - This is a wonderful Mediterranean-style villa, the ideal place to feel at home. It is located just a short distance from the beach. With terraces overlooking the sea, you can admire Li Galli islands, the surrounding mountains and the houses that cascade in a pyramid towards the sea. The villa is sunny from morning until dusk and is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Mediterranean.

San Pietro di Positano – Surrounded by scented Tropical and Mediterranean gardens, Il San Pietro di Positano overlooks the world famous bay of Positano. San Pietro has a perfect harmony of luxury and simplicity, which is the secret to a private and charming hotel.

Insiders Guide to the Amalfi Coast – part 04

Positano
By foot or by boat

Positano is a tiny town without cars and only three thousand seven hundred inhabitants. It can only be reached by foot from the above. One walks down many little stairs and hilly pathways down the sides of the Lattari Mountains which crown it. Walking down at a pace a little faster than a stroll, due to the sharp decline, finally one reaches the volcanic sand beach. Nestled and protected in the arms of the mountains, the tiny rectangular coloured houses spread themselves half way up the mountain lazing in the sunshine. On a clear day, if you look out to sea you will clearly see the islands Punta Licosa and Capri. Just another six kilometres out to sea you would find three little islands collectively called the “Sirenuse”. As the name would suggest legend has it that their shallows are inhabited by bewitching Syrians. One thing is certain, that this place is so exquisite in its situation; the imagination can’t help but get over excited.

Fishermen and seafarers, they were some of the very first to set sail to America. Some to become very wealthy and later returned, even if only for the holidays. Positano was quickly discovered after the Second World War by the discerning American traveller. By the sixties it was the fashionable hide away of the wealthy, with visitors like Any Warhol. Much like Capri is today. Fashion has always had an on going love story with Positano. It was the first town, in Italy, where the bikini was introduced in nineteen fifty nine.

I love Positano because it is slightly more difficult to get to, there are fewer tourists and early morning you will find an old man hanging over the side of his boat trying to catch octopus. In the late afternoon his friends will sit together and sew their nets. It’s ridiculously pretty and one has the impression that change hasn’t been around for ages. Italy the way I fanaticised it would be. But the fantasy in its natural form is rare. Positano seems to be a legend of the Mediterranean Sea caught in a little protective cove.

One of the best ways to see a place is to be guided by some one who lives there, if they love the land all the better. Only as I wrote did I realise how very in-love with the Amalfi coast I am. Place of sea, sky and mountains. Place of tastes, music, song, dance and art. This is the Amalfi coast as I know her; divine and delicious. Naturally.

Joanne Dunn