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There are many hotels in famed Positano, but none quite as luxurious or special as Villa Treville. The former seaside home of both Mikhail Semenov, the Russian writer, and Italian director Franco Zeffirelli. The estate has hosted famous guests throughout the years including Maria Callas and others – serving as an intimate spot on the coast to discuss philosophy, music and world affairs. Today, the property is a very exclusive hotel and one that feels still like a private home – but yours. There is, quite simply, nothing like it.
Positano is very famous and with that comes a lot of good things and a lot of bad things. A stunning town on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is often crowded and hotels full. But, Villa Treville offers a very different experience. Here, you can feel like one of a few who have access to the beautiful town but are not faced with the masses. Instead, you can peer across the water at the homes and buildings that cascade down the cliffs and reach it by foot or boat whenever you feel the ned for a visit. In the meantime, you will be cocooned in utter luxury. Just 7 rooms are available that seem to be in their own separate areas of the property for maximum privacy
Rooms at Villa Treville feature unique Neapolitan furniture, Murano glass and Vetri tiles. Each detail is splendid, from the Mediterranean views, coffee stations, huge bathrooms, luxurious robes and cloud-like beds. These rooms allow you to truly unwind and sleep deep – prepared to take-on the day ahead.
I checked into Villa Treville after an overnight flight to Naples, Italy and about a 90-minute drive down the beautiful coastline. Check-inn was easy and quick, a welcome drink offered and tour of the property which took my breath away. Every corner and nook offers a view, a sitting area, a citrus grove or flower patch – something to behold.
My room was outfitted with one of the most stunning bathrooms I’ve ever seen and even offered a window with a view of the sea.
The area was large with a walk-in shower to scrub the salt water off at the end of a swim.
What I loved most about my room in the three nights I stayed on property was the incredible terrace. The private outdoor area was draped in fabulous outdoor furnishings, greenery, sitting spaces to enjoy breakfast and views for days.
Every morning I would wake with this very view and order breakfast to the terrace if I wasn’t eating it upstairs at Villa Treville’s restaurant, Maestro’s.
Italian specialties were always on offer and the chef made nothing off limits. Villa Treville operates on an, “if you want it, you’ll get it” mentality – including food. If you’re in the mood for a particular type of pancake, they’ll do it. I ordered lemon-ricotta pancakes two mornings and they were heavenly.
You’ll want to jump into bed at night just to wake-up for the breakfast. And, service at Villa Treville is impeccable – no beat is missed.
After breakfast I would usually head down to my favorite place on property, the greenhouse. Of course, that’s hard to choose when there are places like an oceanfront sunbathing deck, pool and bar – but it was just so special. I would sit for an hour or so, just to take-in the view.
Maestro’s at Villa Treville also offers dinner with a seasonal, changing menu. But, as I mentioned earlier, nothing is off limits here. The chef will prepare most anything for you. I stuck to seafood most of the trip as Villa Treville is on the Mediterranean after all.
Each dish is composed of delicate local produce.
And, some nights you might find the chef is feeling experimental with offerings like Japanese tempura.
Food is such a large part of Italian culture and there’s nothing different about that at Villa Treville. After three nights on-property, I couldn’t help but think that this was probably one of the most incredible hotels I’ve ever stayed with – at least in the top three. It is not just luxurious and beautiful, but comfortable, special and one-of-a-kind. To me, there just is nowhere else I’d rather stay on the Amalfi Coast.
