With its verdant mountain slopes hugged by white cubic houses, and a play of colours rising from the Mediterranean Sea, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a sensory blend of natural and cultural wonders.
In the backdrop of unparalleled coastal beauty, the region’s winding roads cut through pastel-hued villages which are girdled by lush green valleys and fragrant lemon groves.
One of the world’s most picture-perfect locations, a visit to the beautiful Amalfi Coast is a glimpse into a peaceful way of life characterized by artisanal traditions and a rich maritime culture.
The region’s eclectic panache is embodied beautifully in its hotels, which range from tranquil clifftop boutiques to luxury five-star resorts. From my many trips to the beautiful Amalfi Coast, I have handpicked my favourite cool and unusual hotels along this impeccable stretch of southern Italian shoreline (in no particular order)…
1. Hotel Club Due Torri – a beautiful, trendy and modern hotel which provides guests with Insta-worthy panoramic views
Nestled in a spot where the Mediterranean azure is combined with the scent of lemons and soundtracked by the sound of the waves, this elegant hotel offers a refined welcome to the enchanting Amalfi Coast.
Lying a few steps from the heart of Majori, this contemporary hotel offers a chance to relish sumptuous sunsets, and the interiors are embellished with typical Vietri ceramics, harmoniously blending modernity and tradition.
My room came with a private terrace where the enthralling sea gleamed from every angle, and each morning was made ever more majestic by a hearty breakfast served in the charming solarium area.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Club Due Torri
2. Borgo Santandrea – a very Instagrammable tranquil retreat located on a gorgeous stretch of the Amalfi Coast
Infiltrating the Amalfi Coast hotel scene with design-led interiors, a private sandy beach, and a cliffside location, Borgo Santandrea is the epitome of mid-century elegance.
As you meander through the terraced gardens, where daybeds are tucked into secluded corners, you will eventually arrive at a quaint pool area, which beckons travellers to relish peaceful afternoons under the sun.
I was wowed by the vintage design elements and the precious original pieces by Gio Ponti positioned around the property.
Cool whitewashed spaces with wide arches, ceiling vaults and huge windows create a pared-back aesthetic, with a hint of Mediterranean modishness added through a colour palette of blue and white. This blends seamlessly into the surrounding seascape.
- To book, check prices or availability for Borgo Santandrea
3. Grand Hotel Tritone – a wow-inducing upscale boutique hotel located on a cliff that overlooks the stunning Amalfi Coast
Equipped with its own magnificent private beach, Grand Hotel Tritone is without a doubt one of my best ever finds. I rediscovered a true sense of inner peace as I descended into the lounge floor each morning, where marvelling at the astonishing setting was enhanced with the bespoke Italian hospitality.
The hotel’s seven floors cling to the cliff face, and a tunnel carved out of the rock leads you to the seafront terrace with seawater pool, where you can combine sunbathing with light lunches.
There is also a sitting room on the reception floor, decorated with potted plants and elegant furnishings. I thought the restaurant was a great spot to savour some southern Italian dishes, and it was graced by an opulent atmosphere.
- To book, check prices or availability for Grand Hotel Tritone
4. Hotel Poseidon – a cool, funky boutique hotel set in a villa-style building with quirky-chic design features
Awaiting guests in a luxurious corner of paradise, Hotel Poseidon is immersed in the peace and calm of the Mediterranean, far from the crowds yet close to the most alluring treasures of Positano.
Waking up each morning to the sound of waves breaking over the rocks, before being pampered by the rays of the sun on my own balcony, was a life-lasting memory.
The interior aesthetics were equally as majestic! Full of colours, and teeming with ancient charm, this family-run hotel’s floors are all tiled in hand-painted maiolica, and the classy décor exudes a unique style of warmth.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Poseidon
5. Hotel Miramalfi – an upscale absolute gem of a hotel perfect for honeymoons or a romantic Italian break
A graceful ambiance is expressed through refined ceramics, works of art, and bespoke furnishings at this stunning beachfront boutique, which leads guests on a soul-stirring journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed reclining in a cosy seat in the intimate Mario’s Lounge Bar, whilst savouring a crafted cocktail soundtracked by pleasant background music. This really set the tone for a holiday to remember, and the dishes in the Sautè restaurant gave me a real taste into authentic Neapolitan traditions.
The Beach Club is exceptional and can be reached either through a lift carved into the rock or an external staircase immersed in vegetation. The saltwater swimming pool with a large solarium is the perfect spot to soak up the Amalfi charm and is dotted by sunbeds and parasols.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Miramalfi
6. Hotel Villa Franca – this stunning boutique-style hotel offers Instagrammable sea views and an upscale, exclusive vibe
Set high up on a rocky outcrop overlooking Positano, Villa Franca offers a stylish, contemporary boutique atmosphere, topped with exquisite food and high attention to detail.
The look is classic Positano with a sophisticated twist, with quirky local artwork and colourful ceramics brightening up the communal spaces.
Shiny coffee tables and an abundance of seating areas exude a sense of intimacy, while the expansive rooftop pool, blissful spa, and on-site bars invite you to revel in the region’s beautiful traditions.
My amenity-laden guestroom, with its gleaming floor tiles and white paintwork, was the most idyllic space for a peaceful reprieve, and there are plenty of complimentary touches which make the experience one to remember.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Villa Franca
7. Aquaboutique Wellness & Spa – a unique contemporary wellness guesthouse that provides a peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind
Get ready for a unique and enchanting experience at this breathtaking Amalfi retreat, where luxurious accommodations and cordial hospitality are the founding elements.
The modern, innovative design enhances the sense of luxury, in the backdrop of the jaw-dropping ocean azures. By far my favourite feature was the terrace, from which I spent hours gazing across the wonderful panoramas of one of the world’s most beautiful coasts.
The essence of pure relaxation engrosses you in the in-house spa, where a whole host of revitalizing amenities such as a Turkish bath, a jetted Jacuzzi, and a herbal tea corner, are ready to soothe the soul.
- To book, check prices or availability for Aquaboutique Wellness & Spa
8. Hotel Le Agavi – a fun one-of-a-kind hotel set in the heart of the Amalfi Coast that features a free private beach and a hip and trendy design
This was the first hotel that caught my eye when I visited Positano. Hotel Le Agavi, a refuge of serenity, offers a private beach, an enchanting location, and tailor-made services catering to all types of guests.
The refinement of its modern style and the excellence of its starred cuisine combine to exude the quintessence of southern Italian hospitality. The in-house spa resembles an idyllic daydream, surrounded only by silence and muffled scents, ready to immerse guests in true well-being.
Throughout the property, large windows frame indescribable glimpses into the bay of Positano, and there are a variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and communal spaces where these views are enhanced to perfection.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Le Agavi
9. Casa Angelina – a chic and stylish upmarket boutique hotel that has everything to offer for a modern Amalfi getaway
With its minimalist, white-washed aesthetic and cool boutique vibe, Casa Angelina is perfectly suited to design aficionados. Topped with trendsetting facilities, a superb location on the edge of a quiet village, and top-notch culinary offerings, this hotel is truly taken from the pages of a fairy tale.
The interiors are meticulously maintained by a team of painters and are thus immaculate. The open-plan ground floor is a dazzling showcase of the owners’ collection of jazzy modern art, and the public spaces are backdropped by gleaming sea views. The two private pools, secluded beach, and luxurious spa provided endless moments of relaxation during my visit.
The restaurants are especially enchanting at sunset, most notably the top floor Piano nel Cielo, which is accessed via a head-spinning ride in a glass-sided lift.
- To book, check prices or availability for Casa Angelina
10. Terrazza Zaffiro – a stylish, charming and intimate gem which offers a jacuzzi, a terrace and a tennis court
At Terrazza Zaffiro, I was given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rejoice in ocean panoramas from a plunge pool atop a breathtaking white and blue terrace.
Up here, it felt like I had the place all to myself and I was well and truly whisked into a dreamlike state. Whilst pleasantly nestled away from the crowds, the centre of Positano is reachable within a 10-minute downward stroll.
The rooms are a bespoke mix of old and new, with iridescent ceiling paintings pointing to the region’s history, set above a whole host of modern fittings.
A hearty Italian breakfast is served every morning, and for other meals, there are a number of artisan cafés and charming eateries within a peaceful 100-metre stroll.
- To book, check prices or availability for Terrazza Zaffiro
11. Relais Paradiso – a stunning gorgeous hotel with a lush garden located on the Gulf of Salerno
Here’s a hip haven where the resplendent colours and atmospheres of the Amalfi Coast blend in perfect harmony. With all the mod-cons of a 5-star hotel, Relais Paradiso offers an experience of refined contemporary elegance, where innovative technology and picturesque serenity go hand in hand.
I booked a Junior Suite, which gave me a large dose of paradise in the backdrop of the shimmering ocean. It came with a luxury sitting room and a private terrace with a whirlpool, and I truly never felt the need to leave.
The starry sky effect on the ceiling was a quirky feature, and the circular swivel bed was ultra-comfy! Further on-site offerings include an intimate restaurant serving local flavours, and a spa graced by fresh scents, relaxing melodic sounds, and many state-of-the-art facilities.
- To book, check prices or availability for Relais Paradiso
12. Villa Gianlica – an exceptional, modern and wow-inducing boutique guesthouse that provides a peaceful setting and beautiful views
Beautifully nestled in the charming town of Praiano in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, Villa Gianlica provides the high-quality services and facilities necessary for an unparalleled sea-view vacation.
It sits atop gorgeous flowering terraces and is dressed in shades of brown, beige, and white. The stunning outdoor pool blends seamlessly with the terraces, and is topped with impeccable bar service, and dotted with comfy bean bags.
While the views around the pool are sublime, the panoramas were just as majestic from the guestrooms. They encompass the tiny houses of the village, as well as the combination of waves and verdant greenery.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Gianlica
13. Tramonto d’Oro – a bright, stylish and beautiful boutique style hotel to stay on the Amalfi Coast
I was welcomed by an unspoilt landscape and a warm service at Tramonto d’Oro. The hotel is situated in the centre of Praiano, a small village crossed by stairways and paths carved into stone.
The on-site restaurant, ‘The Kitchen of the Golden Sunset’, offers menus suited to all palettes, including those of children and vegetarians. The rooms each come with their own style of furniture, with artistic inspiration shining in every corner and a bespoke colour scheme adding a touch of eccentricity.
The rooftop café is backdropped by enchanting panoramas across the islands of Li Galli and Capri and treats guests to light snacks from morning to sunset.
- To book, check prices or availability for Tramonto d’Oro
14. Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea – one of the most elegant and lavish hotels on the Amalfi Coast that feature finely decorated rooms with a sea-view balcony
Combining heady Amalfi Coast elegance with incredible views, this five-star masterpiece exudes the true essence of Italian hospitality.
From its vertiginous rock-face position, the sea views are priceless. I was immediately put at ease upon entrance by the flowers arranged in bowls and vases, and the abundance of fragrant plants around the property. A sinuous spa invites guests to indulge in an array of traditional treatments, while the various terraces, the outdoor pool, and the solarium are backdropped by craggy bay views.
The vast arching windows of my room reminded me of the supreme coastal setting throughout my stay, and this sentiment was enhanced by the spacious private balcony. You can savour a crafted beverage from the Lobby Bar, or on the romantic terrace as you embrace a candle-lit evening.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Piccolo Sant’Andrea
15. Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa – a unique and intimate oasis of style that was once a Dominican monastery built in the 17th century
Gaining a reputation for being one of the coolest hotels in the area, this eclectic retreat combines first-rate service with a splendid location dominating the coast.
It is perched atop a sheer, rocky outcrop, a stone’s throw from the quiet village of Conca dei Marini. This 17th-century building has been blissfully transformed into a stylish and cocooning sanctuary while holding onto its origins through a mix of ecclesiastical furniture and classical pieces.
My room was livened up with modern art, and the bed was made with the finest white Italian linens. The hotel’s fabulous terraced gardens, endless private corners, heated infinity pool, exquisite food offerings, and peaceful spa provided my partner and me with countless moments of luxury.
- To book, check prices or availability for Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa
We also have posts on…
- Cool boutique hotels in Sorrento
- Cool boutique hotels in Naples
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Tuscany
- Cool boutique hotels in Rome
- Cool boutique hotels in Venice
- Cool boutique hotels in Sardinia
- Cool boutique hotels in Milan
- Cool boutique hotels in The Dolomites
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Lake Como
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Pisa
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Bologna
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Lake Garda
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Capri
- Cool and Unusual hotels in Sicily
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.