The sea glitters below, as you gently pull open the curtains to your room at the Hotel Miramalfi. Yes, each of the 36 rooms & suites overlook the water, and most have balconies, terraces or small gardens so plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the views in your own privacy. Like breakfast, you can order it to your room in the morning or pop open a bottle at dusk because, although the sun doesn’t set directly in front, the sky turns a beautiful kaleidoscope of pink and purple turning the setting all the more romantic.

The hotel grips onto the cliff in Amalfi, close to the center (although we don’t recommend walking in, as the road can be a little dangerous) but there’s a shuttle that in 3 minutes drops you off. Despite it’s age, as the hotel was opened back in 1956 by Francesco Mansi, it’s refreshingly contemporary thanks to the recent renovations that took place across the last few years. The latest being Donna Emma, the gourmet restaurant, spread across a large room washed in natural light that extends onto a terrace where, in the warmer months, you can savour dinner above the Mediterranean. The design was led by Antonio Girardi, who sought to give a modern look and feel whilst remaining faithful to the aesthetic of the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean.

At Donna Emma, the cuisine is deliberately kept close to tradition, with a modern re-interpretation. The quality is high, with produce sourced locally, while the wine list travels a little further, offering both Italian and International wines. There is a second restaurant, open both at lunch and dinner, with a more classic food approach. Here, as well as parmigiana alla melanzana (highly recommended to share as a starter) and the highly loved Nerano pasta, theres a wood fire oven that makes the most exquisite, high-crust pizzas, Napolitan style.

Beyond food, although we all know that’s why we visit Italy (mostly), there’s plenty of activities to do something (or nothing at all). An elevator takes you down to the beach club where there’s a fantastic swimming pool lined with your sun-beds and stripy blue and white parasols, as well as access to the sea below for a dip in the salty waters. There’s also the hotel Gozzo Apreamare for day trips along the coast and an equipped gym, for those looking to work out.

Ask The Editor

What is the first thing you did when you arrived?

Funnily enough the first and last thing were the same. Just after I checked-in, I walked out onto the bar’s terrace, ordered a coffee (it was 4pm), and took in the surroundings. Amalfi on the left and endless blue sea in front. Just before leaving I did this exact thing.

Describe your room in three words.

Sleek, bright, spacious.

Favourite amenity?

Ohh they have the latest Steamery ladies and gents. So don’t worry about crumpled clothing from your suitcase, you’ll steam it in no time.

What did you eat, where and would you order it again?

I loved the all-round experience at Donna Emma. I mean as you sit down they come with a trolley of Champagnes, Classic Methods and Franciacorta’s and you chose your favourite to kick the dinner off. The cuisine was also fabulous, from the grilled octopus to the salt-baked whole fish. However the one dish that truly stuck to me (and I have been thinking about since I left) is the Pacchero allo Scarpariello; essentially pacchero pasta in tomato sauce and a hefty amount of parmesan. As we say in Italian, it was very “godereccio“.

Packing essentials: what must we remember?

Without a doubt your swimsuits, sunnies and sunscream. But if you love a good workout then don’t forget your kit, the gym is amazing.

Walk us through your ideal evening here.

Shower up, get ready and head down to the Azur Lounge for an aperitif around 7.30/8pm. I love a good, refreshing glass of bubbly (I drank a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs). Aperitivo is served with olives, crisps, toasted almonds and two small bruschette. Then, head upstairs to Donna Emma for dinner. Just before bedding down, I suggest taking a look outside – on clear nights the stars shine so bright, it’s beautiful.

Any local recommendations?

In Amalfi there’s Pasticceria Pansa, one of the highly-renowned, historical pasticcerie in Italy. Recommended for a sfogliatella or delizia al limone.