I love Sundays… It’s the one day of the week that I plan to have no plans. I roll out of bed whenever I want to, and do whatever I want to do. It’s like a mini vacation I take once a week, at home :-)
But lately, I’ve wanted to take a break for more than just a day, and to a destination far away from home. A destination like… Italy.
The closest I’ve ever been to Italy was when I was vacationing in Spain with friends. We had planned on taking the train to spend a couple of days there, but were advised against it because the rail workers were about to go on strike. We told ourselves it was no big deal, and that we would all simply get together again for another overseas adventure which would definitely include Italy. Well… It’s been over 20 years, and we still haven’t been able to do it. *sigh*
On the bright side, if someday we DO make it back across the pond, and we DO get to visit Italy, I know one place we WILL visit, for sure – Il San Pietro.
A short drive from Positano and perched on the edge of a cliff, some 240 feet above the sea, Il San Pietro offers incredible accommodations with some of the best views along the Amalfi coast. This sprawling hotel is a perfect harmony of luxury and simplicity, featuring 62 unique guest rooms with private balconies, 2 restaurants; several large outdoor seating areas; a private beach and sun deck; a complimentary 2-hour boat tour; and the most bad-ass tennis court that’s tucked away in its own private little cove, accessible by a tiny, James Bond-like elevator which was drilled through the solid rock cliff. It’s true, there is only one court, but believe it or not, it’s empty most of the time. Crazy, right? I’d be on it every day!
Being an interior designer, I love the way their eclectic mix of antiques and modern pieces generates a kind of “authentic-meets-funky” vibe throughout the hotel. Each of the guest rooms has its own unique layout and design scheme, and colorful tiled floors, and many showcase original, hand-painted furniture. Another great touch is the way they welcome Mother Nature inside, allowing Bougainvillea to grow through openings in the walls. Total eye candy!
A picture is worth a thousand words, so click on these and let them speak to you!
When to go
Il San Pietro is open from April through October, and closed during the winter when weather is less hospitable. To make the most of your vacation (off the tennis court) in Positano and to get a taste for the local culture, consider planning your trip around one of these events:
April and October – During the hotel’s low season, cooking classes are offered with Chef Alois Vanlangenaeker in Carlino’s incredible kitchen which is built into the rocks at sea level.
June 15 – Festival of San Vito – A festival honoring the patron saint of Positano featuring a statue-carrying procession, a brass band playing in the streets, and fireworks.
June 29 – Festival of San Pietro – A festival honoring Saint Peter put on by Il San Pietro featuring fireworks for guests and locals to enjoy.
August 14-15 – Festa dell`Assunta (Festival of Our Lady of the Assumption) – A festival honoring the town’s protector, the Virgin Mary. Boats come from all over and fill the Bay of Positano to take part in the festivities which culminate in a fireworks display on the second night.
Last Saturday of September – Festa del Pesce – (Fish Festival) – Fishing boats transport tourists and locals to Positano’s Fornillo Beach where festival goers enjoy live music and dine on fresh fish and other homemade dishes.
** This is one of the more pricey destinations, so if you’re looking to save some money, don’t go from mid June thru mid August. That’s the busy season, and when prices are the highest.
For more information, and to book your reservation for your luxurious dream tennis vacation:
Il San Pietro
2 Via Laurito
(39) 089-875-455
www.ilsanpietro.it