Just minutes from the bustling port of Positano sits Villa Treville; once the private residence of famed Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli, it’s now an exclusive retreat for its often star-studded clientele
Location
Perched on a cliffside between Positano and Praiano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Villa Treville is 90 minutes by car from Naples Airport, or 40 minutes from Sorrento. The property sits just outside the hustle and bustle of Positano, about five minutes from the town centre by road or sea (if using the hotel’s complimentary boat shuttle).
The vibe
At Treville, the Amalfi Coast crowds don’t exist. The 18th-century property, once Zeffirelli’s summer residence, now features just 16 suites in six villas across two hectares.
A series of corridors, staircases, and lifts links the rooms, with secluded terraces, hidden pools, and panoramic viewpoints scattered throughout.
This is not the hotel for your average holidaymaker, but rather a quiet retreat that allows guests (that once included the likes of Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli) to relax in luxury on one of the world’s most famous coastlines.
Service
While the Amalfi Coast has no shortage of luxurious hotels, Treville’s service is special. It’s warm and personalised – but not overbearing, and always professional.
From in-room dining to a private cooking class or a guided hike along the nearby Path of the Gods, all you have to do is ask in person or use the 24-hour WhatsApp chat.
On one occasion, I messaged reception about a power adaptor and a man arrived at my door four minutes later with one in hand.
Staff also notice the smaller details. During the evening turndown service, staff lay out slippers in your size and leave your preferred water on your bedside table.
Bed and bath
At Treville, no two rooms are the same. Each of the 16 one- to four-bedroom suites is unique and has been refurbished to preserve original tiles, features and furnishings. The majority are Junior Suites (such as Carmen, Nijinsky and Diaghilev), with sea views, marble bathrooms and walk-in showers.
However, the crown jewel is the four-bedroom Zeffirelli Suite, where the director once lived and worked, and features several terraces and a private, heated plunge pool.
All bathrooms feature Dyson hairdryers, organic Seed to Skin soaps, cotton bathrobes, and signature striped slippers. The mini-bar is also complimentary and is replenished daily with water, soft drinks, and organic snacks such as nuts, cookies, and crackers.
Food and drink
Meals are served at Maestro’s, where Head Chef Vincenzo Castaldo serves Neapolitan dishes that showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients, including organic fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on site.
At breakfast, choose between an espresso or smoothie (with add-ins like collagen or spirulina) before heading into the kitchen (which was Zeferilli’s own) for a breakfast buffet of yoghurts, fresh pastries, homemade jams, local cheeses, fruit, nuts and more. Otherwise, order avocado toast, eggs benedict or pancakes a la carte.
Later in the day, the Linguine “Nerano” with zucchini, organic parmesan cheese and black pepper is my pick. But if there’s something else you’re after, just ask, and they’ll make it.
Downstairs at the Moroccan-inspired Bianca Bar, cocktails are served on its terrace, with Moorish sofas and lanterns, plus complimentary bowls of olives, popcorn, nuts, and tarallini.
Facilities
At the sun-drenched La Traviata Spa, massages, exfoliation treatments, facials and manicures are offered in a wrought-iron greenhouse, next to a sea-view plunge pool and Turkish bath.
The treatments, which use products from skincare specialist Dr Barbara Sturm, are also available in the villas on request.
The spa sits adjacent to an open-air gym, which is decked out with Technogym equipment and overlooks the sea. Classes such as yoga and meditation are available.
The property lacks a full-length pool; instead, it offers riad-inspired plunge pools with jade tiles (one shared, others private) or sea swimming at the aptly named On the Rocks beach club, where a staff member buzzes in the background, waiting to top up your glass.
There are five private parking spots available.
Accessibility
Treville is a stair-heavy property. However, the Zeffirelli Suite is accessible for wheelchair users, as is Maestro’s.
Pet policy
Treville is pet-friendly and accepts small to medium-sized pets, on request.
Family friendly?
While children of all ages are accepted, it’s the type of property that adults will enjoy more than kids. The larger suites with their own gardens and pools suit groups best.
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in from 3pm; check-out at 11am.
At a glance
Best thing: The views of Positano
Perfect for: Those who want a relaxing, luxury escape on the Amalfi Coast – and can afford it
Not right for: A holidaymaker wanting to be in central Positano
Instagram from: Maestro’s terrace at breakfast or overlooking Arienzo Beach if you’re lucky enough to be staying in the Nijinski suite
Address: Villa Treville, Via Arienzo, 30, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Phone: +39 089 812 2401
Website: villatreville.com
Summer was a guest of Villa Treville