Marincanto by Joanna Monkhouse

Perched above the southern end of Positano’s main beach, the Spiaggia Grande, the Marincanto cascades down the cliff. Three connected buildings painted in yellow and spilling over with bougainvillea house the rooms which all have sea views and a private terrace or balcony. Decorated in shades of white, ecru and cream, the rooms at the Marincanto exude a calmness and tranquillity. Many bathrooms have Jacuzzi baths or Jacuzzi showers (pummelling jets from all sides).

Breakfast is served on the terrace at reception level which overlooks the bay and the village of Positano. The hotel is the very last on Positano’s one way street and can also be reached by the long private staircase that climbs steeply from L’Incanto beach (where guests receive a special rate on sunbed hire) to the Marincanto’s sun drenched solarium.

A small parking area on the top of the hotel is a useful benefit. Descending from there the 5 floors to reception and the spacious lobby of white sofas and glistening, painted floor tiles is a trip down through the depths of the sea accompanied by fish and mermaids, an entertaining mural is painted onto the lift shaft visible through the glass window.