Villa Amelia - Sorrento

Location and Surrounding Area. The regal Villa Amelia is located in arguably one of the most beautiful locations along the Sorrento peninsula and features breathtaking views across the sun-soaked Bay of Naples from the bedrooms, picturesque terraces and gardens. The nearby village of Massa Lubrense is a fabled beauty spot nestled at the far end of the Sorrento peninsular, a hidden gem only frequented by locals and the occasional savvy traveller. It is a quirky little town that boasts plenty of things to do in the summer months.

Sorrento is a picturesque seaside town, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius can be seen towering over the city of Naples on the other side of the water. The town itself is a full of fun and offers a labyrinth of pretty streets selling speciality lace, leatherwork, inlaid wood and delicious local limoncello.

Among the countless enchanting places to visit in the area, perhaps Ravello, Positano and Amalfi stand out for the first time visitor. Ravello, at 350 metres above sea level, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers both unforgettable architecture and scenic beauty. The 11th century Cathedral and Villa Cimbrone are magnificent and a summer music festival is held each in the year in the gardens of the 13th century Villa Rufolo. D.H. Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley's Lover here and the town has been frequented over the years by the likes of Escher, Greta Garbo and Winston Churchill.

The delights of Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi have inspired artists, writers and lovers for centuries. The higgledy-piggledy, white-washed houses clustered up and down the winding steps and sophisticated shops and restaurants all combine to create an exceptionally chic atmosphere.

Villa Amelia is 55 km from Naples international airport. It is a 10 minute drive from both Sorrento and Massa Lubrense, 20 km from Positano, 30 km from Pompeii and 50 km from Naples. There are regular train services running from Sorrento to Pompeii and Naples, including some late night trains during the summer months.

The Property. Villa Amelia was once-upon-a-time the home of the Duchess of Serra Capriola and has hosted a vast array of illustrious guests such as the Russian writer Maxim Gorky and  the French Princess Anna d'Aosta. The property can sleep up to 14 people in three elegant suites plus a gorgeous double bedroom with a private bathroom and terrace. All of the rooms have air conditioning and sea views and the three suites each have a double sofa bed and can comfortably accommodate up to four guests. The first suite offers 60m2 of sumptuous accommodation with direct access to a delightful patio area and the surrounding gardens. There is a large living room and a spacious marble bathroom with a whirlpool bath. The second suite has a living room and large bathroom with a walk-in shower. The third suite is enormous and covers 150m2 offering a double bedroom, walk-in closet, living room with fireplace and large private terrace with views of Sorrento and Mount Vesuvius. The bathroom features stunning majolica tiles, which are echoed in the elegance of the rest of the suite. The double bedroom breathes fresh air and has panoramic views, a large bathroom with majolica tiles and a gorgeous, private terrace.

The perfumed profusion of flowers and Mediterranean plants in the ample grounds, which cover a hectare, are a joy to behold. The swimming pool is complete with a fully furnished poolside area for relaxing afternoons in the sun. There is a barbecue area and traditional pizza oven for the more adventurous cooks and the generous vegetable garden guarantees a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce. You could even hire a professional chef to do the hard work as you sit back and enjoy a glass of chilled, white on the terrace and wait for you dinner to be served. The Turkish bath and idyllic open air gym facilities ensure you can work off the extra calories consumed at the dinner table. Or why not book a relaxing massage in the comfort of your Italian home? Villa Amelia can arrange all this and more.