Amalfi Coast, ItalyPositano
Hotel Marincanto
Cascading cliffside villa
Positano Amalfi Coast, Italy
Opened
1967
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Cascading cliffside villa
The family-run estate steps down the cliff face on stone terraces, linking the upper road to a private sea platform.
What it’s good at
Listed
Eighteenth-century Villa Incanto holds several suites alongside the cascading cliff terraces.
Listed
Family-run since 1967, when Positano's former mayor opened the original cliffside dwelling.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Built into the cliffs on cascading terraces, the hotel offers uninterrupted views of the bay and town, with an infinity pool and cocktail terrace that make the most of the outlook.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The hotel hugs Via Cristoforo Colombo, looking across pastel houses that tumble down the hillside to the beach.
The rooms
Whitewashed rooms open onto private balconies over the water, while select suites inhabit the eighteenth-century Villa Incanto.
The infinity pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Olive trees shade loungers along the curved pool, and staff serve aperitifs directly to swimmers.
The spa & gym
At the table
Breakfast spreads across a sea-facing terrace under leafy vines. Terrazza Celè serves regional dinners beneath bougainvillea-wrapped columns.
How it began
Positano mayor Giuseppe Vespoli opened the property as a modest bed-and-breakfast in 1967, and his family still runs it.
Amalfi Coast
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.